Other than a shoddy internet connection (hence the lack of updates), BRL was fantastic and lived up to expectations. It was truly a Jurassic wonderland with primary forests dating from the Jurassic period - the oldest in the world. Every morning I woke up to the sounds of nature and beautiful views of immensely tall trees along a flowing river, all viewed from my balcony with an outdoor tub for 2. I think I took 7 or so cool baths in this tomorrow as I liked to take one everytime I returned from a trek and what better way to cool down than in a cold pool overlooking the river and Forest.
After our initial nature walk where we saw 4 orangutans and several red leaf monkeys, we took a night drive where we saw flying squirrels, a civet, and the eyes of a slow loris.
The next morning we hiked up to the view point on the coffin trail and then down to fairy falls and then jacuzzi pool. Along the way, we saw a family of red leaf monkeys with a white morph which is exceedingly rare, 2 groups of short tail macaques, and a couple bearded pigs. We also swam in the jacuzzi pool which was super refreshing.
On our afternoon walk, we saw a helmeted hornbill and an orangutan up close.
On our night walk, we saw a lesser mouse deer, many sambar deer, a molting spider - a sight our guide has only seen once before in his career, beared pigs, harlequin frogs, fire eared tree frogs, red sided water snakes, and several sleeping birds.
For our last activity, we got up early to do the canopy walks - 6 Bridges suspended 100 feet in the air. Fortunately, the canopy below was tall so it didn't seem quite as scary as it could have been. The view was beautiful but we didn't see too much in the canopies. We did we a couple Borneo gibbons in the trees.
After breakfast , we had the Fortune to see a whole family of long tail macaques in the tree adjacent to the dining area. They were almost posing for photos!
With reluctance, we packed our bags and took one last outdoor bath and left Danum valley. If I have the chance, I will definitely have to return. Maybe next time I can stay for a week, hire a private guide, and take advantage of their spa after my hikes. The view from the dining area and the room would be worth it alone but combine that with the world's oldest primary forest, amazing animal sightings, and delicious meals, what more could you ask for? Make sure to get the deluxe room since it comes with that amazing outdoor pool!
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