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Elephants push through the trees at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Wildlife Reserve, with approximately 121,000 hectares, is the largest wildlife reserve in Sabah in Eastern Malaysia.

Some of its important features are mineral sources including at least three “mud volcanoes.”

Mud volcanoes serve as a mineral salt-lick for many animals including birds, which is probably why Tabin is home to so many large mammals like elephants, wild cattle (tembadau) and bearded pigs as well as a number of predators.

The rocks, soil and water in the area of the primary mud volcano are highly saline. As a result few plants grow around it and this gives nature lovers an unobstructed view of the wildlife.

Bearded pigs, elephants and even a sun bear have been sighted walking across this open area.

Best way to get there
Join the daily tour at the Tabin Wildlife Resort. Afternoons are best for viewing wildlife since the sun is at your back, and the tall trees shade the observation tower.

Waterfalls at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Usually, the pick-up truck leaves the resort at about 3pm, and takes a winding backroad through the forest. Along this route it is possible to see a number of bird species including Broadbills and Blyth‘s Hawk-Eagles.

Bird watching thrills
The calls of strange birds can be heard from above. If you are lucky, you might see the larger ones in flight, such as a Rhinoceros Hornbill with its two-metre wingspan.

Seven species of hornbills live here ??? Bushy-crested, Winkled, Weathed, Asian Black, Rhinoceros and Helmeted Hornbill.

The latter has a call that‘s one of the most memorable sounds of Tabin. It begins with a long, slow series of kooks which accelerate into a demonic laughter, ka-ka-ka-ka… and then descends and fades away.

Fruit delights
Meanwhile, if your guide is smart, he would have brought along a machete to cut a fresh pineapple for you to enjoy. Sabah has many types of fruits like durians, mangosteens and papaya but our favourite on an afternoon hike has to be the sweet, juicy pineapple.

At about RM4 (about C$1) each in town, they are the best deal around.

Mud on your face
As the sun begins to set, ask your guide to take you down to the mud volcano itself so that you can touch the gooey stuff yourself. Some people even apply the mud to their skin, believing that it has valuable cosmetic properties.

Don't linger too long near the mud. There may be animals waiting for you to leave so that they can have their turn at the mud volcano.

Besides, it is about a 30-minute hike out along the 700m trail — one that you will surely spend with only happy memories of your visit. More info: www.intra-travel.com.my Ph. 088–261558 INTRA Travel Service Sdn Bhd is offering a 2D/1N packages. The packages includes transfer, entrance fee, guided activities, meals and accommodation.

For details, call 088–261558