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Lahad Datu
- Guardian of centuries-old
treasures.
The
Tabin Wildife Reserve I Madai
Caves I Tingkayu
& Baturong I Lahad
Datu Map
Lahad Datu is basically a planters' town, surrounded by miles of
cocoa and oil palm plantations. It is also the gateway to the virgin
rainforest of the renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area, The Tabin
Wildlife Reserve in the east and Madai Caves further south. A settlement
is said to have existed here as early as the 15th century as excavations
have unearthed potteries confirming contact with the imperial dynasties
of China. Just east of Lahad Datu, lies the village of Tunku, which
achieved notoriety as the base of Illanum pirates and slave traders
in the 19th century. In August 2000, Eco-Challenge Sabah 2000, the
world's toughest adventure race, covered areas like Silam, Danum
Valley and Madai. Hundreds of international media and professional
support teams from all over the world converged at Lahad Datu, the
gateway to pristine rainforests wonders that has wowed many a celebrity
and royalty. One may drive to Lahad Datu, it's a leisurely 6-hour
drive or take a 40-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu. From Sandakan,
it takes about 2 1/2 hours by road.
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