Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Tabin Wildlife Reserve is the best place in Borneo to see and photograph wildlife. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the forest, birds, and gibbons in a world untouched by urban development.
This area has some of the world’s most amazing and diversified vegetation and animals. Tabin is home to the rare Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Wild Orang Utan, and Clouded Leopard. The endangered Storm’s stork and bright Bornean bristlehead are among almost 300 bird species in paradise for Birdwatchers.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve is about experiencing nature firsthand, not just watching. Our skilled guides will take you on amazing forest hikes to see wildlife in its native environment. Tabin provides night safaris, river cruises, and therapeutic mud volcanic soaks for adventurers.
How do I get to Tabin Wildlife Reserve?
From Lahad Datu, a 1:15 hour drive, part of it on gravel road, will take you to Tabin Wildlife Resort.
MasWings (www.maswings.com) operates daily flights connecting Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu (1 hour).
By Road, the connectivities are:
Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu (7 hours)
Sandakan to Lahad Datu (4 hours)
Tawau to Lahad Datu (4 hours)
For an Complete Borneo wildlife Expedition, proceed to Danum Valley Conservation Area and stay either in the DVFC or our partner the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
You can also connect to Sandakan, for Deramakot, Kinabatangan river cruise or Sepilok Orang Utan and Sun Bear centre. Whereas for Diving plan a trip to Sipadan and Mabul islands.
4 Days Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Night Safari in Borneo
Explore, understand and observe the Rainforests of Borneo and its elusive, and secretive nocturnal wildlife while staying at the comfort of the beautiful Tabin Wildlife Resort. Although Tabin Wildlife Reserve is the largest reserve in Malaysia, there is only one accommodation available, our amazing partner the Tabin Wildlife Resort. Here is a sample 4 days Itinerary in Tabin Wildlife Reserve. We can tailor-made your tour and extend it according to your choice with several unique experiences. This is the best way to explore Tabin Wildlife Reserve on a Budget.
We always recommend to add Deramakot, Kinabatangan river cruise and Danum Valley in your itinerary for an immersive Borneo Rainforest Experience.
Pricing:
USD 679 (MYR 3130) per pax, EX-Lahad Datu.
Accommodation:
On twin sharing basis in Tabin Wildlife Resort.
- Twin Bed (River chalets)
- Double bed (Hill chalets)
*Private transfers, privately guided safaris can be arranged.
*Guides for special interests like birding or to see insects, among others can be arranged.
*For more passionate ones, A Unique experience of Night Stay at the Tabin Mud Volcano Watchtower can be arranged.
Day 1: You will be picked up at the Lahad Datu Airport and transferred by road to Tabin Wildlife Reserve 1 ½ hour. Upon arrival guide briefing and video presentation. Check into an attractive timber lodge at Tabin Wildlife Resort, which comes complete with private balcony, air conditioner, ceiling fan and hot water shower, a welcome luxury in the forest. Visit Tabin Visitor Centre for the conservation of Tabin Wildlife Reserve and briefing on animals, birds, and insects that is found in this area. (For guest check in before 11:00am)
In the afternoon, before trekking to the Elephant trail, our guide will stop by at the compost bin for information on recycling the food waste into fertilizer for the plants and afterward proceed to the active Lipad mud volcano which provides a mineral salt lick for wildlife, 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. The adventurous can try the effects of the volcanic mud, said to be responsible for a fine complexion. Trek from the mud volcano back to the main road.
Dinner, followed by a night safari 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. (L,D)
Day 2 : Join the early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species. After breakfast, a drive to the core area, stop by the Birdwatching tower and climb up for a short birding. Continue trek to the Lipad Waterfall enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or just relax. Along the way back to the resort, you will stop by at the Tabin Giant Tree for a photo or take a group photos.
In the afternoon, try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. In the evening, a dusk drive to look out for more nocturnal wildlife & birds coming out to look for food during this time of the day.
After dinner, go for a night walk along the trail nearby the resort in search of sleeping birds, frog and nocturnal wildlife. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Jungle walks nearby the resort in the morning and afternoon.
After dinner, followed by a night safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. (B,L,D)
[Optional Dawn Drive Not included in package]
Day 4:
After breakfast, mud certificate upon completion of tour, free and easy until check out. – End of Tour. (B,L)
Package includes:
- Scheduled Lahad Datu Arrival and Departure Transfers.
- All National Park Permits and Entry Fees, Guide charges, Still Camera charges etc.
- Three full meals daily.
- Mineral Water during your stay.
- guided tours and activities as mentioned.
Package excludes:
- Personal spending money for drinks of any kind.
- Any food item not mentioned.
- Laundry, phone calls or any personal charges.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Malaysia Tourism Tax of MYR 10.00 per room/ per night is to be paid by the guest at hotel.
Useful Information
- Please inform us of your dietary requirements, if any.
- You need a raincoat/poncho as short heavy rains are quite common in this part of the world.
- Please also bring rain covers or waterproof bags to secure cameras/binoculars during rain.
- Binoculars are available for rent, but we always recommend to bring your own.
- Leech socks are available for sale at the resort’s shop.
- A headlamp is always handy, so is mosquito repellent and antiseptic cream in tropical forests.