Lahad Datu

Known as the capital of the Lahad Datu District in the Tawau Division of Sabah, the town is surrounded with cocoa and palm oil plantations. Besides that, it is also a valuable timber exporting port and the city even has its own airport for domestic flights.

Back in the 15th century, a settlement is believed to have existed here as excavations have unearthed Ming dynasty Chinese ceramics. Located east of Lahad Datu is the village of Tunku, a notorious base for pirates and slave traders in the 19th century.

It is believed to be the first site in northern Borneo where Islam was first introduced, based on a Jawi manuscript in the Ida’an language dated 1408 A.D. The Jawi manuscript gives an account of an Ida’an man named Abdullah in Darvel Bay who embraced Islam.

WHAT TO DO IN LAHAD DATU

TALIWAS FORESTRY & RECREATION AREA (TALIWAS PARK)

Taliwas park is the best camping site in Sabah and it is managed by Yayasan Sabah. So, a check-in at the Reception and Information Building is required before entering the campsite.

Getting There
Approximately 55 minutes from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu by flight and about 39km from Lahad Datu which will take another 45 minutes drive on well maintained gravel road to reach Danum Valley Conservation Centre.

BLUE RING REEF

For travelers seeking aquatic adventures like diving and snorkeling, Lahad Datu offers an exceptional destination: the Blue Ring Reef, formerly known as the ‘Blue Lagoon’ before its commercialization. Accessible in just 20 minutes from Payang Jetty, the Blue Ring Reef teems with diverse coral formations and marine life perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. Exercise caution to preserve the delicate ecosystem, avoiding contact with corals and sea urchins. Nearby, Pulau Baik presents another exciting opportunity with the ‘Japanese Timber Wreck,’ a shipwreck submerged for over 30 years due to overload. To arrange your visit to the Blue Ring Reef, reach out to local agent  our travel assistant  or Darvel Bay Diving – Dominic M. mobile 012 818 9281

TAPADUNG CAVE AND BIRDNEST.

The Tapadung Cave Cluster serves as the natural habitat for the rare white Walit bird and is safeguarded by the Idahan tribe, who first discovered these caves scattered along the Segama River banks. With approximately 39 caves within the cluster, notable ones include the Samang Buat Cave (also known as Long Coffin Cave) and Pusu Ronggos Cave. Legend has it that two young men once fought to the death over a girl, leading to their bodies being placed in the same coffin, arranged longitudinally with feet meeting feet—a practice that gave rise to the name Long Coffin Cave.

TABIN WILDLIFE

“Explore the vast expanse of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a sprawling Dipterocarp rainforest located in the eastern part of Sabah. Renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity, Tabin is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, including numerous endangered species. Serving as a vital sanctuary for wildlife conservation, Tabin plays a crucial role in safeguarding endangered mammals in Sabah. Recognized as one of the premier wildlife viewing destinations in Borneo, Tabin offers unparalleled opportunities to witness iconic species such as the Asian Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros, and Tembadau (Banteng wild buffalo, Bos javanicus).”