During some down time in the heat of the afternoon, we were treated to a tropical herb foot soak at the spa.  Hot water and rocks from the river were added to ginger, salt, lemongrass and banana leaves. Kris also used the local volcanic mud facial.

Aahhh!
Nice calming cup of chamomile tea!

Over our two nights, we were offered one longer and one shorter night drive up the main park road. Just like in Deramakot, we found the drives to be hot, slow, bumpy and quite boring for long periods of time. However, one must be patient and wait for the nocturnal animals to wake up (which was usually on our way back to the lodge!)

Suddenly, we saw three leopard cats within a few minutes of each other.

Not quite as close as in Deramakot but still so awesome to see

We saw two of the leopard cats running together down the road – not a great photo, as they are moving pretty quickly in the dark. Maldin figured they were probably courting or mating.

A pair of leopard cats
Courting Leopard cats

Then just down the road we saw a rare marble cat. Its coat pattern is quite similar to a clouded leopard but maybe 1/4 the size. Maldin rarely sees them this close or that much in the open.

It then went into the bush and turned its back to us in true cat fashion.

The other many creatures of the night in Tabin Forest.

Masked Palm Civet
Feasting on figs in a tree
Nom Nom…
Island Palm Civet
Usually found on the ground
Fish owl
Fruit bat / flying fox
Bornean Python coiled up inside a log
Serpent eagle

After our last morning walk in Tabin, Donny took us back to Lahad Datu airport to catch our one-hour flight to Kota Kinabalu. 

Plane AC was kind of weak but they do provide fans!

We’re staying at the same hotel as our first night in Borneo.  We will take the opportunity to have a hot soapy shower and wash off the weeks of sunscreen, bug spray, mud, sweat etc. 

A selfie while we’re clean.
Our view from the hotel restaurant as we enjoyed our dinner. Quite a change over the last week’s set of views!

Tomorrow we fly to the state of Sarawak for the last third of our trip. 

One response to “Tabin Night Drives”

  1. Alyssa Damian Kennelly Avatar
    Alyssa Damian Kennelly

    love the kitty cat photos! I can hear Kris “here kitty kitty….”

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