Deramakot Forest Reserve 3D2N

Itinerary

Day 1   Sandakan –  Telupid – Deramakot Forest Reserve (D)

1100 hours pickup from hotel in Sandakan or Sepilok and transfer to Telupid. Deramakot is located approx. 190 kilometres from Sandakan. The first part of the journey from Sandakan to Telupid is on sealed roads. Arrive in Telupid around 1300 hours and have lunch (on own account). At 1400 hours depart Telupid for the 2-hour journey to Deramakot Forest Reserve. Four-wheel drive vehicles are used for this stretch of the journey on approx. 70 km of sometimes bumpy gravel tracks. Arrive in Deramakot around 1600 hours, although the exact time will depend on road conditions and the weather.

Deramakot is rich in wildlife with 75% of Sabah’s mammal species found within its 55,507 hectares of mixed dipterocarp forest. Deramakot is a logging area with 10% of the forest set aside for conservation and 90% set aside for reduced impact logging. It is also the longest Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified tropical forest in the world, having been first certified in 1997.

Although it is a logging concession Deramakot is one of Sabah’s best wildlife watching destinations. Orangutan, pygmy elephants, Banteng (wild cattle), proboscis monkeys and clouded leopards are just some of the iconic species that are found at Deramakot. Upon arrival check-in to the park-style chalet accommodation.  After dinner go on 4×4 night safari to look for wildlife. After approx. two hours of ‘spot lighting’ and searching for wildlife return to the lodge. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 2  Deramakot Forest Reserve (B/L/D)

Early morning wake up call at 0500 hours. Then depart for a pre-dawn four-wheel drive safari. Drive along the various tracks in the reserve looking for wildlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Rest of the day is free at leisure until the evening night drive. There are some trails near the park HQ to explore and it is possible to see wildlife in the forest in the HQ area. Lunch at the lodge. After dinner go on another 4×4 night safari. Overnight at Deramakot lodge.

Day 3  Deramakot Forest Reserve – Sandakan (B)

Breakfast at the lodge. Leave Deramakot around 0900 hours and drive back to Sandakan. Arrive in Sandakan around 1400 hours and be dropped off at the airport or your hotel.