Deramakot Forest Reserve – Sabah’s Hidden Wildlife Gem

Venture deep into the heart of Sabah’s rainforest and discover Deramakot – a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts. Home to orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and the elusive clouded leopard, this remote reserve offers one of Borneo’s most authentic and rewarding wildlife experiences.

Deramakot Forest Reserve, in the heart of Sabah, is one of Borneo’s best-kept secrets for wildlife observation. Covering over 55,000 hectares of lowland rainforest, it is home to more than 75% of Sabah’s mammal species, including endangered orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, banteng and the elusive clouded leopard. Birdwatchers will also find all eight species of Bornean hornbills here.

Deramakot is globally recognized as the first tropical rainforest certified as well managed under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). With its pioneering approach to sustainable forestry and reduced-impact logging, it has become a role model for balancing conservation with resource use. This makes it not only a wildlife haven, but also a living showcase of how forests can be managed responsibly.

Visiting Deramakot is an adventure in itself: accessible only by 4WD, it offers basic but comfortable forest lodges and the chance to join guided activities such as:

• Dawn and night drives to spot nocturnal and rare wildlife
• Jungle treks through pristine rainforest
• Birdwatching tours with chances to see all 8 Bornean hornbill species
• Spotlighting safaris for clouded leopards, wild cats and flying squirrels

With most wildlife active at night, Deramakot is famous for its spotlighting safaris – giving visitors a true “National Geographic” experience in the wild.