Deramakot Forest Reserve

A pioneering sustainable forest management area in Sabah, Deramakot offers a unique 'wild' safari experience with high chances of spotting elusive Bornean...

Deramakot Forest Reserve at a Glance

Location
Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
5.346227, 117.481094
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
March to October for Peninsular Malaysia parks. Year-round for Borneo.

Getting to Deramakot Forest Reserve

Nearest airport: Marak Parak Airport, 136 km away.

Big Five in Deramakot Forest Reserve

2 of the Big Five can be found here: Rhinoceros Hornbill, Sunda Clouded Leopard.

Wildlife in Deramakot Forest Reserve

Home to 77 recorded species including 32 iconic birds, 19 birds of prey, 10 tropical birds, 8 waterbirds, 2 primates, 2 big herbivores.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Deramakot Forest Reserve

7 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Visitor Tips - Deramakot Forest Reserve

Deramakot is not for the faint-hearted; it is a truly wild, uncrowded experience where patience is rewarded with unparalleled sightings of Borneo's most elusive creatures, from clouded leopards to orangutans. We love the raw, untamed feel of this reserve, a genuine frontier for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an authentic rainforest adventure.

Gate Times

Deramakot is not a typical 'gate' reserve. Access is strictly by pre-arranged permit only, usually through a licensed tour operator. We recommend booking well in advance, especially during the drier months of April-September. There are no fixed opening or closing times in the traditional sense, as activities are tailored to wildlife sightings, often extending into the night. Heavy monsoon rains from November-February can make some tracks impassable, so always check conditions with your operator.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For your main guide, we suggest around RM50-RM80 per day. For camp staff, a communal tip of RM20-RM30 per guest per day is appropriate, which can be left in a designated box or given to the camp manager for distribution. Rangers accompanying your vehicle might receive RM20-RM30 per day. Always tip in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and discreetly.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Malaysia

Travel advisory for Malaysia

Deramakot Forest Reserve FAQs

What makes Deramakot the best place to see a Bornean clouded leopard, and what's the typical safari experience like for nocturnal wildlife?

Deramakot's extensive network of old logging tracks provides unparalleled access for night drives, significantly increasing your chances of spotting elusive nocturnal predators like the Bornean clouded leopard and other rare creatures. Unlike more developed parks, the experience is rugged and focused on genuine, unscripted wildlife encounters, often involving long hours of searching with expert local guides.

Given Deramakot is 'less developed,' what are the accommodation and facility standards like for visitors?

Accommodation in Deramakot is basic but functional, typically consisting of simple guesthouses or chalets with essential amenities, reflecting its focus on conservation over tourism luxury. Visitors should expect a rustic experience, including shared facilities and limited electricity hours, emphasizing immersion in the natural environment rather than resort comforts.

When is the best time to visit Deramakot for optimal wildlife viewing, and how does its sustainable forestry approach impact the safari experience?

The dry season, generally from March to October, offers the best conditions for wildlife spotting as animals are more active and easier to locate near water sources. Deramakot's pioneering sustainable forestry practices mean you'll be exploring a working forest rather than a pristine national park, offering a unique perspective on how logging and wildlife conservation can coexist.

How does the cost of a Deramakot safari compare to other Bornean wildlife experiences, and what justifies the investment for this 'wild' adventure?

A Deramakot safari can be relatively expensive due to its remote location, specialized guiding, and limited infrastructure, often costing more than visits to more accessible parks like Kinabatangan. The investment is justified by the unparalleled opportunity for authentic, uncrowded wildlife encounters, particularly with rare species like the clouded leopard and pygmy elephants, in a truly wild setting.

Beyond malaria precautions, what specific safety considerations and preparations should adventurous travelers make for a Deramakot safari?

Travelers should be prepared for rugged conditions, including potential encounters with leeches and insects, and ensure they have appropriate sturdy footwear and long clothing. It's crucial to follow guide instructions strictly, especially during night drives, and to be aware that medical facilities are very basic and far away, making comprehensive travel insurance essential.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.