Things To Do in Danum Valley

Whether you are a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, wildlife lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Danum Valley is an exceptional destination just a 2.5-hour drive from Lahad Datu Airport. Here's a guide to the top activities in Danum Valley that you should definitely add to your bucket list.

Highlights of Danum Valley

Danum Valley, located in Lahad Datu, Sabah, East Malaysia, is a haven for nature travelers. This protected primary lowland dipterocarp forest spans 438 square kilometers and is one of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests in the world. Pristine and untouched, Danum Valley remains a glimpse into the natural world as it once was.

For family-friendly explorations that combine learning and adventure in Sabah, check out our curated family tours in Sabah. It's a perfect way to discover the wonders of Danum Valley together!

What to Do in Danum Valley

Explore the nature trails in the company of a guide

The guides at Danum Valley have decades of experience and are the best people to ask questions about the history of the forest. The trek involves long hiking trails through the dense forest, waterfalls, canopies, and to places with the best view in the valley.

▲

Trekking activity is definitely a must when visiting Danum Valley

Discover Borneo's wildlife and endemic species in the jungle

Rainforest in Danum Valley is a home to over 100 species of mammals, 300 types of birds and thousands of insects.

Spot on wild orangutans and primates swinging between tree branches while making loud howls. Discover a group of World's smallest elephants, Pygmy Elephants, wandering along the river streams. Watch sun bears dangle sluggishly in the canopies and variety of rare birds flying around in one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Don't forget to keep an eye on the ground as you might find thousands of insects traversing for food.

▲

Maroon Leaf Monkey resting on a tree branch overlooking the breathtaking view of Danum Valley

Spot rare bird species

This protected rainforest is also a home to hundreds of bird species, and scientists still regularly discover new varieties of birds. Without a doubt, this is a great opportunity for you to find exotic tropic birds.

The hornbills are easy to spot due to their attractive features and are usually flying overhead. For other types of birds, you will have to look keenly at the tree branches. And this is why you will need an experienced ranger who can help you spot these rare bird species and take you to their nests.

If you are not all about walking the forest, you can still watch birds flying around while you relax on the terrace.

▲

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch spotted in the oldest rainforest of Borneo

Walk along the canopy walks

If you are an adrenaline junkie, this activity will suit you right. Here, the rope bridges are suspended high up in the canopies where you can enjoy the views of the jungle and its inhabitants, such as orangutans, pot bellied proboscis monkeys, red leaf monkeys and birds.

You will find a number of canopy walks in Danum Valley, which is accessed by climbing a 30 meter ladder attached to a tall tree. Could be very thrilling for the faint-hearted adventurers, but Canopy Walks are the only best ways to see wildlife here.

▲

A treetop walkway to get a better view of Borneo's wildlife in the forest reserve.

Go for a night jungle exploration

Once the sun goes down, one part of the jungle goes to sleep as another come to life. Joining a four-wheel night safari drive will reward you with a unique sight of nocturnal wildlife coming out in the dark, including civets, sambar deer and insects. Make sure not to miss this rare chance as it is definitely one of the top things to do in Danum Valley.

Insider Tips: Before beginning your exploration in Danum Valley, make sure to pack some leech socks to protect you against the blood-sucking threats.

▲

Guided night drive in search of nocturnal animals

Where to Stay in Danum Valley

There are three main accommodation options for visiting Danum Valley: Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley Field Centre and INFAPRO. Each offers a different level of comfort, rainforest experience and price range.

AccommodationStandardDurationPriceBest For
Borneo Rainforest LodgePremium3D2N or 4D3N$$$Couples, families and luxury travellers
Danum Valley Field CentreBasic3D2N or 4D3N$Researchers, birdwatchers and adventurous travellers
INFAPROMid-range3D2N only$$Conservation-minded travellers seeking practical comfort

What is included: All three options include accommodation, meals, scheduled or shared transfers from Lahad Datu, relevant permits and guided activities stated in the itinerary.

Booking confirmation: All packages are subject to room, guide and transfer availability. A booking is confirmed only after availability has been checked.

3D2N or 4D3N: Which Should You Choose?

Choose 3D2N if:

  • You have limited time
  • You want to cover the main Danum Valley experiences
  • You are combining Danum Valley with other Sabah destinations

Choose 4D3N if:

  • You prefer a less compressed itinerary
  • You want an additional night in the rainforest
  • Wildlife watching, birding or photography is a main priority

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. A longer stay gives you more time in the rainforest and more opportunities for possible encounters.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

An award-winning rainforest lodge offering Standard and Deluxe chalets with private bathrooms, air-conditioning and private decks. Selected Deluxe chalets feature outdoor bathtubs with rainforest or river views, making it a perfect place for honeymoons and family vacations.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge has limited capacity and can only accommodate up to 70 guests, so make sure you book in advance.

🏡 TEMPORARY CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENT 🏡
Borneo Rainforest Lodge will be closed for maintenance on the following dates:
📅 12 - 21 December 2026
📅 4 - 6 January 2027
For guests with confirmed bookings falling within the above dates, please contact our sales team as soon as possible to arrange alternative stay dates.


Book: 3D2N Borneo Rainforest Lodge
▲

Borneo Rainforest Lodge Premium Chalets at night

Danum Valley Field Centre

Danum Valley Field Centre is a research and conservation centre located approximately 80 kilometres west of Lahad Datu. Accommodation ranges from Superior Deluxe chalets and resthouse rooms to dormitory beds, with facilities varying by room type. Electricity is supplied from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

From the field centre, guests can join guided rainforest treks, night safaris and sunrise drives to Bukit Atur while exploring Danum Valley’s wildlife habitat.

Book: 3D2N Danum Valley Field Centre - Nature Lover Experience (Budget)
▲

Observation platform for birdwatching and wildlife sighting at Danum Valley Field Centre

INFAPRO

INFAPRO is a working rainforest restoration site and eco-base within the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve, just outside the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Its Gagil Deluxe and Agathis Standard resthouses feature attached bathrooms, hot showers and 24-hour electricity.

The INFAPRO conservation stay combines rainforest restoration with guided jungle trekking, 4x4 safari drives and exploration of the natural wildlife corridor between INFAPRO and Danum Valley Field Centre.

Book: 3D2N Danum Valley Expedition with INFAPRO Conservation Stay

Best Time to Visit Lahad Datu

Danum Valley, situated within the tropics, usually experiences high humidity and rain all year round.

The dry season begins from March to October, and you are likely to experience just a short showers of rain. Also, this is the peak time to watch the orangutans and many other wildlife roam-free around the jungle. 

Low peak season usually falls between December and February where there is a high chance of heavy rainfall. And this condition might not be favourable for wildlife as they usually hide when it rains.

Quick View