Continuing from the previous post…
After a satisfying lunch, we bid farewell to the breathtaking Tabin Wildlife Reserve and embarked on a 2.5-hour drive back to Lahad Datu. From there, we headed to the Danum Valley Conservation Area office, located upstairs in Utan’s reception area, to complete our registration. As soon as we stepped upstairs, the atmosphere shifted dramatically—from the cozy resort vibe below to something more reminiscent of a government office.
The bureaucratic energy was palpable, leaving an unmistakable impression.
📌Transport: Our journey from the office to the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC) was nothing short of exhilarating and took about two hours. For the first 1.5 hours, we wound our way through pristine tropical rainforest, the road narrowing dramatically and enveloping us in a dense canopy that felt worlds apart from the secondary forests of Tabin.
It was here, amid this untouched wilderness, that we stumbled upon fresh elephant dung on the road—and moments later, an entire herd of elephants! First, a majestic male elephant crossed our path with grace and authority. Not far behind, we spotted a group of 7–8 elephants grazing peacefully by the roadside, including two adorable baby elephants.
We couldn’t help but stop to capture countless photos. To top it off, we even walked alongside one of the adult elephants for a while—it was pure magic!
📌Essential items: Be sure to pack plenty of long-sleeved shirts and pants (to protect against leeches), specialized leech socks, a reliable flashlight, toiletries like shampoo and body wash, a reusable water bottle, sturdy non-slip shoes (the trails are incredibly muddy), binoculars for birdwatching, and protective gear such as a neck shield and hat.
📌Photography equipment: For capturing the wonders of the rainforest, consider bringing a lightweight telephoto lens like the Tamron 50-400 (a heavy lens will weigh you down during treks). A macro lens and flash are also great additions for close-up shots of flora and fauna.
📌Accommodation: We opted for a “Deluxe Room,” which, according to the brochure, was supposed to be the pinnacle of luxury at the Danum Valley Field Centre. In reality, though, it felt more like a university dormitory—basic and functional, with little regard for comfort [Embarrassed]. Power is available only between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM, and without air conditioning outside these hours, sleep can become a challenge.
There are no toiletries provided—not even toothpaste or toothbrushes—and you’ll need to fetch drinking water daily from the dining area. Beds are twin-sized, not double, and our ground-floor room came with an unwelcome guest: a sizable centipede. Keep in mind, this is primarily a research facility, so don’t expect lavish accommodations.
Its purpose is survival, not indulgence. Research demands sacrifice [Frustrated]. The food, too, falls short compared to what we experienced at Utan and Sukau. Each day offers just one meat dish and one hot dish, and diners are responsible for clearing their own plates and washing up afterward. While Sukau might suit all travelers and Utan appeals to wildlife enthusiasts, DVFC isn’t recommended for casual visitors [Disappointed][Disappointed]—unless you’re a researcher, a passionate wildlife lover, or someone who thrives in rugged conditions.
This adventure reminds us that true exploration often involves embracing discomfort alongside awe-inspiring beauty.
