Danum Valley Field Center Accommodation and Tours

Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC) is located west of Lahad Datu, Sabah's fourth largest town. It is located within Danum Valley Conservation Area which of comprises 43,800 hectares (438 sq km)  of virgin forest located within the upper reaches of Sabah's second largest river, the Segama and its tribuaries, making it part of the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve.

Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA)  is a vast reserve of lush tropical lowland forest rich in Sabah’s unique flora and fauna. The area has been recognised as one of the world's most complex ecosystems and as been classified as a Class I protected rainforest. The jungles here provides visitors with ecological experience into the wilds and wonders of ancient tropical forests. The hot and humid jungle teems with a variety of towering tropical trees, lingering lianas, exotic orchids and overhanging epiphytes. Danum Valley is generally hilly but not mountainous. Its highest point is Mount Danum, of 1093 meters (3585 feet) in height. There are few places on earth that can provide such an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature in its original, pristine state.

Danum Valley Field Center (DVFC) lies on the edge of DVCA.

Image Source Above: Borneo Post

Besides visits by famous international and local celebrities, Britain’s Prince William and his wife Catherine Middleton, had visited the center in 2012 to learn about the conservation work done by various researchers as well as to enjoy the natural jungle surroundings. Reports by Borneo Post and The Telegraph.

Danum Valley Field Centre is not only a research center but also a field-training center for both undergraduate and graduate programmes, as well as environmental education. It has a wide range of facilities besides visitor accommodation, such as scientists' quarters, laboratories, library, computer room (with 'broadband' services), conference room, environmental education building with classroom, theatre and display areas, multi purpose hall, badminton and basketball courts, a suspension bridge over the Segama River, public telephone, research plots and over 50 kilometers of marked trails, including a self-guided nature trail. Electricity is available from 7.30 am-11.00pm. Internet is available and chargeable. No mobile network coverage but satelite phone calls are available during office hours and chargeable.

Accommodation

DVFC is not a commercialised tourist lodging hence there isn't a traveller center offering tour programs or tour guides onsite. It has very basic facilities with limited conveniences and comforts.

The tour programs listed here offer conveniences not provided by DVFC such as private transfers, tour activities, tour guide and so on.

DVFC has 3 different rooms; Deluxe, Standard, and Hostel. The acommodation is very basic and cannot be compared to any tourist hotels.

Hostel lodging are bunk beds with blanket in a fan dormitory with common bath/toilet.

Images below provide an idea of what is available and may not represent the actual room. Both Deluxe and Standard have twin singles. We will inform DVFC to prepare bed arrangements according to occupancy size - 2 adults, 3 adults, or 2 adults with 1 or 2 children. Families with 2 children have to choose the Deluxe - floor space will be very limited.

The other accommodation in Danum Valley Conservation Area is the 'made for tourist' Borneo Rainforest Lodge which offers more comfort, proper hotel services, has its own nature trails, and a unique canopy walkway.

All Rates in Malaysian Ringgit and per person

ALL RATES (MALAYSIAN AND INTERNATIONAL) based on MINIMUM 2 Adults

3 Adults can share 1 room. Rate per person is same as Twin Share rates.

Accompanying Child will share the same room with parents. If a separate room is required for children, the Adult Rates will apply.

Late Transfer/Unscheduled transfers

Scheduled transfer 0800hours from Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) or a Lahad Datu hotel is included in the package. If you are arriving late to Lahad Datu or requiring late transfer out of DVFC, there are unscheduled transfer packages.

Valid until December 2018

What is the difference between FULL SERVICE and TREASURES?

Both tours have different activities. FULL SERVICE also has the extra inclusion of a forest ranger on some of the activities which can provide more insight on the biodiversity of Danum. TREASURES has less activities. It only includes a tour guide and has options for some activities. See the itinerary section below to understand more.

FULL SERVICE PROGRAM

TREASURES PROGRAM

Itinerary (Ex-Lahad Datu)

4 Days 3 Night FULL SERVICE Program

3D2N minus Day 3 | 2D1N minus Day 2 & 3

*A DVFC Forest Ranger will facilitate guided programs and may not be exclusive to your group. A private nature guide can be arranged during reservation at additional charge. Please enquire.

DAY 01 ARRIVAL LAHAD DATU / DANUM VALLEY (L, D)
(Guests are suggested to take flight MH3010 BKI ETD 06:10 HRS / LDU ETA 07:05 HRS)

0800hrs Meet and greet at Lahad Datu Hotels / Airport and transfer to DVCA via 4WD or van. Briefing on the programme prior to departure.   
1030hrs Visit Infapro Project Area and learn about forest regeneration, seedling growing techniques,replanting and carbon offset principles. For a fee and at your request, you can plant a tree (signboard with your name, name of tree and date planted will be prepared. Fee includes maintenance cost for 5 years.)
1130hrs Expected to arrive at DVCA Reception & Information Building, register and check-in.
1230hrs Lunch provided at Resthouse Dining Hall.
1400hrs Take a walk along the 500m self-guided nature trail, and get to know the rainforest, marvel at its beauty and experience the pristine ambience of the rainforest as it has been for hundreds of years. And, trek to the one of the old burial caves of long gone communities. A radio carbon analysis on a child’s femur dates back to A.D.1670, while the coffin made of Borneon Iron Wood (Belian) dates back to A.D. 1210.
1800hrs Return to DVFC. (Rest)
1900hrs Dinner served at Resthouse Dining Hall.
2100hrs “Night Drive” to observe nocturnal wildlife. (If weather permits)

Overnight at Danum Valley Field Centre, Danum Valley        

DAY 02 DANUM VALLEY (B, PL, D)

0700hrs Breakfast served at Resthouse Dining Hall.
0830hrs Grab your packed lunch and begin trek to Tembaling Waterfall and marvel at one of the world’s oldest rainforest, its rich flora and fauna. The trek takes approximately 2 hours. If weather permits, you may take a refreshing swim in the cold, unpolluted rainforest stream. Ample opportunities for bird watching. Don’t forget to bring along your swimming gear! (If weather permits)
1400hrs Return to DVFC and continue bird watching activities.
1900hrs Dinner served at Resthouse Dining Hall. (Rest)
2100hrs Night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife. (If weather permits)
0000hrs Lights Off.

Overnight at Danum Valley Field Centre, Danum Valley

DAY 03 DANUM VALLEY (B, L, D)

0700hrs Breakfast at Resthouse Dining Hall.
0830hrs Discover more about Danum Valley. Free at your own leisure.
1230hrs Lunch at Resthouse Dining Hall.
1400hrs Continue bird watching activities.
1900hrs Dinner at Resthouse Dining Hall. (Rest)
2100hrs Night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife. (If weather permits)
0000hrs Lights Off.

Overnight at Danum Valley Field Centre, Danum Valley    

DAY 04 DANUM VALLEY/ DEPARTURE LAHAD DATU (B)  
(Guests are suggested to take flight MH 3019 LDU ETD 16:30 HRS / BKI ETA 17:25 HRS)

0530hrs Leave for Bukit Atur and be one of the first to greet the first ray of the sun as it touches the valley.
0730hrs Return to DVFC. Breakfast at Resthouse Dining Hall.  
0830hrs Check-out. Depart for 2½ hours journey back to Lahad Datu Town / Airport.

Tour Ends.

_________

4 Days 3 Nights Treasures Program

3D2N minus Day 3 | 2D1N minus Day 2 & 3

DAY ONE │ ARRIVAL LAHAD DATU / DANUM VALLEY (Meals: Lunch & Dinner)
(Guests are suggested to take flight MH3010 BKI ETD 06:10 HRS / LDU ETA 07:05 HRS)
Meet and greet with our experienced nature guide at Lahad Datu Hotels / Airport by 0830hrs and proceed overland journey drive via 4WD or van to Danum Valley Conservation Area. Enjoy the changing landscapes of the regenerating forests to virgin rainforests of 130-million year old Borneo’s tropical rainforest! Upon arrival, register at DVCA Reception & Information Building and check-in after briefing by DVFC staff. Enjoy lunch provided at Dining Hall. After lunch, have a chat with your nature guide to plan your days at DVFC. Relax or take your power nap before going on a midafternoon walk around the centre as an introduction to the tropical rainforest. The area surrounding the center teems with wildlife and it is not uncommon for you to spot resident orangutan, red leaf monkey, sambar deer, wild boar, hornbills etc.
Return to center before sundown and enjoy dinner at 1900hrs.
After dinner, go on an included night walk with your nature guide in search for nocturnal
animals or arrange for an optional 4x4 night safari (at your own expense).

DAY TWO │ DANUM VALLEY (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Wake up early for morning nature and wildlife observation on the tree platform with your nature guide at 0600hrs to experience the pristine ambience of the rainforest as it has been for millions of years. Alternatively, you can also pre-arrange a 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur and be one of the first to greet the first ray of the sun as it touches the valley – please advise your nature guide in advance if you are keen on this so he may assist with the booking on your behalf (at your own expense). Return to center for your hearty breakfast and afterwards, embark on a trail in the area if you wish.
Spend late morning unwinding before lunch. After lunch, head off for another trek – there are various trails available for you to explore and your nature guide shall discuss this with you. Return to center in late evening, just in time to watch the sky changes colour as the daylight fades. After dinner, go for another included night walk with your nature guide in search for nocturnal animals or arrange for an optional 4x4 night safari (at your own expense).

DAY THREE │ DANUM VALLEY (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Spend another full day with your nature guide exploring the forest – return to the observation tree platform at early morning for another chance to spot wildlife and ample opportunities for bird watching. Spend the rest of the day wandering along the various trails around the center or embark on a longer trail if you wish – our nature guide will have to determine your fitness level before engaging you on a long hike. Go back to center in late evening to freshen up before dinner. After dinner, go for another included night walk with your nature guide in search for nocturnal animals or arrange for an optional 4x4 night safari (at your own expense).

DAY FOUR │ DANUM VALLEY / DEPARTURE LAHAD DATU (Meal: Breakfast)
(Guests are suggested to take flight MH 3019 LDU ETD 16:30 HRS / BKI ETA 17:25 HRS)
Wake up early to return to the observation tree platform for more wildlife sighting possibilities. Return to center for breakfast, and pack your belongings for check out time at 0830hrs. Expected to arrive at Lahad Datu by 1100hrs for your onwards flight departure.

Tour Ends.

What's included?

Full Tour package includes Conservation Fee, Scheduled Return Land Transfer , Accommodation, Meals, Visitation to Infapro Project Area, Entry Fee & Visitation to Exhibition Gallery, 1 x Night Drive & 1 x Sunrise Drive (if weather permits) and Trekking Activities as per itinerary with accompanying Forest Ranger cum Radioman / English Speaking Nature Tour Guide.

Treasures package includes Conservation Fee, Scheduled Return Land Transfer, Accommodation, Meals and “Customize-Your-Adventure” (optional trekking/ night walk activities) with Accompanying English Speaking Nature Tour Guide.

What's excluded?

Flights, camera fee, insurance, peak season surcharge (if applicable) and items not mentioned

What to wear/ bring?

Suggest to wear and bring quick-dry nature colored outdoor clothing, leech socks, and good hiking shoes/ sandals.

Bring toiletries, personal medication, pocket money, sunglasses, insect repellent, water bottle, dry bag, walking stick, swim wear, hat, extra batteries for electronics, good zoom camera, good quality binoculars, high powered torchlight/ flashlight/ headlamp, snacks and drinks.

Getting here