Danum Valley Conservation Area is a 438 square kilometres tract of relatively undisturbed lowland dipterocarp forest in Sabah, located 70 km (44miles) west of Lahad Datu. It is managed by Yayasan Sabah for conservation, research, education and physical training purposes. The nearest town, Lahad Datu is about a 2 hours drive on mainly logging roads.

Recognized as one of the world’s most complex ecosystem, the area holds unique status in the sense that before it became a conservation area there were no human settlements within the area, meaning that hunting, logging and other human interference was nonexistent making the area almost unique.

Danum Valley Field Centre is a research establishment for scientists and education purposes, and there is one lodge, the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, for tourists to stay. From here visitors can do guided walks through lowland rainforest trails, and many people go there mainly for bird watching. Other activities include night walks and drives.

The lowland rainforest is home to many birds and mammals. It is the only place where the enigmatic Spectacled Flowerpecker has been recorded. Orang utans, gibbons, and other primates, including the tarsier, as well as deer, wild cats and the rare Bornean Pygmy Elephant may be seen. Other notable species that inhabit the area are the Sun Bear and Sumatran Rhino.

Danum Valley Conservation Area also has beautiful waterfalls and rivers including Sungai Purut 7-tiered pools—one of the most spectacular waterfalls and pools found in Danum Valley Conservation Area.

Here, visitors also get the chance to visit an ancient Kadazandusun burial site, complete with belian coffins and ceramic spirit jars. Three burial sites have been discovered in Danum Valley—two near the field centre and one below the cliff, overlooking Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Be more enlightened about nature and wildlife by watching an educational video and slide presentations. Those planning extensive wildlife photography are recommended to stay for at least 3 days to have better success at finding wild animals frolicking about.

Another treasure of the Sabah’s East Coast is the Madai Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre. This 3,436.5 hectares large area is located about 50 kilometers from Lahad Datu, 15 kilometers from Kunak.

Madai is basically a bird cave where the popular birds nest delicacy originates, while the Baturong cave is riddled with several caverns which contain ancient coffins.

The Madai – Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre has been classified as a Class 1 forest reserve and is an excellent place for a day of cave exploration trip. Outdoor lovers will delight at the opportunity to familiarize with various aspects of tree species, caves, and the endemic flora and fauna in the area.

In addition to its canopy walkway, visitors of this forest reserve should not miss the chance to take a dip in the cool crystal clear stream of its scenic waterfalls.

Tabin Wildlife Refuge is a nature preserve in Sabah, eastern Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It was created in 1984 to preserve Sabah’s disappearing wild animals. Occupying a large part of the peninsula forming the northern headland of Darvel Bay, it is located 48 kilometers east of Lahad Datu.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve (TWR or Tabin) comprises a rectangular area of approximately 122,539 ha. in the centre of the Dent Peninsula, north-east of Lahad Datu town. It can be reached via sealed and gravel roads from Lahad Datu in about 40 minutes. The reserve is covered with lowland dipterocarp forest.

Tabin has been declared a Wildlife Reserve primarily on account of the large number of animals inhabiting its forests, some of which are highly endangered. The three largest mammals of Sabah – the Borneo Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau (Bos javanicus), are all found within the reserve. Other ungulate species include Sambar, Muntjac and Mouse Deer. In addition seven of Sabah´s eight primate species are present, among them Orang Utan and Proboscis Monkey. The biggest predator in the reserve is the Clouded Leopard. There are also several other smaller carnivores in Tabin. Of bird species, 42 families representing 220 species have been recorded.

Over the last few years increasing numbers of tourists have been coming to the reserve. Among activities permitted in the reserve are jungle trekking, wildlife viewing, photography and filming. Natural mud volcanoes are an important natural attraction for wildlife seeking salt, and these have become a bonus for visitors coming to see wild animals. There are also campsites for overnight stays along the jungle trekking way.