Danum Valley Conservation Area, in eastern Sabah, protects about 438 km² of primary lowland rainforest that has never been logged. Its dipterocarp trees rise more than 70 metres, among the tallest tropical trees in the world, and the forest is estimated to be many millions of years old. Danum is home to wild orangutans, Bornean gibbons, clouded leopards and more than 300 bird species.
At a glance
| Best time | March to October (drier); wildlife year-round |
| Getting there | About 2 to 3 hours by road from Lahad Datu |
| Time needed | 3 to 4 nights |
| Big draws | Primary rainforest, wild orangutans, gibbons, night drives, canopy walkway |
| Good for | Nature lovers, birders, photographers |
Wildlife
- Bornean orangutans: Danum holds a healthy wild population, often seen feeding in fruiting trees near the lodges and trails. See our Bornean orangutan profile.
- Bornean gibbons: their whooping songs fill the forest at dawn. See our lar gibbon profile for a related species.
- Night drives and walks can reveal Bornean slow lorises, flying squirrels, leopard cats, civets, western tarsiers and, very rarely, the Sunda clouded leopard. See our clouded leopard profile.
- Bornean pygmy elephants, sambar, bearded pigs and mouse deer.
- Birds: eight hornbill species, Bornean bristlehead, pittas, trogons and broadbills.
- Insects and reptiles: flying lizards, lantern bugs and giant stick insects.
How to explore
- Guided jungle walks on trails to waterfalls, ancient burial sites and viewpoints.
- Canopy walkway: a suspended walkway through the treetops, excellent for birds and primates.
- Night drives and walks with spotlights.
- River swims in clear pools.
Where to stay
Accommodation is limited, which keeps visitor numbers low:
- A luxury rainforest lodge on the Danum River, with naturalist guides and a canopy walkway.
- Danum Valley Field Centre, a research station that also accepts visitors in simpler rooms.
When to go
Rain falls throughout the year. March to October tends to be drier. Fruiting seasons, when orangutans are easier to see, vary from year to year.
Getting there
Fly to Lahad Datu from Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur (via Kota Kinabalu), then drive about 2 to 3 hours on a logging road. Transfers are arranged by the lodges.
Tips
- Bring leech socks, especially after rain.
- Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothes and a rain jacket.
- Stay at least three nights for a good chance of orangutans and night wildlife.
- Combine Danum with the Kinabatangan River and Sepilok for a complete Sabah trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see wild orangutans in Danum Valley? Yes. Sightings are common, but they depend on fruiting trees and luck.
Is Danum Valley better than the Kinabatangan? They complement each other: Danum for primary rainforest and night wildlife, the Kinabatangan for easy wildlife viewing from boats.
How do I get to Danum Valley? Fly to Lahad Datu, then take a 2 to 3-hour road transfer.
Is it hot and humid? Yes, but the forest canopy provides shade, and nights are cooler.
Related guides
- Kinabatangan River cruise guide
- Borneo wildlife guide: where to see orangutans
- Gunung Leuser: Sumatran orangutans
- Animal profiles: Bornean orangutan, Clouded leopard, Slow loris
Cover photo: Christopher Michel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons