4D Wildlife & Birding,
Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah, Borneo

Itinerary

The experience of waiting for wildlife to come and drink water from the mud volcano in the deep of the night, within the amazing diversity of the Borneo rainforest is something that one will probably remember for life.

Day 01 / Arrive Lahad Datu – Tabin Wildlife Reserve (-/L/D)
Drive from Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife Reserve on gravel road for about one hour. After registration and a briefing, you will pack the items needed for your night out at Lipad mud volcano. Lunch followed by a short break. You can enjoy the serene environment at the Café and observe birds, small mammals and insects that are active in the vicinity. Embark on your journey to the mud volcano. After trekking through the jungle for 20 minutes, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano. Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints belonging to different wildlife. Walk up the observation tower and admire the contrasting landscape of the bare area and its surrounding thick forest where birds are commonly sighted. Our guides will set up camp for the night at the observation tower. Stay quiet in order not to disturb wildlife which is more active in the cooler hours of evening and early morning. Stay alert during the night to observe any visits by wildlife to feed on minerals at the mud volcano.

Aerial view of mud volcano

Day 02 / Tabin Wildlife Reserve (B/L/D)
After breakfast, pack and return to Tabin Wildlife Resort where you will check into your charming Borneon timber chalet which comes complete with a private balcony and hot water shower, a welcoming luxury after your night out in the jungle. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or stroll in the resort’s vicinity to enjoy nature at its best. After dinner, enjoy a slide presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders, followed by a trip to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. Remember to look up at the clear, dark sky of Tabin, identify the constellation above you, and make a wish or two.

Day 03 / Tabin Wildlife Reserve (B/L/D)
You may opt to take a dawn drive to look out for wildlife that are active at this time of the day (not included in package). Join the morning bird walk as Tabin has a rich collection of about 300 bird species. After breakfast, trek through the lush green rainforest known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species on your way to visit Lipad Waterfall. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or just relax. In the afternoon you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of tropical herbs that help relax tired muscles after jungle treks.

Day 04 / Tabin Wildlife Reserve – Lahad Datu (B/L/-)
After breakfast, stroll to the nearby Rock Pool or wander along the river where groups of macaques and other small mammals can sometimes be seen. Choose to take a dip in the river or simply listen to the sound of nature before saying good bye to Tabin.

Note
Activities are subject to weather condition, and may be re-organised to best meet operational situation

What to bring
Binoculars, spottingscope (if available), insect repellent, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swim wear, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle & personal toiletries. Leech socks are available for sale at the resort’s shop.

Land Cost
Prices per person in Malaysian Ringgit

• MYR $2,100 Twin
• MYR $1,150 3rd person in room
• MYR $3,150 Single

Peak Season Surcharge

• MYR $120 per person
  • March and April, 2011, and Jul 15 – Oct 15, 2011
• MYR $350 per person
  • July and August 2011

Validity

• Apr 01, 2011 – Mar 31, 2012

Inclusions

• Scheduled return transfers ex-LDU (Lahad Datu)
• 02 nights twin-share accommodation in Tabin Wildlife Reserve
• 01 night in mud volcano watch tower
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner)
• English-speaking guide
• Standard guided activities
• Standard night drive
• Free flow of coffee and tea
• Entry permit to the conservation area
• Wildlife Department Permit
• Tax and service charges

Exclusions

• Transfers, accommodation and meals in Kota Kinabalu
• International flights and airport taxes in/out of Kota Kinabalu
• Domestic *flights and airport taxes in/out Lahad Datu
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenditure, e.g. phone calls, soft/hard beverages, tipping for guides, etc.
• Surcharge for **Unscheduled Returns Transfers at Lahad Datu

What to bring Binoculars, spottingscope (if available), insect repellent, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swim wear, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle & personal toiletries. Leech socks are available for sale at the resort’s shop.

Validity

• Apr 01, 2011 – Mar 31, 2012

Itinerary

This birding program focuses on the lowland Dipterocarp Forests of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, home to an amazingly rich diversity of birds, including rare and endemic species, due to the abundance of food plants. The relatively low canopy allows sufficient natural light to make bird viewing and photography a rewarding experience.

Day 01 / Arrive Lahad Datu – Tabin Wildlife Reserve (-/L/D)
Drive from Lahad Datu town to Tabin Wildlife Reserve on gravel road for about one and a half hour. Check into the lodge at Tabin Wildlife Resort, nestled within the rainforest. The lodge comes complete with private veranda and hot water shower in the forest. Explore the vicinity of the resort and be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of bird life. The open-sided Sunbird Café is surrounded by greenery and flowering plants which attract a number of brightly coloured birds. Be entertained by the melodious calls of birds nearby. A bird hide facing the flowing Lipad River is available.
Take a stroll along the road nearby the resort where you will most likely be able to spot one or more of Borneo’s eight species of hornbill such as the Black, White-crowned, Rhinoceros, Wreathed, Oriental Pied, Bushy Crested, Helmeted and Wrinkled Hornbill either flying in groups across the sky or in pairs perching on bare branches.
After dinner, enjoy a CD presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders, followed by a trip to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds.

Honey Sucker

Day 02 / Tabin Wildlife Reserve (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast, depart for the active Lipad Mud Volcano. The soccer field-sized Lipad Mud Volcano serves as a mineral salt lick for wildlife. After trekking for 20 minutes, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano where you can try to identify the multitude of animal footprints. The adventurous can try the effects of the volcanic mud, said to be responsible for a fine complexion. Climb the observation tower and admire the contrasting landscape of the bare area and its surrounding thick forest. A nearby fig-tree is a busy feasting place for hornbills and other birds and primates during the fruiting season. Across from the observation tower, bare branches of towering trees are favourite perching place for Green Imperial Pigeons and Doves.
After dinner, go for a night walk to discover more nocturnal bird species.

Day 03 / Tabin Wildlife Reserve (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast, you will depart for birding along the road leading to the Core Area of Tabin Wildlife Reserve. The fully regenerated secondary forest with its relatively lower canopy and good natural light provides a delightful birding experience. You will be entertained by wild bird songs and the calls of the Borneon Gibbons.
In the afternoon, you can trek along the Tomanggong Road.

Day 04 / Tabin Wildlife Reserve – Lahad Datu (B/L/-)
After breakfast, relax at the Sunbird Café while enjoying more birds in the surrounding garden or venture to the riverside bird hide to discover other species.
Early lunch and then depart from Tabin Wildlife Resort.

Note
Activities are subject to weather condition, and may be re-organised to best meet operational situation

What to bring
Binoculars, spottingscope (if available), insect repellent, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swim wear, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle & personal toiletries. Leech socks are available for sale at the resort’s shop.

Land Cost
Prices per person in Malaysian Ringgit

• MYR $2,520 Twin
• MYR $1,380 3rd person in room
• MYR $3,780 Single

Peak Season Surcharge

• MYR $120 per person
  • March and April, 2011 and Jul 15 – Oct 15, 2011
• MYR $350 per person
  • July and August 2011

Validity

• Apr 01, 2011 – Mar 31, 2012

Inclusions

• Scheduled return transfers ex-LDU (Lahad Datu)
• 03 nights twin-share accommodation in Tabin Wildlife Reserve
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner)
• English-speaking guide
• Standard guided activities
• Standard night drive
• Free flow of coffee and tea
• Entry permit to the conservation area
• Wildlife Department Permit
• Tax and service charges

Exclusions

• Transfers, accommodation and meals in Kota Kinabalu
• International flights and airport taxes in/out of Kota Kinabalu
• Domestic *flights and airport taxes in/out Lahad Datu
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenditure, e.g. phone calls, soft/hard beverages, tipping for guides, etc.
• Surcharge for **Unscheduled Returns Transfers at Lahad Datu

What to bring Binoculars, spottingscope (if available), insect repellent, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swim wear, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle & personal toiletries. Leech socks are available for sale at the resort’s shop.

Recommended flights
We suggest booking the following flights on MASwings

• MH 3010 BKI/LDU 07.00/07.55
• MH 3023 LDU/BKI 17.25/18.20

Scheduled Return Transfers at Lahad Datu

• From Lahad Datu
  • 08.30 and
  • 12.00
• From Tabin
  • 14.30

Surcharge for **Unscheduled Return Transfers at Lahad Datu

• MYR $60.00 per person per way (minimum 02 persons)