Inside Tabin Reserve
Reached in 1.5 hours from Lahad Datu, Tabin Wildlife Resort has 18 timber chalets on the Lipad River. It suits wildlife travellers and photographers seeking productive night drives and small cats.
Welcome
An hour and a half from Lahad Datu, Tabin Wildlife Resort operates 18 timber chalets on the banks of the Lipad River. The reserve is encircled by agricultural estates, and this edge habitat supports a vast population of rodents. On the boundary road after dinner, a leopard cat is a realistic target and civets appear on most stays.
The reserve is encircled by agricultural estates, and this edge habitat supports a vast population of rodents.
On the boundary road after dinner, a leopard cat is a realistic target and civets appear on most stays.
Our view
Established in 1999, the resort is the only accommodation inside the 120,500-hectare Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
The resort has 18 en-suite timber chalets spread between river and hillside units.
Leopard cats are a realistic target and civets appear on most stays.
Explore via 4x4 night safaris, birdwatching, forest walks and volcano treks.
Combine air-conditioned comfort with intensely rewarding night safaris.
Accommodation
The 18 river and hill chalets all have en-suite bathrooms, hot-water showers, air-conditioning and ceiling fans.
10 ground-level units · private timber balcony
The 10 ground-level River Chalets have private timber balconies overlooking the Lipad River. Flat boardwalks to dining and reception suit families and guests who prefer to avoid stairs.
8 hillside units · dense forest views
The 8 Hill Chalets stand on a steep embankment behind the central cafe, receiving more sunlight and overlooking hillside forest or the river.
Larger chalets · accommodates 3 single beds
Some of these chalets are larger and accommodate 3 single beds, making them a popular choice for families.
Hot-water showers · air-conditioning
All 18 authentic Borneo timber chalets are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, hot-water showers, air-conditioning and ceiling fans.
Flat timber boardwalks · central cafe
River Chalets connect to dining and reception by flat timber boardwalks, making them a good choice for guests who prefer to avoid stairs.
Dining
The food is hearty, home-style Malaysian fare served buffet-style and the layout keeps the focus firmly on the forest. The package includes all meals and a continuous, free-flow supply of brewed coffee, tea and cordial juices at the cafe.
Wildlife
Leopard cats are realistic targets on boundary roads; common palm civets and Malay civets appear on most stays. Sunda colugos are often spotted on vertical tree trunks.
Our view
Rates on enquiry: no prices are published.
Practicalities
Yes. An entry permit and a conservation fee are required but these are arranged by the team and included in your accommodation package.
Yes. Cameras need a Sabah Wildlife Department permit, settled on site, and the team explains it before you arrive.
While Tabin is a stronghold for the Critically Endangered Bornean banteng, the remnant herd lives on artificially cultivated pastures managed by conservationists. These zones are strictly off-limits to tourism to protect the animals.
Camera-trap research at Tabin documents the Bornean bearded pig's sharp decline following the African Swine Fever outbreak across Sabah. The study compared 2023–2024 records with a 2010–2012 baseline and recorded no juveniles.
Getting there
Tabin Wildlife Resort is reached from the east coast town of Lahad Datu. The resort provides scheduled minibus or 4x4 transfers that take 1.5 hours and align with late-afternoon domestic flights.
Alternatives
Consider Borneo Rainforest Lodge for primary rainforest, Danum Valley Study Centre for its canopy walkway, Deramakot for clouded leopards, or Kinabatangan River for proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.
Accommodation
Speak to the team to arrange your stay at Tabin Wildlife Resort and secure dedicated night drives.
