Uncle Tan Wildlife Adventures was founded by the late Uncle Tan.

His real name is Tan Su Lim also known as Sulaiman Tan but most people know him simply by the name "Uncle Tan". Uncle Tan started out in his early days as a cadet with the British Army. He then went to study at the Teacher's Training College in Singapore and took the career as a teacher when he returned to Malaya. He married and settled in his hometown, Muar, a small district in the state of Johor in Peninsular Malaysia.

After teaching for a few years, Uncle Tan left to join a book publication company in Singapore where he serviced, among other places, the state of Sabah. It was during this time that he grew to be very attached to this East Malaysian state. Subsequently, he left the company and set up his own bookshop. The venture failed. Uncle Tan left for Sabah.

Uncle Tan tried many things in Sabah. He was a noodle seller in a coffee shop, he ran a small restaurant. He tried his luck as a small weeding and felling contractor, opened a provision shop, he reared chickens and pigs. He even gave English tuition and attempted to venture again in the book business. All of his early ventures in Sabah were short lived as he got tired of them.

In 1988, he converted his home to be able to take in a few travelers and started to take people to the jungle on a small scale operation. Soon, his popularity boomed. Today, Uncle Tan's Wildlife Adventures is still a small company but is well known internationally, particularly amongst backpackers, budget travellers and nature lovers.

As a person, Uncle Tan was a colourful character. He was a person who had a mind of his own. He spoke his mind without fear, especially where it concerns environmental issues. He was the chairman of the Environment Action Committee (EAC) Sandakan Branch. He was a good writer, a good cook and most of all, a person who was more than willing to extend himself out as humanly as possible to others. He hated people who played god. He was a believer in the equality of mankind and made friends with people from all walks of life. He loved the outdoors and the wilderness.

Uncle Tan’s life was a mix of all sorts of things. There were happy moments and also lots of troubled times – but one way or another his life was never dull. He had a colourful life.

"He [Uncle Tan] is something of a maverick in the business, with an unconventional approach, but there is no doubting his knowledge of the rainforest and the real value of his tour. The emphasis is in involvement and learning the ways of the jungle"
- Action Asia Magazine

"Uncle Tan is a local legend; he is a former higher-up at the predecessor to the KL New Straits Times, a longtime environmental activist, and an ex-geography teacher who counts three current Malaysian Cabinet members amongst his former pupils. He regales visitors with anecdotes, cooks up five fabulous meals every day, and draws an eclectic mix of (mostly western) travelers. His staff, drawn from local villages, is enthusiastic and helpful."
- Let’s Go South East Asia, 1998

On 13 Oct 2002, Uncle Tan passed away suddenly. That morning he had gone to the market opposite where he stayed in Gum Gum which is also the Ops Base and Bed & Breakfast premise. When he returned from the market, he complained of chest pains and was rushed to hospital. On the way, he had a massive heart attack. Uncle Tan did not make it. (click here to view Daily Express article)

Those who have known Uncle Tan will remember him for his infectious passion for life, his adventurous spirit and his big, big heart. Sandakan will always remember him for his countless community projects, and as the man who brought tourism into Sandakan.

On the 8th of March 2003, after his death, the EAC recognized Uncle Tan's contribution to the environment conservation of Sabah.

Uncle Tan is survived by five children – two sons and three daughters. Uncle Tan’s children and family are continuing the operations to ensure that the legacy lives on, and that "Uncle Tan Wildlife Adventures" will continue to provide pleasure, knowledge and adventure to thousands of visitors from all corners of the world. Together with an experienced and loyal team of staff, they will continue to provide the best of services and hospitality to visitors and friends, in the tradition of "Friendship & Adventure".