Deramakot Forest Reserve is not the kind of place you stumble upon by accident. It does not sit next to a beach resort. There are no souvenir stalls or cafes selling cold drinks at the entrance. You do not come here to be entertained. You come here to listen, to observe, and to slow down.
As a Sabah-based tour agency, we have taken many travelers into Deramakot over the years. Some arrive with big expectations shaped by documentaries. Others arrive quietly, not quite sure what to expect. Almost all leave changed in some way. Not because Deramakot tries to impress, but because it does not.
This forest reserve sits deep inland, far from the busy routes of Sabah tourism. It is one of the most important conservation forests in Borneo, managed with a rare balance of protection, research, and carefully controlled forestry. For nature lovers who value authenticity over convenience, Deramakot offers something increasingly rare.
This article is written for real travelers. People who want to understand where they are going, not just tick a destination off a list.
Deramakot Forest Reserve covers more than 55,000 hectares of lowland dipterocarp rainforest. On paper, that number sounds abstract. On the ground, it feels endless. Tall trees block out much of the sky. The forest floor is damp, uneven, and alive with movement you often hear before you see.
What makes Deramakot stand out is its history. Unlike many forests in Borneo that were heavily logged without planning, Deramakot became the first tropical rainforest in the world to receive Forest Stewardship Council certification for sustainable forest management. Logging was not banned entirely. Instead, it was controlled, selective, and guided by long-term ecological research.
This approach allowed wildlife to survive and return. Today, Deramakot supports one of the healthiest populations of Bornean orangutans, clouded leopards, marbled cats, and sun bears in Sabah. Many animals here are not habituated to humans. They behave naturally, which makes sightings more meaningful and more challenging.
Deramakot does not offer guarantees. That uncertainty is part of its value.
One thing travelers often miss is how little Deramakot has been altered for visitors. Roads exist, but they are forest roads, not scenic drives. Accommodation is basic and functional. Electricity is limited. Mobile signal is unreliable or nonexistent.
Deramakot was never designed as a tourism product. Research and conservation come first. Visitors are guests in a working conservation landscape, not customers in a curated attraction. This shapes every aspect of the experience.
You will wake early because wildlife moves early. You will eat simple meals because logistics are difficult here. You will rest when the forest becomes quiet, not when your watch tells you to.
For travelers used to tightly scheduled tours, this adjustment can be uncomfortable at first. For those willing to adapt, it becomes part of the experience.
Deramakot is known for its wildlife, but it is not a zoo. Sightings require patience and attention.
Night drives are one of the highlights. As darkness settles, the forest changes character. Eyes reflect in the beam of a spotlight. Civets cross the road with unhurried confidence. Flying squirrels glide between trees, almost invisible unless you know where to look.
Occasionally, luck intervenes. A clouded leopard pauses on the road ahead. An orangutan nests low enough to observe in detail. A sun bear ambles across a track and disappears without drama.
Daytime walks reveal a different world. Insects, fungi, and plant life become the focus. Guides point out scratch marks on trees, feeding signs, and old nests that tell quiet stories of animals you may not see.
The reward is not just the sighting. It is the context. You understand why the animal is there, what it feeds on, and how it fits into the larger ecosystem.
Deramakot cannot be explored independently. Entry is regulated, and movement within the reserve is controlled. This is a good thing.
Local guides here are not entertainers. Many have worked in the forest for years, some for decades. They understand animal behavior, weather patterns, and subtle signs that visitors would miss entirely.
A broken branch on the ground is not just debris. It may indicate a recent orangutan crossing. Fresh claw marks on a tree may suggest a sun bear feeding earlier that morning. Silence in a normally active area may signal the presence of a predator.
These details change how you see the forest. You stop looking for dramatic moments and start paying attention to quieter ones.
Deramakot Forest Reserve plays a quiet but critical role in Sabah conservation. It acts as a wildlife corridor, connecting larger forest landscapes and allowing genetic exchange between animal populations.
Research conducted here informs conservation strategies across Borneo. Data on orangutan behavior, predator density, and forest regeneration are shared with scientists and policymakers.
Visitors often do not realize that simply being here contributes indirectly to conservation awareness. When travelers understand the complexity of managing a forest like Deramakot, they return home with a deeper appreciation for what is at stake.
This understanding spreads slowly, through conversations rather than campaigns.
Deramakot can be visited year-round, but conditions vary.
Drier months generally offer easier road access and more comfortable walking conditions. Wet months bring lush vegetation and dramatic atmosphere, but also mud and occasional delays.
Wildlife behavior changes with seasons. Some animals are more active at certain times of year, but there is no perfect window. Each visit offers different encounters.
Flexibility is more important than timing.
As a Sabah-based tour operator, we believe Deramakot should be experienced thoughtfully. Logistics, permits, and coordination with forest authorities require local understanding. This is not a destination where improvisation works well.
Our Deramakot Forest Reserve tour packages are designed to respect conservation priorities while giving travelers meaningful access to the forest. Group sizes are kept small. Schedules remain flexible. The focus stays on observation, learning, and respect for the environment.
The 3-day expedition package is a great way to start your journey in Deramakot Forest Reserve. It includes guided walks, wildlife watching, and staying in green lodges.
This package includes meals, tours, and where you’ll stay. Prices start at RM2,350 per person.
| Package | Duration | Price | Tour Details |
| 3D2N Deramakot | 3 days/2 nights | From RM2,350 | View Here |
| 4D3N Deramakot | 4 days/3 nights | From RM3,290 | View Here |
The 4-day wildlife tour is perfect for a deep dive. It has more wildlife watching, bird watching, and a visit to a local Orang Asli village.
Photography lovers will enjoy the specialized tours. They get expert tips on taking amazing photos in Deramakot’s green spaces.
To book your tour with Remarkable Borneo, just visit our website. Follow the steps to book. Make sure to pack your gear and check the weather before you go. Click here to book your Deramakot Tour with us.
When you go to Deramakot Forest Reserve, it’s important to follow safety rules and respect the rainforest. This way, everyone can have a good time and stay safe.
Before you go, make sure you’re healthy. Get your shots and bring your medicine. Also, talk to a doctor about the health risks of traveling to Borneo.
It’s key to keep a safe distance from animals. Don’t feed or touch them. This keeps them safe and healthy. Guides and park rangers can help you understand how to stay safe around wildlife.
Deramakot Forest Reserve cares a lot about the environment. You can help by managing waste well and trying to leave a small footprint.
Take all non-biodegradable trash with you. Use bins for waste and avoid plastics that can’t be reused.
Small actions can make a big difference. Stay on paths, don’t litter, and respect animal homes. This helps keep Deramakot beautiful for everyone.
By following these tips, you can have a fun, safe, and eco-friendly visit to Deramakot Forest Reserve.
To fully enjoy Deramakot Forest Reserve, think about visiting other amazing places in Borneo too. The area has lots of different experiences that can make your trip even better.
Check out places like Kota Kinabalu or Mount Kinabalu nearby. They have their own special views and adventures. Visiting these spots with Deramakot makes for a complete Borneo journey.
Visiting Deramakot Forest Reserve is a life-changing experience. It affects both the visitors and the reserve itself. By supporting conservation and responsible tourism, visitors help protect this wildlife sanctuary for the future.
Seeing Deramakot’s beauty and wildlife sparks a love for nature and conservation. This experience makes visitors want to share the reserve’s importance. They help spread the word about the need for ongoing conservation.
The impact of visiting Deramakot goes beyond just the trip. It helps protect the region’s biodiversity. By supporting this sanctuary, travelers play a key role in preserving Deramakot’s unique ecosystem.
Tell us what kind of adventure you’re looking for. From mountain climbs and island escapes to wildlife and cultural tours. We’ll customize it just for you!
Need help? Call our tour experts at 019-5491400
Remarkable Borneo Travel & Tours is a Malaysian tour operator based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We offer a wide range of affordable and appealing Sabah tour packages, such as Mount Kinabalu climb, Borneo tours, Sabah diving and island packages and Sandakan tours. Our mission is to provide memorable travel experiences that allow our customers to discover the wonders of Borneo.
