Deramakot Forest Reserve: Borneo’s Hidden Gem for Ethical Wildlife Adventures

Deep in the heart of Sabah lies Deramakot Forest Reserve, one of Borneo’s best-kept wildlife secrets. Unlike the crowded tourist hotspots, Deramakot is a protected, sustainably managed rainforest known for its incredible biodiversity, pioneering conservation work, and high success rate of wildlife sightings—including the endemic Orang Utan and the elusive Clouded Leopard.

For responsible travelers seeking an authentic, low-impact jungle experience, Deramakot is the ultimate destination.

A Brief History of Deramakot

Deramakot spans over 55,000 hectares of Class II Forest Reserve in central Sabah. It is world-famous for being the first tropical forest in the world to achieve FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification.

This means the forest is managed with a long-term commitment to sustainability, habitat protection, and community benefits. Since the 1990s, Deramakot has become a global model for responsible forestry—proving that forest conservation and sustainable economic use can coexist.

Today, it remains a shining example of how protected rainforest can thrive when human impact is carefully managed.

A Haven of Wildlife Biodiversity

Deramakot is often called “The Land of the Clouded Leopard.” It boasts one of the highest densities of Clouded Leopards ever recorded. Beyond that, the reserve is home to:

• Orangutans

• Pygmy Elephants

• Sun Bears

• Gibbons

• Marbled & Leopard Cats

• Hornbills

• Slow Lorises

• Civets

• And over 250 bird species

Because there is almost no tourist traffic, wildlife remains relaxed, undisturbed, and more easily observed—making Deramakot one of the most rewarding wildlife destinations in Southeast Asia.

Why You Must Visit Deramakot

✓ Exclusive wildlife encounters

With limited daily visitors and strict entry controls, safaris offer rare, intimate wildlife experiences.

✓ Ethical, low-impact tourism

Deramakot is the gold standard for conservation-based tourism, where your visit directly supports the protection of endangered species.

✓ A true off-the-grid adventure

The rugged forest roads, deep jungle landscapes, and remote atmosphere deliver a safari experience unlike anywhere else in Borneo.

✓ Genuine sustainability

This is not a manufactured eco-tourism experience—it’s the real, functioning rainforest conservation system you are stepping into.

Your Positive Impact: How Your Visit Helps Conservation

When you sign up for a Deramakot wildlife safari, you contribute directly to the long-term protection of Borneo’s rainforest ecosystems.

Your trip supports:

• Sustainable forest management (FSC model)

• Habitat preservation for endangered wildlife

• Anti-poaching patrols and monitoring

• Local ranger/guide employment and community benefits

• Long-term biodiversity research

Your participation ensures that responsible tourism—not logging—remains a viable future for the reserve.

Why Choose Us

• Green Engine & Low Impact Operations

• Our tours use fuel-efficient, low-emission technology and adhere to strict environmental practices

• No off-track driving

• Wildlife-first approach

• Reducing noise, light, and carbon footprint

• Strict waste management

• “Leave No Trace” policy

• Trusted Pioneer Company in Deramakot for 1 decade since 2016

• With years of hands-on experience, we are known for

• Trained wildlife spotters

• Excellent safety and service standards

• Small-group, low-impact travel

• Deep passion for conservation

• Local knowledge, friendly guiding

You’re not just booking a safari—you’re joining a team committed to protecting Borneo’s wild heart.

DERAMAKOT SAFARI ITINERARY

📅 Day 01 — Telupid → Deramakot

1400 hrs – Adventure Begins

Meet your guide at 77 Restaurant, Telupid (150m from the bus stop). Embark on a 4–5 hour 4WD transfer into Deramakot along a rugged forest road.

Evening – Check in to your room (twin/double) with attached bathroom. Dinner included.

1900 – 2200 hrs – 3-Hour Night Safari

Search for nocturnal stars of Deramakot:

Clouded Leopards, Civets, Slow Lorises, Porcupines, Owls, and other night wonders.

Overnight in Deramakot

📅 Day 02/03/04 — Full-Day Wildlife Safari

0700 hrs – Breakfast

0730 – 1030 hrs – Morning Safari (3 hrs)

Target species:

Orangutans, Gibbons, Hornbills, Macaques, and forest birds.

1200 hrs – Lunch & Rest

1600 – 1800 hrs – Afternoon Safari (2 hrs)

Focus on:

Pygmy Elephants, primates, forest-floor mammals, and birdlife.

1900 – 2200 hrs – Night Safari (3 hrs)

Spot elusive nocturnal species.

Dinner served before or after, depending on wildlife sightings.

During Safari Bring Along:

Rain jacket, headlamp, refillable bottle, binoculars, insect repellent, camera

Recommended Attire:

Earth-toned long pants, short-sleeve shirt, hiking shoes

📅 Day 03/04/05 — Deramakot → Telupid

0500 hrs – Early Check-Out

4–5 hour transfer back to Telupid.

Witness the magical transition from night to dawn—your driver will stop for wildlife sightings.

0930 – 1000 hrs – Arrival in Telupid

Breakfast stop and drop-off at Telupid bus stop for onward travel connections.

What to Bring

• Extra clothing

• Sandals

• Socks

• Towel

• Headlamp

• Insect repellent

• Camera & Binoculars

• Personal medications

Tour Inclusions

✔ Pick-up and drop-off (Telupid)

✔ 4WD transport & driver

✔ Wildlife guide

✔ Daily safaris (morning, afternoon, night)

✔ Lodge accommodation (twin/double)

✔ All meals

✔ Conservation & entrance fees

Public Bus Timings (From Telupid)

To Sandakan / Kota Kinabalu: 10:30am / 12:30pm / 2:00pm

To Mile 32 / Lahad Datu / Tawau: 11:00am / 1:00pm / 2:00pm

Public Bus Timings (To Telupid)

From KK / Sandakan: 7:00am / 9:00am

From Mile 32 / Sandakan–Tawau: 10:00am / 11:00am

Optional Transfers by LOST BORNEO – (max 4 pax)

Subject to availability

From Telupid

10:30am → Kota Kinabalu / KK Airport / Kinabalu Park

10:30am → Sandakan / Airport / Sepilok

To Telupid

8:00am → KK International Airport

8:30am → Kota Kinabalu City

11:30am → Kinabalu Park HQ

11:30am → Sandakan Airport

12:00pm → Sepilok