Deramakot Forest Reserve
All Deramakot Forest Reserve Experiences
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Visiting Deramakot Forest Reserve
Why go
Deramakot Forest Reserve is Borneo's best-kept secret for wildlife spotting. Here, there are orangutans, elephants, the clouded leopard, deer, civets, and sunbear. The forest is dense, wildlife here is unpredictable and capricious, and the safari is unlike any other. You might see nothing, your jeep might be surrounded by a herd of elephants.
What to do or see here
You can do a jeep safari here, and some wildlife walks in the daytime.
Best Time to Go
Try to go during dry season from May to October, though it's hard to predict these days. So just go prepared with rain gear and you'll be ok. Also, the cats (e.g. clouded leopard and civet cat) really like coming out after the rain, as they love splashing in the mud. So though it's not comfortable when it rains, you might see more wildlife afterward!
Who is it for?
Wildlife and nature lovers who really love off-the-beaten-path activities, and are up for a true adventure. Deramakot is not for everyone. The journey there is long, the forest is dense and you may see no wildlife. But it is one of the most unique wildlife safaris we have even been on, and if you're lucky you might have some incredible sightings here.
Top Tips
- Don't come to Deramakot with any expectation, other than just a wild adventure to somewhere that very few people in the world have seen.
- It's so unknown that very few guides will take you there. The guide we recommend here works with ex-poachers and directly helps villagers stop poaching in the area, and conserve the wildlife.
Top things to see & do
Helpful Questions
What activities are available in Deramakot Forest Reserve?
There are several activities available to visitors in Deramakot Forest Reserve, including guided jungle walks, night drives, birdwatching, and camping. Visitors can also observe the wildlife from observation towers and watchtowers located throughout the reserve.
How is Deramakot Forest Reserve managed and protected?
Deramakot Forest Reserve is managed and protected by the Sabah Forestry Department, which is responsible for the conservation and sustainable management of the state's forests. The department has implemented a number of measures to protect the forest, including strict regulations on logging and hunting, as well as the promotion of eco-tourism activities that support conservation efforts.
Why is Deramakot Forest Reserve important for conservation?
Deramakot Forest Reserve is important for conservation because it provides critical habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, including many that are threatened or endangered. The reserve is managed using sustainable forestry practices, which helps to maintain the health and productivity of the forest ecosystem while also providing economic benefits to the local community. By preserving this important forest area, Deramakot Forest Reserve helps to maintain the region's biodiversity and supports the long-term sustainability of the local economy.
How can visitors support conservation efforts at Deramakot Forest Reserve?
Honestly, Deramakot Forest Reserve is one of those places in the world that really just needs more people going there. It's such an incredible part of the world with a huge amount of wildlife and biodiversity not seen in most parts of the world. But because it's under-touristed, and there is a lack of income sources in the area, the forest and the wildlife are under threat. So just by going to see it and contributing valuable tourism dollars to the region, you will be encouraging locals to conserve the wildlife and the forest, and you'll be making a powerful impact on conservation in the area.
What is Deramakot Forest Reserve?
Deramakot Forest Reserve is a protected forest reserve located in the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. It is one of the largest protected forests in Sabah, covering an area of approximately 55,000 hectares.
What can visitors expect to see in Deramakot Forest Reserve?
Visitors to Deramakot Forest Reserve can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including orangutans, elephants, deer, civets, and many species of birds. The forest is also home to the Malayan sun bear and the clouded leopard, two of the rarest animals in Southeast Asia.
However the forest reserve is dense so you shouldn't come expecting to see the amount of wildlife that you will in an African savannah. Here it's more of an explorer's journey. You may encounter a herd of elephants, or you may end up seeing just a glimpse of a clouded leopard's paw in the moonlight. That's part of the excitement!
