Tabin Was declared a wildlife reserve because of the large numbers of animal species inhabiting its forest, including several which are highly endangered. With a protected forest area of 120,500 hectares, Tabin plays an important role as a dedicated ground for the breeding of endangered wildlife and protected mammals in Sabah. Tabin Wildlife Resort offers visitor facilities and accommodation within the wildlife reserve to provide a comfortable stay whilst experiencing the spectacular Borneo flora and fauna.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
The Rooms are ok, bit basic and dark - we had plenty of insect and lizard life in ours - but to be expected in the Jungle. Unfortunately a rat go into our room one night (leaving droppings on the beds), staff were very accommodating and moved us immediately. Food was basic, and if vegetarian / gluten free etc you will need to talk to the chef to confirm what you can/can't eat. Activities and Guide were excellent - we saw various wildlife on our walks and drives. The jungle is tough for spotting, but still rewarding. This is a basic place with huge potential, would still recommend if you are passionate on birds and nature in general.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:The hillside villas are a long walk up the steps! You need to be fit to stay there!
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We had an absolutely fantastic time at Tabin! Our guide Aslan was very knowledgeable and brilliant with our 9yo daughter. The resort is basic but clean and food was simple but good, 3 of the 5 of us are vegetarian and they made sure we had an extra veggie option.
A few things to note; most of the 1.5 hour journey from Lahad datu to Tabin is on rough plantation tracks They recommend wellies for most of the walks … if you are taking anyone with particularly small feet (our daughter has uk size 11 kids size) it’s worth considering taking your own! Finally although I’ve seen some places promote Tabin as luxury it’s jungle luxury (hot showers and air con).
We had such a brilliant time! Aslan suggested slight amendments to our package to suit us and what we were interested in - highlights included seeing a male orangutan, watching a family of gibbons up close, swimming in the waterfall spotting 6/8 species of hornbills and seeing a pair of Bornean falconers!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Bring wellies if your feet are particularly small or big
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Enjoyed three nights in a riverside cabin (as part of a wildlife tour). The cabin was clean and comfortable with an ensuite and balcony overlooking the river.
A choice of local and international dishes were served 'buffet style' at each meal. We particularly enjoyed the stir fried vegetables, omelettes and chef’s special cakes which were so light and fluffy.
We loved the location. It was rich in bird and wildlife, especially listening to and watching the gibbons in the early morning. The local guide was knowledgeable and the driver was skilled, especially on night drives.
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Date of stay: September 2024
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Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
We stayed for two nights in a hill lodge which was located at mid tier level which at c 50 steps up was manageable for us. Some of the other hill lodges were much higher and would be a struggle for those less fit or with limited mobility.
Our room and bed were clean and comfortable. We were aware that other guests staying in River Lodges (closer to the dining room) complained to us about sewage smells emanating from the vents opposite their lodges.
Food was average and buffet style and we did not like the scramble when the food appeared. Don’t expect a la carte dining and the bar has a very limited stock of drinks.
The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and went out of their way to please. We had an early morning departure (before breakfast) but they still brought up a cooked breakfast of fried eggs, chicken nuggets and baked beans without us asking for it! The staff are also keen to learn and embrace feedback as they try and improve their offer.
The guided activities were mixed. 4x4 vehicles were used (seating 8 guests + guide) whoever was unfortunate to be sat in the middle seat were left with nothing to hold on to for a bumpy ride which was not comfortable - those seated at the rear were inhaling diesel fumes for large parts of the trips.
Speaking with other guests it was apparent that the quality of individual guides was not consistent as two different tour groups on the same trip had very different experiences. Wellington boots were provided (free) for walks in the jungle.
A small but well stocked shop was available to purchase leech socks, insect repellent and gift items.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Take your own plug in mosquito repellent - buy your leech socks here
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.
A two night stay here in a river cabin was just amazing, absolutely back to nature. We had Aslan as our guide and he was very caring towards us “elders”. We trekked to the mud volcano which was a very difficult trek due to the recent rain. Unfortunately when we got to the volcano there were no animals to be seen. It’s a good job the resort supplies wellies, we brought our own leech socks. We had night safari on the first evening but didn’t see much except for the leopard cat which we spied twice. We are not bird watchers so spotting a bird in the tree at a distance wasn’t our “thing” but appealed to others in the jeep. The following day we went to Lapid waterfall but didn’t know we had to cross the river ,holding onto a rope from bank to bank to see the falls. The water by the falls was too deep for us to swim in. It was quite an experience though, and a challenge. We had the lovely foot soak and then the heavens opened so no more safaris that day. We mentioned to the very helpful staff that instead of a full lunch with rice, chicken, fish vegetables etc, we just wanted sandwiches. They obliged us for the next two lunches. At 3.00 each day there was tea/coffee and cakes The resort and the guides are keen for feedback. I suggested making a short video of the trek to the mud volcano and the river crossing for the falls. This might allow guest to decide if their fitness level allows them to do these activities. The staff, guide , food and rooms were very good, just need more communication as to what the activities entail
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:In low season there is no buffet so all meals served to your table. Minimum of 10 guests to...
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.
Tabin Wildlife Resort is a small collection of cabins located at the end of an extremely unmade road on the edge of fairly dense jungle.A small river runs through the resort and in the morning you can step out on your balcony and watch troupes of monkeys bathe and play. The cabins are extremely well designed and blend in with their surroundings. Central open-air restaurant serves excellent local food and western alternatives. Our guide was Alastair, and he and his team were extraordinarily quick at spotting wildlife (including a tiny warbler on a night-safari that nobody else would have seen). We saw many species of birds from Hornbills to Serpent Eagles as well as Civets and a Leopard Cat. The walk into the jungle followed by swimming under a waterfall was an absolute highlight. Lovely staff, both friendly and knowledgeable, and we can't wait to return!
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
First of we want to say a very big thank you to Edd and Lynn. On the day we were due to check out we found out that our next Hotel was not excepting guests as it had gone into shut down due to the Corona virus. Edd & lynn helped us out with sorting out flights home. Everything here was fantastic our room the staff the wildlife. We preferred going out in the trucks wildlife spotting as we felt we seen more than on the walks as we had to concentrate on the ground making sure we didn't trip on the vines and you are more enclosed it seemed harder to spot wildlife due to the visibility but we did feel very exhilarated after the walks.
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Date of stay: 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.
This is a very good place if you love nature and are happy to relax without a whole lot of luxuries. The cabins are very nice, without being luxurious. The common area with bar and restaurant is a little bit rustic but very comfortable. While the choice of food which is done buffet style is reasonably basic it was very good and there were always at least 2 or 3 choices so there was something for everyone. Nature is the star here. We often saw gibbons in the trees around the common areas and we were lucky enough to see orangutans on one of our trips with a guide, as well as quite a few birds. If you are looking for a high end luxury resort in the jungle it's probably not for you but if you are looking for a very comfortable and relaxing base to venture out with guides and see the wildlife it's a great spot.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Location
Service
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.
The journey from the Tabin office can be a little challenging, it’s bumpy and 26kms from the tarmac road. Note to self, you’re going the rainforest for a reason…. On arrival it’s simply charming.Friendly welcome from enthusiastic young people who really to their best to make sure you are having a good time. We were met by are guide ( Ernest) who made sure we had all the information we needed and was absolutely fabulous the entire time. He and the drivers did their upmost to make sure you saw as much as was possible and we had some great spots! The swim in the waterfall is simply incredible one of those moments you treasure The food is so good, local , authentic and you certainly won’t be hungry !! The rooms are great! Clean and I was thrilled that they even had air con 🙃 WiFi is good in the communal area and just sitting listening to to the whooping of the gibbons with a cold beer is magical Don’t come if you are prepared to sweat a little and get down with the jungle experience
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Make sure you have lots of deet
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.
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The lodge is a twin bed room, spacious enough for two people. There is a large ceiling fan and air conditioning, so it was comfortable. It was cool at night, so I turned off the air conditioning and slept well with just the fan. There was a river in front of the balcony, but there were no mosquitoes, so I didn't need a mosquito net or mosquito coils. I stayed for three nights, and the meals were different every day and very delicious and satisfying. In particular, a large cake was prepared as dessert at dinner, which was very satisfying for me, who has a sweet tooth. The bathroom was a little small, so the toilet got wet when I took a shower. The shower had enough water and I was able to take a comfortable shower.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Rakaia, New Zealand60 contributions7 helpful votes
hi there, no I don't think so, as far as I am aware of it is for tours only and have to book a tour to be able to stay. If you are able to book a tour it is a most wonderful experience
Dear Sir/Madam,
We do have credit card facilities in the resort, however it is depends on the signal if its difficult you may pay at our Lahad Datu office.
Thank you.
Regards,
Sales & Marketing
That depends on where you start from in the morning. It is 1h+ drive from Lahad Datu. I'm sure they offer game drives/walks as a day activity. I would just give them a call and ask!
We were there in June, Which is considered in drier season. However, it still rained quite a bit, especially in the afternoon and at night. But the rain is usually hard and short. I heard that the resort did cancel tours before when it rained hard. Luckily, all the day tours we did were in good weather. We hit a downpour during one of the night tour and had to came back earlier. It is the rainforest, so it is difficult to expect when it will rain. However if you can go during the drier season, you will expect fewer rainfalls.
Weybread, United Kingdom331 contributions149 helpful votes
"Book River Villas, go on night trips and hope you get lucky seeing animals.
It is a rain forest but we has so much rain in 2 days so bring extra old clothing as muddy. "
There are more places to choose from in the Lahad Datu area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
tabin wildlife hotel lahad datu
LOCATION
MalaysiaSabahLahad Datu
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
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