TABIN
Field Notes
Deep in the heart of eastern Sabah lies Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a vast sanctuary of over 120,000 hectares of lush rainforest. Created as a safe haven for Borneo’s most endangered species, Tabin is a wilderness alive with possibilities, from the call of gibbons at dawn to the quiet rustle of pygmy elephants moving through the trees. It’s a place where nature thrives untamed, and every moment on the trail is a discovery waiting to happen.
To Discover
HIGHLIGHTS
A critical haven for Borneo’s most vulnerable species, including the Pygmy Elephant and the extremely rare Tembadau or the Bornean Banteng
A unique, active geological feature that acts as a natural mineral salt lick, drawing a high concentration of large mammals for reliable viewing.
Designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA), the reserve is a crucial sanctuary, offering viewing opportunities for nearly 300 recorded bird species.
Explore waterfalls hidden in the lush rainforest
KEY EXPERIENCES
Trek through the rainforest to visit the scenic Lipad Waterfall and enjoy the cooling natural surroundings.
Go on evening drives in an open-top vehicle to actively search for the reserve’s nocturnal wildlife.
Wake to the calls of gibbons and begin your day observing the area’s varied fauna near the resort and along the river at sunrise.
Hike to a mineral-rich mud volcano to observe wildlife tracks and animals attracted to the natural salt lick.
INSIGHTS
Unlike coastal mud volcanoes such as those found near Lahad Datu or Semporna, Tabin’s bubbling craters sit in the middle of dense rainforest, making them vital “mineral licks” for wildlife.
INSIGHTS
Unlike coastal mud volcanoes such as those found near Lahad Datu or Semporna, Tabin’s bubbling craters sit in the middle of dense rainforest, making them vital “mineral licks” for wildlife.
Where to Stay
Comfort:
Journey:
Nature:
Tabin Wildlife Resort
Your base at Tabin Wildlife Resort offers the best of both worlds, comfort and immersion. Nestled beside the Lipad River and overlooking the lush greenery, the wooden chalets blend rustic charm with modern touches. From your veranda, watch hornbills glide overhead or listen to the river’s gentle lull, knowing the wild is just steps away.
Trail Tales
Exploring Tabin
If I get to choose my spirit animal, it would be the gibbon. Their whooping calls are magic to my ears and I love nothing more than to watch them swing so effortlessly from tree to tree. The dramatic form of locomotion is called brachiating
Contact us to speak to our travel designer!