The Danum Valley Field Centre was established in 1986 as a facility for conducting research and supporting scientists in rainforest studies. Today, it’s one of the leading field centers in Southeast Asia, fully equipped with laboratories, a conference room, researcher living quarters, dorms, camp grounds, and a cafeteria. As a research center first and foremost, it was not originally designed with tourists in mind, but over the years, the privilege of staying there has been extended to keen naturalists and independent travelers.
Our Danum Valley Field Centre programs include being paired up with one of our in-house nature guides for the duration of your stay. We pride ourselves on employing full time guides at the Field Centre and having some of the best guides in the business, their expertise on the area is second to none. Their ability to find and spot wildlife is exceptional, and their knowledge of the age-old rainforest is top-notch. They’re also just really fun to hang out with!
As the pioneers of tourism at the Danum Valley Field Centre we have long been running wildlife tours at this incredible location. As a part of our commitment as a responsible travel operator we are the only company that conducts wildlife surveys in conjunction with our tours. When our guides are in the field they collect basic data on wildlife sightings which contributes towards the research and conservation efforts in Danum Valley.
There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied during your stay – swim in the river to escape the midday heat, and catch sunrise from atop Bukit Atur. Most come to experience the rawness of the Bornean jungle and witness the iconic wildlife contained within, and of course trekking! There are longer hikes for those that are feeling adventurous, and nightly walks for spotting nocturnal creatures. Danum Valley Field Centre is recommended for keen naturalists and adventurous travelers who are content with basic, clean, and comfortable facilities.
Our 3D2N and 4D3N Danum Valley Explorer programs give you the opportunity to discover this amazing area whilst enjoying the comfort of the Field Centre – choose from staying in the dormitory, resthouse, or chalet rooms. The itinerary provided should be taken as a guideline only, as much of your day-to-day program will be dictated by weather, wildlife sightings, and your fitness ability. Your days will consist of early morning nature and wildlife observations, short hikes surrounding the area, longer walks if your guide approves of your fitness ability, relaxing time by the river during the hot afternoons, night walks to find nocturnal creatures, and optional 4×4 activities such as night safaris and a morning sunrise tour. All in all, this program will give you a chance to experience the 130 million year old Borneo rainforest by discovering many different species of flora and fauna.
Resthouse (fan) and chalet rooms (a/c) with private bathroom, dorms and camping grounds with shared bathroom & shower. Standard and deluxe rooms adjoining eating lounge, dorms 15 minutes walk / camping ground 10 minutes walk (from eating lounge). Note that the electricity at DVFC only runs until midnight so regardless of what rooms you book, there will be no fan or a/c past midnight but temperature is pleasant in the evening.
Buffet style; simple and basic meals. Vegetarians and special diets catered for.
Eating lounge (set time for meals, no additional order), lab, conference room, shop (minimal supplies), electricity via generator 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM.
When you book a DVFC trip with us, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable Sticky Rice Travel nature guide who will accompany you on all your treks and night walks at the Field Center. Your guide will also assist with organizing additional excluded 4×4 activities such as night safari and sunrise observation during your time there.
Our guide to guest ratio is 1:8 so you will be with other guests who are booked on the same departure.
We can also accommodate private guide or specialist guide eg. birding guide requests.
Depart from Lahad Datu Airport at 8:30 AM. Register at welcome center upon arrival and check-in after briefing by DVFC staff. Meet your 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 center teems with wildlife and it is not unusual for you to spot resident orang utan, hornbills etc. Return to center before sundown and enjoy dinner at 7:00 PM. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4×4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense).
Lunch / Dinner
Wake up early for an early morning trek with your guide at 6:00 AM to see the forest come to life. Return to center for breakfast and embark on a trail in the area if you wish.
Spend 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 center in 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 4×4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense).
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Wake up early for more wildlife sighting possibilities. Return to eating lounge for breakfast, and spend the rest of your morning at leisure until check out time at 11:30 AM. Arrive at Lahad Datu for onward travel at about 1:30 PM.
Breakfast
Depart from Lahad Datu Airport at 8:30 AM. Register at welcome center upon arrival and check-in after briefing by DVFC staff. Meet your 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 center teems with wildlife and it is not unusual for you to spot resident orang utan, hornbills etc. Return to center before sundown and enjoy dinner at 7:00 PM. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4×4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense).
For the Danum Cycling Add-on: Cycle In option – Depart from Bike & Tours Bed & Breakfast at 8:30 AM, drive to Mount Silam and climb Lahad Datu’s Tower of Heaven for views of Darvel Bay while your bikes are being prepped. Cycling starts around 10:00 AM, ride for 30km to Taliwas, with snack and drink stops along the way. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch after a dip in the river around 1:00 PM, and then head to DVFC by vehicle to arrive around 3:00 PM.
Lunch / Dinner
Wake up early for an early morning trek with your guide at 6:00 AM to see the forest come to life. Return to center for breakfast and embark on a trail in the area if you wish.
Spend 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 center in late afternoon, in time to watch the sky changes colour as the sun sets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4×4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense).
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Spend another full day with your guide exploring the forest in the early morning for another chance 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 center 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 4×4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense).
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Wake up early for an early morning trek. Return to eating lounge for breakfast, and spend the rest of your morning at leisure until check out time at 11:30 AM. Arrive at Lahad Datu for onward travel at about 1:30 PM.
Breakfast
Accommodation, meals, coffee, tea & drinking water, entrance fees, return transfers from DVFC to Lahad Datu, Sticky Rice Travel Nature guide, leech socks.
Optional 4×4 activities such as night safari and sunrise trip at Bukit Atur (these can be shared up to 8pax for a total price of 160RM per 4×4), sodas and alcoholic beverages, tipping and gratuities to guide.
Head lamp, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, binocular, dry bag, swimwear, walking shoes, money (no ATM), comfortable trekking pack, water bottle, toiletries, basic first aid kit.
Daily based on a minimum booking of 2pax per departure. If you are a solo traveler, no worries, just let us know and we can assist in avoiding single supplement surcharge.
Please send us an email to info@stickyricetravel.com for enquiries or click “Book Now” to use our contact us form.
