TABIN WILDLIFE RESERVE

Established in 1984, Tabin Wildlife Reserve was created to protect some of Borneo’s most endangered species and preserve one of the island’s last lowland dipterocarp forests. Covering over 120,000 hectares in eastern Sabah, Tabin became a critical refuge for wildlife displaced by agricultural expansion, particularly Bornean pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinoceroses, orangutans, and clouded leopards. Unlike national parks, Tabin was designated as a wildlife reserve to allow for habitat protection alongside controlled research and conservation efforts. Over the decades, it has evolved into a leading destination for eco-luxury travel, offering curated experiences that blend adventurous exploration with a deep respect for the rainforest’s delicate ecosystems.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve is typically accessed via Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Travelers can fly into Lahad Datu from Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan, with flight times of approximately 1 hour. From Lahad Datu, a scenic 1.5–2 hour 4WD transfer brings guests deep into the reserve. For luxury travelers, private charter flights and VIP transfers can be arranged for a seamless and exclusive journey into the heart of Borneo’s wilderness.

Within Tabin Wildlife Reserve, exploration is guided and personalized. Private 4WD safari vehicles are used for wildlife spotting drives and transfers between key sites such as mud volcanoes, river trails, and observation decks. For more intimate experiences, curated jungle walks, river treks, and birdwatching expeditions are conducted with expert naturalists. Lodges offer tailored itineraries, ensuring that every excursion — whether by vehicle, on foot, or along riverbanks — is both luxurious and deeply connected to the surrounding pristine rainforest.