The wooden swing at the veranda of Tabin Wildlife Resort was so inviting that all I wanted to do was to lounge on it till the moon sprinkled sleepy dust into my eyes. Doing 'nothing' is one of the highlights in Tabin Wildlife Resort. Being an urbanite, having to make sure every minute is scheduled, I have forgotten how to be idle. In fact, the first few hours at Tabin, I actually felt jerks of withdrawal syndrome of not having to rush around. Yes, my spirit was warped and it was time I surrendered to Mother Nature for some healing.
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| The wooden swing at Tabin Wildlife Resort was surely inviting |
Sabah not only homes the tallest Mountain in the Malay archipelago (Mt Kinabalu), but also a place where rainforests still thrive or rather, protected. If you are looking to return to the best of Mother Nature, Sabah is where you should book your flights to. Located at the snout of the dog-shaped state, Tabin Wildlife Reserve is the biggest rainforest reserve in Malaysia sprawling over 300,000 acres in Lahad Datu.
Sabah takes their rainforest very seriously. Unlike other forest that are exploited for tourism, Tabin commands respect from visitors, having them to endure an hour of a bumpy gravel road to reach the resort. I surmise that tar is avoided to make surroundings as natural as possible and also to foil away ill-intending visitors like poachers. However, you are sure to be rewarded by Mother Nature at the end of the road.
Let me walk you through:
5.
meals in the forest
1. Tabin Wildlife Resort
It is amazing how Tabin Wildlife Resort manages to harmonize nature with modern ammenities. This resort is not like any other nature-themed accomodation where nature just decorates. In Tabin Resort, you are one with nature. I couldn't get enough of the melodious chirps of birds and insects and occasional gibbon's call that I actually recorded the orchestra in case I miss it when I return to the city.
Tabin scores in keeping the human's quarters clean albiet being in the lawlessness of the wild. Fret not as hot showers (with good pressure), clean sheets and air conditioning is available. With necessities taken care of, your only task is appreciate nature.
Having said that, remember to bring insect repellent, own toiletries, long pants, jacket (can be cold at night), covered shoes for trekking and slippers to relax those feet.
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| At the entrance of the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Do expect an hour of bumpy ride from the main road to the reserve. |
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At the Tabin Wildlife Resort.
Almost every furniture and structure is provided by nature. |
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| In harmony with nature |
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| Free-spirited |
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| Where nature lets humans play |
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| Take nothing but photographs when in the forest |
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| Our living cabins |
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| Cosy room with all necessities provided. |
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| Woke up being greeted by bird chirps and gibbon calls |
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| A place to take lungsful of precious fresh air |
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| Clean bathrooms |
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| Well provided in the resort |
2. Trekking to Lipad Mud Volcano
The trip to Lipad Mud Volcano is a must in Tabin. This place spews mineral rich mud from the Earth with the help of escaping methane gas. Animals flock to this oasis to lick the mud for minerals. I took advantage to slap some skin nourishing mud on my face too! Nature provides it for free until humans decide to bottle it for sale.
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| Do not enter the forest without guides |
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| Guests will be transported with a lorry |
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| Enjoy an easy trek 700m long to the Lipad Mud Volcano |
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This is, after all, a rainforest. Do expect wildlife to roam around.
Having said that, they are more wary of than harmful to humans. |
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Guess who was here?
An elephant footprint! |
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| Appreciation for trees that are perennial in the forest |
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| The mud spring from the watch tower |
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Remember to take only from fresh flowing sources.
This mineral spring is shared with other habitants of the forest. Thus, do expect their excrement around the mount of mud |
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| Nature even provides for beauty! |
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| from the watch tower, designed to snoop on animals that visit the mud volcano |
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| Guess what species is found at the mud volcano |
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| Behold the snake bird parading itself under the sun |
3. Night Safari
When the sun winds down, it is not the end of the day. Guests can participate in the night safari drive where guests are driven in a lorry around the reserve to spot nocturnal animals. As they swept their high voltage spotlight from left to right, Tabin's experienced guides impressively spotted out wildlife as if they were nocturnal animals themselves. As for me, although I was donning on my night vision, night hearing and a whole set of night senses, I couldn't eke out a thing and just decided to sit back and follow Paul's (my guide's) pointer.
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| Lit with the rays from the moon, off we went spotting nocturnal wildlife |
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| Nocturnal owl comes out to hunt for rats and snakes |
The leopard cat lurking
4. Tabin Visitor Centre
Although in a more man-made environment, the Tabin Visitor Centre is not any less interesting. The friendly guides will deepen your awareness of how anemic the rainforest is and how increasingly endangered some species are becoming because of humans. After that visit, I felt like applying to be an intern in National Geographic.
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| Exhibits at the centre |
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| Guides in Tabin like Mawi are dedicated and experienced with a heart full of passion in preserving wildlife |
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| A preserved rhinoceros which died of cancer. There is only 1 Sumatran rhinoceros left in Tabin |
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| Skull and bone of a pygmy elephant |
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| Remains of the animals |
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| Orang Utan's skull |
5. Meals in the Forest
My experience is complete with good food. Although located in the forest, with markets and stores no where near to be seen, Tabin's meals are sufficient and delicious. With the stomach satisfied and spirit relaxed, what more is there to ask for.
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| Dinner served at Tabin |
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| Dining hall |
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| Egg station during breakfast |
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| Roasted chicken |
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| Sweet and sour fish |
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| Spaghetti bolognaise |
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| Mixed vege for fibre! |
General Email:
enquiry@tabinwildlife.com.my
Resort Location:
KM 49, Jalan Tungku, Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia.
GPS Location:
5° 11' 15.35" N 118° 30' 8.47" E
Telephone:
+6 088 267266
Facsimile:
+6 088 258266
Emergency Contact Number:
+6 016 830 6392, +6 016 830 7392, +6 016 810 6490, +6 016 810 6493
Lahad Datu Office Address:
Lot GL 02 Arrival Concourse, Lahad Datu Airport, 91108 Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia.
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