If you’re a nature and wildlife lovers then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve uncovered one of the most undiscovered places in Asia for your bucket list. Did you know some of the oldest rainforests in the world are near Singapore? In particular, Danum Valley is a picturesque site, that resembles the African Jungles, in Malaysia’s Sabah on the island of Borneo.
The unique and ancient rainforest is estimated to be more than 130 to 140 million years old. In fact, it’s allegedly the second oldest rainforest in the world, making it older than the Amazon, which is around 55 million years old. While the third oldest rainforest globally is Malaysia’s Taman Negara. Interestingly, the world’s oldest rainforest is the 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest in Queensland in Australia.
Danum Valley, Malaysia
Danum Valley is isolated, untouched, in a stunning location around 70km from Lahad Datu, with limited human interactions. The renowned conversation area spans 438 square kilometres, boasting a rich biodiversity, unique to Malaysia. The valley is shaped like a bowl with a maximum elevation of 1,093 metres and pristine lowland.
The valley is home to an iconic variety of plant and animal species with more than 340 bird species, 120 mammal species, 72 reptiles, 15,000 plant species including fruit trees and the world’s tallest tropical tree, and 56 amphibian species. Notably, there are many endangered animals living in the valley including the Pygmy Elephant, Bornean Orangutan, Clouded Leopard, Sun Bear, Proboscis Monkey, and Sumatran Rhinoceros.
The ancient forest is a popular destination for eco-tourism activities such as a 300-metre long bridge walk, river swims, jungle trekking, bird watching, night safari, and more – each designed with minimal environmental impact.
History of Danum Valley
Danum Valley boasts a remarkable ecosystem which has survived millions of years with no human settlement. It became a Protection Forest Reserve in 1995 so no commercial activities are allowed and there is controlled access.
How to get there
Those eager to visit Danum Valley Conservation Area must take a direct flight to Tawau in less than five hours before driving one hour and 30 minutes. Otherwise, you can take a connecting flight from Changi Airport via Kuala Lumpur to Lahad Datu.
There are various accommodations available at places like Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley Field Centre, and Kawag Danum Rainforest Lodge. It is advised to stay at least three days and go during the dry period between March and end of October.
World’s oldest rainforests
These are the Top 5 world’s oldest rainforests according to research:
- Daintree Rainforest, Australia
- Danum Valley (Borneo Rainforest), Borneo, Malaysia
- Taman Negara, Malaysia
- Amazon Rainforest
- Yakushima Forest, Japan
Certainly, nature lovers from Singapore can’t miss Danum Valley or Taman Negara offering a rare glimpse into one of the world’s most untouched and oldest rainforests. Learn more about Danum Valley on the website.
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