Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah

Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a nature preserve in Sabah, on the island of Borneo. Created in the year 1984, Tabin has 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 Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau 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 bird species, 42 families representing 220 species have been recorded.  One of the highlights of Tabin being the active and mineral-rich mud volcanoes,  attracting frequent visits by wildlife for their mineral intake and present an ideal platform for wildlife observation and bird-watching.

Flight from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu takes approximately 50 minutes. Another one and a half hours drive on gravel road to the resort. On our way to Tabin, we passed through some oil palm plantations before our eyes caught by the beauty of the secondary rainforest. Upon arrival, we did a short briefing with our guide and complete our registration before we proceed for check in. There are 20 units of jungle lodges which consist of 10 units River Lodges and 10 units Hill Lodges. All lodges equipped with private bathroom with hot and cold water, ceiling fan, air conditioner, twin beds, drinking water and most of all a private balcony. We managed to get a quick rest before proceed to our first activity - trekking to the mud volcano. 

Trek to the mud volcano.

View  from the observation tower.

 After trekking through the rainforest for 20 minutes, we arrived at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano which is frequented by wildlife and birds. There is an observation tower where we could admire the contrasting landscape of the bare mud volcano and its surrounding thick forest, where birds are commonly sighted. We wait until the rain stopped before go down to the mud and applied it on our face (since it claimed  to be responsible for a fine complexion). After dinner at the Sunbird's Cafe, the guide will do a a CD presentation followed by a night safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. 

Pig Tail Macaque

Day two at Tabin starts with an early morning walk to the rainforest for birding along the road leading to the Core Area of Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Our next schedule after breakfast is going to the Lipad waterfall. A drive to the core area for animal’s spotting before trekking through the lush green rainforest known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species.   

Lipad Waterfall

After hot and sweaty journey, we took a long dip in the natural pool and enjoyed the natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall.

When we arrived at the resort, it is already time for lunch. In the afternoon, it is time to pamper our tired feet with the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs. A quick rest at our lodge before we proceed for the dusk drive to look out for more nocturnal wildlife and birds coming out to look for food. The most memorable moment when we saw the Red Giant Flying Squirrel do some action.

The Brown Wood-owl

It is free and easy on our last day. We managed to take breakfast and lunch at the resort. Our transfer out is in the afternoon so we have more times to mingled with the staff. Whether you are a wild adventure seeker, an environmentalist earth mother, a photography lover, an animal activist, or simply just someone looking out for something fun; Tabin extends her arms in welcome. Here, you will get a taste of nature like nowhere else.


www.tabinwildlife.com.my
http://www.sabahtourism.com/sabah-malaysian-borneo/en/destination/22/

Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna, Sabah

If someone mentioned Mabul or Sipadan Island, we all nod and agree that these islands are well known not only to divers but to snorkelers. But what if someone ask you about Bohey Dulang or Sibuan Island? Many do not know these islands are situated at the entrance to Darvel Bay, off the East coast of Sabah near the town of Semporna which took about 45 minutes by speedboat from the jetty of this small town.

Named after then the Head of State of Sabah, Tun Sakaran Dandai, it was gazetted in July 2004 as Sabah's seventh park. The Park is the largest Marine Park and covering 340 sq kilometers of sea and corals reef and 10 sq kilometers of land.

This Marine Park, which known as the Semporna Islands Park, comprises of eight islands - Bohey Dulang, Bodgaya, Sebangkat, Selakan, Mantabuan, Sibuan, Maiga, and Tetagan. Bohey Dulang and Bodgaya islands are extinct volcanic remnants while Sebangkat and Selakan are two islands of raised limestone platforms.

Sibuan Island - White Sandy beach with crystal clear water. Sibuan island has a land mass of just 15.12 hectares, making it the second smallest island at this marine park. When view from the sky above, Sibuan Island is a shaped like a chilli, with the rounded head on the north and slim thin tail in the south. In the southern end a sand pit is formed. Scientist  believe that the island is slowly growing in this direction. The average height of the island is just one to two meters, and the island centre is covered with coconut trees, naturally grown. The whole island can be circled by foot in just under 35 minutes. When view from the sea, Sibuan Island is truly beautiful with its white sandy beach and its swaying coconut trees, plus a few fisherman stilt wooden houses. It is not surprising that some people reckon that Sibuan Island is the most beautiful island in the Celebes Sea.

Bohey Dulang - Also known as Pulau Bohaydulong or Pulau Bohidulong is famous for the Pearl Farming. 

Visitors are encouraged to ascend the forest track in Pulau Bohey Dulang. During one hour journey climbing lava rock volcano, visitors often meet with common wild animal such as snakes, birds and monkeys. From the top of the rock, visitors will be delighted to the beautiful view of insular formation of the islands of Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

* Prior to visit, visitors need to obtain a permit from the Sabah Parks.

Link:

http://www.sabahparks.org/eng/tun_sakaran_marine_park/default.asp

http://www.sabahtourism.com/sabah-malaysian-borneo/en/destination/331-tun-sakaran-marine-park/

http://www.sabahparks.org/eng/tun_sakaran_marine_park/islands.asp

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