Deramakot Forest Reserve

Deramakot is a richly abundant Forest Reserve covering an area of around 55,000 hectares of mixed dipterocarp forest. Around 75% of Sabah’s native mammal species can be found within the reserve, yet it receives a fraction of visitors compared to other protected areas, so this is a perfect retreat for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts or second time visitors. Deramakot is particularly famous for spotting Borneo’s wild cat species: Sunda Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Bornean Bay Cat, Flat Headed Cat and Leopard Cat are regular or occasional sightings. Other regular sightings include orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and Banteng (cattle). Discovering the reserve involves a mix of light treks and jeep drives, with night drives also a particularly productive and enjoyable method of seeing some of the wildlife.