Lahad Datu

Introducing Lahad Datu

Like Sandakan, Lahad Datu is a busy town set on a lovely bay, with a hill at its back and a slightly scrappy water village on its outskirts. This area of eastern Sabah is known for its pirates, who eschew Johnny Depp romanticism in favour of speedboats and machine guns. According to local gossip, one crew even walked right into town some years ago, shot up the buildings and robbed a bank! Raids on ships and coastal villages are not uncommon, so it’s probably not the best idea to hire a boat here.

There’s no real reason to stop in Lahad Datu, except to arrange onward transport or visits to the Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Borneo Nature Tours (880207; www.brl.com.my; Block 3, Lot 20, Fajar Centre) and the Danum Valley Field Centre (881092; Block 3, Fajar Centre) have offices next to each other in the upper part of town.

If you plan to visit the Tabin Wildlife Reserve independently, it’s best to contact the Wildlife Department office (Pejabat Hidupan Liar; 884416), just in case a permit is necessary. It’s four blocks south of the Danum Valley Field Centre office.

Don’t be surprised if cars frequently slow down and honk as you walk by. These are private taxis that shuttle people between the upper and lower parts of town (where the bus station is) for RM3.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009