Tabin Wildlife Resort, nestled within the lush Tabin Wildlife Reserve in eastern Sabah, offers a serene escape into nature for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts. This lodge-style resort provides an immersive experience in one of Malaysia’s largest protected areas, renowned for its rich biodiversity including the Borneo Big 5 – Pygmy Elephant, Proboscis Monkey, Orang Utan, Rhinoceros Hornbill, and Estuarine Crocodile. Guests can stay in comfortable river or hill lodges, each equipped with modern amenities such as en-suite bathrooms and hot showers. The resort's strategic location allows easy access to the reserve’s network of trekking trails and natural attractions, including active mud volcanoes and the scenic Lipad Waterfall, making it an ideal base for exploring the natural wonders of Tabin.

How to get here

Tabin Wildlife Resort is the only accommodation located within the reserve, approximately 45 kilometres north-east of Lahad Datu town.

🚌 Buses can be taken from Kota Kinabalu, Semporna, Sandakan and Tawau to Lahad Datu.

✈️ Daily flights from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu are available via the regional airline MASWings.

🚗 The 45km journey from Lahad Datu Airport to Tabin Wildlife Resort takes about 1 hour 10 minutes, travelling 25km down the Lahad Datu-Tungku highway before turning left at the sign for Tabin. It is after this left turn that you will notice the asphalt road slowly turning to gravel.

For a more comfortable and personalised travel experience, you may wish to consider a private tour with a private guide and vehicle.

Highlights

Location in Nature: Set within the vast Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah, surrounded by rich biodiversity.

Unique Accommodations: Offers 20 lodge-style chalets, including river and hill lodges with modern comforts.

Wildlife Encounters: Prime spot for sighting Borneo Pygmy Elephants, Orang Utan, and other rare species.

Bird Watching: Over 300 bird species in the area, including Helmeted Hornbills and other endemic wildlife.

Active Mud Volcanoes: Close proximity to natural salt licks, providing excellent wildlife watching opportunities.

Guided Tours: Access to 9 trekking trails and guided night safaris for an enhanced jungle experience.

Natural Attractions: Short trek to Lipad Waterfall, offering picturesque scenery and a chance to connect with nature.

Background / History

Tabin Wildlife Resort, established within the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in 1984, was conceived as part of a conservation initiative to protect and preserve the diverse ecosystems of eastern Sabah, Malaysia. The resort was strategically developed to provide guests with a direct connection to nature, facilitating eco-friendly tourism and educational opportunities surrounding the area’s unique flora and fauna. As a gateway to one of Sabah’s largest protected areas, the resort has played a crucial role in the conservation efforts for endangered species such as the Borneo Pygmy Elephant and Banteng. Over the years, Tabin Wildlife Resort has become synonymous with sustainable tourism, offering visitors the chance to experience the region’s natural beauty while contributing to its preservation and the well-being of its wildlife.