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Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Tabin Wildlife Reserve, or
sometimes referred to as Tabin or TWR, is the largest tropical rainforest region
in Sabah, comprises a rectangular area of approximately 1,205 square kilometres.
Tabin is located n the centre of the Dent Peninsula, north-east of Lahad Datu
town, south of the lower reaches of the Segama River and north of the Silabukan
Forest Reserve. It can be reached via sealed and gravel roads from Lahad Datu in
about 40 minutes.
The reserve is covered with lowland dipterocarp forest and has also been declared
a Wildlife Reserve primarily on account of the large number of animals
inhabiting its forests, some of which are highly endangered. The three largest
mammals of Sabah, namely Asian Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau or
wild cattle are all found within the reserve; nine species of primate are
present, as well as three species of cats all of which are on the protected
wildlife list.
Of the birds’ species, 42 families representing 220 species have been recorded.
Seven species of the majestic hornbill live in the area and they include the
Asian Black, Weathead, Winkled, Bushycrested and Helmetted hornbill.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve has often been heralded as the finest wildlife
viewing area in Borneo, and a wildlife tour to Tabin will normally be an
unforgettable event.
In 1998, the Sabah State Government through the Sabah Foundation (Yayasan Sabah)
has privatized eco-tourism programs for Tabin via the Tabin Wildlife Resort, a
site in the reserve with accommodation and visitor facilities to provide a
comfortable stay. Among activities permitted in the reserve are jungle trekking,
wildlife viewing, photography and filming.
The accommodations at Tabin Wildlife Resort are generally lodges and chalets
made from authentic Borneo-style timber, which co-exist with nature. There is
also a café there (called Lipad Café), which can accommodate up to 60 guests and
serves local and western cuisine from 7 am to 10 pm.
On top of this, there are also unique outdoor accommodations called Eco Tented
Platforms (ETP), which are built about 3 feet of the ground following the
building principle of being "Tree-led" - constructed by following the trees,
hence sometimes, they are built around the trees or not at all if impeded. The
ETPs provide guests the experience of "living" in a jungle, and to sleep and
wake up to the sounds of the jungle all around from cicades to screeching
hornbills.
Natural mud volcanoes are an important natural attraction for salt-seeking
wildlife, which have become a bonus for visitors to see wild animals. Footprints
of animals are abundantly found in the vicinity of the mud volcanoes. Visitors
can also have some fun by trying out the natural mud-masque facial treatment
from the mud volcano. The mud is rich in minerals and is said to have a soothing
effect for your complexion.
Tabin plays an important role as a dedicated ground for the breeding of
endangered wildlife and protected mammals in Sabah. Related
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