Danum Valley Conservation Area

Danum Valley Conservation Area is a 438 sq km protected lowland dipterocarp rainforest in Lahad Datu District, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Located about 80 km inland from Lahad Datu town, it protects one of Borneo's last undisturbed primary forests, estimated to be 130 million years old. Managed by Yayasan Sabah, it is renowned for exceptional biodiversity, research facilities at Danum Valley Field Centre, and eco-tourism centered at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Visitors can expect a remote, pristine primary rainforest with towering dipterocarp trees, the Segama River, and dense jungle trails. Access is only by pre-booked guided stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge or Danum Valley Field Centre, reached via 2-2.5 hour 4WD transfer from Lahad Datu on gravel logging roads. Experiences are fully guided and include jungle trekking, canopy walkway, wildlife observation hides, river areas, and night drives/walks. No independent exploration is permitted.

Gazetted as a Class I (Protection) Forest Reserve and established as Danum Valley Conservation Area in 1980, managed by Yayasan Sabah (Sabah Foundation). In 1986 the Danum Valley Field Centre was established in collaboration with the Royal Society's South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership, becoming a major centre for tropical rainforest research and conservation.