Choose your stay
Three very different places to stay sit inside the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Learn how they compare for comfort, trail access and wildlife to find the right fit.
Where it is
The Danum Valley Conservation Area sits 81 kilometres west of Lahad Datu. The forest here is 130 million years old and supports over 124 mammal species.
You need a conservation-area permit arranged with your stay. For health and safety in Borneo's rainforest, travel and health insurance is advised and cover that includes emergency evacuation is sensible in a place this remote.
All 3 stays share an unpaved road from Lahad Datu, taking around 2.5 hours. INFAPRO is near the entrance; the lodge and Study Centre lie deeper in the forest.
Highlights
Borneo Rainforest Lodge offers 31 air-conditioned chalets and private plunge pools.
Danum Valley Study Centre operates as a working scientific station.
INFAPRO guests participate directly in a 25,000-hectare carbon offset project.
Every stay includes an arranged conservation permit; travel and health insurance is advised.
Travel time from Lahad Datu takes roughly 2.5 hours by 4WD vehicle.
Premium chalets
Borneo Rainforest Lodge limits capacity to 31 chalets and villas, with at most 60 guests sharing the trails.
31 chalets and villas
The lodge provides 24-hour power and air conditioning. You eat full-board meals at The Restaurant and Bar and you can book a treatment at the Mandara Spa.
Glass walls and plunge pools
The higher-tier rooms feature glass walls and private infinity plunge pools. You can book a dedicated private naturalist guide to tailor your days.
Twin beds · fan-cooled or air-conditioned rooms
The Danum Valley Study Centre opened in 1986 as a scientific base. It hosts researchers from global universities.
Twin beds
Study Centre resthouses and superior deluxe chalets have twin beds. Cafeteria-style local meals are served in a communal dining hall at fixed times.
Reforestation basecamp
INFAPRO offers comfortable rooms near the entrance gate and a base for participating in a 25,000-hectare rainforest rehabilitation project.
Shared conditions
The lodge and Study Centre offer unlogged forest; INFAPRO focuses on restoration. All walks require your assigned guide. Pack leech socks. The Study Centre offers over 50 kilometres of marked trails. During maintenance at Bukit Atur and the Segama River suspension bridge, guides use alternative trails and a morning drive replaces the sunrise trip.
Wildlife
Danum supports over 124 mammal species. Wherever you stay, you have the same chance to see wild orangutans and Bornean pygmy elephants on the trails.
Where it is
Rates on enquiry: no prices are published.
Stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge for air-conditioned comfort after exploring the forest trails.
Ask about this
Higher-tier rooms have private infinity plunge pools; a dedicated private naturalist guide can tailor your days.
Ask about this
Stay at a working scientific station with access to marked forest trails.
Ask about thisCommon questions
Yes. Everyone entering the conservation area requires a permit. This is arranged automatically when you book your stay.
No. Unescorted visits and self-driving are prohibited. All stays include a scheduled overland transfer from Lahad Datu.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge offers Premium Deluxe Chalets that sleep up to 4 people. The Study Centre has twin rooms so families must book multiple rooms.
Travel and transport
Book through a licensed travel agency. All stays include a scheduled transfer from Lahad Datu, taking around 2.5 hours by 4WD on the same unpaved road. Conservation permits are arranged with your stay. Travel and health insurance is advised, with evacuation cover sensible.
Onward travel
Explore nearby Kinabatangan River, Tabin Wildlife Reserve or Sepilok. Tell the team your party size and wildlife interests to help plan an itinerary that fits your pace.
Premium chalets
Speak to the team to compare Borneo Rainforest Lodge, the Study Centre and INFAPRO for your lowland rainforest treks.
