Alternative & Affordable Danum Valley
Written by Aleena Che Ramli
Wherever else you’ve been lucky enough to travel, there is nothing quite like a holiday in Borneo. The superstar wildlife in the rainforest paradise will knock your leech-socks off, and the opportunities for adventure will have you gleefully stepping out of your comfort zone. At Danum Valley, we can get you conscientiously close to some of the world’s most thrilling wildlife in its natural habitat, without busting your budget. The 130 millions years old lowlands are one of the world’s most complex ecosystem with lots of endangered species. Several types of birds, insects, gigantic lizards and monkeys are sure to encounter. If you are lucky, you will see wild orang utans, gibbons, Bornean pygmy elephants, flying squirrels, clouded leopard, mousedeer and many more. Experience staying amidst the fresh air forest, peacefully hiking for hours and feel connected with the world amongst the calming sweet smelling vegetation. It is an ideal destination to escape from the busy city life, and perfect when you need the solitude and a nature hit.
Besides the luxurious 5 star villas of Borneo Rainforest Lodge, depending on your budget and expectation, there are several well priced accommodation options where you get to stay in Danum Valley:
Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC)
Located just 2 hours from Lahad Datu town, Danum Valley Field Centre is actually a fully equipped research facility established in 1986 which also provide accommodation for visitors who are looking to explore the Danum Valley rainforest. It has various options of lodging, from chalets, dorms to campsites that makes DVFC one of the favourite choice for most visitors. Equipped with basic toilet amenities, chalet comes with ensuite bathroom and all meals are available from the main restaurant nearby. Those staying at the dormitory can opt to cook for themselves, as there is a kitchen available at each of the dormitory blocks. Danum Valley Field Centre was dedicated for researchers, so overall facilities are quite clean and simple, don’t expect luxury here. You can go jungle trekking through these amazing rainforest accompanied by experienced nature guide in search of some fantastic wildlife found in Danum Valley Conservation Area. There are also some jungle trails where you can explore by yourself, however to go further is best to hire a guide. During your trip, take a refreshing dip in the Ulu Segama river, opt for a night drive on a 4WD, explore the canopy walkway or heads up to Bukit Atur for a spectacular sunrise. Therefore, Danum Valley Field Centre is highly recommended for keen naturalists and adventurous travellers who are just happy with basic and clean accommodation facilities.
INFAPRO Danum Valley
Strategically situated near the gate of Danum Valley Field Centre, INFAPRO is another convenient alternative accommodation for you to venture the ancient Danum primary rainforest. INFAPRO is a nursery project base that is responsible for replanting the forest areas which has been logged in the past years. The base is considered an alternative accommodation when Danum Valley Field Centre are fully booked or close. The newly established accommodation at INFAPRO is simply designed for a comfortable yet basic stay with its sole purpose as an overnight resting. All of the rooms are complete with air conditioning, ensuite bathroom with hot shower and 24 hours electricity. Most of the nature activities are taken place at the Danum Valley Field Centre. So, spend the day with your guide exploring the extensive network of trails during early morning, late afternoon and night walks to watch some of the illusive nocturnal animals within the forest. Or bring along your binoculars and camera to spend your day on the canopy platforms, watching beautiful Bornean birds flutter by.
Kawag Danum Rainforest Lodge (KDRL)
Kawag Danum Rainforest Lodge is another affordable accommodation for you to stay in Danum Valley region. The jungle resort is just 1 hour and a half drive from Lahad Datu, situated in the buffer zone {edge} of Danum Valley Conservation Area and in the secondary forest of Ulu Segama Malua forest reserve. Kawag Danum Rainforest Lodge was built in 2014 and considered to be the second best choice after Borneo Rainforest Lodge that offers the similar luxury nature lodge experience at a budget price. It is a basic and comfortable chalets style accommodation and has 10 standard rooms with fan as well as another 10 deluxe rooms with air conditioned. Most of the rooms are twin bedded with attached bathroom plus 24 hours electricity and meals are serve at the main restaurant. Although the lodge is surrounded by secondary forest, the forest has regenerated well and houses variety of flora and fauna like the typical primary rainforest. For outdoor enthusiast, Kawag offers many nature adventure such as jungle trekking, bird watching, night drive safari, hike to the waterfall and tower for potential wildlife sightings.