Wayra Lodge
Tabin Wildlife Resort, the exclusive rainforest resort located within Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia with a total land area of 300,000 acres. If you are a traveller drawn to the beauty of exotic Borneo island, then Tabin Wildlife Reserve, winner of the “Most promising tourist attraction” award, is one of the places you should not miss.
Tabin Wildlife Resort complements visitors stay at the wildlife reserve by providing facilities including charming timber lodges built and blended within the natural surrounding, and a comprehensive range of nature-based activities.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve is located in the eastern part of Sabah, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. Considered to be the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia, the reserve comprises a rectangular area of approximately 300,000 acres in the centre of the Dent Peninsula, north-east of Lahad Datu town, south of the lower reaches of the Segama River and north of the Silabukan Forest Reserve.
River Chalets
Each housing a twin-bedded or double-bedded room with en-suite bathroom, hot water shower, private balcony overlooking Lipad river and ceiling fans
Hill Chalets
Each housing a twin-bedded or double-bedded room with en-suite bathroom & hot water shower, private balcony overlooking hillside forest or Lipad river, and ceiling fan
All Chalets Feature:
10 units of authentic Borneo timber bungalows with standard floor area (17.5 ft x 17.5 ft)
Each housing a twin-bedded or double-bedded room with en-suite bathroom, hot water shower, private balcony overlooking Lipad river, air conditioned and ceiling fan
Can accommodate up to 3 pax per lodge
Linked by an inter-connecting timber board walk to the Sunbird Cafe
Mud Volcano
Visit Lipad Mud Volcano, one of the several mud volcanoes found in Tabin Wildlife Reserve and the one located nearest to Tabin Resort. The minieral-rich mud volcano act as “salt-licks” are frequented by animals & birds. Try to identify the multitude of animal treks found here. Smear some mud on your face as this is believed to do good to your complexion.
Jungle-trekking
Trekking through one of the many nature trials in Tabin can be a fulfilling experience. Look out for animal foot prints, interesting birds, butterflies & extraordinary plants. Learn the calls of birds and animals from our guides or try out the medicinal effects of some of the jungle plants.
Night Safari
Experience night life in the tropical rainforest traveling n top of an open-top vehicle. Look out and smell for the presence of nocturnal animals & birds, many of whom you will not notice until being pointed out by our eagle-eyed guides.
Night Walk
Armed with torch lights, walk with our nature guide in the pitch darkness of the jungle trail deep in the Borneo rainforest, the feeling is both exciting and sensational. Our guide will unearth the mystery of the forest and point our interesting facts of the forest night life for you.
Dawn Drive
A drive at dawn along the Reserve’s road to spot wildlife and birds that may be out to search for food. Experience the beauty of Tabin engulfed in the refreshing morning mist.
Lipad Waterfall
After a sweaty trek through one of the humid nature trials, arrival at the serene and shady area of the Lipad falls, sometimes called the ‘Twin-falls’ as an additional waterfall is created sometimes after a heavy downpour. Dip yourself in the inviting river drained by the cascading falls & be truly embraced by nature.
Tabin Rainforest Herbal Foot Soak
The rich rainforest eco-system in Tabin makes it a botanical treasure land. The herbal foot soak is consisted of hot water infused with the wonderful blend of natural herbs will work to sooth and stimulate the feet, circulate blood and restore physical and mental harmony. Lay back amidst lush vegetation and bird songs, have your feet submerged in a hot basin of herbal goodness, accompanied by the tickling sensation of herbs on your feet, will surely work to caress your soul.
Day 1 - Arrive
You will be picked up in the east coast town of Lahad Datu and transferred by road to Tabin Wildlife Reserve (1:30 hrs). Upon arrival guide briefing and enjoy a video presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders. Check into an attractive timber lodge at Tabin Wildlife Resort, which comes complete with private balcony, air conditioner, ceiling fan and hot water shower, a welcome luxury in the forest. Nestled within the rainforest beside the Lipad river, this lovely setting is home to a surprising variety of birds, insects and small mammals, even right beside the buildings of the resort. Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments.
Visit to Tabin Visitor Centre for information about the conservation of Tabin Wildlife Reserve and briefing on birds, insects and animals that is found in this area. (For guest check in before 11:00am)
In the afternoon, before trekking to the Elephant trail, our guide will stop by at the compost bin for information on recycling the food waste into fertilizer for the plants and afterward proceed to the active Lipad mud volcano which provides a mineral salt lick for wildlife, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano which is frequented by wildlife and birds.
Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints here. The adventurous can try the effects of the volcanic mud, said to be responsible for a fine complexion. Trek from the mud volcano back to the main road.
After dinner, followed by a night safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. Remember to look up at the clear, dark sky of Tabin, identify the constellations above you and make a wish or two. (L,D)
Day 2 - Explore
Join the early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species. After breakfast, a drive to the core area stop over and climb up the Birdwatching Tower continue trekking through the lush green rainforest known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species to visit Lipad Waterfall. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or just relax. Along the way back to the resort, you will stop by at the Tabin Giant Tree for a photo or take a group photos.
In the afternoon, try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks.
In the evening, a dusk drive to look out for more nocturnal wildlife & birds coming out to look for food during this time of the day.
After dinner, go for a night walk along the trail nearby the resort in search of sleeping birds, frog and nocturnal wildlife. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Onwards
After breakfast, Mud certificate upon completion of tour free and easy until check out. – End of Tour (B,L)
You may opt to take up a dawn drive to look out for wildlife that is active at this time of the day.
[Optional Dawn Drive Not included in package]
* 1, 2, 3 and 7 night packages are available as well as tailor-made trips to suite your style.
By Air
MasWings (www.maswings.com) operates daily flights connecting Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu. Flight duration is about 1 hour. From Lahad Datu, a 1:15 hour drive, part of it on gravel road, will take you to Tabin.
By Road
Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu (7 hours)
Sandakan to Lahad Datu (4 hours)
This is an increasingly more popular way to visit Tabin whereby visitors take a flight to Sandakan where they visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, and perhaps the Selingan Turtle Island, then onward to Sukau in Kinabatangan for at least one night’s stay and then by road from Sukau to Tabin Widlife Resort. This journey enables one to see some of the top eco-nature destinations in Borneo.
Tawau to Lahad Datu (4 hours)
Divers find Tabin a good destination to visit after their diving trip to Sipadan and Mabul islands, allowing them to break the non-flying-after diving rule and visiting Tabin for one or two nights’ stay. Journey from Semporna from Tabin is 3:15 hours.
