Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Danum Valley, Malaysia

Danum Valley is among the planet’s most biodiverse and ecologically significant regions.

The protected rainforest encompasses 438 square kilometers in eastern Sabah. The Danum Valley Field Center is situated at the core of this jungle, featuring a state-of-the-art research facility.

Envision awakening to the sounds of activity in the dense jungle ambiance. Alternatively, consider witnessing the orange equatorial sunrise illuminating the ancient valley.

Danum Valley remains largely untouched by human encroachment.

Aside from a few indigenous tribes that roamed the forests centuries ago, the jungle remains much as it was millions of years prior.

GoTravelDaily highlights the top 15 activities in Danum Valley, encompassing hiking destinations, wildlife observation, and utilizing its research facilities.

1. Jungle trekking in an ancient rainforest

Danum Valley resides within a 130-million-year-old rainforest. Present-day jungle ecosystems resemble those existing during the age of dinosaurs.

Hiking constitutes the most effective approach to experience and engage with this enigmatic and primordial rainforest.

Traverse the Orchid and Nature Trail around the Field Center. Visitors can navigate these short and easy trails independently.

Be alert for gibbons and red leaf monkeys swinging amidst the treetops.

2. Explore the jungle with an expert

Rangers in Danum Valley possess decades of experience and can guide visitors on longer excursions through the jungle.

Certain trails lead through the dense primary forest to serene waterfalls, while others provide access to elevated lookout points and canopy walks.

Guided hikes typically last between two and seven hours, depending on the selected trail.

Coordinate your trek with a ranger a day in advance.

Embrace their expertise to gain an enhanced understanding of the rainforest ecosystem, ecology, and conservation efforts.

It is advisable to wear leech socks to protect against these persistent bloodsucking pests.

3. Test your nerves in the treetop canopy walks

Canopy Walks are rope bridges elevated high among the treetops with observation platforms.

These vantage points provide scenic views of the surrounding forest and serve as optimal sites for wildlife observation, particularly of avian species.

Danum Valley features several canopy walks located near the Field Center.

Guides escort visitors along jungle pathways to the towering dipterocarp trees from which the ropeways are suspended.

However, these experiences are not suited for individuals with a fear of heights.

Access requires climbing a 30-meter (98-foot) ladder attached to a tree.

Keep a lookout for monkeys and vibrant tropical birds, as the rangers will assist in identifying locations of interest.

The canopy walks are among the premier locations for wildlife observation in Danum Valley.

4. Spy on rare and endangered birds

The protected rainforest of Danum Valley is home to hundreds of bird species, with scientists frequently identifying new varieties.

Birdwatchers, whether amateur or seasoned, relish the opportunity to observe these tropical birds.

Look upward to witness the occasional hornbill gliding overhead or scan the foliage for the elusive blue-headed pitta.

Visit the Field Center’s library to find detailed resources on avian species. Rangers are available to guide you to areas where birds are known to nest.

If not, relax on the terrace of the canteen overlooking the rainforest and enjoy observing numerous birds in flight.

5. Relish one of Earth’s most biodiverse areas

The jungle is home to over 100 mammal species, 300 known bird types, and thousands of insects.

Primates vocalize as families of orangutans traverse the branches. Sambar deer appear among the vegetation while small sun bears rest in the treetops.

Lucky visitors may spot a herd of pygmy elephants, the smallest elephant species, wandering near the river.

Examine the forest floor to observe oversized insects navigating like an organized battalion.

Few locations on Earth showcase such an extensive biodiversity. Experience the richness of life in Danum Valley.

6. Search for wildlife in the dark

As dusk approaches, the jungle vibrates with life, filled with an array of sounds.

The majority of the jungle’s inhabitants emerge during the night. Night tours provide opportunities to observe this nocturnal wildlife.

Rangers lead excursions in a 4×4 vehicle along logging roads near the Danum Valley Field Center.

A successful outing may yield sightings of civets, sambar deer, and even the occasional flying fox. Otherwise, you may encounter an owl and countless insects, including tarantulas.

This is not a guaranteed wildlife show; not every participant will observe animals.

Instead, immerse yourself in the experience of being enveloped by the jungle at nighttime.

7. Feel mesmerized by the sunrise over a prehistoric jungle

Few experiences rival witnessing the sunrise in a magical setting.

In Danum Valley, visitors have the opportunity to view a stunning and vibrant sunrise over the equatorial jungle.

Rangers conduct a brief drive to a scenic overlook near the Field Center in the crisp morning air.

The real enchantment unfolds during the transition from night to day as the jungle awakens.

The buzz of insects intensifies, and birds begin their morning choruses.

Occasionally, an orangutan may be seen resting in nearby trees.

8. Soak and revitalize in natural pools

Waterfalls cascading into natural rock pools can be found along various jungle trails.

A refreshing dip in these pools is invigorating after spending hours in the humid jungle.

Visitors can either relax on the rocks while allowing small fish to nibble on their feet or plunge into the cool waters beneath the falls.

Rangers are available to guide you to either Serpent Waterfall or Jacuzzi Pools.

Take caution to avoid leeches in and around the water.

9. A refreshing swim in the river

The Danum River segments the jungle into two distinct areas.

On dry days, visitors can enjoy a swim in the gentle current near the Field Center.

Venture to the shallow center to cool off after a strenuous hike, or capture images of the winding river amidst the lush landscapes.

Swimming is permitted only with a guide, as the slow current can unexpectedly draw you into deeper areas.

10. Understand Borneo’s ecology and conservation

The Danum Valley Field Center operates principally as a conservation research facility.

International scientists conduct research on ecology, wildlife conservation, and endangered species. Travelers have access to a wealth of information through the center’s library.

Select a book to explore the extensive biodiversity of the rainforest and the advanced techniques utilized to safeguard Danum Valley’s flora and fauna.

Take this opportunity to enhance your understanding of the ecosystem and conservation practices in the region.

11. Rub shoulders with leading experts in global conservation

Esteemed scientists, graduate students, and seasoned rangers frequently reside at Danum Valley.

Travelers who partake in the meal plan will share dining experiences with researchers, offering ideal opportunities for engaging discussions over breakfast.

Individuals eager to deepen their appreciation of rainforest ecology and habitats will find great value in interacting with leading experts.

Seize the opportunity to gain first-hand insights and explanations from those at the forefront of research in Borneo.

12. Hike to mystical pagan graveyards

Prior to the advent of widespread religion, many indigenous groups in Borneo practiced paganism.

The Orang Sungai, which translates to ‘People of the River,’ once inhabited what is now a protected area.

A few of their burial sites remain intact.

The pagan graveyard is located approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) along a marked trail from the Danum Valley Field Centre.

The deceased were interred in ornately decorated wooden coffins, placed upon natural ledges along the rock face, with enigmatic ceramic burial jars found in proximity.

Rangers offer insights regarding the ancient people who once traversed these forests centuries ago.

13. Look for the alien-like carnivorous pitcher plants

Pitcher plants exhibit both elegance and a deadly allure.

This inverted bell-shaped green flora can be found in selective areas of Danum Valley’s rainforest. Unlike other flowering plants that rely on insects for pollination, these species consume them.

Pitcher plants secrete a sticky substance that attracts numerous bugs from the forest floor.

The insects become ensnared within the sweet-smelling interior, where the plants gradually digest their prey, much like a venus flytrap.

Some larger specimens have been observed to consume tarantulas and even small rodents.

Carnivorous plants are a rarity; witness them flourishing in their natural ecosystem at Danum Valley.

14. Stay at a jungle lodge fit for a king

In 1996, Sweden’s King Gustav and Queen Silvia visited Danum Valley.

Prince William and Kate Middleton followed suit in 2012.

On both occasions, the European royalty enjoyed a stay at the opulent rainforest lodge.

Visitors can partake as well.

The spacious bungalows provide all the comforts expected from a five-star resort, all situated within the heart of the rainforest.

Guests drift off to sleep amid the soothing hum of the jungle, awakening to witness its vibrant life greet the dawn.

15. Hike where few have hiked before in Maliau Basin

First-time visitors to Danum Valley quickly recognize its wild and remote ambiance.

Maliau Basin amplifies this sense of isolation dramatically.

Covering an area comparable to Singapore, this UNESCO-listed forest remains largely unmapped to this day.

Very few individuals have reached the summit of the basin; even fewer have ventured through the dense foliage.

Privileged travelers can plan an expedition to this secluded paradise from Danum Valley.