Danum Valley

Quoted from http://www.malaysiasite.nl

Danum Valley is about 70 kilometers (44 miles) west of Lahad Datu, Sabah's fourth largest town. It comprises 43,800 ha of virgin forest. It 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.

The Danum Valley 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 lies within the upper reaches of Sabah's second largest river, the Segama and its tributaries. 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.

The fastest way to get to Danum from Kuala Lumpur is to take one of the daily KLIA flights directly into Tawau with Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia.

From there you have to go to Lahad Datu by bus or taxi, some 120 kilometres (72 miles) from the airport. From Lahad Datu, head out towards Gunung Silam and follow signs to Danum Valley.

All visitors must get their entry permit from the sales office in Lahad Datu. If you drive your own vehicle, you must also first obtain a gate pass from the Lahad Datu office. The pass must be produced at the checkpoint at 5.5 km on the Main Line West Logging road. Follow this road to major junction at km 56.5 where there is a sign-posted left turn to the Field Center 10 km onwards.

Although Danum Valley is essentially a conservation area it is also a wonderful retreat for nature lovers and naturalists. Among the many nature activities are:

Tembaling Waterfalls
It takes one to two hours along a scenic trail alive with flora and fauna to reach the waterfalls.

Sungai Purut 7-tiered pools
One of the most spectacular waterfall and pools found in Danum Valley Conservation Area is Sungai Purut Waterfall situated on the way to Gunung Danum. This waterfall is about 20 m in height with 7-tiered pools. It takes about 4 hours of jungle trekking from the Field Centre to reach the pool.

Madai Caves
This is where the local natives, the Idahans, have been harvesting birds' nests, a Chinese delicacy, for 21 generations. Gunung Danum or Mt. Danum is the highest peak in Danum Valley Conservation Area at 1093m.

Burial Caves
Burial caves have a special place in the myths and legends of the Orang Sungai in Borneo.

Other Interesting Places
Other interesting places are the nearby Rafflesia Hill where Rafflesias are found, Rhino Pool where the elusive Sumatran rhinoceros was once sighted, and Gunung Nicola, another peak within the area.

Trails
There are over 50km of marked trails for visitors, including a self guided Nature Trail.

Take note: for the safely of all visitors, you are request to trek or jungle walk accompanied by a guide.

Mammels:
Sumatran rhino, Asian elephant, Orang utan, Western tarsier, Flying lemur, Leopard cat, Yellow barking deer, Mouse deer, Sambar deer, Bearded pig, Malay civet, Long-tailed macaque, Slow loris, Clouded leopard, Giant flying squirrel, Malayan sun bear, Smooth otter, Proboscis monkey.

Birds:
Rhinoceros hornbill, Bay owl, Bill fletcher, Crested fireback pheasant, Great argus pheasant, Black-backed kingfisher, Lesser green leafbird, Bornean flycatcher, Crimson sunbird, Asian fairy bluebird, Buffy-fish owl, Helmeted & wreathed hornbill Bushy-crested & pied hornbill.