3 Days Tabin Wildlife Safari
Tabin became a wildlife reserve primarily on account of the large number of animals inhabiting its forests, some of which are highly endangered. Located on the eastern part of Sabah on the island of Borneo, Tabin Wildlife Reserve was established in 1984 and comprises a rectangular area of approximately 1,225 sq-km in the centre of the Dent Peninsula. The two largest mammals of Sabah, namely the Borneo pygmy elephant and the banteng, also known as the tembadau, are all found within the reserve, plus nine primate species and three species of cats – all of which are on the protected wildlife list. Of the bird species, 42 families representing 220 species have been recorded. One of the highlights of Tabin is the active and mineral rich mud volcanoes, which attract frequent wildlife visitors for their mineral intake and this provides an ideal platform to observe wildlife, including birds.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Collected early from Lahad Datu, we transfer to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve to check-in to a resort which is nestled within the rainforest beside the Lipad River. This area is home to a variety of birds, insects and small mammals. We will discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by locals for the treatment of various ailments. The scheduled joint transfer from Lahad Datu Town is at 8.00am and 12.00pm. We also visit the Trogon Hall gallery to learn more about the conservation of the Tabin Wildlife Reserve (should we check-in before 11am).
In the afternoon, we trek the Elephant Trail to the active Lipad mud volcano which provides a mineral salt lick for wildlife and we will try to identify the multitude of animal footprints here. We can even try the volcanic mud as a mask which is said to aid a better complexion. After dinner, we enjoy a presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders, followed by a night safari to spot nocturnal wildlife, birds and to identify the constellations in the clear skies.
Overnight at Tabin Wildlife Resort.
Our exploration of Tabin continues with an early morning bird walk to discover some of the reserve’s rich collection of over 300 species of birds. After breakfast, we drive to the main area known for wildlife spotting to take some photos before trekking through the lush green rainforest, known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species to visit Lipad Waterfall. We take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a refreshing shower under the waterfall, alternatively we explore the surrounding vegetation, or just relax.
In the afternoon, we try the Tabin rainforest foot soak made with a natural blend of herbs to relax tired muscles after our long jungle trek. In the evening, a dusk drive takes us to search for nocturnal wildlife and birds that come out looking for food, and after dinner, we commence a night walk along the trail nearby the resort in search of sleeping birds, frog and nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight at Tabin Wildlife Resort.
After breakfast, we have free time to spend at our leisure. There is the option of a dawn drive or a jungle walk to look out for the wildlife that is active at this time of the day.
After lunch, we check-out and transfer to Lahad Datu Airport for our afternoon domestic flight to Kota Kinabalu. The scheduled joint transfer is at 1.30pm.
Route
- Seat-in-coach tours operate daily with English-speaking guide; minimum 2 pax required unless stated otherwise;
- 50% surcharge will apply for Single Occupancy / Single Traveller;
- Private basis only applicable for 2 Adults, 3 Adults or 2 Adults + 1 Child;
- Effective from 01st September 2017 onwards, a Tourism Tax of MYR10.00 per room per night will be levied directly to the non-Malaysian guests at the Hotel upon check-out;
- Kindly submit guest’s details before arrival (Name as per passport, Passport No, Gender, Date of Birth, Nationality) for Permit Application to Tabin Wildlife Reserve and dietary requirement if any;
- Full payment for tour packages booked is required 32 days prior to date of arrival to confirm booking. All deposit will be non-refundable. No refund in part or in full will be made after full payment is received including No Show on the arrival date and early departure;
- Child rate (age 5-12 years old): 50% of adult rate based from twin sharing rate provided that the child stay in with 2 paying adults and do not utilize extra bed. Full adult rate will be applied (extra pax rate) if extra bed is utilized. Children below 5 years old and not using extra bed stay for free of charge.
**Different policy may apply for tour packages involving non-Tabin components; - We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this tour; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant;
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the tour in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests;
- Guests traveling over and during local holidays may experience longer waiting times than normal, may see certain sites being closed down, and this program may be subject to supplementary charges;
- Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this;
- Tours and excursions often include obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility;
- The protection of the country’s flora, fauna and its historical and cultural treasures is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles;
- Please ensure that you bring PASSPORT, Air ticket, Camera with recommended High ASA film and Zoom lenses, Light Jacket, comfortable trekking shoes, Leech Socks, Comfortable Cotton Shirt with Long and Short Pants and Extra clothing (in case you get caught in the rain), slippers, Raincoat, Insect Repellent, Toiletries, Binocular, Sun Block, Hat, Water Bottle, Torchlight, Small Towel, Swim wear, High Energy snacks, Plastic Bags, First Aid Kit, Tissue/Toilet Paper, Knapsack/Waist pouch and overnight bag;
- All mentioned times, durations and stops are based on approximations and may change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather and traffic conditions beyond our control.
- Tours and transfers with licenced English-speaking guiding services / assistance. Other languages are on request and are subject to availability;
- Accommodation based on twin sharing basis at Tabin Wildlife Resort;
- Private tour includes: Private return Scheduled transfer from Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife Resort, Private guide, Private night drive and Private vehicle for activities;
- Seat-in-coach tour includes: Sharing return Scheduled transfer from Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife Resort, sharing guided tours and activities;
- Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
- All meals as indicated in the programme (food only);
- All applicable taxes and service charges.
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
- Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement;
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the programme;
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers;
- Voluntary carbon emission compensation: USD 1.50 per person per day.
This is one of our Sustainable Trails, an excursion that maximises positive impacts on local communities and minimises negative impacts on the environment in the following ways:
- Eat locally – Meals are cooked by local communities using delicious locally-sourced ingredients;
- Stay eco-friendly – Stay overnight at an eco-lodge that immerses you in local nature;
- Transport alternatively – Experience the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in the best possible way by hiking along easy forest trails.
