Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pheasant, the crested fireback pheasant, the blue-headed pitta, the Bornean bristlehead and
several species of hornbill, among many others. If you're serious about birding, it may be
best to stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The canopy walkway here is ideal for bird-
watching, and some of the guides are particularly knowledgeable about birds; attempts are
made to match birders up with these pros. The access road to BRL is also a good spot for
birding, as is, frankly, your porch.
Canopy Walkway
As you'll probably know, most of the action in a tropical rainforest happens up in the
forest canopy, which can be frustrating for earthbound humans. The BRL's 107m-long,
27m-high canopy walkway gives mere mortals a means of transcending the surly bonds of
earth. The swinging bridges traverse a nice section of forest, with several fine
mengaris
and
majau
trees on either side. Birdwatchers often come here at dawn in hopes of check-
ing a few species off their master list. Even if you're not a keen birder, it's worth rolling
out of bed early to see the sun come up over the forest from the canopy walkway - when
there's a bit of mist around, the effect is quite magical. It's located on the access road, a
10-minute walk from the lodge. You need to be a guest at the BRL to access the walkway.
Night Drives
This is one of the surest ways to see some of the valley's 'night shift', but driving in the
forest hardly gets a gold star for eco- friendliness; sensitive souls might empathise with
that 'caught-in-the-headlights' feeling. Expect to see one or two species of giant flying
squirrels, sambar deer, civets, porcupines and possibly even leopard cats; lucky sightings
could include elephants, slow loris and clouded leopards (if you spot those, boy are you
ever lucky).
Night drives leave the BRL most evenings; the best trips are the extended night drives,
which depart at about 8.30pm and return at 1am or 2am. Things you'll be glad you
brought: light waterproof jacket, camera with flash, binoculars and a powerful torch.
Drives can be arranged at the Field Centre as well, although you'll probably have to ar-
range the vehicle one day in advance.
Sleeping & Eating
There are two lodging options in the Danum Valley, and you absolutely must have accom-
modation arranged with one of them before you visit - no dropping in. If price is para-
mount go for the Field Centre. Wildlife fanatics who value professionally trained guides
should pick the BRL. The people at Sabah Tourism will try to point you towards the BRL
