Tabin Wildlife Reserve covers an area of ​​122,500 hectares and was established in 1984 to protect endangered wildlife and the pristine rainforests of the Dent Peninsula. Much of Tabin's forest was previously deforested, but it has rapidly regenerated, contributing to its high biodiversity and providing a rich food source for herbivores.

Guests staying at Tabin Wildlife Resort, the only accommodation in the reserve, can participate in a variety of activities designed to fully explore nature. Key activities include:

• Mud Volcano Exploration: Trek to Lipad, Tabin's most important mud volcano. The mud that bubbles up from the ground is rich in essential minerals for wildlife, making it a frequent spot for grazing by wildlife such as pygmy elephants and tembadau (wild cattle). Visitors can climb a dedicated observation tower to safely observe these animals.
• Day and Night Wildlife Watching: In addition to trekking, guided drives are also available. During the day and evening, explore the area to find wildlife that is active at that time, especially nocturnal animals, such as slow lorises, civets, and deer.
• Bird Watching: Ta Bin is a paradise for birdwatchers, especially hornbills, with eight species reported in the area, along with other endemic birds.
• Lipad Waterfall: Trek to a small waterfall where visitors can swim and apply mud from the nearby volcanic mud to their skin, creating a natural spa.

The resort's chalet-style accommodations are designed to blend in with nature, offering both River Lodge and Hill Chalet options. Other amenities include the Sunbird Café restaurant and a nature interpretation center, which provides information about the reserve's flora and fauna.

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How to Get There

• The main way to get there is by flight to Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) from Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan. From there, a scheduled transfer (included in most tour packages) is arranged from Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife Resort (travel time approximately 1.5 hours).

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Travel Tips

Best time to visit:

• During the dry season (March to October), forest trails are more accessible and wildlife encounters are more likely.

What to bring:

• Insect repellent, leech socks, sunscreen, a hat, a flashlight, a swimsuit, and photography equipment.

Note:

• Accommodation and activity bookings are usually made through tour packages, which include accommodation, meals, and guided activities.

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Admission Fees:

• Entrance fees and permits are generally included in Tabin Wildlife Resort accommodation packages.
• Package rates start at approximately MYR 2,150 (for 2 days, 1 night per person, sharing a twin room). There is also a Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTX) of approximately MYR 10 per room, per night (for non-Malaysian passport holders).

Opening Hours:

• It is generally accessible year-round, as it is a nature reserve nestled in the forest. Visits are available in packages, accommodation, and activities, depending on the time of day, but it is best to check the exact time and availability.