Tabin Wildlife Reserve (TWR or Tabin) comprises a rectangular area of approximately 122,539 ha. in the centre of the Dent Peninsula, north-east of Lahad Datu Town, south of the lower reaches of the Segama River and north of the Silabukan Forest Reserve. It can be reached via sealed and gravel roads from Lahad Datu in about 40 minutes.

The reserve is covered with lowland dipterocarp forest. Tabin has been declared a Wildlife Reserve primarily on account of the large number of animals inhabiting it's forests, some of which are highly endangered. The three largest mammals of Sabah, namely Asian 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 birds species, 42 families representing 220 species have been recorded. In 1998, the Government has privatised eco-tourism programmes for Tabin and over the last few years, increasing numbers of tourists have been coming to the reserve. Among activities permitted in the reserve are jungle trekking, wildlife viewing, photography and filming. Natural mud volcanoes are an important natural attraction for wildlife seeking salt, and these have become a bonus for visitors to see wild animals.