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.

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!

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.

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.

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.