Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
4
About
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Tabin Wildlife Reserve and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
1 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
151 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
52
Average
24
Poor
4
Terrible
1
TimonHaan
Utrecht, The Netherlands65 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Staying at TWR is staying in a very remote location with fantastic wildlife all around you.
After the 1.5h drive over a rocky road through palm plantations (free massage 😃) we reached the Wildlife resort. The guides, as well as other staff are very welcoming and helpful. The lodges, we stayed in a river lodge, was great value for money. Very large room, hot shower, comfortable and clean bed!
In the Sunbird Cafe we had our breakfast, lunch and diner and all was very well organised. They even made special dishes for us as vegetarians. Well done to the chef!
The tours are nice, although we have been a little unlucky with the weather. They take you often out on the 4*4 where you can sit in the back and see a huge number of different wildlife. Also the night tours have been very good in terms of wildlife. We would have liked to hike more through the forest but weather didnt allow us.
The rhythm tour, time to relax, tour, food, time to relax is fantastic. Great combination of being active and relaxing.
It’s a more expensive tour to go to Tabin, but we have experienced it as value for money. Given its remote location, there is a huge amount of staff to help and support and the food is of good quality!
We would recommend this place to everyone looking to spot wildlife and enjoy a very peaceful environment.
After the 1.5h drive over a rocky road through palm plantations (free massage 😃) we reached the Wildlife resort. The guides, as well as other staff are very welcoming and helpful. The lodges, we stayed in a river lodge, was great value for money. Very large room, hot shower, comfortable and clean bed!
In the Sunbird Cafe we had our breakfast, lunch and diner and all was very well organised. They even made special dishes for us as vegetarians. Well done to the chef!
The tours are nice, although we have been a little unlucky with the weather. They take you often out on the 4*4 where you can sit in the back and see a huge number of different wildlife. Also the night tours have been very good in terms of wildlife. We would have liked to hike more through the forest but weather didnt allow us.
The rhythm tour, time to relax, tour, food, time to relax is fantastic. Great combination of being active and relaxing.
It’s a more expensive tour to go to Tabin, but we have experienced it as value for money. Given its remote location, there is a huge amount of staff to help and support and the food is of good quality!
We would recommend this place to everyone looking to spot wildlife and enjoy a very peaceful environment.
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hobbitsoft
Worthing, UK108 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We stayed for a couple of nights and can really recommend this place.
The accommodation was top notch along with the food but above all the people made it.
We did a few safaris and saw a lot of wildlife including elephants, loads of monkeys, gibbons, hornbills and monitors. Also lucky enough to see several leopard cats.
Stand out people worthy of reward by the resort are:
Rafael- our guide
Izan - his trainee
Gerry our driver
In the restaurant we had Chi and Zeus.
The accommodation was top notch along with the food but above all the people made it.
We did a few safaris and saw a lot of wildlife including elephants, loads of monkeys, gibbons, hornbills and monitors. Also lucky enough to see several leopard cats.
Stand out people worthy of reward by the resort are:
Rafael- our guide
Izan - his trainee
Gerry our driver
In the restaurant we had Chi and Zeus.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Haaienvoer
Rotterdam, The Netherlands189 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We had a great time during our stay in the TWR in August 2019. The guides are really enthusiastic and the provided food is very tasteful
Written 30 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robyn r
Melbourne, Australia280 contributions
Jun 2022
This resort is an absolute delight. Set in the forest, food and lodgings are basic and more like a boarding house. But it has a charm of its own.
There are two kinds of lodges. River Lodges where number 1 is closest to the main building extending to room 10. Then there are Hill Lodges. One and two are close to the main building and for all others you need to be a mountain goat.
We were lucky enough to see a pangolin, a colugo, a mouse deer and a tarsier. The longer you are there, the more you will see. One of their guides, Paul, is the best there is. If you are lucky enough to get him, count it as a special bonus.
One small caution. Their internet can be very iffy. It wasn’t working when we tried to pay our bill on leaving and the finance person was very pushy trying to get us to transfer money from our own bank account to theirs. If you have this problem, it’s easier and quicker to settle your account at their Lahad Datu office on your way to your next destination.
There are two kinds of lodges. River Lodges where number 1 is closest to the main building extending to room 10. Then there are Hill Lodges. One and two are close to the main building and for all others you need to be a mountain goat.
We were lucky enough to see a pangolin, a colugo, a mouse deer and a tarsier. The longer you are there, the more you will see. One of their guides, Paul, is the best there is. If you are lucky enough to get him, count it as a special bonus.
One small caution. Their internet can be very iffy. It wasn’t working when we tried to pay our bill on leaving and the finance person was very pushy trying to get us to transfer money from our own bank account to theirs. If you have this problem, it’s easier and quicker to settle your account at their Lahad Datu office on your way to your next destination.
Written 10 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
petersjsim
Tawau, Malaysia1,991 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
The setting of lodging units is simply unexpectedly picturesque and comfortable beyond you can imagine right in the middle of the jungle. Both lodging units, along the riverbank and along the terrain of the hill, are on a beautiful setting with a balcony in each unit. The river bank units is more suitable for the seniors and the hillside lodges are good for those energetic young lads.
The food catered in the restaurant is a five stars standard, it is better than many resorts in the wild and on certain islands in the state. The staffs are very friendly and the rangers are knowledgeable and helpful. On this promotion rate, it is really a value for your dollar!
The food catered in the restaurant is a five stars standard, it is better than many resorts in the wild and on certain islands in the state. The staffs are very friendly and the rangers are knowledgeable and helpful. On this promotion rate, it is really a value for your dollar!
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brenda Chenu
New South Wales, Australia45 contributions
May 2019
Great place to spend in Borneo. This reserve is idealistic for wildlife lovers. Our 3-day trip there is one of the best memorable!
Written 6 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wingeliba
Oslo, Norway51 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Tabin Wildlife Resort is worth a visit. We had the 3 days 2 nights package and super happy with our visit. Knowledgeable guides, airy accommodation and the rest of the facility. Food basic, but tasty and plentiful. Plus for a nice supply of fresh fruits.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveladdiction31
Masterton, New Zealand33 contributions
Jan 2020
Off season and we almost had Tabin to ourselves. The Staff were amazing and provided us with the most excellent meals although way more than we could eat. The wildlife, gibbons, Macaques, rhino Hornbills, to name a few, were easily viewed in the trees surrounding the restaurant. Our guide Maui made sure that we got the best out of the excursions out into the forest and we were able observe a wide range of wildlife including an Orangutan and her baby preparing for their evening's rest. An excellent experience. Thankyou.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miranda V
Brisbane, Australia15 contributions
Feb 2020
Stayed at Tabin Wildlife Reserve for 4D/3N in a river lodge. The room was comfortable and had a great view of the forest and river. The lodge was very peaceful and it was easy to relax between outings into the jungle. The itinerary had a good mix of walking and vehicle based activities. Our guide was Oliver and he was amazing! Full of knowledge about the wildlife and environment and always whistling a bird call. He had the skill I highly respect in any wildlife guide... a willingness to admit when he didn't know something and come back with the answer later.
If possible I would recommend doing the long itinerary - we came across other guests on 1 or 2 night packages that seemed disappointed in the rate of sightings. Yet, after 4 days we were very pleased with what we were able to see at Tabin. When it comes to wildlife it is the luck of the draw but more time in the jungle does help.
If possible I would recommend doing the long itinerary - we came across other guests on 1 or 2 night packages that seemed disappointed in the rate of sightings. Yet, after 4 days we were very pleased with what we were able to see at Tabin. When it comes to wildlife it is the luck of the draw but more time in the jungle does help.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
whiteknight
Croydon, UK78 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
This resort is set on a river in Malaysia’s largest wildlife reserve. Accommodation is in simple but comfortable lodges - either along the river or on the hillside all with private balcony overlooking the river. Beware the hillside lodges if you are not good with steps as there are quite a few steep steps up to these lodges.
Lodges are linked by a boardwalk to the main lodge & dining area. Food is served as a buffet & there is also a bar.
Activities include walking tours through the forest & jeep safaris. Given its location, it rained a lot whilst we were there so come prepared with waterproofs & leach socks are a must if you are out walking.
The trail through the forest to the mineral rich mud volcano was quite hard going in the pouring rain & we saw very little wildlife. Luckily by the time we reached the volcano it had stopped raining & the sun had come out & we were able to see wildlife from the observation tower.
We had just a 400m walk to the jungle waterfall from the road side where a jeep had dropped us off. It had started to rain by the time we reached the water, in order to see the waterfall you either had to get into the water & swim round or wade through the water with your wellies on to the other side & walk around on the path. Neither option appealed to me, so I opted out.
The jeep safaris were by far my favourite activity with plenty of wildlife on show. Even from the balcony of our lodge you could see the forest full of birds etc.
Lodges are linked by a boardwalk to the main lodge & dining area. Food is served as a buffet & there is also a bar.
Activities include walking tours through the forest & jeep safaris. Given its location, it rained a lot whilst we were there so come prepared with waterproofs & leach socks are a must if you are out walking.
The trail through the forest to the mineral rich mud volcano was quite hard going in the pouring rain & we saw very little wildlife. Luckily by the time we reached the volcano it had stopped raining & the sun had come out & we were able to see wildlife from the observation tower.
We had just a 400m walk to the jungle waterfall from the road side where a jeep had dropped us off. It had started to rain by the time we reached the water, in order to see the waterfall you either had to get into the water & swim round or wade through the water with your wellies on to the other side & walk around on the path. Neither option appealed to me, so I opted out.
The jeep safaris were by far my favourite activity with plenty of wildlife on show. Even from the balcony of our lodge you could see the forest full of birds etc.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola G
Dorset, UK8 contributions
Hi there
I wonder if anyone could give me an idea of how far/long the treks at Tabin are please? I am hoping to travel with my sister who has an arthritic condition and am just wondering if she'll be able to manage the treks on the 3 night stay.
Many thanks
Nicky
Frank154
Melbourne, Australia147 contributions
All the tours are optional and most of the tours are safari drives. If you want to go to the mud volcano then that is a bit more of a hike.
However there is a shorter option after you finish the mud volcanoes. Thus going to the mud volcano is longer to give people experience amongst the jungle. The shorter hike is still a walk away through some quite muddy areas.
The operators are very good here and will assist. English is also very good so you can definitely discuss all your issues and needs. They will be met.
A very touristy and enjoyable experience for someone in these situations. As compared to other jungle type experiences in Borneo.
Enjoy.
PS - say hi to Alistair for me, he is a champion.
Crescentmoon
London, UK114 contributions
Does the lodge provide Wellington boots or what type of shoes do you need to take? What clothing is recommended for the treks?
Kathryn T
11 contributions
The lodge provides Wellington boots and you can buy leech socks at the office there. I took a pair of hiking boots but didn't really need them in the end as all time spent walking on tracks was in the Wellingtons provided. Just used my own shoes for walking on the boardwalks between the room and meals, and during night drives where you are just in the car anyway. Would definitely suggest a good pair of lightweight breathable long hiking pants, or even at least two pairs of long pants as even with the Wellingtons mud still made it onto my pants, but was easy to wash off. Up to you if you want a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, but I found trekking in the jungle hot and humid enough that I preferred just a lightweight t shirt and then good insect repellent.
How much is entrance fee ? for foreigner adult , malaysian adult and malaysian kid?
emily l
Kota Kinabalu District, Malaysia
How far do I have to drive from kota kinabalu? Or is it easier to reach from Tawau?
Which month is the best for Tabin Wildlife to see the most?
How much does it cost and how do I get in touch to book the Reserve?.
Reasons T
Kendal, UK60 contributions
There is an office for Tabin in Lahad Datu. Your cheapest option would be to contact the reserve direct via their website. tabinwildlife com my. Search for Tabinwildlife and Lhad Datu for details. I went at the end of February. This was the end of the rainy season but we were lucky and did not have any rain. The plus side was it was very quiet and there were only 4 people in total staying at the reserve lodge.
RRetiredCentralCoast
Central Coast196 contributions
We will be staying in Sabah in June and wish to ask where other people found the best place to see the Orangutangs.Any advice welcome.
Reasons T
Kendal, UK60 contributions
If you want to guarantee seeing them the only place is at one of the rescue centres. Eg. We were lucky and saw them in the wild at Tabin and Danum valley. We saw recent nest at our Homestay in Abai on the Kinabatanga river where they are frequently seen and we saw pigmy elephants. The are wild so no guarantees any where.
DA_2011134
London, UK116 contributions
Hello,
Who did you book your tours through and would you recommend them (the company, apart from what you have written in reviews)?
From David
johnb73
London, UK129 contributions
Hi David
We booked on the web with Tabin wildlife reserve itself. They were very helpful with what flights to get over from KK and have an office at the airport where they collect you. We booked the flights with Maswings I believe.
We only did Tabin on that side of the island so if you intend going to other places over that side you may be better getting a tour company to arrange it all for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask
Have a great trip
John
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing