Tabin Wildlife Reserve was established in 1984 to protect its rich wildlife. The reserve is home to Borneo pygmy elephants and the Tembadau, Sabah’s largest mammals. It also shelters nine primate species and three protected cat species. Bird enthusiasts can find 220 recorded species across 42 families here. A major highlight of Tabin is its mineral-rich mud volcanoes, which attract wildlife and provide great observation points.

The Wildlife Department of Sabah manages the animals, while the Forestry Department oversees the trees. The forest mainly consists of lowland dipterocarp vegetation. Since Tabin Wildlife Resort opened in 2004, the area has become a top spot for nature lovers. Popular activities include jungle trekking, night safaris, wildlife spotting, bird watching, and rainforest learning.

Tabin is located in eastern Sabah on Borneo island. It covers about 122,539 hectares in the Dent Peninsula, northeast of Lahad Datu. The reserve lies south of the Segama River and north of Silabukan Forest Reserve.