From Tawau to Lahad Datu 
Supposing you have just came back from the island resort, and you want to relax and to get a lot of quality fresh air, visit Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife to experience the Sabah Borneo Wildlife and rainforest and to get closer to nature. Lahad Datu is another town that one should never missed, as most wildlife resort will departing from this town, if you are not traveling with tour, resort operator will normally arrange transport to fetch you up at the town.

Traveling to Lahad Datu either from Semporna or Tawau will take less than 3 hours drive, you will come across the junction to Kunak Town, another small town in the North coast of Sabah. Entering the town from the junction will probably take you 15minute, don’t bother to drive in as there is nothing too special for you to see there. 
 
A short drive after you have passing the junction you will find a sign shows a left turn to Madai Cave. By passing the left turn you will soon arriving Madai Waterfall by the road side on your right. As you continue your journey for the next 2 hours, the road will turn quite windy and steep.  
 
Approximately 15km before arriving Lahad Datu Town, you will find a sign indicating a left turn to Danum Valley. Heading to Danum Valley will require you to drive along dirt road for approximate 2 hours. Do not make the left turn if you are not driving a four wheel drive vehicle, and you have not made your reservation before hand.  
 
Bypassing the left turn, drive on the main road for less than 20 minutes, you will arriving the Lahad Datu town. I was told by the local folk that one of those rivers that you about to cross before reaching the town is called golden Sand River. The name was come about because gold sediment was found in that river long time ago, however, I do not know exactly which river is refer to. 
 
Once you have reached the town of Lahad Datu, ask the local for direction if you wish to go to Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Lahad Datu is just a small town with a very simple road system, you will able to find your way to Tabin Wildlife reserve. Tabin is about 50 kilometres to the northeast of Lahad Datu on the Dent Peninsula. The road journey takes about an hour as the later half is on dirt roads. 
 
While in Lahad Datu, if you are not in a very tight schedule, try to visit this place called Sahabat. You will find a long stretch of white sandy beach along the road. And you can stay a night in the only resort there. 
 
Another Wildlife reserve you can go from Lahad Datu is Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, you can check in to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. It will take probably 2 hours to reach. Check out also Gomantong Caves which is also located in this area. 
 
Back to main road heading to Kinabatangan, drive on for another 1 hour or more you will come to a check point junction. The right turn will lead you to Sandakan, while the left will lead you to Kota Kinabalu, bypassing Ranau and kundasang.

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