2025 Lahad Datu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#kotakinabalutrip The jungle air in Tabin hit me like a warm, earthy hug—filled with the musky scent of damp leaves and the distant call of gibbons. My first sight? A **pygmy elephant** casually snacking on palm fronds like it was at an all-you-can-eat buffet. 🐘 The *OMG moment*? When our night safari spotlight caught a **clouded leopard’s** eyes glowing in the dark—pure magic! (Cue our entire group silently freaking out.) **Hidden gem:** The **Lipad Mud Volcano**—a natural spa where wildlife comes to lick minerals. We watched hornbills and bearded pigs having their own weird pool party! **Jungle eats:** Back at the lodge, the **wild boar curry** was so flavorful, I almost forgot I was eating someone’s distant forest cousin. Almost. 😅 **Quick Itinerary:** ⏰ **3 PM:** Arrive, jungle briefing (aka "don’t pet the wildlife" talk) ⏰ **4 PM:** Trek to mud volcano ⏰ **7 PM:** Night safari adventure ⏰ **6 AM Next Day:** Dawn birdwatching **Pro tips:** - Pack binoculars (you’ll want them!) - Wear muted colors (no flamingo pink—you’re not the attraction here) - Charge your camera (you’ll shoot 1000+ pics, guaranteed) This is Borneo’s wild heart—untamed, unforgettable, and absolutely *nuts* (in the best way). 🌴

#forest #100waysoftravel #nature #greenery The Borneo Rainforest is an unforgettable destination, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of one of the world’s oldest ecosystems. From the moment you enter, you're surrounded by towering trees, vibrant flora, and the sounds of exotic wildlife. The guided treks offer insights into the unique plants and animals that inhabit this lush environment, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and countless bird species. The air is fresh and invigorating, perfect for exploring the winding trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden waterfalls. Whether you’re hiking through the dense jungle or cruising along the river, each moment feels like a true adventure. After a day of exploration, staying at one of the lodges nearby enhances the experience. These lodges provide comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the rainforest. The sounds of nature create a tranquil atmosphere, making it easy to unwind. Many offer delicious local cuisine, allowing you to savor the flavors of Borneo. Overall, visiting the Borneo Rainforest is a must for nature enthusiasts, and the lodge stay adds a touch of comfort and connection to this remarkable environment. It's an experience that will leave you with lasting memories of one of the world's most incredible natural wonders.

Doing job as conservationist brought me to place like this. This place is located in Lahad Datu district and inside Tabin Wildlife Reserve. The place is called Tabin Wildlife Resort. You can do many activity related to nature here. If you lucky you can see Gibbon hanging around the resort area. You also can see many type of birds also. For sure i will come back to here again#tabin #gibbon #lahaddatu *I"m enjoying my black coffee while enjoying nature.

The Danum Valley is one of the largest (428 square kilometers) and oldest (about 130 Ma) primary lowland dipterocarp forests in Borneo. Now it is a reserve with a high level of biological diversity and visiting the Danum Valley is the dream of most naturalists. There are over 50 kilometers of jungle trails for visitors to see. One of the most recommended trails is the 2.6 kilometers View Point trail. Danum Valley is an animal kingdom and 124 mammals, 72 reptiles, 56 amphibians and 37 fishes live happily under one big mass of forest. #bucketlistreboot #malaysia #naturewonders #mountainview #summervacation

Canopy Walk Bridge In Borneo rainforest lodge Danum Lahad Datu, Sabah. The best suspension bridge in the world where you can explore the forest reserve in Danum, Sabah. CANOPY WALK BRIDGE DANUM VALLEY LAHAD DATU SABAH 300 meters long (985 feet) and 27 meters (90 feet) high. This amazing suspension bridge is one of the best in the world where you can explore the forest reserve in Danum, Sabah. This vast rain catchment area is home to Sumatran rhinoceros, orangutans, deer, and leopards. There are as many as 270 bird species have been recorded in this area. The Danum Research Center is located within this 440 square km forest reserve. WELCOME N VISIT LAHAD DATU 😍😍

Getting There - Start your journey from Lahad Datu Airport. Rent a 4 wheels drive car to come over here. The road is good but about 26KM is gravel road. It will take around 1 hour from Lahad Datu town Attractions - Wildlife creature like Elephant, Gibon, Orang Hutan etc. River and Jungle vibe the most amazing part. You can enjoy the calmness during take you morning coffee breakfast Food & Restaurants - You can enjoy sandwich, english breakfast tea and “roti bakar” here. Hotel- Good to stay beside the sound of river.

Brilliant place to explore and see wildlife .

I wonder what events nature has in store for it to present its beauty to humans without any visible flaws. Thank you, God. Gifting the silence and beauty of the world to us dwarfs. #lembahdanum #naturalwonders

Lahad datu good environement and nice weather go travel with cheap price to enjoy by using trip.com and booked flight ticket also by used at trip.com save more budget.

#kotakinabalutrip Tucked away in **Lahad Datu, Sabah**, **Sungai Kapur** (Kapur River) offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure into **Borneo’s wild rivers, lush jungles, and traditional riverine life**. Far from tourist crowds, this area is perfect for travelers seeking raw nature, cultural encounters, and a glimpse of rural Sabah. --- ## **Why Visit Sungai Kapur, Lahad Datu?** ### **1. Untouched Jungle & River Landscapes** - The **Kapur River** winds through dense rainforest, home to **proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and crocodiles**. - **Mangrove forests** along the riverbanks create a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. ### **2. Traditional Bajau & Sungai Villages** - Meet **Bajau Laut** (sea nomads) and **Sungai** (river-dwelling) communities living in stilt houses. - Observe **traditional fishing techniques** and handicraft-making. ### **3. Gateway to the Danum Valley & Tabin Wildlife Reserve** - Sungai Kapur is a **staging point** for trips to these world-famous conservation areas. - Spot **pygmy elephants, orangutans, and clouded leopards** in nearby forests. ### **4. River Safaris & Nighttime Wildlife Spotting** - **Boat tours** at dusk reveal **fireflies, nocturnal birds, and glowing fungi**. - Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck with local guides. --- ## **Top Experiences in Sungai Kapur** ✔ **River safari** to spot proboscis monkeys and crocodiles ✔ **Visit a Bajau stilt village** and learn about river life ✔ **Jungle trekking** along remote trails ✔ **Birdwatching** – over 200 species recorded in the area ✔ **Photography tours** at golden hour for misty river scenes --- ## **How to Get There** - **From Lahad Datu Town**: ~1-hour drive (some areas require 4WD). - **Guided Tours**: Recommended, as local experts know hidden spots and ensure safety. ## **Best Time to Visit** - **Dry Season (March–October)**: Easier river access and wildlife sightings. - **Avoid Heavy Rains (Nov–Feb)**: Flooding can disrupt travel. --- ## **Where to Stay** - **Lahad Datu Town**: Hotels like **Borneo Nature Lodge** for comfort. - **Riverside Homestays**: For an immersive village experience (arrange in advance). --- ## **Travel Tips** - **Hire a local guide** – Navigation is tricky without expertise. - **Pack leech socks & rain gear** – The jungle is humid and wet. - **Respect local customs** – Ask permission before photographing villagers. --- ## **Final Thoughts** Sungai Kapur is **Borneo at its most authentic**—where rivers carve through ancient forests, wildlife thrives unseen, and traditions endure. If you crave adventure beyond Sabah’s usual trails, this hidden corner of Lahad Datu awaits. **Ever explored Lahad Datu’s rivers? Share your stories below!** 🌿🚤 #SungaiKapur #LahadDatu #SabahHiddenGems #BorneoAdventure #Ecotourism #WildlifeSabah

Pantai Sarina in Kunak, Sabah, is a hidden gem of natural beauty, where the tranquil shores meet the vast, open sea. The soft, golden sands stretch along the coastline, kissed by gentle waves, offering a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of city life. Surrounded by lush greenery and the occasional silhouette of distant islands, it’s a place where time seems to slow down, and the vibrant sunsets paint the sky in hues of pink, orange, and purple. The serenity and untouched charm of this beach make it a perfect haven for those seeking to connect with nature in its purest form. #beachlife #visit_sabah

✨Hotel Highlights ♨️Amenities 🛁Room Environment 🍽️Breakfast 🛎️Hotel Service 💗Guest Experience#travel

This is the view outside of my hotel. Raining for the past few days, busy streets.

💞Reasons to Recommend:

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos @ Imago Shopping Mall 💡 Tips

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Hotel de Leon 2.Felda Residence Sahabat 💡 Tips

When it comes to food in Lahad Datu, one dish that stands out among locals and visitors alike is the famous beef noodles. The star of the show is the tender and flavorful beef, cooked to perfection and served in a rich, savory broth. The broth is simmered for hours, extracting every ounce of flavor from the beef bones, herbs, and spices. It’s a combination of deep, comforting flavors that will leave you craving more with every bite. The noodles are perfectly cooked, with a slight chew that complements the tender slices of beef. One of the secrets to enhancing the flavor of the dish is the addition of a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring that you leave fully satisfied. Address :Jalan Tabanak 5, 91100 Lahad Datu, Sabah #LahadDatuEats #BeefNoodles #FamousBeefNoodles #SabahFood #LimeAndBeef #SabahTravel #LahadDatuFood

located in a good location. easy to find food. .room is comfortable...

early morning atmosphere at Felda, friends

Departure Hall Lahad Datu

fly back to kota kinabalu

#myhiddengems Saw gibbons and orangutans while in the valley along with civets and countless birds (hornbills, owls, etc.). It really is a wonderful place to see wildlife. That being said, it is incredibly hot and humid and leeches are ever present. As others have mentioned, bring long socks and a change of clothes or two. Also worth mentioning that it is possible to save some money by staying at the hostel and cooking your own meals. Danum valley is expensive and this was the cheapest option we found (aside from longer term volunteering) for visiting. Also worth noting that the sky bridge pictured in some other reviews is only accessible if you stay at the lodge, which is quite far away from the research center lodging area.

Every morning i wake up to the sunrise. How calming can a time be, like at the time of before sunrise, where most people are still sleeping, dreaming their best dreams, or not. The silence, the serenity. Something i would treasure, something to be kept in mind. For this peace will not always be able to be seen. #sunrise #beach

a bit old but cosy. ..located in the middle of Lahad Datu town. ..easy access to shopping mall & restaurant. .

The advantage of a small airport is that you don’t have to walk that far. It’s only about 20 steps from the waiting room to the small plane 🙂 🙂