Tabin Wildlife Reserve – Visit this Amazing Wildlife Sanctuary in Sabah, Borneo
The 3-Day Tabin Wildlife Reserve package involves staying at Tabin Wildlife Resort located within Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Tabin Wildlife Reserve is located in the eastern part of Sabah, Borneo and is the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia, with a total land area of 300,000 acres. Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a sanctuary for a large number of animals inhabiting its forests, some of which are highly endangered.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve was created in 1984, and it was recognised as a Wildlife Reserve primarily on account of the large number of animals inhabiting its forests, some of which are highly endangered. The critically endangered Borneo Pygmy Elephant is found within the reserve; nine species of primate are present, as well as three species of cats, all of which are on the protected wildlife list. Tabin Wildlife Reserve is recognised as an Important Bird Area in Sabah, with more than 300 species have been recorded. One of the highlights of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, making it different to other locations in Sabah, is the active and mineral-rich mud volcanoes, attracting frequent visits by wildlife for their mineral intake and presenting an ideal platform for wildlife observation and bird watching.
Open your eyes and explore the natural beauty – Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia
Tabin Wildlife Resort complements a visitor’s stay at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve by providing facilities, including charming timber lodges built and blended within the natural surroundings and a comprehensive range of nature-based activities. Tabin Wildlife Resort is nestled within the rainforest beside the Lipad river. During your stay at Tabin Wildlife Resort in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, you will take part in jungle trekking, night safari, night walk, wildlife spotting, bird-watching and rainforest education.
If spotting wildlife is your top priority during your holiday in Borneo, then you could combine this 3D2N Tabin Wildlife Reserve tour with a 3D2N Kinabatangan River Trip. The Kinabatangan River is home to an amazing diversity of wildlife and offers wildlife encounters during river cruises along the Kinabatangan River. You could also choose to stay longer at Tabin Wildlife Reserve with a 4-day Tabin Wildlife Safari tour (price available on request).
Trip Itinerary – Tabin Wildlife Reserve (3 Day), Sabah, Malaysia
Day 1 (Meals: L & D)
You will be picked up in the east coast town of Lahad Datu and transferred by road to Tabin Wildlife Reserve (1:30hrs journey). The scheduled transfers from Lahad Datu depart twice daily to Tabin: 08:00hrs & 12:00hrs. The recommended flights to Lahad Datu for joining the scheduled transfers are:-
- 08:00hrs transfer to Tabin Wildlife Resort is the BKI-LDU MH3010 0620/0715.
- 12:00hrs transfer to Tabin Wildlife Resort is the BKI-LDU MH3014 0955/1050.
On arrival at Tabin Wildlife Resort, you will check into your lodge, which comes complete with a private balcony, ceiling fan and a hot water shower – a welcome luxury in the forest.
In the afternoon, visit the Lipad mud volcano, which provides a mineral salt lick for wildlife. After trekking through the rainforest for 20 minutes, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano, which is frequented by wildlife and birds. Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints here. Climb the observation tower and admire the contrasting landscape of the bare mud volcano and its surrounding thick forest, where birds are commonly sighted.
After dinner, enjoy a slide presentation on the natural wonders of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, followed by a trip to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. Remember to look up at the clear, dark sky of Tabin, identify the constellations above you and make a wish or two.
Overnight at Tabin Wildlife Resort in Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Day 2 (Meals: B, L & D)
You may opt to join the early morning bird walk to discover some of the rich collections of almost 300 bird species found in Tabin Wildlife Reserve. After breakfast, trek through the lush green rainforest known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species to visit Lipad Waterfall. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively, you can explore the surrounding vegetation or relax.
In the afternoon, you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks.
Overnight at Tabin Wildlife Resort.
Day 3 (Meals: B & L)
After breakfast, stroll to the nearby rock pool or riverside, where groups of macaques and other small mammals can sometimes be seen. Choose to take a dip in the river or listen to the sound of nature before saying goodbye to Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
After lunch, depart for Lahad Datu airport for your transfer from the Resort. The scheduled transfer departs from Tabin Wildlife Resort at 1330hrs (arriving in Lahad Datu town at 15:00hrs). The recommended departure flight from Lahad Datu Airport is the LDU-BKI MH3023 1725/1820.
Trip Pre-requisites – Tabin Wildlife Reserve (3 Day)
There are no specific prerequisites for joining the 3D2N Tabin Wildlife Reserve Package. However, we recommend you are average fitness or above and comfortable at trekking for a couple of hours in tropical conditions. You will be asked to complete a liability form on arrival at Tabin Wildlife Resort.
Trip Inclusions
Scheduled return transfer Lahad Datu / Tabin Wildlife Resort / Lahad Datu. Accommodation, meals as stated, guided tours and activities, 0% Sales & Service Tax on the tour price as applicable from 6th May 2019.
Trip Exclusions
Non-scheduled transfers are at an additional surcharge, single-person surcharge, and items not mentioned above. The new Tourism Tax – the Tourism Tax is currently set with a flat rate of RM 10 per room per night and will be charged to Non-Malaysian or Foreign tourists.
Recommended Packing List – Tabin Wildlife Reserve Package
Binoculars, insect repellent, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swimwear, comfortable trekking shoes, torchlight, water bottle & personal toiletries and leech socks. Leech socks are available for sale at the resort’s shop.
Notes
Leeches are plenty on all trails. It is recommended you use leech socks during trekking activities. Activities are subject to weather conditions and may be re-organised to best meet operational situations.
The trip price is based on a minimum of 2 persons per booking and twin/double sharing a room. Prices are valid for trips up to 31st March 2024. For Tabin Wildlife Reserve tour enquiries after this date, please contact us for a quote.
Angus Johnston –
I had the most amazing time in Tabin we were so well looked after the guides were so professional our trips into the jungle especially to the mud volcano was awesome, also Orangoutangs, different species of monkeys, beautiful birds , reptiles, butterflies etc.
Also the night drive to see beautiful wild cats, birds, snakes etc. All the staff were so helpful the food amazing especially to be in the jungle.
So thank you to everyone who works at Tabin, it is so important we keep the rain Forrest with all its diversity ,wonderful wildlife also it’s the lungs of planet earth.
I shall recommend Tabin to all my friends.