2D1N Blue Rings Reef & Japanese Shipwreck: Dive, Snorkel & Birdwatch in Lahad Datu Print

Delve into the Blue Rings Reef (BRR), a breathtaking anomaly and one of only two double-ringed marine sinkholes in the world. Just 40 minutes from Lahad Datu Airport, this exclusive dive site offers an uncrowded, pristine underwater experience, perfect for snorkelers and divers looking to explore vibrant coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and thriving marine life. Beyond BRR, dive into history at Pulau Baik’s Japanese Shipwreck, now an artificial reef teeming with marine biodiversity. 

This adventure isn’t just about the ocean – it's a blend of nature, wildlife, and culture. Visit Pulau Tabun, where the elusive Philippine Megapode (‘Tambun’ bird) nests in volcanic sands, and soak in breathtaking views from Mount Silam’s Menara Kayangan (‘Tower of Heaven’), overlooking Darvel Bay. Unwind with a seafood feast at Payang Beach and enjoy a sunset hi-tea at the tranquil Tumunong Hallu Beach, a hidden gem along the Sulu Sea. 

After a full day of exploration, retreat to a comfortable hotel in Lahad Datu for a restful night. The next morning, depart at your leisure or extend your adventure to Borneo Rainforest Lodge, where the ancient rainforests of Danum Valley await. Whether you're a diver, nature enthusiast, or thrill-seeker, this overnight tour offers a perfect mix of marine discovery, history, and relaxation in one of Sabah’s most extraordinary destinations. 

Mount Silam

Mount Silam, standing at 884 metres above sea level, is an unspoiled paradise for nature lovers, home to rare orchids, towering dipterocarp trees, and unique wildlife. Keep an eye out for the Silam Crab (Lepidothelphusa silamensis), an endemic freshwater species found exclusively in these highland streams. 

Here, you can visit Menara Kayangan, or the ‘Tower of Heaven’, a 30-meter-high observation tower that provides breathtaking panoramic views of Darvel Bay, the surrounding rainforest, and the sparkling Celebes Sea.

Blue Rings Reef

A true anomaly in the diving world, Blur Rings Reef is one of only two double-ringed marine sinkholes on Earth. Unlike popular, over-touristed dive spots, this secluded and virtually untouched reef provides an exclusive, crowd-free snorkelling and diving experience. Beneath the surface, the outer and inner rings form an otherworldly underwater landscape, where divers and snorkelers can marvel at colourful coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and an abundance of marine life, from vibrant reef fish to occasional pelagic visitors. 

Pulau Tabun

Pulau Tabun is a small, unspoiled island that is home to the elusive Philippine Megapode (‘Tambun’ bird), a fascinating species famous for its unique nesting behaviour – instead of incubating eggs with body heat, it buries them deep in warm sand or volcanic ash, letting geothermal energy do the work. With its peaceful shores and dense vegetation, Pulau Tabun offers a rare opportunity for birdwatchers and nature lovers to witness this incredible natural phenomenon. 

Japanese Shipwreck at Pulau Baik

This 60-meter-long cargo vessel, which sank in the early 1980s while transporting timber logs from Lahad Datu to Japan, now lies partially submerged beneath the waves. The ship’s fate was sealed when the crew, attempting to stabilize the vessel during a violent storm, accidentally left the pumps running – causing it to capsize and sink to a depth of 30 metres. Later efforts to recover the cargo resulted in the wreck being relocated closer to Pulau Baik, where it remains today as an artificial reef, now home to an array of marine life. Divers and snorkellers can explore the ship’s haunting structure, with the bow resting at 24 metres and the stern just 5 metres below the surface, offering an intriguing mix of history and marine biodiversity. 

Tumunong Hallu Beach

Tumunong Hallu Beach is a hidden coastal paradise where golden sands meet crystal-clear waters. Whether you choose to take a refreshing swim, snorkel among the vibrant marine life, or simply unwind beneath the shade of swaying palms, this peaceful retreat provides the perfect ending to your island-hopping adventure.