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

08:15 Hrs: Your journey begins with a hassle-free pick-up from Lahad Datu Airport or your hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure. Before heading out, make a quick stop at the tour office for registration, where you’ll receive a briefing on the day's exciting itinerary. 

08:45 Hrs: Fuel up for the adventure ahead with a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. Take in the lively atmosphere as locals gather for their first meal of the day, setting the perfect tone for your journey. 

09:30 Hrs: After breakfast, embark on a 40-minute drive to the Silam Coast Conservation Area (SCCA), a remarkable marine sanctuary protected by Sabah Parks.

Your first stop within SCCA is the Menara Kayangan, or ‘Tower of Heaven’ – a 30-metre-tall observation deck that offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire coastline.

11:00 Hrs: Leaving the heights of Mount Silam behind, take a short drive to Tumunong Hallu Jetty, where you’ll board a boat bound for Blue Rings Reef (BRR) for your diving or snorkelling activity.

12:00 Hrs: Next, set sail for Pulau Tabun, a small, uninhabited island with an ecological surprise – it's a nesting ground for the Philippine Megapode (Megapodius cumingii), known locally as the ‘Tambun’ bird.

12:30 Hrs: Continue to Pulau Baik, home to a hidden historical treasure – the Japanese Shipwreck known as Maiden Oasis for your next diving / snorkelling spot.

13:00 Hrs: After a morning filled with exploration, head to Payang Restaurant at Payang Beach for a well-deserved lunch. Indulge in a spread of Sabah’s finest local delicacies and freshly prepared seafood, bursting with flavours that blend spicy, sour, and sweet notes. Enjoy the soothing sea breeze and coastal scenery as you relax and refuel. 

14:30 Hrs: Your afternoon brings you to the secluded paradise of Tumunong Hallu Beach, a pristine coastal retreat where golden sands meet the emerald waters of the Sulu Sea. Sip on a refreshing cup of hi-tea as you soak in the last moments of serenity before heading back. Convenient changing and shower facilities are available for your comfort. 

16:00 Hrs: As the day winds down, you’ll have two options: 

• Head back to Lahad Datu, marking the end of your Blue Rings Reef adventure. 
• Extend your journey to Danum Valley, with a 2.5-hour transfer to Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Immerse yourself in the heart of Sabah’s ancient rainforest, where orangutans, pygmy elephants, and countless other wildlife await.