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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Lipad twin waterfall in Tabin Wildlife Reserve

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Tabin Wildlife Reserve

2D1N Tabin Wildlife Safari (Tabin Wildlife Resort)

2 days
1 nights
Departs Lahad Datu
Mid-range
Price fromRM 2,370
Hill Lodge, twin share, per person
Duration2 days
1 night 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 just 1.5 hours from Lahad Datu airport. 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 2D1N Tabin Wildlife Experience is the quickest way to visit this area but we recommend staying at least 2 nights if you can. The 2D1N package is not available in July & August.

Highlights

  • Guided walk to the active Lipad mud volcano
  • 4x4 night safari in search of nocturnal animals
  • Optional dawn drive & Birdwatching Tower stop
  • Trek to Lipad Waterfall for a natural shower
  • River Lodge or Hill Lodge accommodation at Tabin

    • Trip facts

    Tabin Wildlife Reserve
    Birding, Jungle walks, Night Drive, Night Walk, Wildlife
    2 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 (Meals - 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

    Join an 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, drive to the core area, stopping off along the way to climb up the Birdwatching Tower. Walk 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 (Meals -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

    2D1N Tabin - Hill Lodge, Twin shareRM 2370per person
    2D1N Tabin - Hill Lodge, 3rd person in roomRM 1320per person
    Pricing notesRiver Lodge supplement, per person per 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

    Is one night enough?
    Most visitors to Tabin Wildlife Reserve opt to stay for 2 or 3 nights to fully enjoy the area and maximise their wildlife spotting, but if you are short on time this 2D1N option is available. If you are only staying one night, be sure to take the 8am transfer into the lodge so that you have an extra few hours to enjoy the area. The 2D1N package is not offered in July and August due to high occupancy at the lodge.
    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. Your return transfer leaves Tabin 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 those heading back to Kota Kinabalu can take the last Air Borneo flight of the day (MY3019). Unscheduled transfers are available on request at additional charge.
    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 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 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. Swimwear is worth packing for the dip in 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.

    Photos from this trip

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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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