Deramakot & Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari Extension

From the remote forest of Deramakot Forest Reserve to the legendary waterways of the Kinabatangan River, this extension brings together two of Sabah's most distinctive wildlife experiences.

Deramakot is deep, remote and wild — a place of forest roads, ancient trees and nocturnal wildlife. After your Deramakot safari, continue east towards the Kinabatangan and choose the river experience that suits your style: Sukau or Bilit.

Choose a 4D3N, 5D4N or 6D5N Deramakot and Kinabatangan extension, with the option to stay in either Sukau or Bilit.

This is not simply an extra few nights after Deramakot.

It is a continuation of the wildlife journey.

Why Combine Deramakot and Kinabatangan?

Deramakot and Kinabatangan offer two very different ways to experience the wildlife of Borneo.

Deramakot – Deep Forest Wildlife

Deramakot Forest Reserve lies far from the main tourist routes of Sabah.

Its remote location, extensive forest and network of logging roads create an exceptional environment for wildlife exploration.

Here, the safari is primarily by 4WD, with early morning and night drives forming an important part of the experience.

The forest can reveal orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants, banteng, civets, flying squirrels, deer, wild cats and many other species.

But Deramakot is especially known among wildlife travellers for the possibility of encountering elusive nocturnal mammals.

Kinabatangan – Wildlife Along the River

After Deramakot, the experience changes completely.

At the Kinabatangan River, the forest is explored mainly by boat.

Instead of travelling through the forest by 4WD at night, you drift along the riverbanks, looking into the trees and vegetation for movement.

Proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, kingfishers, crocodiles, orangutans and Bornean pygmy elephants are among the wildlife that may be encountered.

No wildlife sighting can ever be guaranteed.

That is part of the nature of a genuine Borneo safari.

You are entering the animals' environment — not a wildlife enclosure.

Choose Your Kinabatangan Experience

After Deramakot, you can choose between Sukau or Bilit.

You do not need to visit both.

The choice depends on the kind of Kinabatangan experience you prefer.

Sukau – Village, River and a More Intimate Experience

Sukau is located around a traditional village environment along the Kinabatangan.

Lost Borneo works with a local family-run business, helping keep tourism connected to the local community and local economy.

The accommodation provides the comfort needed after a day exploring the rainforest:

Air-conditioned rooms
Hot shower
Private attached bathroom and toilet
Comfortable village-based surroundings

Wildlife Experience in Sukau

Sukau offers opportunities for river cruises and night cruises.

The smaller boat, with approximately 8 guests, creates a more intimate experience on the water.

The surrounding village also allows opportunities for a village walk, depending on the itinerary and local conditions.

Sukau is particularly suited to travellers who want their Kinabatangan experience to include both wildlife and village life.

Bilit – Jungle Setting and Comfortable Lodge Experience

Bilit offers a different atmosphere.

The accommodation is located opposite the village, across the river, creating a more secluded jungle setting.

For travellers who prefer a more established lodge environment and additional room comfort, Bilit offers accommodation such as the Eco Chalet.

Facilities include:

Air-conditioned rooms
Hot shower
Private attached bathroom and toilet
A comfortable, modern touch within a rainforest setting

Wildlife Experience in Bilit

Bilit provides river-based wildlife cruises as well as opportunities for night walks.

For a longer stay, a two-hour morning jungle walk can also be included, allowing you to experience the rainforest away from the river.

The boats are generally larger commercial boats, with capacity of approximately 15–20 guests depending on the season and operation.

Bilit is well suited to travellers who enjoy a jungle-oriented setting, comfortable accommodation and a combination of river and walking activities.

Choose Your Deramakot & Kinabatangan Extension

Whether you choose Sukau or Bilit, the journey begins with Deramakot.

The difference is what kind of Kinabatangan experience you want afterwards.

4D3N Deramakot & Kinabatangan Extension

Deramakot + 1 Night Sukau OR 1 Night Bilit

The 4D3N option is designed for travellers who want to extend their Deramakot safari into the Kinabatangan without adding too many additional days to their Sabah itinerary.

After completing your Deramakot experience, continue towards the Kinabatangan River.

You then choose:

Option A – Sukau

1 night in Sukau with river-based wildlife activities including a night cruise.

Option B – Bilit

1 night in Bilit with river wildlife activities and the possibility of a night walk.

Who Is the 4D3N Extension For?

This option is suitable for travellers who:

Have limited time
Want to experience two major Sabah wildlife destinations
Want to add Kinabatangan after Deramakot
Prefer a shorter extension
Are continuing to another destination afterwards

It is a compact extension, but it creates a meaningful transition from remote forest safari to river wildlife.

5D4N Deramakot & Kinabatangan Extension

Deramakot + 2 Nights Sukau OR 2 Nights Bilit

The 5D4N extension gives you more time to settle into the Kinabatangan landscape.

Instead of rushing through the river experience, you have two nights to observe the changing rhythm of the rainforest.

Choose either:

Sukau – 2 nights

Bilit – 2 nights

Why Stay Two Nights?

Wildlife does not operate according to an itinerary.

The river may be quiet one afternoon and alive with activity the next morning.

A longer stay gives you additional opportunities for:

Morning river cruises
Afternoon river cruises
Wildlife observation
Birdwatching
Night activities
Photography
Relaxing beside the river
Experiencing the rainforest at a slower pace

For travellers who do not want their Kinabatangan experience to feel rushed, 5D4N provides a comfortable balance between time and depth.

6D5N Deramakot & Kinabatangan Extension

Deramakot + 2 Nights Sukau OR 2 Nights Bilit

The 6D5N option is designed for travellers who want to give the Kinabatangan more time after their Deramakot safari.

Choose:

Sukau – 2 nights

Bilit – 2 nights

The extra time allows the journey to breathe.

There is less pressure to move from one destination to another, and more time to experience the river, forest and surrounding landscape.

For Wildlife Enthusiasts and Photographers

The longer extension is particularly attractive to travellers who enjoy:

Wildlife photography
Birdwatching
Primates
Rainforest landscapes
Slow travel
Nature observation

More time does not guarantee more wildlife.

But it gives you more opportunities to be present when something unexpected happens.

A troop of proboscis monkeys moving through the canopy.

A kingfisher diving from a branch.

An orangutan disappearing into the forest.

Or, with luck, a family of Bornean pygmy elephants appearing beside the river.

These moments cannot be scheduled.

Deramakot & Kinabatangan Wildlife

What Wildlife Can You See in Deramakot?

Deramakot is particularly interesting for travellers searching for Borneo's elusive forest mammals.

Depending on season, weather, animal behaviour and luck, possible sightings include:

Mammals

Orangutan
Bornean pygmy elephant
Banteng
Maroon langur
Mouse deer
Bearded pig
Binturong
Sun bear
Civets
Flying squirrels
Gibbons
Macaques

Wild Cats

Deramakot is also known for its potential wild-cat encounters.

Possible species include:

Sunda clouded leopard
Marbled cat
Leopard cat

Seeing these species is never guaranteed.

The attraction lies in entering an intact forest environment where these animals still live naturally.

What Wildlife Can You See Along the Kinabatangan?

The Kinabatangan provides a different wildlife experience.

River and Rainforest Wildlife

Depending on conditions, you may encounter:

Proboscis monkeys
Orangutans
Bornean pygmy elephants
Long-tailed macaques
Pig-tailed macaques
Silvered langurs
Hornbills
Kingfishers
Crocodiles
Monitor lizards
Otters
Many species of rainforest birds

The river is constantly changing.

Morning light can reveal wildlife high in the canopy, while late afternoon may bring animals down towards the river.

After sunset, the rainforest becomes another world.

What Makes This Deramakot Extension Different?

From Forest Roads to River Channels

The greatest strength of this extension is the contrast.

In Deramakot, you travel through the forest by 4WD.

At Kinabatangan, you travel by boat.

Deramakot introduces you to the hidden world of nocturnal mammals.

Kinabatangan gives you a front-row seat along the river.

The two destinations complement each other without being the same.

A Journey Rather Than Two Separate Tours

Instead of returning to Kota Kinabalu after Deramakot and later starting another Kinabatangan trip, this extension allows the wildlife journey to continue naturally towards eastern Sabah.

Forest becomes river.

4WD becomes boat.

Night drives become river cruises.

Remote wilderness becomes village and riverside life.

That contrast is what makes the combination so memorable.

Sukau or Bilit – Which Kinabatangan Experience Is Right for You?

Choose Sukau If You Prefer

Village and Local Connection

Sukau is a good choice if you would like your wildlife experience to include a stronger connection with the surrounding village.

Smaller Boat Experience

The smaller boat, with around 8 guests, provides a more intimate setting for river exploration.

Night Cruise

Sukau can include a night cruise, giving you another opportunity to search for nocturnal wildlife along the river.

Choose Bilit If You Prefer

Jungle Setting

Bilit offers a more secluded setting across the river from the village.

Comfortable Lodge Environment

The accommodation provides air conditioning, hot showers and private bathrooms, with a more modern lodge feel.

Night Walk

Instead of a night cruise, Bilit can offer a night walk, allowing you to experience the rainforest from a completely different perspective.

Morning Jungle Walk

For longer stays, a two-hour morning jungle walk can add another dimension to the Kinabatangan experience.

Which Deramakot & Kinabatangan Duration Should You Choose?

4D3N

Short and Focused

Choose 4D3N if you want a concise wildlife extension.

Kinabatangan:

1 night Sukau OR 1 night Bilit.

Ideal for travellers with limited time.

5D4N

More Time on the River

Choose 5D4N if you want a more relaxed Kinabatangan experience.

Kinabatangan:

2 nights Sukau OR 2 nights Bilit.

Ideal for travellers who want additional wildlife activities without making the extension too long.

6D5N

A Deeper Wildlife Extension

Choose 6D5N if you want to slow down and give Deramakot and Kinabatangan more time.

Kinabatangan:

2 nights Sukau OR 2 nights Bilit.

Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and travellers who prefer a slower pace.

Responsible Wildlife Travel in Sabah

Wild Animals, Wild Places

At Lost Borneo, we believe wildlife should be observed without interfering with natural behaviour.

There are no guaranteed sightings.

There are no staged encounters.

And there is no responsible way to promise that a particular animal will appear.

The forest decides.

Our role is to enter respectfully, observe carefully and leave the environment as we found it.

Supporting Local Communities

Choosing locally operated accommodation and services also helps tourism contribute to communities living around Sabah's wildlife landscapes.

In Sukau, our partnership with a local family-run business helps keep part of the tourism economy within the community.

In Bilit, guests experience a more established jungle-lodge environment while supporting tourism activity around the Kinabatangan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine Deramakot with Kinabatangan?

Yes. The Kinabatangan can be added as an extension after a Deramakot safari, creating a journey that combines deep-forest wildlife with river-based wildlife observation.

Do I have to visit both Sukau and Bilit?

No.

You choose either Sukau or Bilit.

This allows the itinerary to match your preferred style of accommodation and wildlife activities.

What is the difference between Sukau and Bilit?

Sukau offers a more village-connected experience, a smaller boat operation and the possibility of a night cruise.

Bilit offers a more jungle-oriented setting, comfortable lodge accommodation, night walks and the possibility of a morning jungle walk.

Is 4D3N enough?

4D3N provides a shorter introduction to the Kinabatangan after Deramakot.

If you have more time, 5D4N or 6D5N allows a slower experience with more opportunities for wildlife observation.

Can I see a clouded leopard?

The Sunda clouded leopard occurs in Deramakot, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Wildlife encounters depend on natural behaviour, weather, habitat conditions and luck.

Can I see pygmy elephants?

Bornean pygmy elephants occur in both the Deramakot and Kinabatangan landscapes. However, sightings are wild encounters and cannot be guaranteed.

Is this suitable for photographers?

Yes. The combination offers very different photography environments — nocturnal forest drives in Deramakot and daylight river landscapes in Kinabatangan.