3D2N Packages | Borneo Authentic Adventure

Tour Information

Code: SB/LD-TB Duration: 3D2N Price: from RM 1,750 per person Minimum 2 person travelling

Attractions

Borneo Tabin Wildlife Reserve — 3D2N

Overview

In 1984, the Sabah state government created a nature forest reserve in the North East of Borneo as a safe haven for wildlife to breed and multiply. The protection of wildlife by the state was trigger by excessive hunting and poaching by a certain tribes that depends on these illegal activities as their means of livelihood. This forest reserve is about 122,000 hectares in size and is located in the pristine Dent peninsular. The peninsular is being hugged by the Sulu Sea to the south and east. It is rectangular in size and reachable via a 40km seal road. The Segama River runs through this forest reserve and it is covered with mostly dipterocarp forest.

The Tabin Wildlife Forest Reserve host a very large population of animals some of which are highly endangered. The three largest animals found here are the pygmy elephants, Sumatran Rhinos and Tembadau.

The elephant population in 1993 is estimated between 150 to 300 animals but has since increased substantially due to the protection of these animals by the government. In addition, most of all the Sabah’s primates can be found here especially the Orang Utan and Proboscis monkeys, however their numbers are very low compare to other protected areas. The Clouded Leopard is a common sighting here. There are varieties of birds found here with some very endemic to this area.

Besides the impressive list of wildlife found here, its thick jungles offers an array of plants and trees. The most famous of it all is the rafflesia, world reknown for its size and rotting odor. Trekkers will also find the carnivorous Nephentes, orchids and pitcher plant aplenty. There are also herbs abound which the local tribes used as medicines for certain ailments. Occasionally there are scientist who does some research here and believe that

Ever since Tabin was gazetted as a forest reserve, the number of visitors to this place has increased tremendously. Visitors, tourists and guests are allowed to do trekking, wildlife viewing, birding and filming.

There is also a mud volcano here where the wild animals congregate for their salt intake. Another interesting feature of Tabin is its Limestone caves which is located in the norther part of this wildlife forest reserve. This limestone caves has a span of 1200m which scientist believe was formed by an underground river thousands of years ago. There are 36 caves with 23 openings found thus far.

There are also a number of waterfalls with Lipat watefalls the most well known and visited.

The Tabin Wildife Reserve has a jungle resort which is managed by a private company. It has some 20 beautiful authentic and rustic lodges spread along the river and hill slopes. Walking some distances into the thick rainforest, a viewing tower offers guest the opportunity of a platform to view the scenic green rainforest and mud volcano.

A number of tour operators offer tour packages to visit Tabin. However, for the serious trekker, there are trails that go deeper into the rainforest. Contact us for more information.

Getting to Tabin can be done either by taking the flight from the capital city of Kota Kinabalu which is operated by MASwings (www.maswings.com) and thereafter by road for about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can take the schedule bus ride from Kota Kinabalu right up to Lahad Datu and arranged to be picked up to Tabin which will take approximately 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic and speed.

Visitors from overseas usually combined the Kinabatangan Wildlife Corridor with Tabin Wildlife Forest Reserve. This is just 3 hour drive from each point.

Helicopter services to Tabin which is provided by Sabah Air can be arranged with any tour operator.

Itinarary

Day One Meet up at airport or any prearranged pick up point and thereafter transfer by road to Tabin Wildlife Forest reserve. The road trip will take about 90 minutes. Upon arrival at the rustic look jungle resort, check in and settled in. Your first activity of the day would be to visit the Trogon Hall gallery and learn about the conservation efforts being done. Later in the afternoon after lunch is done, trek for about 20 minutes to the Lipad Mud Volcano area which is a source of mineral for most of the wildlife here. There is an observation tower where you can admire the unique and beautiful rainforest from atop. Its also a perfect place to observe the many varieties of birds. Trek back to the lodge via the elephant trail. Dinner will be served at the resort restaurant followed by a slide presentation on what Tabin has to offer. At night, joined the night safari in search of nocturnal animals. (L,D)

Day Two An early morning wake up call for the morning walk to discover the rich collection of Tabin’s exotic birds which is almost 300 species. Later, back to the lodge for breakfast. Later we will drive to a site where wild animals are usually spotted and thereafter trek through the lush green rainforest and at the same time observe its the diversity of plants. Next visit the the Lipad Waterfall where you can take a dip in the natural pool or enjoy the scenic and serene surroundings. In the evening, another night drive to look for more nocturnal wildlife.

Day Three After breakfast, free and easy until check out for the transfer back to airport.