Why visit Deramakot Forest Reserve?
Deramakot Forest Reserve is one of Sabah’s most remote and rewarding wildlife destinations, covering more than 55,000 hectares of mixed dipterocarp rainforest in the interior of Borneo. It is particularly renowned for its wild cats, including the elusive Sunda clouded leopard, as well as orangutans, gibbons, pygmy elephants, civets and a remarkable variety of birds.
Around 75% of Sabah’s mammal species have been recorded in Deramakot, including all five of Borneo’s wild cat species: the Sunda clouded leopard, Bornean bay cat, leopard cat, marbled cat and flat-headed cat. Eight species of hornbill can also be found in the reserve.
Unlike the Kinabatangan River, where wildlife is primarily viewed from boats, a Deramakot Wildlife Safari is focused on exploring the forest by 4×4. The reserve’s remote location, extensive network of forest roads and excellent nocturnal wildlife viewing make it a particularly exciting destination for serious wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Whilst wildlife thrives in the reserve, sustainable logging is still permitted, and Deramakot Forest Reserve was the first tropical forest in the world to be awarded a “well-managed” status by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in 1997. Conservation and reduced impact logging continue to co-exist in harmony in Deramakot with continuous assessment and approval by the FSC.
Things to do at Deramakot
The main activity in Deramakot is 4×4 wildlife safari drives, with dawn, dusk and night providing the best opportunities to encounter wildlife.
Each full day includes around seven hours of guided 4×4 safaris, allowing you to explore different parts of the reserve and search for wildlife throughout the day. Night drives are particularly important for finding nocturnal species, including wild cats, slow loris, flying squirrels and civets.
The main attraction for many visitors is the possibility of encountering the Sunda clouded leopard. Sightings are never guaranteed, but Deramakot is one of the destinations in Sabah where visitors have a genuine opportunity to search for this elusive rainforest predator.
Between 4×4 drives, short nature walks around the accommodation provide an opportunity to explore the forest on foot and look for birds, insects and other smaller wildlife.
Where to stay?
Accommodation in Deramakot is provided in simple forest chalets within the reserve. The rooms are private, air-conditioned and have attached bathrooms with hot-water showers. Meals are provided locally and are generally simple but plentiful.
Electricity availability can be limited and may vary, so Deramakot is best suited to travellers who are comfortable sleeping in simple accommodation in exchange for great wildlife encounters.
How long should you stay in Deramakot?
The majority of visitors stay two or three nights, although photographers and dedicated wildlife enthusiasts sometimes choose to stay considerably longer.
A 4D3N stay gives you an additional full day of wildlife viewing compared to 2 nights and therefore more opportunities to explore different areas of the reserve and search for elusive species.
If your main goal is to photograph a particular species, especially a wild cat, a longer stay can be worthwhile as wildlife sightings are unpredictable and patience is often rewarded.
Who is Deramakot recommended for?
Deramakot is particularly suited to serious wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers and wildlife photographers who are prepared to travel further and stay somewhere more basic in return for the opportunity to experience a remote rainforest environment.
It is especially appealing to travellers interested in wild cats and nocturnal wildlife, although the reserve’s wider range of mammals and birds makes it rewarding even when the most elusive species remain out of sight.
Deramakot is less suited to travellers looking for luxury accommodation or a wide range of activities beyond wildlife watching. Most of your time will be spent in a 4×4 searching the forest roads for wildlife, with relatively few opportunities for longer walks or other tourist activities.
For experienced wildlife travellers, Deramakot can also provide a valuable contrast to the Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley, offering a more remote and vehicle-based wildlife experience.
Planning your trip to Deramakot Forest Reserve
Deramakot combines well with the Kinabatangan River, where river cruises provide a completely different way to look for wildlife, or with Sepilok, where you can visit the orangutan and sun bear rehabilitation centres before heading deeper into the wild.
For travellers with more time, Deramakot can also be combined with Danum Valley or Tabin Wildlife Reserve, creating a multi-destination itinerary covering several of Sabah’s most important rainforest habitats.
River Junkie offers 3D2N and 4D3N Deramakot Wildlife Safaris, as well as multi-destination itineraries combining Deramakot with the Kinabatangan River and Sepilok. Browse our trips below or contact us to plan a custom itinerary.
