For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Borneo is one of the world’s best destinations for jungle adventures. In Sabah, two incredible eco-lodges – Tabin Wildlife Resort and Utan Rainforest Lodge – offer unforgettable experiences, each with its own distinct appeal. 

While these two retreats are located near each other, they offer access to different ecosystems and unique ways to experience the rainforest. This guide will help you decide which jungle adventure is right for you. 

Tabin Wildlife Resort: The Ultimate Safari Experience 

Best for: Wildlife safari lovers, first-time visitors, families, and those who prefer guided drives over trekking

Nestled within Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Tabin Wildlife Resort is the only accommodation inside the reserve, offering exclusive access to one of Borneo’s most wildlife-rich areas. Here, safari drives take centre stage, offering some of the best chances to spot orangutans, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, and hornbills in their natural habitat. 

Itinerary Overview

Day 

Activities & Highlights 

1 

Arrive at Tabin Wildlife Resort, orientation, evening safari drive 

2 

Safari drive or rainforest trek, visit to the famous mud volcano, birdwatching, night safari 

3 

Morning wildlife drive, departure 

 

What to Expect

  • Best safari experience: Discover Borneo’s Big 5 including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and more on safari drives, day or night 
  • Flexible itineraries: Opt for trekking or full safari drives, ideal for families, senior travellers, or those preferring a relaxed experience 
  • Mud volcanoes: Visit mineral-rich mud pools that attract wildlife, providing great spotting opportunities 
  • Comfortable jungle lodges: Stay in 20 timber lodges with modern amenities while surrounded by nature 
  • Easy access: Just a 1.5-hour drive from Lahad Datu, making it one of the most convenient wildlife lodges in Borneo

Tours to Tabin Wildlife Resort

Utan Rainforest Lodge: A Hidden Gem of River & Rainforest Exploration 

Best for: Birdwatchers, off-the-beaten-path explorers, river cruise lovers, and nature photographers

Utan Rainforest Lodge stands out for its blend of river cruises and jungle trekking, allowing visitors to experience Borneo’s wildlife both on foot and from the water.  

For those seeking a more secluded and exclusive rainforest retreat, Utan is the only accommodation offering access to Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) – one of Sabah’s least explored and most pristine wilderness areas. 

Itinerary Overview

Day 

Activities & Highlights 

1 

Arrive at Utan Rainforest Lodge, guided nature walk 

2 

Jungle trekking, river cruise along Sungai Kapur, wildlife spotting 

3 

Birdwatching, night safari, departure 

 

What to Expect

  • River & rainforest combo: Mangrove river cruises + jungle trekking offer a unique way to explore Borneo’s wilderness 
  • Top birdwatching destination: Spot rare species like the Helmeted Hornbill, Borneo Ground-Cuckoo, and Storm’s Stork 
  • Chance to see Irrawaddy dolphins: One of the few places in Borneo where you might witness these rare freshwater dolphins 
  • Exclusive & eco-friendly: Only lodge with access to Sungai Kapur VJR, offering a remote, intimate rainforest experience 
  • Secluded yet comfortable: Upscale eco-lodges blending luxury with nature immersion

Tours to Utan Rainforest Lodge

Tabin Wildlife Resort vs. Utan Rainforest Lodge: Which Should You Choose?

Feature 

Tabin Wildlife Resort 

Utan Rainforest Lodge 

Region Covered 

Tabin Wildlife Reserve (Only accommodation inside the reserve) 

Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve (Exclusive access via Utan) 

Known for 

Best safari drive experience, mud volcanoes, flexible itinerary 

Exclusive river & rainforest combination, top birdwatching destination 

Activities 

Rainforest treks, wildlife safaris, night drives, mud volcano visit 

Jungle treks, river cruises, birdwatching, night safaris 

Wildlife 

Orangutans, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, sun bears 

Proboscis monkeys, sun bears, Helmeted Hornbills, Irrawaddy dolphins 

How You Explore 

Safari drives with optional trekking 

Mangrove river cruises and jungle treks 

Lodging 

20 timber jungle lodges 

Upscale eco-lodge 

Accessibility 

Easier access from Lahad Datu 

More remote, requires extra travel time 

 

Both Tabin Wildlife Resort and Utan Rainforest Lodge offer incredible accommodations in Borneo’s rainforest, but the best choice depends on your travel style: 

  • Choose Tabin Wildlife Resort if you want the best safari experience in Borneo, easier access, and high chances of spotting orangutans, pygmy elephants, and other big wildlife 
  • Choose Utan Rainforest Lodge if you prefer a truly exclusive experience with river cruises, exceptional birdwatching, and the rare opportunity to see Irrawaddy dolphins 

No matter which you choose, both offer unforgettable encounters with Borneo’s wild and breathtaking rainforest. The question is: 

Do you prefer the thrill of a jeep safari or the serenity of a river cruise?