Blue Rings Reef & Japanese Shipwreck Day Trip: Dive & Snorkel in Lahad Datu Print

• Visit Blue Rings Reef, one of only two double-ringed marine sinkholes in the world
• Enjoy a secluded, less-crowded alternative to Semporna, with exclusive snorkelling and diving in a pristine, untouched dive site
• Explore a Japanese Shipwreck, up to 24 metres underwater, offering a glimpse into history
• Visit Pulau Tabun for opportunities to spot the rare Tambun bird that buries its eggs similar to turtles
• Ascend Mount Silam’s Menara Keyangan (‘Tower of Heaven’) for sweeping vistas over Darvel Bay and Silam Coast as you search for Silam Crabs
• Easy access from Lahad Datu, just 40 minutes away from the airport
• Option to extend your adventure with a stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley

Discover the Blue Rings Reef (BRR), one of only two double-ringed marine sinkholes in the world and a true hidden gem of Sabah. Located just 40 minutes from Lahad Datu Airport, this exclusive, lesser-known dive site offers a secluded snorkeling and diving experience—an uncrowded alternative to Semporna’s busier waters. Explore the reef’s mesmerizing twin rings, teeming with vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life, before venturing to Pulau Baik’s Japanese Shipwreck, an eerie yet fascinating relic that has transformed into a thriving artificial reef.

Beyond the ocean, this journey takes you to Pulau Tabun, home to the elusive Philippine Megapode (‘Tambun’ bird), known for its rare egg-burying nesting behavior. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from Menara Kayangan (‘Tower of Heaven’) on Mount Silam, overlooking Darvel Bay and the Silam Coast Conservation Area. End the day with a seafood feast at Payang Beach and unwind on the untouched shores of Tumunong Hallu Beach, a hidden coastal paradise.

For those looking to extend their adventure, opt for an overnight stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley, where Sabah’s ancient rainforests and rare wildlife await. Whether you’re a diver, nature enthusiast, or thrill-seeker, this immersive day trip offers a perfect blend of marine discovery, history, and breathtaking landscapes — all in a quieter, less-touristed setting for a truly unforgettable experience.

Mount Silam

Mount Silam, standing 884 metres above sea level, is an unspoiled natural wonder within the Silam Coast Conservation Area (SCCA) in Lahad Datu. The mountain is home to rare orchids, towering dipterocarp trees, and unique wildlife, including the Silam Crab (Lepidothelphusa silamensis)—an endemic freshwater species found only in its highland streams.

Perched on Mount Silam’s slopes is Menara Kayangan, or the ‘Tower of Heaven’, a 30-metre-tall observation deck offering breathtaking panoramic views of Darvel Bay and beyond.

Blue Rings Reef

As one of only two double-ringed marine sinkholes in the world, Blue Rings Reef is a geological marvel and one of Sabah’s best-kept secrets. Unlike bustling dive sites elsewhere, this secluded paradise remains virtually untouched, offering a tranquil and awe-inspiring underwater experience. The reef’s unique twin rings form a dramatic underwater landscape filled with vibrant coral formations, schools of pelagic fish, dramatic drop-offs, and thrilling swim-throughs. Whether you’re snorkelling or diving, BRR promises an unforgettable glimpse into one of nature’s most fascinating aquatic formations. 

Pulau Tabun

Pulau Tabun is a small, uninhabited island hiding a unique ecological wonder—it serves as a nesting ground for the rare Philippine Megapode (Megapodius cumingii), known locally as the ‘Tambun’ bird.

Unlike most birds, the Tambun bird doesn’t incubate its eggs with body heat. Instead, it buries them deep in warm, sandy soil or volcanic ash, relying on geothermal energy for incubation. If you're lucky, you might spot these elusive birds scurrying along the shores, making Pulau Tabun a must-visit for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Japanese Shipwreck at Pulau Baik

This 60-meter-long cargo vessel met its fate in the early 1980s while en route from Lahad Datu to Japan, laden with timber logs. A fierce storm forced the crew to pump water aboard for stability, but a crucial oversight left the pumps running, ultimately causing the ship to capsize. The wreck was later maneuvered closer to Pulau Baik, where it now lies partially submerged, with its bow resting at 24 metres deep and its stern at just 5 metres below the surface. Over time, this forgotten vessel has become a vibrant artificial reef, drawing schools of fish, curious divers, and history enthusiasts eager to explore its ghostly remains. 

Tumunong Hallu Beach

Tumunong Hallu Beach is a pristine coastal retreat where golden sands meet the emerald waters of the Sulu Sea. Whether you prefer to take a dip, snorkel, or simply unwind, this tranquil spot offers the perfect setting to bask in the sun and enjoy the peaceful ambience.