5D4N Wings & Wonder: Bird Watching Tour at Danum Valley Field Centre


TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: ABLD-DVFC07
DESCRIPTION: 5D4N WINGS & WONDER: BIRD WATCHING TOUR AT DANUM VALLEY FIELD CENTRE
REGION: Danum Valley
DURATION: 5 Days 4 Nights
MINIMUM: 2 Pax
AVAILABILITY: Pre-Book Needed
PICK UP POINT: Your Hotel in Lahad Datu / Lahad Datu Airport
PICK UP TIME: 08:00 - 08:15 Hrs
DROP OFF POINT: Your Hotel in Lahad Datu / Lahad Datu Airport
DROP OFF TIME: 13:30 - 13:45 Hrs
* All timings are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

Tour highlights

  • Explore the renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area, a haven for avian enthusiasts with over 300 bird species including all eight species of Hornbills
  • Guided birdwatching excursions along diverse trails led by knowledgeable experts
  • Thrilling opportunities for spotting nocturnal wildlife during enchanting night walks or optional 4x4 night safaris
  • Bask in panoramic views of the rainforest canopies atop Bukit Atur as the sun emerges from the horizon

OVERVIEW OF LOCATION

Embark on an extraordinary 5-day birding expedition to the renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area in Borneo, home to a 130-million-year-old primary rainforest and a haven for avian enthusiasts with over 300 bird species, including numerous endemics. Each day offers thrilling opportunities for birdwatching along diverse trails guided by knowledgeable experts. Highlights include the chance to see the seven hornbill species of Borneo, making it an ideal destination for birding and bird photography.

Evenings are reserved for enchanting night walks or 4x4 night safaris to spot nocturnal wildlife, adding another layer to your rainforest adventure. Marvel at the dawn's first light atop Bukit Atur, or enjoy final morning birding sessions before bidding farewell to the centre. Delight in the colourful spectrum of tropical birds, immersive rainforest walks, and the unmatched beauty of Borneo's pristine wilderness, leaving you with cherished memories of an unforgettable birding adventure. This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and wildlife photographers seeking an enriching and immersive experience in one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems.

INFORMATION
Check-in Time: 11:30 Hrs
Check-out Time: 10:30 Hrs

ACCOMMODATION

SUPERIOR DELUXE

  • Twin Bed
  • Attached Bathroom with Heated Shower
  • Air Conditioned
  • Pillow, Blanket, Towel, Soap & Tissue
  • Refrigerator
  • Cupboard
  • Sofa
  • Working Table

DELUXE RESTHOUSE

  • Twin Bed
  • Attached Bathroom with Heated Shower
  • Air Conditioned
  • Pillow, Blanket, Towel, Soap & Tissue
  • Working Table

STANDARD RESTHOUSE

  • Twin Bed
  • Attached Bathroom with Heated Shower
  • Ceiling Fan
  • Pillow, Blanket, Towel, Soap & Tissue
  • Cupboard
  • Working Table

DORMITORY

  • Dormitory Bunk Beds (48 Male ; 48 Female)
  • Common Bathroom
  • Wall Fan
  • Pillow, Blanket & Towel

MEALS SUPPLY
Malaysian home-style breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets are served at the dining hall. Vegetarian options are provided upon request.

Complimentary coffee and tea are available all day at the dining hall.

  • Breakfast: 07:00 Hrs – 08:00 Hrs
  • Lunch: 12:00 Hrs – 13:00 Hrs
  • Dinner: 19:00 Hrs – 20:00 Hrs

GENERATOR SUPPLY (ELECTRICITY)

  • ON: 07:00 Hrs
  • OFF: 23:00 Hrs

BIRD SPECIES OF INTEREST

Bornean Bristlehead, Whiskered Treeswift, Large Frogmouth, Gould’s Frogmouth, Red-naped Trogon, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Diard’s Trogon, Cinnamon-rumped Trogon, All eight species of Hornbills (Rhinoceros, Wreathed, Wrinkled, Asian Black, White-crowned, Oriental Pied, Bushy-crested & Helmeted), Bornean Crested Fireback, Blue Eared Barbet, Red-throated Barbet, Brown Barbet, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Olive-backed Woodpecker, Green Broadbill, Dusky Broadbill, All Bornean endemic Pittas, Black-throated Wren Babbler, Bornean Wren Babbler, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Bornean Blue Flycatcher, Great Argus, Bornean Black Magpie, Bornean Wren Babbler, Yellow Rumped Flowerpecker, Barred Eagle Owl, Brown Wood Owl, Bornean Banded Kingfisher, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Crested Jayshrike, Chestnut-naped Forktail, White-crowned Forktail, Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle, Blyth’s Hawk Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle.

Sample itinerary

Day 1 - Lahad Datu / Danum Valley Field Centre / Jungle Walk / Night Safari Drive

Begin your journey with a pick-up from Lahad Datu Airport or your hotel, embarking on a captivating 2½ hour overland journey to the renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area. 

Delight in the picturesque transformation of landscapes, from regenerating forests to the ancient virgin rainforests of Borneo, boasting a remarkable age of 130 million years. 

As a premier birding destination in Borneo, Danum Valley offers an extraordinary diversity of avian species, with over 300 recorded, including numerous endemics, making it a must-visit for bird enthusiasts. 

Upon arrival, complete registration at the Danum Valley Conservation Area Reception & Information Building and check-in following a briefing by Danum Valley Field Centre staff. 

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the dining hall before discussing your itinerary with your guide. Your itinerary can be tailored to suit your interests. 

Relax or take a rejuvenating power nap before embarking on a captivating mid-afternoon walk around the centre, providing an immersive introduction to the tropical rainforest. 

Return to the centre before sundown to savour a delightful dinner at 7:00 PM, followed by a thrilling 4x4 night drive to observe nocturnal wildlife. 

Meals : Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Danum Valley Field Center (DVFC)

Day 2 - Bird Watching / Night Walk

Rise early for exhilarating full-day birding excursions along the diverse trails surrounding the centre. 

Spend the day immersed in the captivating sights and sounds of the rainforest, with opportunities to spot a plethora of avian species. 

Return to the centre in the late evening, witnessing the enchanting transition of colours as daylight fades. 

After dinner, embark on another enchanting night walk with your knowledgeable guide, or opt for an optional 4x4 night safari (additional expense) to further explore the nocturnal wonders of the rainforest. 

Meals : Breakfast / Packed-lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Danum Valley Field Center (DVFC)

Day 3 - Bird Watching / Night Walk

Fuel up for another exciting day with a hearty breakfast before heading out with your expert guide on a thrilling birdwatching adventure along the centre's diverse trails.

Throughout the day, feast your senses on the captivating sights and sounds of the rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for other bird species that you have not spotted yet!

As the day winds down, return to the centre for dinner and witness the magical transformation of colours as the rainforest transitions into nightfall.

After a delicious dinner, choose your evening adventure: embark on another captivating night walk with your knowledgeable guide or opt for an optional 4x4 night safari (additional expense).

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Danum Valley Field Center (DVFC)

Day 4 - Bird Watching / Night Walk

Fuel up for another full-day birding adventure with a delicious breakfast. Then, delve into the diverse trails surrounding the centre, led by your expert guide. Keep your eyes peeled for a dazzling array of birds and soak in the captivating sights and sounds of the rainforest.

Return to the centre in the late evening for your dinner.

After a delightful dinner, you can opt for another captivating night walk with your guide or embark on an optional thrilling 4x4 night safari (additional expense).

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Danum Valley Field Center (DVFC)

Day 5 - Sunrise at Bukit Atur / Lahad Datu

Wake up early at 4:30 Hrs for a 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur, where you can greet the dawn's first rays as they touch the valley, or alternatively, rise at 6:00 Hrs for a final morning birding session with your guide. 

Return to the centre for a hearty breakfast before preparing for check-out at 11:30 Hrs, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable adventure at Danum Valley Field Centre. 

Depart DVFC for your onward journey to Lahad Datu, with fond memories of your birding expedition amidst Borneo's spectacular rainforests. 

Meals : Breakfast

Meals 04 Breakfast, 04 Lunch, 04 Dinner
Accommodation 04 Nights Stay at Danum Valley Field Center (DVFC)
Includes Scheduled Transfers (09:30 hrs: Depart LDU for DVFC & 10:30 Hrs: Depart DVFC for LDU), Meals as Stated, Entrance Permit & Taxes to Conservation Area, English Speaking Guide, 04 Nights Accommodation, Guided Jungle Walks, 01 Night Drive, 01 Sunrise Drive
Excludes Domestic Airfares (BKI>LDU>BKI), Camera and Video Fees, Personal Expenses, Alcoholic Drinks, Personal Travel Insurance, Peak Season Surcharge (If Any), Tourism Tax (TTx), Any Items Not Mentioned
  • Comfortable cotton T-shirts paired with outdoor pants (breathable, quick-dry material in earthy tones) 
  • Raincoat 
  • Cap / hat 
  • Insect repellent  
  • Good trekking shoes  
  • Leech socks  
  • Head torch or torch light 
  • Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag content dry) 
  • Swimwear 
  • Binoculars 
  • Personal first aid kit, toiletries, and medications 

Before departing from Lahad Datu, you may ask your driver to bring you to a local shop to buy "adidas kampung" (rubber trekking shoes) – the recommended shoes for trekking through Borneo tropical rainforest. 

  • Please note that the itinerary provided for DVFC serves as a sample, and you are encouraged to customise the activities after consulting with your nature guide upon arrival. 
  • Cell phone coverage at DVFC is available but limited depending on weather conditions and satellite function. Be prepared to have no coverage for some of your stay. 
  • DVFC electricity is powered by generators. The generators will shut down from 23:00 Hrs - 07:00 Hrs. Battery-powered lamps are provided in each room but you may wish to bring your own torchlight. 
  • Please ensure you are holding an air ticket to Lahad Datu. 
  • Standard check-in and check-out times for most hotels & resorts are 14:00 Hrs & 12:00 Hrs. However, check-in & check-out times may vary depending on each accommodation. So kindly check with us to get accurate check-in & check-out times of your accommodation. 
  • Effective as of 1st September 2017, the Tourism and Culture Ministry of Malaysia will be implementing a Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTx). Foreign tourists will be required to pay a flat rate of MYR 10 per room per night regardless of accommodation star level. The TTx is to be paid upon check-in. Malaysians or permanent residents residing in Malaysia are exempted from TTx and are required to present valid identification upon check-in for the exemption 
  • Recommended flights from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu: Malaysia Airlines MH3012 (ETD 0720hrs / ETA 0815hrs) 
  • Recommended flights from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia Airlines MH3017 (ETD 1455hrs / ETA 1550hrs) 
  • The above flight times are suggestions and subject to change. Please always verify these times with the airline schedules to ensure they align with your specific needs. 
  • A permit is required for any photos and videos taken for commercial use. This must be arranged prior to your trip. 
  • Danum Valley Field Centre is a no-fly zone. If you wish to fly a drone, you must apply for a permit at least 2 months prior to your trip. 
  • The power outlets at DVFC are all UK 3-pin sockets. For electronics and appliances that do not have UK 3-pin plugs, you may wish to bring your own power adapters. 
  • This package is based on a join-in basis of shared guide and transport vehicle. a Private Guide or Tour is available upon request at a reasonable fee. Please inform us when making the bookings.  
  • Activities are subject to weather conditions and may be re-organised to best meet operational situations. 
  • Amazing Borneo Tours does not guarantee wildlife sightings. 
  • Departure time is approximate and varies from different hotels due to traffic conditions; please reconfirm with our staff. Should the transport be delayed, please call the relevant telephone number as stated on the voucher before making alternative arrangements. 
  • Amazing Borneo Tours reserves the right to alter routes, timetables, itineraries, and reserved accommodation should conditions beyond our control render it necessary. 
  • Tipping is like giving a hug. Although it’s never expected, it’s always very much appreciated.