Borneo's Mammals - Deramakot Forest Reserve

Tour Code: MYS07

A pioneering 14-day wildlife holiday to one of Borneo's most exciting mammal-watching destinations.

14 days from
£4,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£4,195
book now

Highlights

Summary

Summary

This exciting 14-day holiday begins with a night in Sepilok, where we will have the opportunity to visit the Orangutan and Sun Bear Rehabilitation Centres, before transferring overland to the exciting Deramakot Forest Reserve for a 7-night stay. During our stay we’ll enjoy numerous nocturnal drives and spotlighting as we search for the special mammals and other wildlife here. We then leave Deramakot to spend our final 3 nights at a comfortable lodge on the beautiful Kinabatangan River. Here we will enjoy a mixed programme of walks and boat trips in search of mammals and birds. Following a more relaxed end to this holiday we transfer back to Sandakan to depart for London.

  • 7 nights at Deramakot Forest Reserve and 3-night stay at Kinabatangan Wetlands Lodge
  • Stay for the first night at Sepilok and visit the Orangutan and Sun Bear Rehabilitation Centres
  • Sunda Clouded Leopard & Sun Bear amongst many possible rare mammals, Deramakot
  • Look for Orangutan, Bornean Pygmy Elephant, Proboscis Monkey & Flat-headed Cat, Kinabatangan River
  • Bornean Falconet, Bornean Ground Cuckoo & Giant Pitta among special birds
  • Led by expert naturalist guides

Grading

Grade B. Easy day walks and boat trips, but long hours spotlighting at night in Deramakot.

Located in the Malaysian state of Sabah, approximately 200 kilometres south-west of the coastal town of Sandakan, the previously little-known forest reserve of Deramakot has been creating quite a stir in the mammal-watching community of late, with numerous tales of south-east Asia’s most sought-after species being seen on a regular basis.

Occupying an area of 55,000 hectares and clothed in a mix of primary and secondary growth rainforest, Deramakot Forest Reserve is believed to provide refuge for over 75% of Sabah’s mammal species and has become a flagship reserve for the Sabah Forestry Department. Indeed, it is the only ‘Forest Stewardship Council’ certified concession in the whole of south-east Asia! As a result of an ongoing programme of selective logging, and without the luxurious accommodation so often found in other reserves these days, Deramakot has remained largely off the tourist trail. With no structured programmes, keen visiting naturalists are free to explore at will and it is perhaps this fact above any other that has made Deramakot such an exceptional location recently for rare mammal sightings. This exciting holiday begins with a night in Sepilok where we will have the opportunity to visit the famous Orangutan and Sun Bear rehabilitation centres. After some close encounters and an opportunity to learn about the ecology of these endangered species, a transfer of around four hours takes us to Deramakot.

Although our programme in Deramakot will remain flexible and governed by the latest sightings and the advice of our tour leader and local guides, it will almost certainly involve a large number of night drives, often starting before dusk and continuing well into the night. With the aid of a powerful spotlight we will explore the forest’s vast network of trails in our custom-built safari truck, scanning the dense vegetation and clearings for the forest’s many hidden wildlife treasures. At times we may be fortunate enough to chance upon an animal in the open, perhaps gorging on fallen fruits, but there will also be those occasions when we are limited to just a flicker of eyeshine in the darkness of the night. Of Deramakot’s many resident mammals, Bornean Striped Palm Civet, Malay Civet, Thomas’s Flying Squirrel, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Large Flying Fox, Sambar and Philippine Slow Loris are likely to be amongst those most frequently seen on our night drives. With a little patience and perseverance, however, we also have an excellent chance of sighting some of the more unusual species of the area, such as Binturong, Leopard Cat, Bornean Colugo, Otter Civet, Sunda Stink Badger and even Sun Bear.

Late afternoon and early morning drives will likely present us with a different cast of forest inhabitants. Bornean Orangutan, Red Langur, North Borneo Gibbon and Bornean Pygmy Elephants are all possible, along with such star bird species as Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Bornean Falconet, Bornean Bristlehead, Bornean Ground Cuckoo and Giant Pitta. Although it would be exciting to see any of the aforementioned species, there can be no denying that for many visitors to Deramakot the biggest attraction will undoubtedly be the prospect of seeing a Sunda Clouded Leopard! Indeed, both staff and group visits have had success in finding this most elusive feline, although sightings were as a result of many hours of patient searching. Whether we will continue to enjoy such success remains to be seen. Even so, on current form Deramakot must surely rate as the best location in the world for seeing this elusive and sought-after cat.

After seven nights in Deramakot, we must transfer overland, via the bat-filled caves of Gomantong, and by boat up the beautiful Kinabatangan River for a 3-night stay in a comfortable eco-lodge. Taking to the water, we will explore the surrounding lagoons and tributaries by boat, hoping to encounter some of the region’s most iconic mammal species including Orangutan, comical-looking Proboscis Monkeys and delightful Bornean Pygmy Elephants. Nocturnal forays on the river should provide the opportunity to view roosting Blue-eared and Stork-billed Kingfishers, plus Buffy Fish Owls, several species of civet and, with luck, possibly even a Flat-headed Cat. After a relaxing three nights on this beautiful river we will now proceed by boat back to Sandakan and, from there, home.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Depart London
Day 2
Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Rehabilitation Centres
Day 3/9
Deramakot Forest Reserve
Day 10/12
Kinabatangan River
Day 13
Depart Sandakan
Day 14
Arrive London
cloud_downloadDownload Full Itinerary
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    Accommodation during in Sepilok and on the Kinabatnagan River will be in comfortable and well situated eco-lodges, offering twin-bedded rooms with private facilities. During our time in Deramakot Forest Reserve we will be staying in simple air-conditioned tourist chalets with private bathrooms. Each chalet typically has two bedrooms with a shared communal area.

  • Food:

    All included in the price.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 25th Apr – Thu 8th May FULL £4,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Henry Sapinggi
Henry-Sapinggi.png

Tour Leader: Henry Sapinggi

Growing up in the Kinabalu National Park, Henry developed a great love for wildlife at a young age and has gone on to be a highly successful, award winning guide, now with 17 years’ experience. As a mammal and bird specialist, Henry has guided extensively throughout Sabah and has a passion and desire to find the most sought after species to provide memorable encounters. Henry has a lot of experience at the Deramakot reserve, and is known for working tirelessly with the spotlight to find the amazing range of species! Henry was the 2018 Sabah 'Bird Race' Champion and is nominated in 2 categories for the 2019 Sabah Tourism Awards - 'Best Tourism Guide' and 'Wildlife and Bird watching specialist' awards. 

Sat 24th May – Fri 6th Jun SPACES £4,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Henry Sapinggi
Henry-Sapinggi.png

Tour Leader: Henry Sapinggi

Growing up in the Kinabalu National Park, Henry developed a great love for wildlife at a young age and has gone on to be a highly successful, award winning guide, now with 17 years’ experience. As a mammal and bird specialist, Henry has guided extensively throughout Sabah and has a passion and desire to find the most sought after species to provide memorable encounters. Henry has a lot of experience at the Deramakot reserve, and is known for working tirelessly with the spotlight to find the amazing range of species! Henry was the 2018 Sabah 'Bird Race' Champion and is nominated in 2 categories for the 2019 Sabah Tourism Awards - 'Best Tourism Guide' and 'Wildlife and Bird watching specialist' awards. 

Tue 10th Jun – Mon 23rd Jun FULL £4,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Henry Sapinggi
Henry-Sapinggi.png

Tour Leader: Henry Sapinggi

Growing up in the Kinabalu National Park, Henry developed a great love for wildlife at a young age and has gone on to be a highly successful, award winning guide, now with 17 years’ experience. As a mammal and bird specialist, Henry has guided extensively throughout Sabah and has a passion and desire to find the most sought after species to provide memorable encounters. Henry has a lot of experience at the Deramakot reserve, and is known for working tirelessly with the spotlight to find the amazing range of species! Henry was the 2018 Sabah 'Bird Race' Champion and is nominated in 2 categories for the 2019 Sabah Tourism Awards - 'Best Tourism Guide' and 'Wildlife and Bird watching specialist' awards. 

Tue 22nd Jul – Mon 4th Aug 1 £5,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Henry Sapinggi
Henry-Sapinggi.png

Tour Leader: Henry Sapinggi

Growing up in the Kinabalu National Park, Henry developed a great love for wildlife at a young age and has gone on to be a highly successful, award winning guide, now with 17 years’ experience. As a mammal and bird specialist, Henry has guided extensively throughout Sabah and has a passion and desire to find the most sought after species to provide memorable encounters. Henry has a lot of experience at the Deramakot reserve, and is known for working tirelessly with the spotlight to find the amazing range of species! Henry was the 2018 Sabah 'Bird Race' Champion and is nominated in 2 categories for the 2019 Sabah Tourism Awards - 'Best Tourism Guide' and 'Wildlife and Bird watching specialist' awards. 

Wed 20th Aug – Tue 2nd Sep SPACES £4,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Henry Sapinggi
Henry-Sapinggi.png

Tour Leader: Henry Sapinggi

Growing up in the Kinabalu National Park, Henry developed a great love for wildlife at a young age and has gone on to be a highly successful, award winning guide, now with 17 years’ experience. As a mammal and bird specialist, Henry has guided extensively throughout Sabah and has a passion and desire to find the most sought after species to provide memorable encounters. Henry has a lot of experience at the Deramakot reserve, and is known for working tirelessly with the spotlight to find the amazing range of species! Henry was the 2018 Sabah 'Bird Race' Champion and is nominated in 2 categories for the 2019 Sabah Tourism Awards - 'Best Tourism Guide' and 'Wildlife and Bird watching specialist' awards. 

Fri 19th Sep – Thu 2nd Oct FULL £4,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,195
Room sharing options:
If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.
Male sharing available
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Henry Sapinggi
Henry-Sapinggi.png

Tour Leader: Henry Sapinggi

Growing up in the Kinabalu National Park, Henry developed a great love for wildlife at a young age and has gone on to be a highly successful, award winning guide, now with 17 years’ experience. As a mammal and bird specialist, Henry has guided extensively throughout Sabah and has a passion and desire to find the most sought after species to provide memorable encounters. Henry has a lot of experience at the Deramakot reserve, and is known for working tirelessly with the spotlight to find the amazing range of species! Henry was the 2018 Sabah 'Bird Race' Champion and is nominated in 2 categories for the 2019 Sabah Tourism Awards - 'Best Tourism Guide' and 'Wildlife and Bird watching specialist' awards. 

Sun 19th Oct – Sat 1st Nov SPACES £4,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Henry Sapinggi
Henry-Sapinggi.png

Tour Leader: Henry Sapinggi

Growing up in the Kinabalu National Park, Henry developed a great love for wildlife at a young age and has gone on to be a highly successful, award winning guide, now with 17 years’ experience. As a mammal and bird specialist, Henry has guided extensively throughout Sabah and has a passion and desire to find the most sought after species to provide memorable encounters. Henry has a lot of experience at the Deramakot reserve, and is known for working tirelessly with the spotlight to find the amazing range of species! Henry was the 2018 Sabah 'Bird Race' Champion and is nominated in 2 categories for the 2019 Sabah Tourism Awards - 'Best Tourism Guide' and 'Wildlife and Bird watching specialist' awards. 

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 15th Apr – Tue 28th Apr SPACES £5,095
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Fri 15th May – Thu 28th May SPACES £5,095
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Sat 13th Jun – Fri 26th Jun SPACES £5,095
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Sun 12th Jul – Sat 25th Jul SPACES £5,095
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Tue 11th Aug – Mon 24th Aug SPACES £5,095
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Wed 9th Sep – Tue 22nd Sep SPACES £5,095
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895
Thu 8th Oct – Wed 21st Oct SPACES £5,095
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£895 
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Mammal Watching Holidays


Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.


Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours


Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.


Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:



Bargain mammal selection


We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.




Our specialist recommends...







"Africa is perhaps the greatest continent for mammal-watching. I would recommend 'Botswana’s Desert & Delta (Mammals)' for combining stunning scenery and wildlife. We also offer a tour to Uganda which includes a chance to see Mountain Gorillas. And India, along with Tigers, has a superb variety of mammals. Closer to home, short breaks to Spain in search of Wolves and Iberian Lynx are hard to beat.”

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager




  


All Mammal Watching Tours

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
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Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

Related Articles

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Borneo’s Wonderful Wildlife!
Borneo’s Wonderful Wildlife!

In October 2018, Operations Manager, Tom Mabbett, led our ‘Borneo's Mammals – Deramakot Forest Reserve’ tour to Sabah, and then extended his stay to explore Tabin Wildlife Reserve and to visit Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Here he describes the highlights of his trip and answers some commonly-asked questions about the island and its wildlife