Tabin Wildlife Reserve Sabah, located in the northeast of Lahad Datu in eastern Sabah, is the largest wildlife reserve in the state. Covering 122,500 hectares, this protected area features lowland dipterocarp forest, a mix of untouched and previously logged terrains.
It’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatching aficionados, and nature lovers eager to experience the raw beauty of Sabah’s biodiversity.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve is renowned for its incredible diversity of flora and fauna. The reserve is home to rare and endemic species, including the highly endangered Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros, and Banteng. It also attracts wildlife photography aficionados eager to capture these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Bird species are abundant among its natural inhabitants, with over 300 recorded. Eight species of hornbill can be spotted in this Important Bird Area, attracting frequent visits from birdwatching enthusiasts. The combination of dense lowland dipterocarp forest and open areas provides a natural blend of habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife.
Tabin once heavily logged during the 1970s and 1980s, was declared a wildlife reserve in 1984. Since then, the area has regenerated naturally, transforming into a green pocket of primary and secondary rainforest. This rejuvenated habitat now shelters some of the world’s most endangered species, thriving under the lush canopy.
As one of Sabah’s most vital conservation areas, Tabin Wildlife Reserve is home to three of the largest mammals in the region, the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros, and Banteng. Beyond these giants, the reserve also shelters nine species of primates, including orangutans, Bornean gibbons, and red leaf monkeys.
Wildlife enthusiasts can marvel at the diversity of animals inhabiting the forest, ranging from elusive wild cats to colorful birds. The reserve’s wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly during a night safari, are unmatched. Activities like bird watching, wildlife observation, and photography allow visitors to appreciate these rare and endemic species up close.
Tabin’s vibrant bird population is another highlight, with approximately 220 bird species documented, including seven of Sabah’s eight hornbill species. Rare birds such as the speckled piculet and blue-headed pittas add to the allure for birdwatching enthusiasts.
The Tabin Wildlife Resort, located within the reserve, offers access to nine trekking trails. These trails vary in length and difficulty, providing options for every level of adventurer. The Gibbon Trail, stretching 2.8 km, is the longest and leads visitors to the serene Lipad Waterfall.
Image Source: tabinwildlife.com.my
Shorter trails, such as the 0.4 km Elephant Trail, are equally rewarding and may include sightings of pygmy elephants or other wildlife. Guided jungle trekking is essential for safety and to enhance the educational experience. Visitors may also explore reserve roads, consisting of sealed and gravel roads, via four-wheel-drive vehicles during night safaris.
A trek to the Lipad Waterfall is particularly refreshing, offering cool waters to dip into after a rewarding jungle hike. Along the way, visitors might spot orangutan nests high up in the trees, showcasing the biodiversity that Tabin nurtures.
One of the most unique features of Tabin Wildlife Reserve is its active mud volcanoes. These mineral-rich formations are a vital resource for wildlife, serving as a natural mineral salt lick that attracts animals like wild cattle and pygmy elephants.
Image Source: freepik.com
The Lipad mud volcano, a popular site, includes an observation tower for enhanced wildlife viewing. Visitors can often find animal footprints in the mud, offering clues about the nocturnal movements of the reserve’s residents. A night walk around the area provides further opportunities for spotting elusive creatures drawn to these mineral-rich sites.
The mud volcanoes in Tabin, some as large as a football field, continuously spew fresh mud and are frequented by a variety of animals. Visitors often take the opportunity to slather themselves with the mud, believed to have regenerative properties beneficial for human skin.
The primary accommodation option in the reserve is Tabin Wildlife Resort, which features comfortable lodge-style chalets set amidst the rainforest. Guests can choose between river lodges and hill lodges, each equipped with a private balcony, ceiling fan, and en suite bathroom with a hot water shower.
For those seeking more modern amenities, the newly opened Tabin Rainforest Lodge boasts 12 air-conditioned rooms and even a swimming pool. These facilities ensure a balance between rustic charm and modern comfort, making it easy for visitors to immerse themselves in the rainforest experience.
The Lipad Café, located within the resort, offers a mix of local and Western cuisine, providing sustenance for adventurers. The resident chef’s ability to create flavorful dishes with simple ingredients adds to the hospitality.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from March to October. There are various tour packages available, including 2 days 1 night (2D1N), 3 days 2 nights (3D2N), and 4 days 3 nights (4D3N) options. These packages typically include return land transfers from Lahad Datu Town, guided nature-based activities, accommodation, and meals.
As a travel agency based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, we offer an exciting Tabin Wildlife package. Click here to view the full details of our packages.
Popular activities include jungle trekking, bird watching, night safaris, and the unique Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. For avid birdwatching enthusiasts, tailored itineraries can focus on spotting the reserve’s diverse bird species.
Visitors are advised to pack appropriately for the rainforest environment, including waterproof trekking shoes, leech socks, and a light poncho for unexpected rain. Tabin’s own branded leech socks make a practical and memorable keepsake.
The nearest access point to Tabin Wildlife Reserve is Lahad Datu, located on the Dent Peninsula in eastern Sabah. Lahad Datu Airport is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away by car, with daily flights operated by MasWings from Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Alternatively, visitors can reach Lahad Datu via a 7-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, or shorter drives from Sandakan (4 hours) or Tawau (4 hours). Transfers to the reserve are typically included in the tour package.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve Sabah is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in nature and adventure. As Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve primarily dedicated to conservation and biodiversity, it provides a unique opportunity to witness the incredible biodiversity of Borneo.
Whether exploring trails, marveling at the reserve’s rare and endemic species, or relaxing in the comfort of a river lodge, visitors will leave with unforgettable memories of this protected area. With its diverse wildlife, active mud volcanoes, and nature-based activities, Tabin Wildlife Reserve offers a true glimpse into the beauty of Sabah’s rainforest ecosystem.
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Remarkable Borneo Travel & Tours is a Malaysian tour operator based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We offer a wide range of affordable and appealing Sabah tour packages, such as Mount Kinabalu climb, Borneo tours, Sabah diving and island packages and Sandakan tours. Our mission is to provide memorable travel experiences that allow our customers to discover the wonders of Borneo.
