GETTING THERE

At first glance, the quaint town of Lahad Datu doesn’t seem to have much to offer compared to the bustling Kota Kinabalu city. Strategically located along the east coast of Sabah, mid-way between Tawau and Sandakan, Lahad Datu is the gateway and a pivotal part of the journey to the mysterious depths of Danum Valley and beyond. Travelers who choose to stick around for the night to explore the charms of the Dent Peninsula can opt to stay at Bike & Tours’ Bed and Breakfast for a clean and comfortable environment before or after venturing Danum Valley.

Flight information from BKI – LDU / LDU – BKI   |   SDK – LDU / LDU – SDK    |    KCH – TWU / TWU – KCH
BKI = Kota Kinabalu   |     LDU = Lahad Datu     |     TWU = Tawau     |    KCH = Kuching     |    ETD = Estimate Time of Departure      |      ETA = Estimate Time of Arrival
Flight Departure Time Hours
BKI - LDU
ETD 0610hrs ETA 0705hrs | ETD 0710hrs ETA 0805hrs
55 mins
LDU - BKI
ETD 1610hrs ETA 1705hrs | ETD 1720hrs ETA 1815hrs
55 mins
SDK - LDU
ETD 1120hrs ETA 1155hrs
35 mins
LDU - SDK
ETD 1330hrs ETA 1405hrs
35 mins
KCH - TWU
ETA 1100hrs ETA 1245hrs
1 hr 45 mins
TWU - KCH
ETD 1310hrs ETA 1445hrs
1 hr 35 mins
How far is it by Car :
Tawau to Danum Valley : Approx. 4 hours drive
Semporna to Danum Valley: Approx. 4 hours drive
Sandakan to Danum Valley : Approx. 5.5 hours drive
Sukau to Danum Valley : Approx. 4.5 hours drive
 
 

Bus information, and how far it is by car from Tawau / Semporna / Sandakan / Sukau

Bus Departure time Hours Transport
KK (North Bus Terminal Inanam) to LDU (Bus Terminal)
ETD 7AM / 9AM / 8PM
Tung Ma Express
KK (North Bus Terminal Inanam) to LDU (Bus Terminal)
ETD 7AM / 9AM / 12PM / 2PM / 6.30PM / 8PM
Sairah Express
KK (North Bus Terminal Inanam) to LDU (Bus Terminal)
ETD 7PM
Gabungan Express
SDK (Bus Terminal) to LDU (Bus Terminal)
ETD 7.30AM / 2PM
Dyana Express
TWU (Sabindo Square Express Bus Terminal) to LDU (Bus Terminal)
ETD 12PM / 1.30PM / 3PM
Gabungan Express
TWU (Sabindo Square Express Bus Terminal) to LDU (Bus Terminal)
ETD 10AM
Optisjaya Express
Semporna (Bus Terminal) to LDU (Bus Terminal)
ETD 8.30AM / 9PM
Manis Express
LDU (Bus Terminal) to KK (Bus Terminal Inanam)
ETD 9AM / 10.30AM / 4.30PM / 10.30PM
Sairah Express
LDU (Bus Terminal) to KK (Bus Terminal Inanam)
ETD 8.15AM / 8.30PM
Gabungan Express
LDU (Bus Terminal) to KK (Bus Terminal Inanam)
ETD 8.30AM / 10.30AM / 4.30PM / 10.30PM
Ali Topan Express
LDU (Bus Terminal) to KK (Bus Terminal Inanam)
ETD 8.30AM / 4PM / 9PM
Dyana Express
LDU (Bus Terminal) to SDK (Bus Terminal)
ETD 3.30PM
Sairah Express
LDU (Bus Terminal) to SDK (Bus Terminal)
ETD 9.30AM / 4PM
Dyana Express
LDU (Bus Terminal) to SDK (Bus Terminal)
ETD 7.30AM / 8.30AM / 9.30AM
Gabungan Express
LDU (Bus Terminal) to TWU (Sabindo Square Express Bus Terminal)
ETD 3AM / 3.30PM / 9.30PM
Ali Topan Express
LDU (Bus Terminal) to TWU (Sabindo Square Express Bus Terminal)
ETD 2.30PM / 3PM / 9PM
Sairah Express
LDU (Bus Terminal) to TWU (Sabindo Square Express Bus Terminal)
ETD 7.30AM / 8.30AM / 10AM
Gabungan Express

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To venture into Danum Valley, one must first set foot in Lahad Datu, a charming town located at Sabah’s southeast coast. Travelers who prefer a more independent itinerary to their adventures can opt to travel on land via minivans from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, and Semporna – granting you a picturesque journey through the countryside. Afterwhich, an approximately 81km drive from Lahad Datu to Danum Valley Conservation Area will take you on a sealed road for the first 15km before continuing on the Yayasan Sabah Group logging road for the rest of the journey.

* All information provided is subject to change without notice.

INSIDER TIPS

  • Telecommunication reception is weak. It’s nature asking you to disconnect and reconnect with her!
  • Weather in the rainforest are different in the city where it is hot and humid but mostly shaded.
  • There are good chances of wildlife sightings, such as macaque, civets, bornean birds and orang utan.
  • Do you know that it is the oldest rainforest in the world? It is that old, over 140 million years old of primary virgin rainforest.
  • If you are a bird enthusiast, this is heaven with over 300 species of birds.
  • It is one of the main crossings for Bornean Pygmy Elephants, the world’s smallest elephant, if you are lucky you would be seeing a herd traveling through the rainforest.
  • You won’t be able to travel on your own as you would need a licensed guide to bring you around. Self driving is also prohibited as permits are only issued to relevant bodies.