Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Wildlife Reserve was established in 1984 in order to help preserve the wildlife of Borneo in a large area of lowland dipterocarp forest.

Tabin is home to the three largest mammal species in Borneo - the Bornean Elepant, the Bornean Rhino and the Tembadau (a form of ox).

There are also 9 species of primate present, including a small number of orang-utans. Clouded leopards are the main predator, although far less commonly seen than civet cats and leopard cats.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve offers a number of activities including 4WD safaris, bird-watching excursions, jungle trekking, visits to the Lipad  Mud Volcano and two fantastic observation towers.

Accommodation at Tabin Wildlife Reserve consists of 20 free standing chalets. They are simple but comfortable enough with en-suite bathrooms, balconies and ceiling fans (no air-con).

Day 1: Transfer from Lahad Datu

Transfer from Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife Reserve on a gravel road for about an hour and a half.

Check into the charming timber bungalow of Tabin Wildlife Resort which comes complete with private balcony and hot water shower, a real luxury in the forest.

A variety of birds, insects and even small mammals can be sighted quite easily within the resort which is set amongst the rainforest alongside the Lipad River.

Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments.

In the afternoon, visit the Lipad mud volcano which serves as a mineral salt lick for wildlife.

After trekking through the jungle for twenty minutes, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano.

Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints here.

After dinner, enjoy a slide presentation on Tabin’s uniqueness, followed by a Night Safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds.

Overnight Tabin Wildlife Resort.

Day 2: Lipad Waterfall

You may opt to join the early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species.

Day 1: Transfer from Lahad Datu

Transfer from Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife Reserve on a gravel road for about an hour and a half.

Check into the charming timber bungalow of Tabin Wildlife Resort which comes complete with private balcony and hot water shower, a real luxury in the forest.

A variety of birds, insects and even small mammals can be sighted quite easily within the resort which is set amongst the rainforest alongside the Lipad River.

Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments.

In the afternoon, visit the Lipad mud volcano which serves as a mineral salt lick for wildlife.

After trekking through the jungle for twenty minutes, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano.

Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints here.

After dinner, enjoy a slide presentation on Tabin’s uniqueness, followed by a Night Safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds.

Overnight Tabin Wildlife Resort.

Day 2: Lipad Waterfall

You may opt to join the early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species.

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.

Day 1: Transfer from Lahad Datu

Transfer from Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife Reserve on a gravel road for about an hour and a half.

Check into the charming timber bungalow of Tabin Wildlife Resort which comes complete with private balcony and hot water shower, a real luxury in the forest.

Explore the vicinity of the resort and be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of bird life. The open-sided Sunbird Café is surrounded by greenery and flowering plants which attract a number of brightly coloured birds.

Be entertained by the melodious calls of birds. A bird hide facing the flowing Lipad River provides a wonderful site for viewing birds.

In the afternoon, depart for birding along the Core Road where you will most likely be able to spot one or more of Borneo’s eight species of hornbill such as the Black, White-crowned, Rhinoceros, Wreathed, Oriental Pied and Wrinkled Hornbill either flying in groups across the sky, or in pairs perching on bare branches.

After dinner, enjoy a slide presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders, followed by a Night Safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds.

Overnight Tabin Wildlife Resort.

Day 2: Lipad Mud Volcano & Birding

After an early breakfast depart for the active Lipad mud volcano with packed lunch.

The soccer field-sized Lipad mud volcano serves as a mineral salt lick for wildlife.

After trekking for 20 minutes, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano which is frequented by wildlife and birds.

Climb the observation tower and admire the contrasting landscape of the bare area and its surrounding thick forest.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our Borneo Holidays are completely tailor made and we can combine different hotels and airlines to create your ideal Borneo holiday.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.