4 Days Explore the Deramakot Forest Reserve
Explore nature and wildlife in Deramakot Forest Reserve on this four-day journey through Borneo’s pristine wilderness. Beginning in Sandakan, venture deep into Sabah’s tropical rainforest on guided treks, scenic river excursions, and thrilling night safaris. Discover the region’s rich biodiversity while taking in the sights and sounds of one of Borneo’s most remarkable natural habitats.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Learn more about Borneo’s orangutan and discover the country’s rich remote jungle at Deramakot Forest Reserve. We are collected from our Sandakan hotel, or Sandakan Airport to transfer 30 minutes to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe man’s closest relative, the orangutan, being rehabilitated into their natural habitat. Here, we feed the orangutans and take a walk in Borneo’s tropical lowland dipterocarp forest.
We continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre that aims to release rescued sun bears into the enclosed forest. We continue our journey to Deramakot Forest Reserve in central Sabah, taking about four to five hours travelling on paved and gravel roads surrounded by palm oil plantations. We are welcomed by the sounds of rainforest and receive a lodge orientation before we check-in.
After dinner, we embark on a night drive in search for nocturnal animals, as Deramakot is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare clouded leopard. Lunch is at MY Nature Resort.
Overnight at the lodge.
Rising early, we have a cup of coffee before heading out for a drive-in search of more wildlife and to hear the sounds of mumbling gibbons and other resident mammals as they awaken. We return to the lodge for breakfast before setting out on our 2.5km jungle trek along the Ecology Trail.
We have free time to spend at leisure after lunch until we drive to Balat in the afternoon. This is 33km from the lodge and on the side of the mighty Kinabatangan River. Along the way, we will spot more wildlife that may include orangutans, so we need to keep our eyes peeled! A simple dinner will be served, ahead of heading to the lodge.
Overnight at the lodge.
The early bird catches the worm and we wake early to kick start our day with a coffee, so we are ready to explore more of Deramakot Forest Reserve. We start with a morning birdwatching walk along the road and look out for latecomers such as sambar deer and singing birds before returning to the lodge for breakfast.
The rest of the morning is free to spend at leisure until lunchtime. Then we trek along the Domingo Trail and learn about forest management and watch out for the shy chestnut napped forktail birds. We return to lodge for dinner, and afterwards proceed with another night drive in search of more wildlife.
Overnight at the lodge.
Our last morning in the Dermakot Forest Reserve starts early and with a coffee to set ourselves up for the day. We spend the morning exploring the reserve by car for our final wildlife spotting before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, we check-out and travel overland back to Sandakan.
Route
- Effective from 01st September 2017 onwards, a Tourism Tax of MYR10.00 per room per night will be levied directly to the non-Malaysian guests at the hotel upon check-out;
- Tour is suitable for adventurers with good fitness level;
- We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this tour; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant;
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the tour in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests;
- Guests traveling over and during local holidays may experience longer waiting times than normal, may see certain sites being closed down, and this program may be subject to supplementary charges;
- Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this;
- Tours and excursions often include obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility;
- The protection of the country’s flora, fauna and its historical and cultural treasures is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles;
- Please ensure that you bring insect repellent, torchlight, raincoat, hat, binoculars, sunscreen, good walking shoes and camera (optional);
- All mentioned times, durations and stops are based on approximations and may change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather and traffic conditions beyond our control.
- Tours and transfers with licenced English-speaking guiding services / assistance. Other languages are on request and are subject to availability;
- Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
- Basic accommodation with air conditioned and attached bathroom;
- All meals as indicated in the programme (food only);
- All applicable taxes and service charges.
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
- Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement;
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the programme;
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers;
- Voluntary carbon emission compensation: USD 1.50 per person per day.
This is one of our Sustainable Trails, an excursion that maximises positive impacts on local communities and minimises negative impacts on the environment in the following ways:
- Eat locally – Meals are cooked by local communities using delicious locally-sourced ingredients;
- Stay eco-friendly – Stay overnight at an eco-lodge that immerses you in local nature in an environmentally-sensitive way;
- Transport alternatively – Much of the tour is spent hiking, getting you up close and personal with nature;
- Experience meaningfully – Your visit to the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre raises valuable funds for the conservation of the primates under their care.
