Why visit Tabin Wildlife Reserve?
Tabin Wildlife Reserve is Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve, covering around 1,200 square kilometres of rainforest in eastern Sabah. It offers a different wildlife experience from the Kinabatangan River, with wildlife viewing taking place both on foot and by 4×4 rather than primarily from boats.
The reserve is home to a remarkable variety of Bornean wildlife, including orangutans, gibbons, macaques, bearded pigs, civets and leopard cats. Almost 300 bird species have been recorded here, including all eight of Borneo’s hornbill species.
Tabin is also known for its mineral-rich mud volcanoes and salt licks, which attract wildlife and provide opportunities to see animal tracks and signs. For travellers looking to experience Borneo’s rainforest away from the river, Tabin offers a combination of wildlife safaris, jungle walks and nocturnal activities.
Things to do at Tabin
A Tabin Wildlife Safari combines a variety of guided activities, providing opportunities to explore the rainforest at different times of day.
4×4 wildlife safaris explore the forest beyond the main trails, with dusk and night drives offering opportunities to look for nocturnal species such as civets, leopard cats and flying squirrels.
Jungle walks provide a closer look at the rainforest and are particularly rewarding for birdwatchers. Early morning is the best time to search for birds and other wildlife while the forest is most active.
The Lipad Mud Volcano is one of Tabin’s highlights and can be reached along the Elephant Trail. The mineral-rich mud and surrounding salt deposits attract wildlife, while the trail itself offers opportunities to look for animal tracks.
The Lipad Waterfall is reached via a rainforest trail and provides a refreshing stop during a longer stay. The reserve is also home to the Tabin Giant Tree, an enormous Mengaris tree standing more than 50 metres tall.
After dark, night walks around the resort offer the chance to search for nocturnal wildlife, including frogs, insects, reptiles and potentially slow loris and tarsiers.
Where to stay?
There is one accommodation inside Tabin Wildlife Reserve: Tabin Wildlife Resort. The resort provides comfortable accommodation surrounded by rainforest and is the base for wildlife activities within the reserve.
There are 10 River Lodges and 6 Hill Lodges, all with air conditioning, hot-water showers and private balconies. The River Lodges overlook the river, while the Hill Lodges are set higher on the hillside overlooking the surrounding forest.
Some Hill Lodges require a considerable number of steps to reach, with the furthest rooms involving around 150 steps. This is worth considering when choosing accommodation, particularly for older travellers or anyone with limited mobility.
How long should you stay in Tabin?
We recommend 3D2N or 4D3N for a Tabin Wildlife Safari. A 3D2N stay provides enough time to experience several of the reserve’s main activities, including jungle walks, wildlife drives, the mud volcano and Lipad Waterfall.
A 4D3N stay is particularly worthwhile for serious wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, as the additional night gives you more opportunities for wildlife drives and guided walks.
A 2D1N visit is possible for travellers with limited time, but a longer stay provides considerably more time to explore the reserve and look for wildlife.
Who is Tabin Wildlife Reserve recommended for?
Tabin is particularly suited to wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, photographers and travellers looking for an adventurous rainforest experience.
It is a good choice for those who want to combine 4×4 wildlife safaris with shorter guided jungle walks and explore a large protected forest reserve. Birdwatchers will find plenty to interest them, with almost 300 species recorded in the reserve and all eight of Borneo’s hornbill species present.
Tabin also works well for families as the variety of activities will keep younger children entertained.
Planning your trip to Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Tabin works particularly well in combination with the Kinabatangan River for river-based wildlife viewing and Sepilok for its orangutan and sun bear rehabilitation centres. Try our 5D4N Kinabatangan & Tabin Wildlife safari or 8D7N Ultimate Sabah Wildlife Adventure if you would like to include a trip to Danum Valley as well.
If you’re unsure which destinations to combine, we can help plan a Sabah wildlife itinerary around your interests, available time and budget, just contact us for advice.
