Tabin Wildlife Reserve
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Tabin wildlife reserve is Sabah’s largest nature reserve and is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts! Comfortable river & hillside chalets, mud volcanoes that attract larger mammals, great bird watching opportunities and an excellent variety of treks and night safaris make this a number one choice amongst visitors to Sabah. Not only have all 8 species of Borneo’s hornbills been recorded here but lucky visitors will usually also be able to wake up to the sounds of gibbons and spot Borneo pygmy elephants just across the river from the lodge!
The entry point to Tabin wildlife reserve is Lahad Datu, a small town on the east coast of Sabah which can be reached by bus/private transport from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Semporna as well as by plane from Kota Kinabalu. Packages at the Tabin Wildlife Resort start from 2D1N and include return transfers from Lahad Datu to the lodge as well as accommodation, meals & guided trekking / safari activities. |
Itinerary
2D1N TABIN WILDLIFE SAFARI itinerary
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** 2D1N stays are not available during the months of July & August **
Day 01 Pick up from Lahad Datu at 8am for a 1.5 hrs drive to Tabin Wildlife Reserve (later pick up at 12pm also available). On arrival, check into your ensuite and air-conditioned Tabin Wildlife Resort chalet and take a walk to explore the local Lipad River area, home to a surprising variety of birds, insects and small mammals. Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments. In the afternoon, trek from the Elephant trail 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 and return the lodge. After dinner, join a night safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. (L,D) Day 02 Wake up at sunrise and join an included early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species or opt to take a dawn drive to look out for wildlife that is active at this time of the day (optional dawn drive RM100.00 per person) After breakfast, a take a 4x4 drive to the core area of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, spotting wildlife along the way. On arrival, 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. Return to the lodge for lunch then depart to Lahad Datu, arriving by 3pm (B,L) |
3D2N TABIN WILDLIFE SAFARI ITINERARY
Day 01
Pick up from Lahad Datu at 8am or 12pm for a 1.5hr transfer into Tabin wildlife reserve. Upon arrival check into your Tabin Wildlife Resort Chalet and take a walk to explore the local Lipad River area, home to a surprising variety of birds, insects and small mammals. Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments.
In the afternoon, trek with your guide from the Elephant trail 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 and return to the lodge. After dinner join a 4X4 night safari drive looking for nocturnal animals (L,D)
Day 02
Start with an optional 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. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or simply relax. In the afternoon you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. As the sun sets, go on a dusk drive to look for nocturnal wildlife coming before returning to the lodge for dinner and an after dinner night walk on the nature trail nearby the resort (B,L,D)
Day 03
Enjoyed a well deserved lie-in or join an optional dawn drive to look out for wildlife that is active around sunrise (Optional dawn drive RM100 per person ). After breakfast, you are free to explore the area surrounding the lodge until check out. Keep an eye out for gibbons, bearded pigs and a multitude of different birds that regularly visit the lodge. Transfer out is at 1.30pm after lunch and you will be back in Lahad Datu by 3pm - for your onward journey. (B,L)
Pick up from Lahad Datu at 8am or 12pm for a 1.5hr transfer into Tabin wildlife reserve. Upon arrival check into your Tabin Wildlife Resort Chalet and take a walk to explore the local Lipad River area, home to a surprising variety of birds, insects and small mammals. Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments.
In the afternoon, trek with your guide from the Elephant trail 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 and return to the lodge. After dinner join a 4X4 night safari drive looking for nocturnal animals (L,D)
Day 02
Start with an optional 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. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or simply relax. In the afternoon you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. As the sun sets, go on a dusk drive to look for nocturnal wildlife coming before returning to the lodge for dinner and an after dinner night walk on the nature trail nearby the resort (B,L,D)
Day 03
Enjoyed a well deserved lie-in or join an optional dawn drive to look out for wildlife that is active around sunrise (Optional dawn drive RM100 per person ). After breakfast, you are free to explore the area surrounding the lodge until check out. Keep an eye out for gibbons, bearded pigs and a multitude of different birds that regularly visit the lodge. Transfer out is at 1.30pm after lunch and you will be back in Lahad Datu by 3pm - for your onward journey. (B,L)
4D3N TABIN WILDLIFE SAFARI ITINERARY
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Day 01
Pick up from Lahad Datu at 8am or 12pm for a 1.5hr transfer into Tabin wildlife reserve. Upon arrival check into your Tabin Wildlife Resort Chalet and take a walk to explore the local Lipad River area, home to a surprising variety of birds, insects and small mammals. Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments. In the afternoon, trek with your guide from the Elephant trail 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 and return to the lodge. After dinner join a 4X4 night safari drive looking for nocturnal animals (L,D) Day 02 Start with an optional early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species. After breakfast, drive to the core area with a stop to climb the bird watching tower and learn more about the orangutan release centre. 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. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or simply relax. In the afternoon you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. As the sun sets, go on a dusk drive to look for nocturnal wildlife coming before returning to the lodge for dinner and an after dinner night walk on the nature trail nearby the resort (B,L,D) Day 03 Join morning and afternoon jungle walks along with your nature guide or simply to choose to relax and soak up the sounds of the jungle from your balcony. After dinner jump onto one of our vehicles for the night safari in search of nocturnal wildlife. (B, L, D) Day 04 Enjoyed a well deserved lie-in or join an optional dawn drive to look out for wildlife that is active around sunrise (Optional dawn drive RM100 per person ). After breakfast, you are free to explore the area surrounding the lodge until check out. Keep an eye out for gibbons, bearded pigs and a multitude of different birds that regularly visit the lodge. Transfer out is at 1.30pm after lunch and you will be back in Lahad Datu by 3pm - for your onward journey. (B,L) |
Note for all itineraries: All activities are subject to weather conditions and may be re-organised to best meet operational situation
Accommodation options
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Tabin Wildlife Resort is the only accommodation in Tabin Wildlife Reserve and offers a total of 6 Hill Lodges & 10 River Lodges with air conditioning, hot showers & private balconies.
River Lodges are located at ground level, in front of the restaurant and their balconies overlook the river. Hill Lodges are located on a small hill behind the restaurant and the balconies have forest views. The furthest Hill Lodges (Hill lodge triple), require climbing around 150 steps to reach your room whereas the nearest ones are on shorter staircases with only 20-30 steps. Room types River Lodge (10 units) - 2 single beds (can be pushed together) Hill Lodge Double (2 units) - 1 double bed Hill Lodge Triple (4 units) - 3 single beds Tabin Wildlife Resort has 24 electricity provided by generators, there will be short interruptions to the power supply when the generators change over. |
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Pricing
Most visitors to Tabin Wildlife Reserve will opt to stay for 2 or 3 nights to fully enjoy the surrounding area and maximise their wildlife spotting opportunities. If you are short on time then a 2D1N option is available, except in the months of July and August due to high occupancy at the lodge. Private and special interest tours are available on request, please contact us via the form below for more information.
Tabin Wildlife Safari (Per person) |
2D1N Tabin |
3D2N Tabin |
4D3N Tabin |
Twin share |
RM2150 |
RM3100 |
RM3800 |
3rd person in room |
RM1200 |
RM1850 |
RM2300 |
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* Rates quoted are per person
* 2D1N packages are not available in July & August * A 50% single supplement is applicable to all single occupancy rooms. * Child rate: Ages 0 - 4 are free of charge based on using existing bedding, 3rd person rate is applicable for children aged 5 and above. Optional activities (min 2 people) Dawn drive on last day: RM100.00 per person Additional night or dusk drive: RM100 per person Rates are valid for stays until 31st March 2026 |
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Inclusions & Exclusions
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Inclusions
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Exclusions:
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Additional information
What to bring:
Binoculars, Insect repellent, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swim wear, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle & personal toiletries. Leech socks are available for sale at the lodge.
Binoculars, Insect repellent, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swim wear, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle & personal toiletries. Leech socks are available for sale at the lodge.
Getting to / from Tabin Wildlife Reserve (1.5 hours drive from Lahad Datu town)
Getting to / from Lahad Datu
- Scheduled transfer Lahad Datu to Tabin: 8am or 12pm
- Scheduled transfer Tabin to Lahad Datu: 1pm
- Unscheduled transfers available on request & subject to additional charge
Getting to / from Lahad Datu
- MAS Wings run multiple daily flights between Kota Kinabalu and Lahad Datu. Guests landing at 8.15am with flight MH3012 may take the 8am transfer to the lodge as long as there are no flight delays.
Guests departing from the lodge may take MH3019 at 16.20 to Kota Kinabalu or request an unscheduled transfer out for earlier flights. - We provide overland transfers between the Kinabatangan region, Semporna, Sandakan, Tawau and Lahad Datu, please just ask for more information if you are coming from or would like to continue on to one of these destinations.
Honest Pricing
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At River Junkie, we like to keep our pricing as fair, honest and transparent as possible. If you find the exact trip that we are offering for a lower price, we will either match it or beat it - this is our guarantee in providing you with honest pricing.
*Our price guarantee is for published rates only and not applicable to flash deals or last-minute promotions
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