The Deramakot Safari

Itineraries, inclusions and pricing for the most rewarding mammal-watching experience in Southeast Asia.

Safari Packages

Whether you want a short orangutan trip or a longer Borneo wildlife trip, more nights means more drives and more chances. We recommend a minimum of 4 nights to give you a better chance to find your target species.

Leopard Cat, Deramakot night safari
2 Nights · 3 Days

Introduction to Deramakot

A first taste of Deramakot — two nights of spotlight drives gives you a decent chance of wild Orangutan, multiple nocturnal mammals. Best for those with limited time.

Binturong, Deramakot night safari
3 Nights · 4 Days

Deramakot Discovery Safari

An extra night over the introduction package for a noticeably better chance at target species, with the rhythm of the forest starting to reveal itself.

Clouded leopard on road, Deramakot ★ Recommended
4 Nights · 5 Days

Deramakot Intensive Mammal Safari

Our flagship package and the one most guests book. Four full nights gives you four spotlight drives, four dawn walks and the rhythm of the forest. This is the trip that consistently delivers extraordinary sightings.

Wild orangutan, Deramakot
7 Nights · 8 Days

Extended Specialist Safari

For the serious mammal watcher, photographer or anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves. Seven nights maximises your encounter potential and allows for a more relaxed pace — more time at sightings, longer walks, second visits to productive spots.

Private / solo bookings available. Photographer-specific pacing on request. All departures flexible.

Guide and guest on river boat safari 4WD safari vehicle on forest track, Deramakot

Day-by-Day: The 4-Night Itinerary

Every day is built around what you want to see, you can use the safari time however you want. Below is just a sample itinerary. Between drives you rest, eat and watch for wildlife around the accommodation.

1Day

Arrival & First Evening Safari

Meet your guide at Telupid town at 2pm. Transfer by 4WD into Deramakot Forest Reserve — a 2 to 3 hour drive through increasingly wild country. Check into the Deramakot, settle in and have dinner. First spotlight drive begins after dinner.

Transfer from TelupidDinner at campEvening spotlight drive
2Day

First Full Safari Day

Up at first light for a guided morning safari around the accommodation and adjacent forest — prime time for gibbons, hornbills and orangutans. Breakfast and rest through the mid-morning heat. Depart again at 3pm for an afternoon and full night drive, returning to camp around midnight.

Morning safariAfternoon 4WDNight spotlight driveUp to 7hrs vehicle time
3Day

Deep into the Reserve

Your guide varies the roads each day based on recent sightings and animal movement patterns. Day 3 often pushes deeper into the reserve toward the more remote road systems favoured by clouded leopard and sun bear. The pace is unhurried — when something appears, you stop.

Remote road systemsDawn walkNight drive
4Day

Final Full Night in the Reserve

The fourth night is often the most productive — your eyes are calibrated, your guide knows your pace and wishes, and you've built up a picture of where the animals have been moving. Target species still on the wish list get focused attention tonight.

Dawn walkTarget species focusExtended night drive
5Day

Departure

Breakfast, pack up and depart after 8am for Telupid. Onward to Sandakan airport — afternoon flights recommended.

Depart after breakfastSandakan airport transfer

Everything Except the Flights

No hidden costs. Your quote covers everything from the moment we meet you at Telupid to the moment we drop you back.

All accommodation included
All meals — breakfast, lunch & dinner
Dedicated 4WD + experienced driver
Up to 7 hours vehicle use per day
Expert local naturalist guide
All Deramakot entry permits
Sabah Forestry Department fees
Transfer Telupid ↔ Deramakot
Flights to/from Sandakan
Travel insurance
Transfers to Telupid
Alcoholic drinks
Guests and guide on open 4WD safari, Deramakot

Questions Before You Book?

We're happy to talk through logistics, target species or what to bring before you commit. Drop us a message and we'll reply within 24 hours.

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