MY · Sabah · 5.27°N 118.65°E

tabin

Mud volcanoes, night drives and pygmy elephants in a big lowland reserve.

Best time
Any time of year. The drier months, roughly March to October, are easier going, but expect rain whenever you go.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Kota Kinabalu and connect to Lahad Datu, or fly to Tawau (about 2 hours 45 minutes) and drive about 2.5 hours. The reserve is under an hour by road from Lahad Datu, partly on gravel, and transfers usually come with your package.
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MY · Sabahtabin5.27°N 118.65°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Mud volcanoes, night drives and pygmy elephants in a big lowland reserve.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingTabinMY, Sabah
KLtabin
≈ 1,895 km from KL, as the crow flies
Leopard Cat

Photo: Mike Prince from Bangalore, India · CC BY 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A large wildlife reserve on the Dent Peninsula east of Lahad Datu, made up of lowland rainforest ringed by oil palm. It's known for its mud volcanoes, where animals come to lick minerals, and for night drives, birdlife and the chance of Borneo pygmy elephants.

Things to do

  1. Lipad mud volcanoA bare, bubbling mud flat in the forest that works as a mineral lick, with a tower to watch from.Map ↗
  2. Night drivesSpotlight along the reserve roads for civets, leopard cats, owls and slow lorises.Map ↗
  3. Lipad WaterfallA jungle trek to a waterfall with a pool you can swim in.Map ↗
  4. Elephant spottingBorneo pygmy elephants roam the reserve. Sightings depend on where the herd is that week.Map ↗
  5. BirdwatchingHundreds of species, hornbills included, live around the lodge and the forest edge.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Visits run as packages through the lodge inside the reserve, so book ahead.
  • Elephants are wild and can be dangerous. Keep your distance and follow your guide.
  • Bring leech socks and insect repellent.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.