Deramakot Forest: 3D2N Wildlife Safari & Night Drives

Summary

Deramakot forest safaris bring you close to rare Borneo wildlife with expert guides and real jungle nights

You’ll wake up surrounded by real Borneo jungle sounds, join guided Deramakot forest safaris by day and night, and stay in cool comfort between wildlife drives. Spotting rare animals isn’t promised — but sharing laughter with your guide over simple dinners or catching that first glimpse of wild orangutans will stick with you long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

"Did you hear that?" Afiq whispered as our jeep rolled deeper into Deramakot Forest, headlights catching the mist. I’d barely settled into my seat after the long drive from Sandakan (honestly, that last stretch is bumpy — bring snacks), but suddenly I was wide awake. The forest didn’t smell like any woods I know back home; it’s damp, kind of sweet, and every now and then something sharp — maybe wild ginger? Our guide Afiq seemed to know every sound. He grinned when someone asked about the clouded leopard. “No promises,” he said, “but this is your best shot.” That got us all peering out into the dark a little harder.

The first night safari was… well, it’s hard to describe unless you’ve actually sat in total blackness with only insect noise and your own heartbeat for company. Every time Afiq’s flashlight swept the trees, I half expected a sun bear or flying squirrel to leap out. Instead we saw a samba deer, eyes glowing like marbles. Someone behind me whispered they smelled rain coming — they were right; it hit just as we got back for dinner (which was simple but honestly tasted great after hours outside). The chalets have air-con, which felt weirdly fancy after all that mud.

The next morning started before sunrise — not my usual style — but seeing orangutans swinging through the mist made me forget how little sleep I’d had. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for some bird I couldn’t name and the crunch of leaves underfoot. Lunch in Telupid town on the way in had been spicy and cheerful, but here meals were more about swapping stories: someone claimed they spotted a pygmy elephant at dusk (Afiq just laughed). If you’re hoping for guaranteed sightings, don’t — but if you want to feel tiny under ancient trees and maybe catch something rare out of the corner of your eye… Deramakot gets under your skin. I still think about that silence before dawn.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Deramakot and safaris

• Pick up from hotel at 10am
• Drive to Telupid town (2h30m)
• Have lunch at Telupid town
• Drive to Deramakot forest (3h)
• Check in at Deramakot
• Afternoon safari 4pm to 6pm
• Dinner at 7pm
• Night safari 8pm to 11pm
• Overnight at Deramakot chalet

Day 2 — Full day safaris and leisure

• Morning safari 6:30am to 8:30am
• Breakfast after safari
• Free leisure time
• Lunch at 12:30pm
• Afternoon safari 4pm to 6pm
• Dinner at 7pm
• Night safari 8pm to 10pm
• Overnight at Deramakot chalet

Day 3 — Check out and return travel

• Breakfast at 7:30am
• Check out at 8:30am
• Drive back to Sandakan (5h30m)
• Optional morning safari (extra payment)
• End of tour

Top questions

How do I get to Deramakot Forest from Sandakan?

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Sandakan or Sepilok at 10am; it’s about 2.5 hours to Telupid town for lunch, then roughly 3 more hours’ drive deep into Deramakot Forest.

Are night safaris included on this tour?

Yes, there are guided night safaris each evening during your stay in Deramakot Forest.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay overnight in air-conditioned chalets within Deramakot Forest.

Is food included on the Deramakot safari tour?

Yes, all meals are included: lunch en route at Telupid town plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Deramakot.

What wildlife might I see on this safari?

You might spot clouded leopards (rare), sun bears, orangutans, pygmy elephants, flying squirrels, samba deer, mouse deer, various cat species and birds—though sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers; moderate fitness is needed due to bumpy roads and outdoor activity.

Can I add an extra morning safari before leaving?

Yes; on checkout day you can pay directly to add another morning safari if you wish.

Who leads the tours in Deramakot Forest?

Your guide is Afiq—a licensed professional with local expertise who leads all safaris and activities.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup from Sandakan or Sepilok at 10am, transfers through Telupid town with lunch along the way, two nights’ stay in an air-conditioned chalet inside Deramakot Forest Reserve with all meals provided (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), plus multiple guided wildlife safaris by day and night led by a licensed local guide before returning to Sandakan at the end of your journey.