Lahad Datu and Semporna

I stopped at Lahad Datu for a few days to replenish on WIFI access to do some onwards research. Initially I wanted to try visiting a few conservation area such as the Danum Valley Conservation Area or even just take a ride going off the main road and maybe visit the tip of the nose of Sabah but in the end I just ended up riding around downtown Lahad Datu before heading to Semporna.

Lahad Datu

You need a Permit to go to Danum Valley Conservation Area ... Could not get one last minute ..

Lahad Datu area felt different than the rest of Malaysia. While sleepy town and retirement area in Malaysia has some sense of serene in it, this place felt different, not sleepy yet isolated but not in a bad way nor in a good way either. I could not really place a mark on Lahad Datu and I probabaly spend too short a time there to make any conclusion, however I can safely say it is really for the true nature lover with all the surrounding wildlife reserve area that are 100 times larger than Lahad Datu itself.

Main Market at Lahad Datu

Lahad Datu Seaside Township 

Lahad Datu Kwan Im Temple

Onwards to Semporna the gateway town to the sipadan island where most tourist go stright from KK airport to hop onto the island for diving. I, basicly stayed at Semporna a few days talking to travellers in the hostel that passing by to get on a boat onwards to their diving trip. Expensive hobby and not one I would like to pick up anytime soon. Still with many tourist in this remote part of Malaysia means cheap hostels and more ammenities.

Semporna 

Traveled on : Sep 2019