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Orangutan resting in rainforest foliage on a tree branch during a Beluran safari with conservationists, Sandakan
Spotted wild cat stepping onto a forest floor at night during the Quieter Deramakot route safari in Sandakan
Rustic safari cabin interior with two beds, ceiling fan and large windows, part of a 3-night wildlife stay in Sandakan
Shavez speaking at a conservation talk to a seated group in Sandakan, with projector screen and audience heads in the foreground
Crested hornbill perched on a rainforest branch above leafy understorey during the 3D2N Beluran Safari conservation trip in Sandakan
Spotted wildlife mammal emerging from dry grass and scrub on a jungle safari route near Sandakan
Guests on a dirt road photographing wildlife from an open safari truck during the Beluran safari, Sandakan
Orangutan resting in rainforest foliage on a tree branch during a Beluran safari with conservationists, Sandakan
Spotted wild cat stepping onto a forest floor at night during the Quieter Deramakot route safari in Sandakan
Rustic safari cabin interior with two beds, ceiling fan and large windows, part of a 3-night wildlife stay in Sandakan
Shavez speaking at a conservation talk to a seated group in Sandakan, with projector screen and audience heads in the foreground
Crested hornbill perched on a rainforest branch above leafy understorey during the 3D2N Beluran Safari conservation trip in Sandakan
Spotted wildlife mammal emerging from dry grass and scrub on a jungle safari route near Sandakan
Guests on a dirt road photographing wildlife from an open safari truck during the Beluran safari, Sandakan
Orangutan hanging from tree branches in a lush rainforest canopy during a conservation safari in Sandakan
Conservation team riding in a 4x4 jeep at night with lights scanning the jungle, on a quiet safari route in Sandakan
Lodge house surrounded by lush Borneo rainforest near Sandakan, with red-tiled roof, verandah seating area, and garden path
Passengers in orange life jackets on a small boat cutting through muddy river water during a safari in Sandakan
Travellers sharing dinner around a table in the lodge kitchen during the 3D2N Beluran Safari with conservationists in Sandakan
Conservationists on the jungle track using binoculars and cameras while observing wildlife on the Deramakot route in Sandakan
Aerial view of a winding dirt road threading through thick rainforest canopy on the quiet Deramakot route near Sandakan
Spotted big cat walking across a dusty forest track as misty ground fog swirls, on a night safari in Sandakan
Travellers posing on a white 4x4 at night under forest lights, off-road safari vehicle parked in Sandakan
Travellers on an open safari truck ride along a winding jungle road beside the conservation route near Sandakan
Deer standing in dark forest undergrowth at night during a nocturnal wildlife safari on the Deramakot route near Sandakan
Hornbill perched on a fruiting branch during a Beluran safari with conservationists on the Deramakot route, Sandakan
Man standing on the open back of a safari vehicle, looking out at dense rainforest tracks on a clear day in Sandakan
People resting on beds in a basic lodge common room between safari outings, with bags and a wall fan in Sandakan
Bird of prey perched on a fallen log in dense forest, captured during a wildlife conservation safari in Sandakan
Narrow dirt track winding through lush rainforest canopy on a quieter Deramakot route near Sandakan, Sabah
Red-furred ape swinging along rainforest branches during a Beluran conservation safari in Sandakan, orangutans
Lodge bedroom with two single beds, patterned bedding, an open window with curtains and a fan during the 3D2N safari in Sandakan
Simple bathroom with a toilet, basin and tiled walls, plus a window opening, for the 3D2N Deramakot route stay in Sandakan
Green patterned snake coiled among wet leaves and branches in the jungle on the Deramakot safari route near Sandakan
Kitchen area with wooden worktop, basin sink and fridge in a turquoise lodge room, set for meals on a Sandakan safari
Three neatly made beds in a turquoise dorm-style room with ceiling fan and curtains, accommodation for the 3D2N Beluran safari
Bright lodge dining room in Sandakan with wooden tables and chairs, ceiling fan, sideboard, open window frames, and blue curtains
Set of twin beds in a turquoise guest room with air-conditioning and a wooden door, part of a 3D2N safari stay in Sandakan
Clean tiled bathroom in the safari lodge in Sandakan, with toilet, shower hose, bucket by the sink, and window with blue curtain
Living room seating area with patterned sofas and wooden coffee table, bright turquoise walls in the 3D2N lodge stay in Sandakan
Shavez from 1StopBorneo Wildlife paddling a wooden boat through mangrove waters on a conservation safari near Sandakan
Conservationist Shavez in a forest clearing on the Beluran Safari with Conservationists, checking plants on the Deramakot route

3D2N Beluran Safari with Conservationists | Quieter Deramakot Route

Deramakot safari led by conservation specialists.
4.8
|4 Reviews
Group size
Up to 6 guests
DURATION
3 days 2 nights
Booking type
Join-in trip
MEET UP
Free pick-up
Group size
Up to 6 guests
Rare chance to explore a lesser-known side of Deramakot with conservationists
This is Deramakot done differently. Instead of entering through the main, busier gate, you access a quieter part of the same forest landscape near oxbow lakes where wildlife naturally gathers. This means fewer vehicles and a more focused safari experience. What makes this experience even more meaningful is that it’s run by a conservation NGO rather than a typical tour operator, making it ideal for serious wildlife lovers who want deeper insight, stronger mammal focus, and a trip that directly supports real conservation work.Safaris are guided by experienced local trackers, and trips are closely tied to conservation work. Your visit supports conservation efforts such as habitat restoration, tree planting, wildlife monitoring and rescue work, while also contributing to local communities and conservation awareness. You’re not just observing wildlife - you’re supporting the people protecting it.Where is Beluran? Beluran sits within the wider Deramakot Forest landscape - one of Sabah’s richest areas for mammal sightings - but operates from a quieter secondary access point near oxbow lakes and tributaries where wildlife naturally gathers. With fewer vehicles and less traffic than the main Deramakot entry, it offers a more intimate and focused safari experience, while accessing the same ecosystem and wildlife quality the area is known for.Set away from the busier Deramakot routes, this quieter area offers a more intimate rainforest experience, with strong chances of spotting gibbons, leaf monkeys and other mammals. Accommodation is simple and rustic, keeping the focus on nature, learning and purpose — ideal for travellers who want their time in the rainforest to matter.What to ExpectWildlife spotting in prime locations near oxbow lakes and tributariesExpert-guided night and day safaris focusing on mammals, birds, and insectsSimple lodge with a community-driven atmosphereOpportunities to learn about ongoing conservation projects and local reforestation effortsShared meals and relaxed evenings in the company of passionate guides and fellow travellersGood to KnowAll tours include transport from Sandakan, meals, and guidingWildlife sightings depend on natural conditions; patience is part of the adventureThis experience involves some walking and jeep safaris on uneven terrain – suitable for most fitness levelsBoat cruises and evening drives are planned to maximise wildlife encounters

Experience highlights

What You’ll be Doing

Day 1:

Arrival, lodge transfer, optional boat cruise, dinner, night wildlife drive at Beluran Safaris

Day 2:

Morning cruise, afternoon safari, evening wildlife drive, with meals and free time at lodge

Day 3:

Wildlife drive & transfer back to Sandakan or Telupid
Show Details

What’s Included

Transport (pick up and drop off at Sandakan)
2 Boat cruises
4 Safari drives (optional morning drive on the last day)
Meals (2x dinner, lunch and breakfast)
Guide fees
Accommodation
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Who you’re supporting

community_based

Community Champion

wildlife_safe

Wildlife Protector

low_carbon

Low Carbon Hero

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Where You’ll Sleep

Next Available Dates

Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 29 Jun 2026
Additional Information

Where we'll meet

Start Point

Free pick-up from Sandakan Airport or Sandakan Town(Sandakan, Malaysia)
  • 12:00pm
  • Notes: If you’re arriving from a different location than the airport, please confirm your pickup point before the trip.

End Point

  • End at Start Point(s)

Transport Add-ons

Add-on 1

  • Pickup from Telupid(Price: RM186.43 for up to 4 guests)

Start & Ends

12:00PM on Day 1 - 01:00PM on Day 3

Suitability / Accessibility

  • Vegetarian food available
  • Halal food available
  • Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)

Cancellation & other policies

  • Cancellation

    To secure your spot, your host will turn away other guests. Because of this, cancellations aren't allowed.
  • Minimum Participants

    If there are fewer than 2 participants, the host may reschedule or refund your booking.
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What to Pack

  • Binoculars (optional but great for wildlife spotting)
  • Breathable long-sleeve tops
  • Comfortable walking shoes or trail shoes
  • Hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Light rain jacket or poncho
  • Long pants (quick-dry if possible)
  • Personal medication
  • Sunscreen
  • Toiletries
  • Torch or headlamp (for night walks)
From
RM2,472
/person
4.8(4)
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Guests
Start Date
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Meet your host

Shavez is someone who’s been deeply involved in protecting Borneo’s wildlife and forests since 2012, when he started 1StopBorneo in Brunei. Over the years, this grassroots effort has grown across Sarawak and Sabah, focusing on everything from tree planting and hornbill conservation to rescuing injured animals. He’s often out in the field, working alongside local communities, running jungle tours that directly support conservation, or helping set up camera traps to deter poaching. Shavez also plays a big role in educating others—through talks, publications, and hands-on experiences—about Borneo’s rich biodiversity. He’s well-connected in the conservation world, but remains approachable and hands-on in his work.
Experience: 14 years
Speaks: Basic English, Fluent English, Bahasa
Acceptance rate: 100%
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