Lahad Datu, a quiet town on Sabah’s eastern coast, is typically seen by visitors through the lens of a stopover destination as they continue to nearby natural wonders like Tabin Wildlife Reserve and Danum Valley. But the capital of the Lahad Datu District in the Dent Peninsula is quickly becoming one of the most favourite parts of the country. Steeped in history and enveloped by unbounded natural landscapes, Datu has quietly transformed into a soft tourism destination since 2013. For those in the know, it is the central point for off-the-beaten-path experiences for nature enthusiasts, including trekking and cycling at Mount Silam, diving and snorkelling in Darvel Bay, and wildlife safaris along Bukit Piton and Bole River, all within the Danum Valley Conservation Area.
With tips on everything from the best places to visit to exploring the local gastronomy, here’s a pocket guide to help you find your way around Lahad Datu.
Also, read our guide to Malaysia’s durian season and how to make the most of it.
Best places to visit in Lahad Datu
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Danum Valley, located 71 kilometres from Lahad Datu in Sabah, Malaysia, is a 130-million-year-old rainforest and one of the oldest in the world. Known for its peak biodiversity, it is home to rare species like the Bornean Orangutan, Pygmy Elephant, and Clouded Leopard. The valley is also one of the best examples of eco-tourism, with its to-do list of activities ranging from jungle trekking and birdwatching to canopy walking tours in a tropical environment.
How to reach: The Danum Valley conservation area is approximately 70 km from Lahad Datu. The journey takes about 2.5 hours by land on a gravel road. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended due to the terrain and frequent heavy vehicles.
Fee: A 3D2N Danum Valley Field Centre entry package starts from RM 3,775 (HKD 6,578). An entry permit is mandatory to access the conservation area. Additional permits for research or filming can be arranged through the Danum Valley Management Committee. Walk-in tourists are not allowed.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
The Tabin Wildlife Reserve covers approximately 122,500 hectares northeast of Lahad Datu and is one of Sabah’s largest protected areas. With a cover mainly of lowland dipterocarp forest, this space was declared a protected area in 1984. Home to the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Banteng, and over 300 bird species, the reserve includes nine primate species, clouded leopards, and hornbills. Activities include jungle trekking, wildlife watching, and visiting mud volcanoes, which attract wildlife. Do not miss out on trekking the Gibbon Trail and Rhino Trail.
How to reach: Tabin Wildlife Lodge, located in the Sungai Kapur Forest Reserve, is a 75-minute drive, with scheduled transfers at 8 am and 12 pm from Lahad Datu. Tabin Rainforest Lodge is a 2.5-hour drive, with unscheduled transfers at additional charges.
Fee: The Tabin Wildlife Safari tours start from RM 2,100 (HKD 3,670) for a two-day and one-night package (minimum of two visitors)
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Blue Ring Hole
The Blue Ring Hole at the Tingkayu Reef, also known as Takat Tenggiri, is a rare marine sinkhole site, one of only ten such locations globally. The hole, located in the Teluk Darvel area of Sabah, has a depth of around 15 metres (45 feet) and features two distinct marine sinkholes — undoubtedly making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Malaysia. Besides inspiring you to buy a drone before you travel here, it is also the best place to try scuba diving and snorkelling.
How to reach: The Blue Ring Hole is approximately 20 km from Lahad Datu town and can be reached by speedboat in around 30 minutes.
Fee: Snorkelling is free if you are trained and have the necessary gear. Otherwise, you can book packages with agencies like Sabah Travel for a small fee, including hotel pickup and hiking the Taruakan Hill.
Madai Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre
A 3,436.5-hectare Class 1 forest reserve located 50 kilometres from Lahad Datu, Sabah. It includes Madai Cave, an archaeological site and habitat for swiftlets, whose nests are harvested three times annually by the Ida’an community under the supervision of the Sabah Wildlife Department. A pro tip will be to observe the harvesting process, which takes place three times a year, in April, August and December, by the Ida’an communities
How to reach: The nature centre is 50 kilometres from Lahad Datu and 15 kilometres from Kunak. A cab or car rental is the most convenient way to reach it.
Fee: RM 20 (HKD 34.85)
Pantai Payang Beach
Pantai Payang, located in Tanjong Sepat, Malaysia, is a serene 1.5-kilometre stretch of golden sands along the South China Sea. The beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, with the Tanjong Sepat Fishing Village nearby providing a glimpse into local culture and fresh seafood, which you can enjoy as you sip on a cup of Malaysian Teh Tarik or ‘pulled tea’. Dining options in the area, like Restoran Famous Kim Wah, serve traditional Malaysian flavours.
How to reach: Drive 45 minutes from Lahad Datu, then take a 4-5 km narrow tarred and gravel road through palm oil plantations.
Fee: RM5
Guan Yin Temple
Lahad Datu Guan Yin Temple is a Buddhist temple on the road to Silam in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia. It is known for its architecture and religious significance.
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Best restaurants in Lahad Datu
From hole-in-the-wall eateries to upmarket restaurants, the best way to eat your way through Lahad Datu is simple — ask a local. The culinary scene here has an intriguing duality. It doubles down on preserving regional flavours while appreciating the melting-pot factor by focusing on international cuisine.
- Dojo Nanyang Kopi House: Located at Tabanac Centre, this popular Lahad Datu restaurant serves delicious chicken rice and Tom Yum seafood bihun.
- Hawa’s Artisan Kitchen Supper Club: Hawa’s Artisan Kitchen offers authentic Malay dishes prepared with love, honouring the culinary legacy of the late mother. Specialising in traditional meals like Laksa Johor, the kitchen brings comfort food directly to Lahad Datu homes and offices.
- The Red Rose: Located near Lahad Datu airport, it serves great local food (à la carte and buffet-style) at affordable prices and with friendly service.
- Fook Yuen Lahad Datu: It’s a branch of Fook Yuen from Kota Kinabalu, known for its good teh si cham and toasted bread with various jam spreads. The food is fresh, delicious, and priced accordingly based on your selections.
- Rumpun Selera Restaurant: This restaurant serves a variety of Malay, Indian, and seafood dishes and has an excellent atmosphere for coffee.
Also read | Why Malaysian Culture is Best Expressed Through Its Food
Where to shop?
The true magic of the humble small town lies in the no-fuss mix of modern and local marketplaces: noodles for lunch at Emporium Ramai Rama, one of the oldest supermarkets in the area and Ninso Lahad Datu for home goods. For some, it’s mall hopping through Pasar Rakyat Lahad Datu, Centre Point Shopping Complex, and Darvel Bay Plaza, all popular shopping complexes where you will find almost anything, including local eats.
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How to reach Lahad Datu
By air: Lahad Datu Airport (LDU), located just 1 km from the town centre, serves the area with airlines like MASwings, connecting Lahad Datu to destinations such as Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan.
If you’re flying, the nearest airport is Tawau (TWU), 82.3 km from Lahad Datu, or Sandakan (SDK) Airport, 101.6 km away. Alternatively, you can fly into Kota Kinabalu (BKI) Airport, 408 km away, and then drive for about eight hours to reach your destination.
By road: Take an express bus from Kota Kinabalu (Terminal Inanam) to Lahad Datu. The journey takes approximately eight hours and 37 minutes.
Best time to visit Lahad Datu
The destination experiences consistent weather conditions throughout the year, which can be described as a hot and humid climate — typically ranging from 22°C to 31°C and rarely falling below 21°C or exceeding 32°C. Suppose you’re interested in having a crowdless vacation away from the major cities of Malaysia or simply admiring the stunning forestland. In that case, you’ll want to plan your trip carefully since the best time to visit Lahad Datu can depend entirely on what you want to do there. If you plan to be outdoors, a popular draw here, the ideal time to visit is from late January to mid-April.
To learn more about the weather conditions, check out our guide to the best time to visit Malaysia.
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(Feature image credit: LDyou2, CC-BY-SA-4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Lahad Datu, located in Sabah, is known for its cocoa and palm oil plantations, and proximity to the Danum Valley Conservation Area.
Adventure activities include trekking in Danum Valley, wildlife spotting (like orangutans and pygmy elephants), river cruises, and hiking in the rainforest.
A visit to Lahad Datu can range from a day for quick exploration to 2–3 days, especially if visiting Danum Valley.
Local transportation is easily available including taxis, rental cars (recommended), and buses. For nature expeditions, private and guided tours often include transportation.
Yes, Lahad Datu is generally safe for tourists. Given most eco-tourism tours take place in more remote regions, it is advised to take usual precautions and follow safety guidelines.
For a true taste of local food culture, dig into Sabah dishes such as hinava (a raw fish salad), tuaran mee (fried noodles), and the area’s fresh seafood.
Nearby attractions include Danum Valley, the Lahad Datu Forest Reserve, Madai Caves, and the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Written By
Sneha Chakraborty
Sneha Chakraborty is a journalist and photographer covering how travel intersects with food, culture, ..Read More
