Danum Valley

The Danum Valley Conservation Area, 83km south-west of Lahad Datu, is blessed with a startling diversity of tropical flora and fauna. This vast Eden-like basin is home to the rare Sumatran Rhinoceros, orang utans, gibbons, mousedeer and the beautiful clouded leopard. Some 270 species of birds have been recorded in the area. The Danum Field Research Centre is located within the confines of the 440 sq km forest reserve.

It also boasts one of the first eco-resorts in Sabah, known as the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. This comfortable resort has a restaurant, bar and comfortable chalets overlooking the Danum River. Jungle treks, river swimming, bird watching, night jungle tours and excursions to nearby logging sites and timber mills are some of the activities offered here.

For malaysia accommodation, feel free to visit www.dynamictourism.com

sabah danum valley

Batu Punggul Pinnacle

Situated on the banks of Sungai Sepulot (Sepulot River) in the remote interior of southern Sabah, not far from the Kalimantan border, Batu Punggul is a limestone massif with amazing views over the jungle from above and with caves below. Accommodation is available at a rustic resort nearby which offers anything from a Murut longhouse or native huts (called sulap), to a hostel or guesthouses, complete with modern facilities.

Cave exploration is an exciting treat of unusual stalactites, stalagmites and bats. The Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, can be found about 25-minutes’ walk from the caves. The area is also home to wild orchids. It is possible to climb to the top of the massif for panoramic views of the surrounding forest. At night, there is impressive music coming from the ‘jungle symphony’…

As limestone massifs are normally found in coastal areas, the existence of Batu Punggul deep in the interior of Borneo is a source of geological wonder to scientists visiting the area.