Spanning over 438 square kilometres of relatively undisturbed landscapes, Danum Valley Conservation Area is extraordinarily rich in both wildlife and plant life. Dubbed the the130-million-year-old rainforest, Danum Valley's low-lying wilderness of virgin rainforest is recognised as one of the planet's hubs of biodiversity. Its vast canopies shelter some 300 bird species and over 100 mammals - including the clouded leopard, Malayan sun bear, Bornean orangutan and the rare Bornean pygmy elephant - and a profusion of vividly coloured butterflies. This exceptional ecosystem is a popular research destination among natural scientists, and it is possible to attend talks by resident environmental experts at the Danum Valley Field Centre. A network of trails wind through the surrounding jungle, passing viewing platforms tucked amidst the treetops, a suspension bridge over the Segama River, cascading waterfalls and even several ancient burial sites.