Lahad Datu: A Fast Developing Tourism Hub For Sabah

Lahad Datu is just a small town. Yet it takes on a significant role in the economic growth of Sabah, especially in the tourism industry.

Palm oil estates managed by sole proprietors and corporate and business leaders cover lengths and widths of the land, all set to fulfill the local and overseas customers' demand for palm oil. Other agriculture activities that can be seen here are the production of rubber, cocoa, and copra which is the dried kernel of coconut, to produce cooking oil. Its position close to the beach also promotes fishing activities. Other sea products here include tiger prawns, white prawns, mud crab and seaweed.

Some of the ethnicities in Lahad Datu are the Kadazan-Dusun, Dusun Subpan, Dusun Bagahak, Suluk, Bajau, Chinese, Kokos, Iranun, Bugis, Timor, Tidong, Jawa, Sungai, Idahan and Kagayan.

The title “Lahad Datu” began from the Bajau language. When interpreted into English, “Lahad” indicates “a place” and “Datu” is a name that was granted to dignitaries in historical times. The place was named so after the Datu clan migrated from the Suluk empire, headed by Datu Puti. The Sultan of Brunei passed over the land authority to the Suluk Sultan in 1879.

It is also claimed that the district’s name, was previously known as “Kerugau”. It probably originated from the visible spotted corals that can be seen around the beach from Kunak to Membatu, located in Tungku.

One can easily go to well-known destinations like Lembah Danum, the Tabin Wildlife Park, and the Batu Tulug Archaeological Museum, by road.

Lembah Danum, where the Ulu Segama Malua Forest Reserve is located is already enlisted by the state government as another potential world heritage site for Sabah. The Borneo Pygmy Elephant which is the smallest elephant in the world and categorized as a rare species can be found here. Other unique and distinct flora and fauna are the Borneo Sumateran Rhinoceros, Orang Utan, Tembedau, and numerous species of wild orchid can be discovered in large quantity in the forest.

With its distinctive and diverse flora and fauna, it is no wonder that the forest has been acknowledged as one of the world’s most elaborate ecosystems. Another such intriguing spot is the Tabin Wildlife Park, famous for its mud volcano, which is the source of minerals for the wildlife there. If tourists are lucky, they will be able to see fresh new footprints of its inhabitants.

The Lahad Datu district also has the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary that is home to three rhinoceroses. The sanctuary was created to help propagation of the species, which is presently on the brink of extinction.

After traveling to these places, visitors can go towards Sandakan, famous for its Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center in Sepilok, or to Semporna, the access to Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Mabul. Both islands are known for their stunning sceneries, and are much-loved by scuba-divers.

Lahad Datu’s ability to offer a total experience on land and under the sea can be its stepping-stone towards turning into a tourism centre.

The town, presently in the process of rapid growth, is the economic pulse of not only the people in Lahad Datu, but also those in adjoining areas, such as Silabukan, Silam and Kinabatangan. Foreigners from Philippines and Indonesia, who are mostly palm oil estate workers, get into the town in droves for numerous
dealings.

The local people try to benefit the situation by supplying various services. One of them is the “mini-buses”, a public transportation using vans that can sit about 14 passengers.

Lahad Datu may not be offering the most contemporary and superior kind of facilities, but the friendliness of its people is a significant lure of the town. The ever-cheerful locals are very helpful and would not think twice to stop and assist a stranger in need. There is still a big room for improvement to give visitors a cozier experience. The district office, with the support from the state government, can tap more of the town’s potential for the advantage of all parties.

Source: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/03/10/lahad-datu-a-top-tourism-centre-in-the-making-latest/#ixzz1pLviGfgp