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The
Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the last remaining
preserves of primary lowland rainforest in Asia.
Within
its 438 square kilometers is to be found a rich diversity of animal
and plant life. A sanctuary to over 110 mammals, including the rare
Sumatran Rhino and ten primate species among which are the Orangutan
and the Proboscis monkey. The valley is also home to over 275 bird
species and numerous reptiles, amphibians, fishes, countless insects
and other fascinating creatures.
One
of the premier research centres in South East Asia, it oversees research
projects, controls forest enrichment planning sites, education,
training and wilderness recreation and is a meeting place for
naturalists from all over the world. Some
of the Wildlife found here include the
Orangutan,
Western tarsier, Flying lemur, Leopard cat, Yellow barking
deer, Mousedeer, Sambar deer, Bearded pig, Malay civet,
Long-tailed macaque, Slow loris, Clouded leopard, Giant
flying squirrel, Lain pygmy squirrel, Malayan sun bear,
Bateng, Smooth otter, Silvered langur, Proboscis monkey,
Sumatran rhino, Asian elephant.
For
birdwatching look for the Bay
owl, Bill fletcher, Crested fireback pheasant, Great argus
pheasant, Black-backed kingfisher, Lesser green leafbird,
Bornean flycatcher, Blue-headed pitta, Crimson sunbird,
Asian fairy bluebird, Grey-breasted spiderhunter,
Spectacled bulbul, Buffy-fish owl, Helmeted & wreathed
hornbill Bushy-crested & pied hornbill, and Rhinoceros
hornbill.
Danum's
insect colony is mostly harmless and one should take time to
find butterflies like the Chocolate Soldier' and look closely
for the cleverly camouflaged Spiny Stick Insect.To
spot nocturnal creatures like the leopard cat or clouded
leopard, one must be prepared to forgo sleep and spend many
hours waiting and watching patiently. For bird watching,
sightings usually intensify during the fruiting seasons between
July and August.
There
are over 50km of cool hiking trails through dipterocarp forest
and riverine habitats. Also available are many viewing platforms
perched on high plateaus and observation decks attached to
mighty tropical timbers that allows vistors panoramic views and
closer access into the forest canopy. The 27 metre high L-shaped
canopy walkway gives a wonderful bird's eye view of the forests
and is a perfect vantage point for bird watching. Take
particular note that for their own safety, no visitor is allowed
to trek or jungle walk without being accompanied by a guide.
Among
the many nature activities provided for are:
Nature walks with knowledgeable guides,
jungle wildlife treks, canopy walkway for bird watching, visits to an ancient Kadazandusun burial site,
night safari drives in search of
wildlife, refreshing swims in rivers and waterfalls, day trips
to Danum Valley Field Centre, slide presentations by
naturalists, guided tours to reforestation and research areas
and others.
Danum
Valley is located 80km inland from Lahad Datu on Sabah's
east coast. The journey takes approximately 2 hours with
the first 15km being the main Lahad Datu-Tawau road. The
rest of the ride is on an unsealed but well maintained
private logging road.
The
Borneo Rainforest Lodge is the only accommodation facility
in Danum. Made from river stone and core logs, the chalets
are designed along the lines of traditional Kadazandusun
dwellings and linked together by walkways. The lodge is
open 12 months a year. A three days, two night stay is
recommended.
There
is also a campbed facility (tented camp) 7km from the lodge where
visitors can spend the night under the watchful protection of a field
guide. |
