Tabin was declared a wildlife reserve because of the large numbers of animal species inhabiting its forest, including several which are highly endangered. With a protected forest area of 120,500 hectares, Tabin plays an important role as a dedicated ground for the breeding of endangered wildlife and protected mammals in Sabah. It is perhaps most notable as the last major stronghold of the Sumatra Rhinoceros on Borneo. In the core area visitors have the opportunity to walk through primary dipterocarp rainforest, and also easily spot wildlife such as orang utans and pygmy elephants. Tabin is a bird-watcher's paradise. About 42 indigenous families representing 220 species have been recorded here. Amongst them are at least seven of Sabah's eight hornbill species; Blue-headed pitta, Wren-Babbler, Borneon Blue Flycathcer, Scarlet Sunbird, Everett's White-eye. Rarely seen species such as the Speckled piculet, Chestnet-capped Thrush and Thick-bellied flowerpecker are found.
17 ways to experience the wonders of …
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
- Enjoy the enchanting concert of the animals and insects greeting each new day. You may pick up the gibbon's call or the clear melodies of unknown tropical birds especially in the cool, misty mornings.
- Follow the clever choreography of fireflies against the silhouette of the forest, adding a touch of mystery to the dark tropical night.
- Lay down with the sky above you and take in a breath of crisp fresh air. Be amazed by the size of the brilliant equatorial night sky. Amongst the countless glittering stars, choose one to make a wish upon. In Tabin the possibilities for your wish are good. After all, Tabin itself already is a dream come true.
- Relish the feeling of total disconnection from the outside world. In Tabin, life has its own ways and pace.
- Cherish the harmony of the endangered rainforest ecosystem – the lungs of our planet. In Tabin's forest you see life as it truly should be – wild, variable, colourful, pure, and full of wonders!
- Feel the cool, soothing river wash away the tiredness of your body after a day of trekking, while laying in mother nature's own Spa. Close your eyes and think how life can be wonderfully enjoyable in its most primitive and natural form.
- Listen to the humming wings of the majestic Hornbills flying above you to land on a bare branch for their night roost. Observe their loving behaviour and be amazed by their tender loving care for each other.
- Walk in the friendly protection of the canopy rising to amazing heights above you. The same canopy that provides home for countless animal species now shelters you from the equatorial sun under its green shadows.
- Just before falling into a peaceful sleep, watch the night sky above you and listen to the forest humming and singing its lullaby to you.
- Do a good deed. Stop and make way for the little Pil milipede inching its way across your path.
- Let the sound of the flowing water calm your mind while sitting by the riverside rock with the dense foliage closing you into its green depths.
- Trace and identify the fresh tracks of the nightly animal visitors in search of vital minerals at the mud-volcano.
- Try the natural mud-masque facial treatment from the mud volcano. The mud is rich in minerals and is said to have a soothing effect for your complexion, and of course it is fun too.
- Appreciate the important role of Tabin as a wildlife reserve. Surrounded by oil-palm plantations, Tabin is like a huge paradise island providing protection and shelter for rare and endangered wildlife while the plantations serve as a convenient provider of food for them.
- Taste the delicacies of the traditional local cuisine and steal one or two recipes from the chef when he is in a good mood.
- Feel the presence of some of the world’s most endangered species like Sumatran Rhinoceros as Tabin is one of their last sanctuaries. Sumatran Rhinos are extremely rare and shy, it is unlikely for you to meet any, but you may get to know their home and habitat, and learn more about this magnificent creature.
- Escape from the stress of everyday life. Let your soul be healed. Read a good book with the afternoon sun shinning outside, and unknown humming of distance birds. The world becomes unbelievably beautiful.
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| Wildlife, some endemic only to Borneo, are found in the 120,500 hectares Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Go for jungle-trekking and night safari to look out for rare wildlife | ||
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 Sumatran Rhino-a highly endangered and protected animal, are known to exist in Tabin |
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| When in Tabin, look out for the river carp “Puntius Collinwoodii” recently found to be performing the same behaviour as the Salmon fish, leaping against the current | |
Getting there :
By Air: MasWings operates daily flights connecting Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu. Flight duration is about 1 hour. From Lahad Datu, a 1:15 hour drive, part of it on gravel road, will take you to Tabin.
By Road: Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu (7 hours)
Sandakan to Lahad Datu (4 hours). This is an increasingly more popular way to visit Tabin whereby visitors take a flight to Sandakan where they visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, and perhaps the Selingan Turtle Island, then onward to Sukau in Kinabatangan for at least one night’s stay and then by road from Sukau to Tabin Widlife Resort. This journey enables one to see some of the top eco-nature destinations in Borneo.
Tawau to Lahad Datu (4 hours). Divers find Tabin a good destination to visit after their diving trip to Sipadan and Mabul islands, allowing them to break the non-flying-after diving rule and visiting Tabin for one or two nights’ stay. Journey from Semporna from Tabin is 3:15 hours.
Activities:
| Jungle Trekking | Wildlife Watching |
Photography
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Birdwatching |
Recommended Tour Packages:
