MALAYSIA - Destinations & Hotels

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Wildlife Resort | $$$
Remote location

Tabin is a very large dipterocarp rainforest landscape located in the eastern part of Sabah. Access to the reserve is along a narrow dirt road carved through the Lahad Datu oil palm plantations. The two-hour journey is a bone shaker of a ride, not great if you suffer from car sickness. However, your perseverance will be rewarded with a tropical lush green landscape home to one of Borneo’s premier wildlife viewing areas.

There are a total of just 20 jungle lodges, 10 Riverside lodges and 10 Hillside lodges. Both are spacious timber built structures with en-suite facilities with hot and cold water and a private balcony overlooking Lipad River. Both type of lodge are linked by an inter-connecting timber board walk to the Sunbird Café, which serves western and local food of a reasonable standard. Whilst there is no swimming pool you can take a dip either in the river or a nearby rock pool to cool off after a jungle walk.

There is plenty to keep you busy on any visit to Tabin including jungle walks and animal spotting. There are well trained jungle guides available to accompany you.
Tabin is unique for its mud volcanoes, some the size of a football pitch, of which seven are located in the immediate area. The mud pools are important watering holes for the wildlife in the area due to its high mineral content. Wild animals often visit the mud volcanoes in the early mornings, leaving evidence of their stopovers in the form of paw prints on the soft grey mud.

Tabin is a great place to see the native wildlife of Borneo in relative comfort. The accommodation is comfortable enough and the service and guides are okay. The mud volcanoes make for an interesting excursion and are unique to this small corner of Sabah. A two night stay here will live long in the memory.