River Junkie – fuel the addiction
River Junkie – fuel the addiction

River Junkie Tours Sdn. Bhd. — licensed Kota Kinabalu tour operator (KPL/LN5696), MATTA member, running wildlife safaris, Mount Kinabalu climbs and cave trips across Sabah and Sarawak since 2008.

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Night safari drive at Tabin Wildlife Reserve

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Tabin Wildlife Reserve

3D2N Tabin Wildlife Safari (Tabin Wildlife Resort)

3 days
2 nights
Departs Lahad Datu
Mid-range
Price fromRM 3,400
Hill Lodge, twin share, per person
Duration3 days
2 nights on the road
DepartsLahad Datu
Scheduled transfer Lahad Datu to Tabin at 8am or 12pm; Tabin to Lahad Datu at 1.30pm
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About this trip

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, jungle trails 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 can wake up to the sounds of gibbons, spot orangutans along the jungle trails and come face to face with civets, flying lemurs and leopard cats on 4×4 sunset & night safaris. 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.

Highlights

  • Guided jungle walks in search of orangutans, gibbons and more
  • Dusk & night 4WD safaris for wild cats, flying lemurs and more
  • Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak with natural herbs
  • River Lodge or Hill Lodge accommodation at Tabin

    • Trip facts

    Tabin Wildlife Reserve
    Birding, Jungle walks, Night Drive, Night Walk, Wildlife
    3 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 2 / 5
    Departs from Lahad Datu
    Rates: Rates are valid for stays until 31st March 2027
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    Day by day

    Day 1

    Elephant trail, Tabin mud volcano & night drive

    Pick up from Lahad Datu at 8am or 12pm for a 1.5hr transfer into Tabin wildlife reserve. Guests arriving on the earlier transfer will spend some time at Tabin Visitor Centre learning about the conservation of Tabin Wildlife Reserve and the variety of birds, insects and animals that is found in the local area. In the afternoon, join your guide for a guided walk along 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 and 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. Return from the mud volcano back to the main road and continue to the lodge to freshen up before dinner. After a buffet dinner, join a 4X4 night safari drive looking for nocturnal animals (L,D) * A new mud volcano observation tower is currently under construction and a scaffolding structure is temporarily in place for a birdseye view of the mud volcano.

    Day 2

    Bird walk, Lipad trail, dusk drive & night walk

    Join the early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species. After breakfast, drive to the core area, stopping off along the way to climb up the Birdwatching Tower. Take a guided walk on the Lipad trail 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 or just relax and enjoy the surrounding forest. Along the way back to the resort, stop by at the Tabin Giant Tree, a majestic Mengaris tree over 50m tall and estimated to be over 150 years old. 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 then, as the sun sets, go on a dusk drive to look for nocturnal wildlife & birds coming out to look for food during this time of the day. Return to the lodge for dinner and then join an after-dinner night walk on the nature trail nearby the resort (B,L,D)

    Day 3

    Departure day

    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, civets 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)

    Where you'll stay

    River Lodge chalets at night, Tabin Wildlife Resort

    Tabin Wildlife Resort

    Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah
    Tabin Wildlife Resort sits on Sabah's east coast, about an hour along an unsealed road from Lahad Datu. Guests stay in either River Lodges facing the Lipad river or Hill Lodges on the forested slope, each with air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, an ensuite hot-water bathroom and a private balcony, linked by boardwalks to the Sunbird Cafe. It is the only accommodation within the reserve.
  • River Lodge2 single beds per room, 1 extra bed can be added. Surcharge of RM250 per person applies for River Lodge.
  • Hill Lodge Double1 double bed, 1 extra bed can be added
  • Hill Lodge TripleFurthest from the restaurant with most steps to climb. 3 single beds in each room.
    • FacilitiesSunbird Cafe serving buffet meals with complimentary coffee. Exhibition gallery. Timber boardwalks connecting the chalets. Air-conditioning and ceiling fans, ensuite hot-water shower and private balcony in every chalet.
    Good to knowWifi is available in the restaurant area but can be slow at times and phone reception is limited. Activities centre on night safaris and dusk drives, jungle trekking, the Lipad Mud Volcano, Lipad Waterfall, a rainforest foot soak and birdwatching. Some Hill Lodge Triple are towards the top of the hill and require climbing quite a few steps. River Lodge's have the least steps and connect to the restaurant via a flat boardwalk.
    A closer look

    What's included

  • Scheduled transfer Lahad Datu to Tabin at 8am or 12pm
  • Scheduled transfer Tabin to Lahad Datu at 1.30pm
  • Accommodation in River Lodge or Hill Lodge
  • Meals as stated
  • Guided tours and activities on a join-in basis

    • Not included

  • Flights
  • Unscheduled transfer in / out lodge (available at additional charge)
  • Optional or additional activities as listed above
  • Malaysian Tourism tax RM10 per room per night (applicable to non-Malaysian passport holders)

    • Prices

    3D2N Tabin - Hill Lodge, Twin shareRM 3400per person
    3D2N Tabin - Hill Lodge, 3rd person in roomRM 2050per person
    Pricing notesRiver Lodge supplement, per person per stay (1, 2 or 3 night stay) — RM 250 Single supplement: 50% for all single occupancy rooms Optional activity (min 2 people): Dawn drive on last day, per person — RM 100 Optional activity (min 2 people): Additional night or dusk drive, per person — RM 100 Malaysian Tourism tax per room per night (applicable to non-Malaysian passport holders) — RM 10
    ChildrenChild rate: Ages 0 - 4 are free of charge based on using existing bedding, 3rd person rate is applicable for children aged 5 and above.
    Rate validityRates are valid for stays until 31st March 2027

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I get to Tabin and back?
    Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a 1.5 hour drive from Lahad Datu town, with scheduled transfers leaving Lahad Datu at 8am or 12pm on day one. On day three your transfer out is at 1.30pm after lunch and you will be back in Lahad Datu by 3pm. Guests landing at 8.15am on flight MY3012 can take the 8am transfer as long as there are no delays, and Air Borneo's last flight of the day (MY3019) works for the journey back to Kota Kinabalu. Unscheduled transfers are available on request at additional charge.
    What optional extras are available?
    You can choose to add a dawn drive on your last day or an additional night or dusk drive. These require a minimum of 2 people and pricing can be found above.
    What is the difference between a River Lodge and a Hill Lodge?
    River Lodges are at ground level in front of the restaurant with balconies overlooking the river, and there are 10 units, each with 2 single beds that can be pushed together. Hill Lodges sit on a small hill behind the restaurant with forest views from the balconies — there are 2 Hill Lodge Doubles with 1 double bed and 4 Hill Lodge Triples with 3 single beds. The furthest Hill Lodges, the Hill Lodge Triples, require climbing around 150 steps to reach your room, while the nearest ones have shorter staircases of only 20 to 30 steps.
    What should I bring?
    Binoculars, insect repellent, long sleeve shirts and long trousers, a raincoat, sun hat, swimwear, comfortable trekking shoes, a torch, a water bottle and personal toiletries. Pack the swimwear for the natural pool at Lipad Waterfall. Leech socks are available for sale at the lodge.
    Is there electricity in the rooms?
    Tabin Wildlife Resort has 24 hour electricity provided by generators. There will be short interruptions to the power supply when the generators change over.
    Is this tour suitable for children?
    Yes. Tabin is a good option for families and the itinerary includes a nice variety of 4WD safaris and shorter walks plus a chance to swim at Lipad waterfall.
    Are the activities weather dependent?
    Yes. All activities and trails are subject to weather and trail conditions and may be reorganised to best suit the operational situation. Activities will be postponed / rescheduled wherever possible rather than cancelled.
    Are all the rooms the same price?
    No. There is a surcharge of RM250 per person per stay for River Lodge due to their popularity.
    Can I book a private tour
    Yes. Private tour arrangements are available for Tabin Wildlife Reserve, please contact us for a quotation
    Can I see orangutans in Tabin Wildlife Reserve?
    Tabin Wildlife Reserve is home to approximately 1200 orangutans, some of which have been released to the reserve following their rehabilitation in Sepilok orangutan sanctuary. Whilst wild encounters are never guaranteed, you certainly have a decent chance of spotting an orangutan in Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
    What other wildlife could I potentially see during my stay?
    It is not uncommon to see both civets and leopard cats during your stay, clouded leopards however require some luck. Other nocturnal sightings include owls, flying squirrels and flying lemurs (colugo). Bornean gibbons frequently visit the area surrounding the lodge and herds of pygmy elephants pass through from time to time. The reserve is home to over 300 species of birds, making for excellent bird-watching opportunities. Ask us about special interest birding trips!

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    Ready to book, or still deciding?

    Tell us your dates and we will come back with availability, the total cost and honest advice — including when a different trip would suit you better.

    Getting between destinations: we also run private van and 4X4 transfers across Sabah and a daily Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan shuttle — ask us to add either to your trip.

    WhatsApp / phone: +60 11 1265 8581
    Email: info@river-junkie.com
    Hours: 8am–5pm, Monday to Sunday
    Office: Wisma Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

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