River Junkie – fuel the addiction
River Junkie – fuel the addiction

River Junkie Tours Sdn. Bhd. — licensed Kota Kinabalu tour operator (KPL/LN5696), MATTA member, running wildlife safaris, Mount Kinabalu climbs and cave trips across Sabah and Sarawak since 2008.

Our Contact

Danum Valley

Home › Tours ›

Danum Valley

4D3N Danum Valley Field Centre

4 days
3 nights
Departs Lahad Datu
Basic
Price fromRM 4,550
4D3N Fan Standard Resthouse, per person, minimum 2 people
Duration4 days
3 nights on the road
DepartsLahad Datu
Groupmin 2 pax
Enquire about this trip

About this trip

Danum Valley Field Centre serves as both a research station and a base for visitors wanting to explore the stunning Danum Valley conservation area. Guided walks around the field centre grounds and on the numerous rainforest trails give you the chance to spot orangutans, elephants, gibbons, samba deer, hornbills, Wallace’s frog and more. Accommodations provided at Danum Valley Field Centre are clean & simple and the only option for those wanting to explore this pristine conservation area without going five star. If you are looking for luxury in the jungle then we recommend Borneo Rainforest Lodge or for a more mid-range rainforest experience with excellent wildlife sightings then you could try Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

Highlights

  • One of the world's richest and most pristine lowland dipterocarp ecosystems
  • Guided dawn, day and night walks through primary rainforest trails
  • 300 species of birds, 120 species of mammals & 15000 species of plants
  • Optional 4x4 night drive & Bukit Atur sunrise safari

    • Trip facts

    Danum Valley
    Birding, Jungle walks, Night Drive, Night Walk, Wildlife
    4 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 3 / 5
    Departs from Lahad Datu
    Minimum 2 pax per departure
    Rates: Prices are per person and valid until 31st December 2026
    WhatsApp us
    Send an enquiry

    Day by day

    Day 1

    Arrival at DVFC & afternoon walk

    Depart from Lahad Datu around 9:30 am from your accommodation. Register at the welcome centre upon arrival and check-in after a briefing by DVFC staff. Meet your in-house guide, settle-in and enjoy lunch. After lunch, chat with your guide to plan your days at DVFC. Relax or take an afternoon siesta before going on a mid-afternoon walk in the area as an introduction to the Borneo rainforest. The area surrounding the centre teems with wildlife and it is not unusual for you to spot resident orangutan, hornbills and samba deer. Return to the centre before sundown and enjoy dinner at 7 pm. After dinner, go on a night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4x4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense).

    Day 2

    Nature walk & rainforest trek

    Wake up early for an early morning nature walk nearby DVFC to see the forest come to life. Alternatively, you can also pre-arrange a 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur for a breathtaking sunrise experience atop a canopy of trees – please tell your guide in advance that you are interested in this and they can assist with booking accordingly (additional activity at your own expense and subject to vehicle availability). Return to the centre for breakfast to refuel before heading off on a longer trek with your guide. There is a wide variety of trails in the stunning primary rainforest adjacent to the field centre and your guide will discuss some options with you for the day. Depending on your route, you may either return to the centre for lunch or take a packed lunch to have along the way. Return to the centre in the late afternoon, in time to watch the sky change colour as the sun sets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4x4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense).

    Day 3

    Full day on the Danum Valley trails

    Spend another full day with your guide exploring the forest with more chances to spot wildlife such as gibbons and orangutans. Wander along the trails returning to the lodge and spot birds and other creatures. Spend the rest of the day around the centre or embark on a longer trail if you wish – our guide will have to determine your fitness level before taking you on a long hike. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4x4 night drive (additional activity at your own expense).

    Day 4

    Final walk & transfer to Lahad Datu

    Wake up early for an early walk and more wildlife sighting possibilities. Return to the dining hall for breakfast then get ready for your transfer back to Lahad Datu departing at 9.30am. Arrive at Lahad Datu for onward travel by 12pm. We recommend an afternoon Air Borneo flight for travel back to Kota Kinabalu, or let us know, and we can arrange onward transfers to Semporna, the Kinabatangan river, Sandakan, Tawau or elsewhere.

    Where you'll stay

    Danum Valley Field Centre

    Danum Valley Field Centre

    Danum Valley, Sabah
    Open to visitors since 1986, Danum Valley Field Centre serves as both a research station and a base for visitors wanting to explore the stunning Danum Valley conservation area. Accommodations provided at Danum Valley Field Centre are simple and the only option for those wanting to explore this pristine conservation area without splashing out on Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Private rooms are ensuite with a fan (Standard Resthouse) or air-conditioning (Deluxe Resthouse). Fans and air-conditioning will only function during the generator electricity hours, currently 7am till 11pm. Guided walks around the field centre grounds and on the numerous rainforest trails give you the chance to spot orangutans, elephants, gibbons, samba deer, hornbills, Wallace's frog and more.
  • Superior Deluxe roomAir-conditioning, ensuite bathroom & fridge. 2 single beds, can accommodate 1 extra mattress
  • Deluxe ResthouseAir-conditioning & ensuite bathroom. 2 single beds. No extra beds allowed.
  • Standard ResthouseFan cooled & ensuite bathroom. 2 single beds, can accommodate 1 extra mattress
  • Hostel dormitory2 separate male / female hostel rooms with 48 beds in each and basic bathroom facilities. Located 10 - 15 minutes walk to the dining hall.
    • FacilitiesDining hall serving simple buffet meals, with dietary requests possible given notice. Over 50 km of marked trails, the Bukit Atur observation tower for sunrise and a track through the rainforest for night drives (4WD activities at additional cost).
    Good to knowThis is a working field station rather than a resort, so facilities are functional. Mains power runs on set hours, currently 7am to 11pm. Moderate fitness is needed: expect to walk two to three hours in heat and humidity. The nearest hospital is several hours away in Lahad Datu. The Hostel building is very basic and only recommended for solo travellers on the tightest of budgets.
    A closer look

    What's included

  • Basic accommodation
  • Full board meals
  • Coffee, tea & drinking water
  • Entrance fees
  • Return transfers from Lahad Datu
  • Nature guide on small group basis (max 8 per guide)

    • Not included

  • Travel to Lahad Datu
  • Optional 4x4 activities: night safari and sunrise trip at Bukit Atur
  • Beverages
  • Guide tips / gratuities (optional)

    • Prices

    HostelRM 3950per person
    Fan Standard ResthouseRM 4550per person
    New AC ResthouseRM 4700per person
    Superior Deluxe (Chalet)RM 5000per person
    Pricing notesOptional 4x4 activities: night safari and sunrise trip at Bukit Atur, per person, min 3 pax — RM 85 Optional 4x4 activities if only 2 pax join, per person — RM 120 Private guide for families with children under 12, up to per guide per day — RM 450
    ChildrenFamilies with children under the age of 12 will require a private guide, additional charges apply, please enquire for details. Children will receive the following package discounts: Children aged 3 to 6 years old: 75% discount; Children aged 7 to 12 years old: 25% discount
    Rate validityPrices are per person and valid until 31st December 2026

    Frequently asked questions

    What rooms types are available at Danum Valley Field Centre?
    There are 3 categories of private rooms: Standard Resthouse (fan cooled), Deluxe Resthouse (airconditioned) & Superior Deluxe (larger, airconditioned). There is also a basic Hostel with 2 dormitories (male / female). Electricity, fans & airconditioning only functions during generator hours (7am - 11pm).
    How basic is the accommodation at the Field Centre?
    Good question, and one worth asking to determine if this tour is right for you. Rooms all have real beds and ensuite bathrooms with Western style toilets. Some renovations wouldn't go amiss and the lack of air-conditioning or fans overnight can be a deal-breaker for some people. If you are prepared to compromise on 2-3 nights of lesser quality sleep in exchange for fantastic natural surroundings and the chance for some great wildlife encounters then this is the right place for you. If not, consider staying at Borneo Rainforest Lodge instead or if your budget doesn't allow, then look at our Tabin Wildlife Reserve tours.
    Is there electricity, wifi or phone signal?
    The Field Centre relies on generator power and there is only electricity from 7am to 11pm. Charging points are available in the rooms and hostel and use 3-pin UK style plugs. There is virtually no 3G or phone reception in Danum Valley and no wifi, so prepare to be offline for your whole stay.
    How fit do I need to be?
    Trekking in Danum Valley requires a moderate level of fitness and you should be prepared to walk for at least 2 to 3 hours in hot and humid conditions. With three nights you have two full days on the trails, and your guide will determine your fitness level before taking you on a longer hike. Danum Valley is very remote and in a medical emergency it may take several hours to reach the nearest hospital, which is in Lahad Datu.
    What should I bring?
    Binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, long sleeve shirts and long trousers, a raincoat, sun hat, comfortable trekking shoes, a torch, a water bottle and personal toiletries. Bring some cash as well, since there are no ATMs in Danum Valley. Please consult your physician for up to date advice on vaccinations, anti-malarials and any pre-existing conditions, and take out appropriate travel insurance.
    Can solo travellers join this tour?
    Trips require a minimum of 2 people to depart, and solo travellers are welcome to join our existing departures, subject to a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 people per departure. Single room supplements apply. Email us to check which dates are available and for single occupancy rates.
    is this tour suitable for children and are extra beds available?
    Children who are old enough to enjoy rainforest walks can join this tour. Families with children under 12 will require a private guide for the safety and comfort of all participants and additional fees apply. One extra bed can be added to the Standard Resthouse or Superior Deluxe rooms. The maximum occupancy for the Deluxe Resthouse is 2 people (2 single beds).
    Where do the transfers pick up and drop off?
    Pick up is provided between 9am and 9.30am on the first day from any hotel in Lahad Datu or from Lahad Datu airport, and on day four you leave the Field Centre at 9.30am, arriving back in Lahad Datu by around 12pm. Drop off can be at any Lahad Datu hotel, the airport or the bus station. We recommend an afternoon Air Borneo flight back to Kota Kinabalu, and earlier transfers or onward transfers to Semporna, the Kinabatangan river, Sandakan or Tawau can be arranged on request, with costs varying by location.
    Do I need to prebook the night drive or Bukit Atur sunrise trip?
    No, these are optional extras which are subject to availability, weather & road conditions. For this reason, they are paid directly to the Field Centre after arrival. Please ask your guide and he will be happy to help you arrange this.

    Photos from this trip

    More trips like this one

    Danum Borneo Rainforest Lodge sunrise
    Danum Valley

    3D2N Borneo Rainforest Lodge

    3 days
    Departs Lahad Datu
    From RM 5,900
    View tour
    Danum Borneo Rainforest Lodge sunrise
    Danum Valley

    4D3N Borneo Rainforest Lodge

    4 days
    Departs Lahad Datu
    From RM 8,100
    View tour
    Danum Valley
    Danum Valley

    3D2N Danum Valley Field Centre

    3 days
    Departs Lahad Datu
    From RM 3,300
    View tour
    Danum Valley mist
    Danum Valley / Kinabatangan River / Sepilok

    5D4N East Coast Wildlife Adventure

    5 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 5,190
    View tour
    Borneo Rainforest Lodge
    Danum Valley / Kinabatangan River / Sepilok

    5D4N Jungle in Style (Hornbill Lodge & Borneo Rainforest Lodge)

    5 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 8,040
    View tour
    Pygmy elephants
    Danum Valley / Kinabatangan River / Sepilok / Tabin Wildlife Reserve

    8D7N Ultimate Sabah Wildlife Adventure

    8 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 9,015
    View tour

    Ready to book, or still deciding?

    Tell us your dates and we will come back with availability, the total cost and honest advice — including when a different trip would suit you better.

    Getting between destinations: we also run private van and 4X4 transfers across Sabah and a daily Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan shuttle — ask us to add either to your trip.

    WhatsApp / phone: +60 11 1265 8581
    Email: info@river-junkie.com
    Hours: 8am–5pm, Monday to Sunday
    Office: Wisma Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

    ★ 4.7 / 5 from 288 traveller reviews on TripAdvisor