With a reputation for being one of the world’s best destinations for seeing orangutans in the wild, Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the most complex ecosystems in the world. The 130 million years old rainforest is the largest area of protected rainforest in Sabah (438km2), an area that is roughly the same size as Singapore.
Originally established to provide the area with protection from logging activities, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is a lowland dipterocarp forest that provides a pristine sanctuary for a dazzling array of undisturbed wildlife in south-eastern Sabah.
The remote nature of the park and lack of inhabitancy creates a place of unparalleled biodiversity. Danum Valley faces conservation threats here from human activity, such as deforestation, hunting, and natural disasters.
The nearest town and gateway to Danum Valley is Lahad Datu, located two hours away by road on the east coast. The landscape changes to virgin rainforest for which the area is renowned.
Danum Valley Conservation Area is a 2-hour road journey from Lahad Datu, in Eastern Sabah. Private transfers are included as part of your Borneo Safari.
Danum Valley has the highest concentration of wild orangutans in the world, about 500 are living in the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Whilst such a sighting cannot be guaranteed, the area is well worth being included in your Borneo holiday.
Danum Valley is home to many endangered species including the pygmy elephant and the proboscis monkey. Although rare to spot, the Sumatran rhino has been recorded in the area. Other wildlife includes gibbons, macaques, sun bears, clouded leopards, red-leaf monkeys and tarsiers. Birdlife is equally prolific with over 340 species such as kingfishers, hornbills and flowerpeckers.
Join us on this photographic safari, specialist-led by a seasoned professional in the realm of photography, Charlie Ryan. Capturing the essence of Borneo’s wildlife through his lens, Charlie’s work has been published in National Geographic, BBC, and Netflix.
From swinging orangutans and honking proboscis monkeys, to sandy beaches and exploring the jungle; this safari is perfect for families with just the right mix of wildlife, relaxation and adrenaline.
From 7000 per person
Begin you luxury Borneo adventure by venturing into the rainforests and along the river in search of proboscis monkeys, orangutans and pygmy elephants, before ending your journey relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Pulau Tiga.A wild adventure into Borneo’s jungles in search of the fascinating wildlife that call it home; from swinging orangutans to honk-nosed proboscis monkeys.
From 17500 per person| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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 AVG. TEMP | 27°C | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 29°C | 29°C | 28°C | 29°C | 29°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C |
 RAINFALL | 221mm | 165mm | 179mm | 162mm | 211mm | 170mm | 168mm | 168mm | 178mm | 194mm | 197mm | 210mm |
We use the excellent Borneo Rainforest Lodge as a base, which has a range of vehicles and expert naturalists on hand to ensure you maximise your time in the area, as well as an enviable setting with a backdrop of stunning rainforest creeping over the snaking Danum River that the lodge sits beside. This eco-resort offers a unique blend of luxury and nature, with 30 private en-suite chalets set against the backdrop of the 130-million-year-old rainforest. Watch the resident orangutans and explore the rainforest's rich biodiversity from the Danum Valley Canopy Walkway.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge is set in the fauna and flora rich Danum Valley; this rustic lodge is the perfect place to stay on a selection of bespoke Borneo holidays. The spacious main building offers an open veranda where the traveller can sit back and enjoy the incredible diversity of this forest environment whilst wooden chalets and bungalows provide comfortable lodgings for guests. The mist shrouded treetops and babbling river lull one to sleep after a day's wildlife spotting.
Read moreActivities in the Danum Valley include walkways, raised wooden viewing platforms and trails through the rainforest, and treetop canopy walks where you can spot rare wildlife in action. There are also waterfalls in the area, enhancing the feel of feeling effortlessly at one with nature.
The nearby Danum Valley Field Centre was set up in 1985 and opened in 1986 to promote education, research and guidance on forest sustainability. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, a conference room, accommodations for researchers, and a cafeteria, it has become a hub for scientific exploration in the region. While its core mission revolves around research, the center has also opened its doors to passionate naturalists eager to experience the wonders of the area. Accommodation at the Danum Valley Field Centre is modest but comfortable with basic amenities. Note that hot water is not available in the bathrooms, and electricity is limited, with no power from 11 pm to 7 am daily. However, the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wilderness of Danum Valley compensates for the absence of luxury.
