Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC)
Danum Valley Field Centre serves as both a research station and a base for visitors wanting to explore the stunning Danum Valley conservation area. Guided walks around the field centre grounds and on the numerous rainforest trails give you the chance to spot orang-utans, elephants, gibbons, samba deer, hornbills, Wallace's frog and more. Accommodations provided at Danum Valley Field Centre are clean & simple and are ideal for those wanting to explore this pristine conservation area on a budget.
If you are looking for luxury in the jungle then we recommend Borneo Rainforest Lodge or for a more mid-range rainforest experience with excellent wildlife sightings then you could try Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
If you are looking for luxury in the jungle then we recommend Borneo Rainforest Lodge or for a more mid-range rainforest experience with excellent wildlife sightings then you could try Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
View 3d/2N dvfc itinerary
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DAY 1
Depart from Lahad Datu around 9:30 am from your accommodation. Register at the welcome centre upon arrival and check-in after a briefing by DVFC staff. Meet your in-house guide, settle-in and enjoy lunch. After lunch, chat with your guide to plan your days at DVFC. Relax or take an afternoon siesta before going on a mid-afternoon walk in the area as an introduction to the Borneo rainforest. The area surrounding the centre teems with wildlife and it is not unusual for you to spot resident orang utan, hornbills and samba deer. Return to the centre before sundown and enjoy dinner at 7 pm. After dinner, go on a night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4x4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense). DAY 2 Wake up early for an early morning nature walk nearby DVFC to see the forest come to life. Alternatively, you can also pre-arrange a 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur for a breathtaking sunrise experience atop a canopy of trees – please tell your guide in advance that you are interested in this and they can assist with booking accordingly (additional activity at your own expense and subject to vehicle availability). Return to the centre for breakfast to refuel before heading off on a longer trek with your guide. There is a wide variety of trails in the stunning primary rainforest adjacent to the field centre and your guide will discuss some options with you for the day. Depending on your route, you may either return to the centre for lunch or take a packed lunch to have along the way. Return to the centre in the late afternoon, in time to watch the sky change colour as the sun sets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4x4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense). DAY 3 Wake up early for an early walk and more wildlife sighting possibilities. Return to the dining hall for breakfast then get ready for your transfer back to Lahad Datu departing at 9.30am. Arrive at Lahad Datu for onward travel by 12pm. We recommend an afternoon MAS Wings flight for travel back to Kota Kinabalu, or let us know, and we can arrange onward transfers to Semporna, the Kinabatangan river, Sandakan, Tawau or elsewhere. If you would like to leave the Field Centre at 11.30am instead so that you can spend an extra couple of hours exploring the grounds in your own time then please ask about arranging a later transfer (additional charges apply). |
view 4D/3N dvfc itinerary
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DAY 1
Depart from Lahad Datu around 9:30 am from your accommodation. Register at the welcome centre upon arrival and check-in after a briefing by DVFC staff. Meet our in-house guide, settle-in and enjoy lunch. After lunch, chat with your guide to plan your days at DVFC. Relax or take an afternoon siesta before going on a mid-afternoon walk in the area as an introduction to the Borneo Rainforest. The area surrounding the centre teems with wildlife, and it is not unusual for you to spot resident orang utan, hornbills etc. Return to the centre before sundown and enjoy dinner at 7 pm. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide or join an optional 4x4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense). DAY 2 Wake up early for an early morning nature walk nearby DVFC to see the forest come to life. Alternatively, you can also pre-arrange a 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur for a breathtaking sunrise experience atop a canopy of trees – please tell your guide in advance that you are interested in this and they can assist with booking accordingly (additional activity at your own expense). Return to the centre for breakfast and embark on a trail in the area if you wish. Spend the late morning resting before having lunch. After lunch, take a dip at the Ulu Segama River before heading off for another trek – there are various types of trails, and your guide can discuss this with you. Return to the centre in the late afternoon, in time to watch the sky change colour as the sun sets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4x4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense). DAY 3 Spend another full day with your guide exploring the forest with more chances to spot wildlife such as gibbons and orang utans. Wander along the trails returning to the lodge and spot birds and other creatures. Spend the rest of the day around the centre or embark on a longer trail if you wish – our guide will have to determine your fitness level before taking you on a long hike. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4x4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense). DAY 4 Wake up early for an early walk and more wildlife sighting possibilities. Return to the dining hall for breakfast then get ready for your transfer back to Lahad Datu departing at 9.30am. Arrive at Lahad Datu for onward travel by 12pm. We recommend an afternoon MAS Wings flight for travel back to Kota Kinabalu, or let us know, and we can arrange onward transfers to Semporna, the Kinabatangan river, Sandakan, Tawau or elsewhere. If you are not in a rush and would like to leave the Field Centre at 11.30am instead so that you can spend an extra couple of hours exploring the grounds in your own time then please ask about arranging a later transfer (additional charges apply). |
Accommodation options
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DVFC Hostel
2 single-gender dormitories split into cubicles of 4 beds located 10-15 min walk from the Dining Hall DVFC Standard Resthouse room Private room with twin beds, ensuite bathroom and fan DVFC AC Resthouse room Newly built in 2022 with twin beds, ensuite bathroom & air-conditioning during electricity hours. DVFC Superior Deluxe (Chalet) Previously called "chalet", the Superior Deluxe rooms are slightly larger than the Resthouse rooms and have an outdoor seating area and mini-fridge in addition to twin beds and air-conditioning during electricity hours. Electricity at the Field Centre is only available from 7am to 11pm |
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Pricing
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3D2N Danum Valley Field Centre
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4D3N Danum Valley Field Centre
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Discounts available for groups of 5+ people - please enquire for details.
Prices are per person and valid until 31st December 2025. Prices are based on twin or triple share in a private room and a minimum of 2 people per trip. Solo travellers are welcome to join our existing departures , drop us an email to check out which dates are available. Private tours and specialist interest trips are available upon request, please get in touch to discuss your trip requirements. Child rates: Families with children under the age of 12 will require a private guide, additional charges apply, please enquire for details. Children will receive the following package discounts:
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Included:
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Excluded:
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Additional info
Who is this trip suitable for? Trekking in Danum Valley requires a moderate level of fitness and you should be prepared to walk for at least 2-3 hours in hot & humid weather conditions. Danum Valley is very remote and in the event of a medical emergency, it may take several hours to reach the nearest hospital which is is Lahad Datu.
Children are welcome to join but families with children under 12 will require a private guide for the safety & comfort of all participants. Additional fees of up to RM450 per guide per day will apply for a private guide depending on your group size.
Solo travellers are welcome to join any of our existing trips subject to a minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 people per departure.
What should I bring? Binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle, personal toiletries and some cash (no ATMs in Danum Valley)
Pick up & drop off locations: Pick up is provided between 9 - 9.30am on the first day from any hotel in Lahad Datu or from Lahad Datu airport. Drop off can be at any hotel in Lahad Datu, Lahad Datu airport or bus station around 12pm on the last day. Earlier transfers to the airport and transfers to or from other locations can be arranged upon request, costs vary depending on the location.
Staying connected: Charging points are available in the rooms & hostel and are 3 pin UK style plugs. Danum Valley Field Centre relies on generator power and there is only electricity from 7am to 11pm. There is virtually no 3G or phone reception in Danum Valley and there is also no wifi, prepare to be "offline" for the duration of your time in Danum Valley.
Medical advice: Please consult your physician for up to date advice on vaccinations & anti-malarials and any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to join the trip. Guests are advised to always take out appropriate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances during your trip.
Children are welcome to join but families with children under 12 will require a private guide for the safety & comfort of all participants. Additional fees of up to RM450 per guide per day will apply for a private guide depending on your group size.
Solo travellers are welcome to join any of our existing trips subject to a minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 people per departure.
What should I bring? Binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle, personal toiletries and some cash (no ATMs in Danum Valley)
Pick up & drop off locations: Pick up is provided between 9 - 9.30am on the first day from any hotel in Lahad Datu or from Lahad Datu airport. Drop off can be at any hotel in Lahad Datu, Lahad Datu airport or bus station around 12pm on the last day. Earlier transfers to the airport and transfers to or from other locations can be arranged upon request, costs vary depending on the location.
Staying connected: Charging points are available in the rooms & hostel and are 3 pin UK style plugs. Danum Valley Field Centre relies on generator power and there is only electricity from 7am to 11pm. There is virtually no 3G or phone reception in Danum Valley and there is also no wifi, prepare to be "offline" for the duration of your time in Danum Valley.
Medical advice: Please consult your physician for up to date advice on vaccinations & anti-malarials and any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to join the trip. Guests are advised to always take out appropriate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances during your trip.
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Have some extra time?Our 5D4N East Coast Wildlife Adventure departs every Monday and Thursday from Sandakan and includes a guided visit to the sanctuaries in Sepilok, 2 nights at the Kinabatangan River and 2 nights in Danum Valley for a perfect wildlife experience!
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To bookEmail- [email protected]
Hotline- (+60) 01112658581 |
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