Danum

Danum is a geographical name most often associated with Sabah, Malaysia, in the northeast part of Borneo. The term is linked to the Danum River, which flows through the Danum Valley region, and it has become a reference point for rainforest conservation and ecological research in the area.

Danum Valley Conservation Area is a protected area located in the Lahad Datu District of Sabah. It preserves lowland rainforest and is one of the region’s best-known sites for tropical ecology. The area hosts a diverse range of wildlife, including Bornean orangutans, clouded leopards, proboscis monkeys, and hundreds of bird and plant species. The Danum Valley Field Centre operates within the reserve as a long-standing hub for ecological research and environmental education, hosting scientists from around the world and supporting conservation initiatives.

Access to the valley is primarily by road from Lahad Datu, with facilities and programs designed to promote conservation and low-impact tourism. Visitors can participate in guided rainforest treks and nocturnal walks, gaining opportunities to observe the area’s biodiversity while emphasizing environmental stewardship. The Danum Valley region is regarded as an important reference site for studies of tropical forest ecosystems and conservation practices in Southeast Asia.