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Wildlife Safaris in Kota Kinabalu

Kinabalu is the gateway to some of the rarest wildlife in Borneo, from the rare clouded leopard to wild elephants.

All Wildlife Safaris in Kota Kinabalu

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What other guests say

4.4

8 reviews

We had a great time at Deramakot thanks to the fantastic LOST Borneo team. Not a typical tourist event, but an insightful and enjoyable experience. Small group size and a deep dive into the jungle wildlife.

Hendrik

Booked: 3D2N Deramakot Forest Reserve Wildlife Adventure

An excellent experience with LOST BORNEO company. My guide Mr Connelly was a man with 10 years of experience with Deramakot and he very clearly knew the place inside and out. He was able to spot so many different species of wildlife so easily and helped me find so many of my target species. Although we didn't manage to spot and photograph any wild cats, I still had an excellent trip thanks to him.

Nicholas Lo

Booked: 4D3N Deramakot Forest Reserve Wildlife Tour | From Telupid

Deramakot Forest 4 days 12-15 August The best. from the organising & communication from Rajis, to the trip back to the hotel. Huge thank you to Con / Mitch & Max. Without their knowledge and tracking / spotting skills, this would have just been a normal trip. They do not stop, from dawn to dusk. Always make you feel welcome and safe. Con is so knowledgeable, The next Attenborough in the making. Room was good & comfortable. amazing food. Mitch does the best eggs I have ever had. Very professional team. Very lucky to see orangutans peacefully sitting and eating. elephants / Leopard cats and many many more. Huge big thanks to the team. Really made our holiday & year.

John & Louise Turner

Booked: 4D3N Deramakot Forest Reserve Wildlife Tour | From Telupid

I had a fantastic time during the 3D2N Deramakot tour. We were able to spot many endemic mammals including orangutans, civets, the elusive leopard cat, langur, and many more. The Deramakot reserve is full of life and even on this short adventure the sightings were truly wild and authentic. Without the crowds of fellow tourists you are able to truly immerse yourself into the jungle.

Keyan Malecha

Booked: 3D2N Deramakot Forest Reserve Wildlife Adventure

We loved our guide Con whose passion and enthusiasm for natyre shone through. We were a snall group of 2 which gave us more flexibility but it would be fine as a bigger group, saw orang utan hornbills galore, slow loris and numerous other creatures. Deramakot is a beautiful forest. Its more difficult to see animals than at Kinabatangan river but patience rewards, Food cooked by driver was excellent The only bad thing was having to wait nearly 3 hours between being dropped off by the car from KK and being picked up for the forest. Otherwise excellent

Kati and Andrew

Booked: 3D2N Deramakot Forest Reserve Wildlife Adventure

This was one of the most memorable trips of our lives. Kon, our guide from LOST, was one of the best wildlife guides we’ve ever had. He’s an ex-poacher from the local community, he's been in the jungle since he was four years old and knows the jungle like the back of his hand. He is incredibly knowledgeable, humble and caring and is one of the best wildlife guides we’ve had in all our years of travel Deramakot is a challenging and very interesting place. We spotted a herd of pygmy elephants, a VERY hidden clouded leopard (we only saw part of its head - but we were super lucky!!), macaque monkeys, civet cats and flying squirrels. We weren’t expecting to see so much because the jungle setting is very dense so it’s actually much harder to spot wildlife than places like Tanzania and Kenya. But the guides were honestly great and we were super lucky! If you’re up for a super off-the-beaten-path trip, this is definitely for you! Don’t come expecting to see wildlife (but hope for the best!) but just come to see an ancient rainforest in the most off-grid way you can see it. When we were there we were the only travellers around! So it’s perfect for travellers who want something that few people have seen before.

Rob

Booked: 3D2N Deramakot Forest Reserve Wildlife Adventure

Wildlife Safaris in Kota Kinabalu FAQs

What is the best time to go on a wildlife safari in Kota Kinabalu?

The best time to experience wildlife safaris in Kota Kinabalu is between March and October when there is less rainfall, and the weather is more suitable for outdoor activities.

What are the common animals that can be spotted in Kota Kinabalu wildlife safaris?

Some of the common animals that can be spotted during wildlife safaris in Kota Kinabalu include orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, pygmy elephants, and crocodiles.

What are some of the popular wildlife safari tour operators in Kota Kinabalu?

Some of the popular wildlife safari tour operators in Kota Kinabalu are Borneo Eco Tours, Downbelow Marine and Wildlife Adventures, and Orou Sapulot Jungle Camp.

Is it necessary to book wildlife safari tours in advance?

Yes, it is recommended to book wildlife safari tours in advance to secure your preferred dates and ensure availability, especially during peak seasons such as school holidays and festivals.

What should I wear and bring on a wildlife safari tour in Kota Kinabalu?

It is recommended to wear comfortable and light clothing, closed-toe shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Bring along insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera to capture the stunning wildlife and scenic views.

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