Birding at Danum Valley

Containing around 44,000 hectares of primary dipterocarp forest, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is a small part of over 1,000,000 hectares of protected forest in Borneo. A visit to the Danum Valley means staying at the only hotel there—Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The famous Danum Valley Field Centre is still available to birders and for some visitors, and does represent a slightly cheaper option, but if it’s jungle comfort with a hint of luxury, coupled with great food, quality service, birding trails and expert guides you’re after, then this is the place. Hang the expense, it is worth it.

Guides accompany you on the many trails and most will know where to find the birds you want or will find the sites where the birds currently are showing. Blue-banded and blue-headed pitta, Bornean bristlehead, Bornean ground cuckoo, and many other gems can be seen here. A magnificent setting makes Danum Valley and Borneo Rainforest Lodge a tremendous destination for birders or natural history buffs alike. Night walks and drives add to the experience at the lodge, with palm civets, sambar deer, owls and the potential of sighting western tarsier enough to get you out every night. On top of this wonderful wildlife experience, there is great food, wine and service too.