4 Day 3 Night Tabin Mud Volcano

Tabin has several mud volcanoes and salt-water springs that are high in minerals of importance to wildlife. Frequently visited by animals and birds, the mud volcanoes are ideal locations to view wildlife or find evidence of their visits. Enjoy the amazing diversity of the Borneo rainforest.

Some of the important features of Tabin are its mineral sources including at least three Mud Volcanoes. Mud Volcanoes are small hills of mud and clay pushed to the surface through overlying sediments. The mud is formed when heated gasses dissolved in hot ground water interact with the igneous rocks a few meters below the surface.  This mixture of mud and clay is continually pushed up, and can form an elevated cone above the surrounding area, about 3m to 12m high. This mound of mud and clay area serves as a mineral salt lick for many animals including birds. The mud volcanoes provide opportunities to spot and observe large mammals such as elephants, wild cows (Tembadau), and Bearded Pigs as well as a number of predators as they come to feed on its nutrients or play.

What do I get to do?

Combining 2 nights stay in Tabin Wildlife Resort and 1 night at the mud volcano watch tower. You will experience what scientists do in the jungle that is waiting for wildlife to come and drink water from the mud volcano in the deep of the night or during the day. You might even see elephants rolling in the mud! You will also visit a waterfall besides spotting birds and learning about the plants in the rainforest.

Adventure rating and remarks

2 - break a sweat with some of the treks.

Rates (in Malaysian Ringgit and per person)

UPDATE 2015: Observation Tower is under maintenance hence this package is on hold until further notice

1 April 20-- to 31 March 20--

Accommodations at Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

Rates do not have additional GST

Itinerary

B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Day 01 (L,D)
Drive from Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife Reserve on gravel road for about one and a half hour. After registration, you will be briefed to pack the items needed for your night out at Lipad mud volcano. Check into an attractive timber lodge at Tabin Wildlife Resort, which comes complete with private balcony, air conditioner, ceiling fan and hot water shower, a welcome luxury in the forest. Nestled within the rainforest beside the Lipad river, this lovely setting is home to a surprising variety of birds, insects and small mammals, even right beside the buildings of the resort. Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or stroll in the resort’s vicinity to enjoy nature at its best.

Visit to Trogon Hall gallery for information about the conservation of Tabin Wildlife Reserve and briefing on birds, insects and animals that is found in this area. (For guest check in before 11:00am)

In the evening, a dusk drive to look out for more nocturnal wildlife & birds coming out to look for food during this time of the day .

After dinner, enjoy a video presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders

Day 02 (B,L,D)
You may opt to take up a dawn drive (separate charges - rate here) to look out for wildlife that is active at this time of the day or join the early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species. After breakfast, a drive to the core area for animal spotting and for photo session before trekking through the lush green rainforest known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species 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.

Lunch followed by a short break. 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. The adventurous can try the effects of the volcanic mud, said to be responsible for a fine complexion. 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.

Day 03 (B,L,D)
Early in the morning, pack and return to Tabin Wildlife Resort.  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, or spend the morning at leisure.
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.

Dinner followed by a night safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds.  Remember to look up at the clear, dark sky of Tabin, identify the constellations above you and make a wish or two.

Day 04 (B,L)
While enjoying your breakfast, you can enjoy the serene environment at the Cafe and observe birds, small mammals and insects that are active in the vicinity and free at leisure before saying good bye to Tabin.
 
Note: Activities are subject to weather conditions, and may be re-organised to best meet operational situations

What to wear/bring?

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

What does it include?

Scheduled return transfer Lahad Datu/Tabin/Lahad Datu, meals as stated, guided tours and activities, accommodation, entry permit.

Scheduled transfers
Lahad Datu-Tabin: 0800 hrs & 1200hrs
Tabin-Lahad Datu: 1330hrs (Arrive Lahad Datu town at 1500hrs)

What does it exclude?

Flights, insurance, items not mentioned

Dawn Drive RM80 per person

Jungle Walk RM50 per person

Best time to visit

Tabin can be visited all year round.

Getting here

By Air:     
MasWings (www.maswings.com.my) operates daily flights connecting  Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu. Flight duration is about 1 hour. From Lahad Datu, a 1:15 hour drive, part of it on gravel road, will take you to Tabin.

Recommended Flights:
BKI-LDU     MH3010    0620 /0715
BKI-LDU     MH3014    0955/1050         
LDU-BKI     MH3023    1725/1820

By Road:     
Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu (7 hours)
Sandakan to Lahad Datu (4 hours).  This is an increasingly more popular way to visit Tabin whereby visitors take a flight to Sandakan where they visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, and perhaps the Selingan Turtle Island, then onward to Sukau in Kinabatangan for at least one night’s stay and then by road from Sukau to Tabin Widlife Resort.  This journey enables one to see some of the top eco-nature destinations in Borneo.
Tawau to Lahad Datu (4 hours).  Divers find Tabin  a  good destination to visit after their diving trip to Sipadan and Mabul islands,  allowing them to break the non-flying-after diving rule and visiting Tabin for one or two nights’ stay.  Journey from Semporna from Tabin is 3:15 hours.