Danum Valley Travel Guide
Read this comprehensive tour guide for Danum Valley to plan your trip to one of the best nature reserves in Southeast Asia, with tips on how to get there, what to do and see, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Danum Valley
- List of Places to Visit in Danum Valley
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Danum Valley
- Best Things to Do in Danum Valley: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Danum Valley
- Food and Drink Scene of Danum Valley
- Where to Stay in Danum Valley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Danum Valley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Danum Valley
- Best Time to Visit Danum Valley
- Do’s and Don’ts of Danum Valley
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Danum Valley: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Danum Valley
- Where to Go Next from Danum Valley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Danum Valley is a pristine tropical rainforest found in the northeastern part of Sabah, Malaysia. It is one of the best nature reserves in Southeast Asia, covering over 438 square kilometers of primary forest, filled with unique flora and fauna that attract visitors from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to Danum Valley, this comprehensive tour guide will help you make the most of your visit.
Introduction to Danum Valley
Danum Valley is home to dense and diverse tropical rainforest, with towering trees reaching heights of up to 70 meters. It is a natural treasure trove with a wealth of biodiversity featuring beautiful waterfalls, crystal clear waters, and unique wildlife, making it one of the most important conservation areas in Southeast Asia.
List of Places to Visit in Danum Valley
Danum Valley is a tourist haven, with a wide range of cultural and natural attractions. Here are some of the top places to visit when exploring Danum Valley:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- The Murut Cultural Centre and Museum
- Taliwas Village Cultural Centre
Natural Attractions of Danum Valley: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Danum Valley Canopy Walkway
- Serpentarium
- Fairy Waterfalls
- Ginseng Waterfall
- Danum Valley Conservation Area
- Sungai Purut River
Hiking/Biking Routes of Danum Valley
For adventure-seekers, Danum Valley is an ideal destination to hike or bike. Here are the top trails to explore in Danum Valley:
- Danum Valley Conservation Area Trails
- Taliwas Trail
- Coffin Cliff Trail
- Gong Temple Trail
Best Things to Do in Danum Valley: Activities and Tours
Here are the best things to do in Danum Valley:
- Night Safari to spot nocturnal wildlife
- Jungle Trekking
- Bird Watching
- Kayaking
- River Cruise
- Star-gazing
Week-Long Itinerary for Danum Valley
A weeklong visit to Danum Valley should include a mix of adventure and relaxation. Here is a suggested itinerary for your trip:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival and check-in at accommodation |
| 2 | Guided jungle trekking |
| 3 | Canopy Walkway and evening river cruise |
| 4 | Bird-watching tour and visit to a local village |
| 5 | Kayaking along Sungai Purut river |
| 6 | Night Safari and stargazing |
| 7 | Departure |
Food and Drink Scene of Danum Valley
Danum Valley is home to a variety of traditional and fusion cuisines. Visitors can have authentic experiences of Sabahan cuisine or opt for fusion cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages in Danum Valley:
Must-Try Dishes
- Nasi Lamak
- Sabah Fried Rice
- Hinava
Local Beverages
- Tenom coffee
- Teh Tarik
Where to Stay in Danum Valley: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Danum Valley has an array of luxurious lodges and accommodations for tourists, offering comfortable living conditions. Visitors can choose from various accommodation options such as:
- Borneo Rainforest Lodge
- Danum Valley Field Centre
- Kawag Nature Lodge
- Sumbiling Eco Village Homestay
What to Buy in Danum Valley: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Danum Valley is a treasure trove of unique products, from traditional handicrafts and textiles to local snacks and coffee. Here are some of the must-buy souvenirs and local products:
- Tenom coffee and Kluang coffee
- Sabah Tea
- Local handicrafts such as woven baskets and pottery
- Gomantong Cave Birdnest
Local Culture and Customs of Danum Valley
The Murut people are indigenous to the Danum Valley area and have a rich cultural heritage that they have preserved. Visitors to Danum Valley should respect and appreciate their culture and customs, which include oral storytelling, traditional dances, and offerings to the spirits.
Best Time to Visit Danum Valley
The best time to visit Danum Valley is during the dry season, which runs between February and April. This is when visitors can expect clear skies and warm temperatures, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Danum Valley
Do:
- Respect the culture and customs of the Murut people
- Follow the rules of the conservation area and guides
- Stay within designated areas and trails
Don’t:
- Take anything from the forest
- Litter the conservation area
- Disturb wildlife
Safety and Health
Safety in Danum Valley
Visitors to Danum Valley need to take precautions to stay safe, which includes staying hydrated, wearing comfortable and waterproof clothing, and using insect repellent. It is important to listen to guides and not to venture outside designated trails and areas.
Health in Danum Valley
Prior to traveling to Danum Valley, visitors should speak to their doctor about necessary vaccinations and medications. Danum Valley is a malaria-endemic area and visitors should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
Getting to Danum Valley: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Danum Valley
The closest airport is Lahad Datu Airport, with daily flights from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau.
Bus Stations Near Danum Valley
Buses from main towns in Sabah such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau connect to Lahad Datu, a town near Danum Valley.
Other Options
Visitors can also charter private transport or rent a car to travel to Danum Valley.
How to Get Around in Danum Valley
The best way to explore Danum Valley is through guided tours and hikes. Visitors can also bike or kayak on Sungai Purut river.
Where to Go Next from Danum Valley: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Visitors can continue their adventure in Sabah by exploring other attractions nearby, such as:
- Tabin Wildlife Reserve
- Kinabatangan River
- Sandakan
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Conclusion
Danum Valley is a beautiful and unique destination that offers tourists a chance to experience nature at its best. This comprehensive guide will help visitors plan a perfect trip filled with adventure, natural beauty, and cultural encounters. Visitors to Danum Valley are sure to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
