Tabin Wildlife Resort

Location
Tucked into eastern Sabah on Borneo’s Dent Peninsula, Tabin Wildlife Resort lies within the expansive Tabin Wildlife Reserve (about 1,225 km²). It sits near Lahad Datu, just a 40‑minute drive along sealed and gravel roads. Surrounded by rich lowland dipterocarp rainforest, the resort is a gateway to spotting rare wildlife. The iconic Lipad River and nearby mud volcano attract elephants, clouded leopards and hornbills alike.

Rooms
The resort offers 20 timber chalets split evenly between River Chalets that are perched on the Lipad River edge and Hill Chalets which are nestled into the forested hillside. Each chalet includes twin or double bedding, en‑suite bathrooms with hot‑water showers, air conditioning and ceiling fans, plus private balconies overlooking the river or jungle canopy. Hill Chalets sit up to 150 steps above the restaurant, while River Chalets offer ground‑level access.

Amenities
Facilities are simple yet thoughtful: a communal dining area serving buffet or occasional à‑la‑carte meals (Western and local), reliable generator‑powered electricity (with brief changeover interruptions), and meeting spaces that can host up to 80 guests. There’s Wi‑Fi in common areas, basic shops for trekking essentials, plus warm hospitality reflecting the resort’s commitment to nature appreciation.

Activities
Every stay includes guided jungle treks, wildlife drives, and bird‑watching walks, with the chance to spot pygmy elephants, gibbons, hornbills and over 300 bird species. Signature highlights include visits to the Lipad mud volcano, waterfall pools for a refreshing dip, night safaris in 4x4s, dawn drives and forest foot‑soaks infused with tropical herbs. Packages range from 2‑day safaris to extended 4‑night adventures—all offering full‑board, transfers from Lahad Datu, and expert local guiding.

Sustainability
Tabin is more than a resort, it’s part of a conservation mission. Within Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve, the resort supports breeding programmes for endangered species such as pygmy elephants, banteng, and Sunda clouded leopards. The mud volcano serves both wildlife and research needs. Chalets are thoughtfully integrated, low‑impact timber structures. By hosting sustainable tourism within a protected area, Tabin ensures visitors contribute directly to habitat protection and wildlife preservation.