Tabin Wildlife Resort
The Exclusive Resort in the Rainforest of Tabin, the Largest wildlife reserve of Malaysia.
There are 20 large twin or double timber cabins along the Lipad River at the Tabin Wildlife Resort, which is right in the Tabin Reserve. Ten of them have views of the river, and the other ten are a little farther away on a steep hill. Each house has both air conditioning and a fan. The attached bathroom has a shower with hot water. Each cabin has its own balcony with a view of either the forest or the river. The Sunbird Cafe offers simple Western and local food.
How to reach Tabin Resort from Lahad Datu
To reach Tabin Wildlife Resort, one first need to arrive at the Lahad Datu town of Sabah state. You can either fly in to Lahad Datu Airport or by road from Sandakan, Sukau, Tawau or even Kota Kinabalu. We can arrange the road transfer. The resort vehicle will pick you up either from the Lahad Datu airport or any hotel in the town, unscheduled pick up with additional charges can also be arranged prior to the trip. After check out, the resort will drop you to Lahad Datu. It will be an hour and half from Lahad Datu, partially on gravel road.
Rooms in Tabin Wildlife Resort
There are 10 units of river chalets (17.5 ft x 17.5 ft) and 10 units of hill chalets (two sizes 17.5 ft x 17.5 ft and 22 ft x 22 ft). The river chalets are nestled along the river and linked by an inter-connected timber boardwalk to the sunbird cafe where guests enjoy their meals. The river chalets are more in demand throughout the year due to its ease of access. Whereas the hill cafe are in a bit secluded position up the hill, you can either use the stairs or the road back of the resort to reach the hill chalet. These are perfect for honeymooners and couples who like intimate experience. Each room can accommodate upto 3 guests (with extra pull out bed), air conditioned and ceiling fan is provided.
Wildlife seen near Tabin Wildlife Resort
The resident North Bornean Gibbon family is one of the main attraction of the resort. Leopard cats and other wild Borneo cats are often seen during night drives. The mud volcano area is a favorite place for pygmy elephants and herbivores. Forest of Tabin attracts various birds, including some endemic species. Most of the 8 hornbill species of Borneo are seen on the road towards the core area. Birding and photography are a great experience here because of the plenty of food plants and the quite low canopy that allows enough natural illumination. There is a frog-pond back of the cafe, colorful birds frequent the trees around the cafe. Malayan Civets visit the kitchen occasionally.
Food and Dining in Tabin Wildlife Resort
The simple yet hearty and plentiful food is served in the Sunbird Cafe. Mostly local cuisines are provided. Vegetarian and Vegan food and other dietary requirements are respected upon advance request. Depending on the number of guests in the resort, either buffet style or al a carte food is offered. Early breakfasts can be arranged for early check out when our guests are transferred to Danum Valley from Tabin.
Activities in Tabin Wildlife Resort
- Mud Volcano
- Jungle trekking
- Night Safari
- Night Walk
- Dawn Drive
- Lipad Waterfall
- Tabin Rainforest Herbal Foot Soak and Mud Facial
4D3N Tabin Wildlife Reserve Expedition
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 772 (MYR 3440) 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.
Tabin Wildlife Resort, More Information
- The resort accepts card payment.
- Unfortunately, there is no wifi in the rooms. Wifi is only available in the cafe area
- Gumboot is available to borrow for trekking.
- Poncho, insect repellent are necessary.