Wildlifeof Borneo
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Lowland
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Sabah's largest wildlife reserve at over 120,000 hectares, protecting lowland forest east of Lahad Datu that would otherwise sit surrounded by oil palm plantations. Its defining feature is a natural mud volcano — a mineral-rich seep that draws elephants, bearded pigs and other mammals in to drink and wallow, making it one of the most dependable wildlife-viewing spots in the reserve. Night drives along the old logging roads regularly turn up civets, owls and, with luck, clouded leopards.
Best for: Elephants, mud volcano wildlife, night drives
Mammals: Bornean Elephant, Bornean Orangutan, Sunda Clouded Leopard, Malay Civet, Western Tarsier, Bornean Bearded Pig, Sambar Deer
Birds: Rhinoceros Hornbill, Storm's Stork
Snakes: Reticulated Python
Top highlights
- Bornean Elephant
- Bornean Orangutan
- Sunda Clouded Leopard
- Malay Civet
- Western Tarsier
- Rhinoceros Hornbill
- Storm's Stork
- Bornean Bearded Pig
- Reticulated Python
- Sambar Deer
Accommodation
Tabin Wildlife Resort is the only accommodation inside the reserve — 20 lodge-style River and Hill chalets with en-suite hot showers and private balconies, running on generator power with meals served buffet-style in a communal canteen.
