Spanning some 55,507 hectares, Deramakot Forest Reserve is an eco-tourist’s dream true for its abundance in wildlife and untouched natural beauty.
Opening hours
Always open
What to expect?
What to expect?
Located in the town of Sandakan, Deramakot Forest Reserve is a natural reserve of mixed dipterocarp forest that has an area of 55,507 hectares. Deramakot is a hidden gem and unique by the fact that you can find nearly 75% of all mammals in Sabah within the borders of this reserve.
A trip here is an exciting one. You’ll first need to hire a tour guide to bring you here. The reserve is only accessible by four wheel drive vehicles and is well protected by the state forestry department. Activities that can be carried out here include jungle trekking, birdwatching and wildlife drives. Animals are aplenty here and easily spotted such as the pygmy elephant, long tailed macaques, crested eagle and clouded leopards. Fun fact: Deramakot Forest Reserve is the only place in Borneo where all 5 of the Bornean cat species can be found!
The forest reserve has also earned the well-managed certification by the Forest Stewardship Council and the longest certified rainforest since 1997. Lumber is also extracted from Deramakot via a practice called Reduced-Impact Logging which minimizes any negative impacts to the environment.
A trip here is an exciting one. You’ll first need to hire a tour guide to bring you here. The reserve is only accessible by four wheel drive vehicles and is well protected by the state forestry department. Activities that can be carried out here include jungle trekking, birdwatching and wildlife drives. Animals are aplenty here and easily spotted such as the pygmy elephant, long tailed macaques, crested eagle and clouded leopards. Fun fact: Deramakot Forest Reserve is the only place in Borneo where all 5 of the Bornean cat species can be found!
The forest reserve has also earned the well-managed certification by the Forest Stewardship Council and the longest certified rainforest since 1997. Lumber is also extracted from Deramakot via a practice called Reduced-Impact Logging which minimizes any negative impacts to the environment.
What to bring?
What to bring?
- Comfortable hiking shoes.
- Insect repellant.
- Personal medications.
- Loose, long sleeved clothing.
- Energy snacks to last throughout the trip.
- Camera.
- Binoculars for birdwatching.
- Headlamp.
- Whistle.
- Hat or a cap.
What are the facilities provided?
What are the facilities provided?
- Chalets with 24 hours power, hot & cold water, air conditioning.
- Tour guides.
- Four wheel drive transportation through Deramakot.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Friends , Family , Group
Safety tips
Safety tips
- Follow the instructions of your tour guides at all times and pay attention to the safety briefings.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife and do not provoke them in any way.
- It’s easy to get lost in the forest. Make sure you're within eyesight of your other companions and do not wander off aimlessly.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- No walk-in visitors are allowed. Tours to Deramakot Forest Reserve handle all aspects of the tour inclusive of permits, transportation, meals etc.
- It is best to get a tour guide to arrange your trip here and get a group of at least 4 pax to share the cost.
- Dawn or early morning is the best time for photography. The forest is lively with animal calls and the misty weather provides a great backdrop in the midst of the cool and refreshing air.
- Regular tours to Deramakot do not offer a one-day tour, but instead they offer a 3D2N packages within the range of RM2000 - RM3000.
- Entrance fee to Deramakot Forest Reserve is RM15 and if you wish to bring a camera, there is an additional charge of RM10.
- If you wish to drive there and try a self-guided tour, rent a car for your trip that will cost you roughly RM100 per day. However, the rough terrains in the forest isn’t suitable for an average person without off-road experience to drive. It is best to consider getting a tour guide.
What to expect?
What to expect?
Located in the town of Sandakan, Deramakot Forest Reserve is a natural reserve of mixed dipterocarp forest that has an area of 55,507 hectares. Deramakot is a hidden gem and unique by the fact that you can find nearly 75% of all mammals in Sabah within the borders of this reserve.
A trip here is an exciting one. You’ll first need to hire a tour guide to bring you here. The reserve is only accessible by four wheel drive vehicles and is well protected by the state forestry department. Activities that can be carried out here include jungle trekking, birdwatching and wildlife drives. Animals are aplenty here and easily spotted such as the pygmy elephant, long tailed macaques, crested eagle and clouded leopards. Fun fact: Deramakot Forest Reserve is the only place in Borneo where all 5 of the Bornean cat species can be found!
The forest reserve has also earned the well-managed certification by the Forest Stewardship Council and the longest certified rainforest since 1997. Lumber is also extracted from Deramakot via a practice called Reduced-Impact Logging which minimizes any negative impacts to the environment.
A trip here is an exciting one. You’ll first need to hire a tour guide to bring you here. The reserve is only accessible by four wheel drive vehicles and is well protected by the state forestry department. Activities that can be carried out here include jungle trekking, birdwatching and wildlife drives. Animals are aplenty here and easily spotted such as the pygmy elephant, long tailed macaques, crested eagle and clouded leopards. Fun fact: Deramakot Forest Reserve is the only place in Borneo where all 5 of the Bornean cat species can be found!
The forest reserve has also earned the well-managed certification by the Forest Stewardship Council and the longest certified rainforest since 1997. Lumber is also extracted from Deramakot via a practice called Reduced-Impact Logging which minimizes any negative impacts to the environment.
What to bring?
What to bring?
- Comfortable hiking shoes.
- Insect repellant.
- Personal medications.
- Loose, long sleeved clothing.
- Energy snacks to last throughout the trip.
- Camera.
- Binoculars for birdwatching.
- Headlamp.
- Whistle.
- Hat or a cap.
What are the facilities provided?
What are the facilities provided?
- Chalets with 24 hours power, hot & cold water, air conditioning.
- Tour guides.
- Four wheel drive transportation through Deramakot.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Friends , Family , Group
Safety tips
Safety tips
- Follow the instructions of your tour guides at all times and pay attention to the safety briefings.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife and do not provoke them in any way.
- It’s easy to get lost in the forest. Make sure you're within eyesight of your other companions and do not wander off aimlessly.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- No walk-in visitors are allowed. Tours to Deramakot Forest Reserve handle all aspects of the tour inclusive of permits, transportation, meals etc.
- It is best to get a tour guide to arrange your trip here and get a group of at least 4 pax to share the cost.
- Dawn or early morning is the best time for photography. The forest is lively with animal calls and the misty weather provides a great backdrop in the midst of the cool and refreshing air.
- Regular tours to Deramakot do not offer a one-day tour, but instead they offer a 3D2N packages within the range of RM2000 - RM3000.
- Entrance fee to Deramakot Forest Reserve is RM15 and if you wish to bring a camera, there is an additional charge of RM10.
- If you wish to drive there and try a self-guided tour, rent a car for your trip that will cost you roughly RM100 per day. However, the rough terrains in the forest isn’t suitable for an average person without off-road experience to drive. It is best to consider getting a tour guide.
Spanning some 55,507 hectares, Deramakot Forest Reserve is an eco-tourist’s dream true for its abundance in wildlife and untouched natural beauty.
Opening hours
Always open
