We recently went on a trip to the jungle in Danum Valley which started and finished in Lahad Datu. Lahad Datu hasnt a lot going on for tourists but we were glad to stumble across this great local restaurant. Very reasonably priced, very welcoming staff...who doted over our 4 year old and made us feel very welcome amongst the locals.
A range of buffet food is available from this restaurant and you can also order from the menu and have food cooked fresh. There is a juice bar. Drinks are made with ice and added sugar unless you specify otherwise. We had 2 portions of roti canai with vegetable daal, a roti bom and a giant roti tisu (a tall roti tower with condensed milk), dragonfruit juice and lemon iced tea. It came to less than 20rm for our family if 3 and we were stuffed! The seating is open air, clean and the staff are very friendly. Enjoy!
If you are heading on to Danum Valley field center- be aware that it is extremely remote. Once you depart Lahad Datu there are no shops or settlements in Danum Valley and nothing can be bought there apart from canned drinks.
We took a Grab to a bigger supermarket to stock up on beers and snacks in advance in Lahad Datu as we did not want to pay 20rm per can of beer at the Field Centre when it is usually about 5rm!
The airport is a 5minute walk from the The Red Rose. We were at the airport at 4.10pm for a 5.25pm flight and that was ample time. It is a very small airport with one departure gate!
In Lahad Datu there is a pharmacy (Watsons), a Shell garage petrol station and a 7 eleven convenience store.More
