Discovering Deramakot Forest Reserve and its mammals
Borneo is full of lush rainforests, towering mountains, and diverse wildlife. But tucked away on the island’s northeastern tip is a destination that offers a rare opportunity for intrepid travelers to connect with nature in an authentic way — the Deramakot Forest Reserve. Known for its rich biodiversity, the reserve is not your typical tourist hotspot. In fact, it’s a place where only the most dedicated wildlife enthusiasts venture, often seeking one elusive creature above all: the Clouded Leopard.
A Sanctuary for the Elusive Wild Cats of Borneo
Deramakot Forest Reserve, has long been considered one of the best places in the world to catch a glimpse of all five Wild Cat species of Borneo, and regular wildlife photographic expeditions are carried out by several Tour operators.
Leopard Cat: The leopard cat is the most common cat species in Southeast Asia and the only Bornean cat not considered threatened. It is frequently spotted in Deramakot, often along roadsides during spotlighting, but less so deeper in the forest.
Marbled Cat: The marbled cat, resembling a miniature clouded leopard with a cloud-like spot pattern and a long tail, is the most arboreal Bornean cat. Due to its secretive nature, it is rarely encountered in the wild.
Flat-headed Cat: Since 2008, the flat-headed cat, alongside the Bornean bay cat, has been listed as endangered. Little is known about its wild behavior, but it is strongly associated with wetlands and waterways. Records from Deramakot FR confirm this, as all sightings are from the north-western, flatter area with more water ponds and lakes.
Borneo Bay Cat: Aside from incidental records in Sarawak and Sabah, little is known about this species’ ecology, making it one of the least known felids. It was photographed in Deramakot.
Clouded Leopard: This elusive big cat, once thought to be a mythical creature, has become an icon of Borneo’s wilds and obviously most sought after target species for every visitor of Deramakot. The Sunda clouded leopard is the largest carnivore and the only species of the subfa-mily Pantherinae on Borneo.
For those lucky enough to witness a clouded leopard in its natural habitat, the experience is nothing short of magical. The sighting is rare, but Deramakot Forest Reserve is one of the best places to increase your chances, with frequent sightings of the big cats, especially at night when they are most active.
Which animals to see in Deramakot?
Deramakot Forest Reserve is home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to do game drives and night safari. While not exhaustive, the following is a list of some notable animals that are typically seen in Deramakot safari drives:
Mammals of Deramkot
Deramakot is considered to be a mammal paradise, and nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers from all over the world visit Deramakot to watch the enigmatic mammals of Borneo.
- Wild Cats: All five species of Boprneo’s wild cats are present in Deramakot-Sunda Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Bornean Bay Cat, Flat-headed Cat, Leopard Cat. Leopard cats are seen most frequently, clouded leopards and marbled cats are seen occasionally during night game drives in Deramakot. The other two are more elusive, in general.
- Primates: Wild population of Bornean Orangutan are regularly seen during morning game drives in Deramakot. Almost 50% of Sabah’s orangutans occur in the surrounding forest. At rare occasion one might observe orangutan in their nest during evening game drives. Other primates include North Bornean Gibbon making loud calls in the morning and actively swinging from one tree to the other in a small family, Red Leaf Monkeys are cute species and very curious yet shy. The most elusive one must be the Sabah grey langur, seen by our lucky guests several times on morning game drives though. Pig-tailed macaque, silver leaf monkey are seen.
- Other Mammals seen in Deramakot Game Drives: Pygmy elephant is another iconic large mammal of Borneo that are seen in Deramakot quite often. Sambar deer, Mouse deer, Thomas’ flying squirrel, Red giant flying squirrels, slow loris, western tarsier, flying fox, yellow-throated marten (always in pair) are seen. Deramakot is one unique place in borneo to see several interesting civet species closely, some so rare that one might not know exists- otter civet, banded civet, binturong, along with more commonly spotted island palm civet, malayan civet, small-toothed palm civet, masked palm civet,
Birds of Deramakot
All eight species of hornbills are seen in Deramakot forest reserve-Rhinoceros Hornbill, Helmeted Hornbill, Wrinkled Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Asian Black Hornbill, Bushy-crested Hornbill and Wreathed Hornbill. Crested Serpent Eagle, White-fronted Falconet, Black-and-red Broadbill, Dusky Broadbill, Red-bearded Bee-eater, Whiskered Treeswift, Bornean Bristlehead, Buffy Fish-owl, Oriental Bay-0wl, Brown Wood-owl, and various other species of birds are seen on a typical game drive in Deramakot. Paradise Fly Catcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Narcissus Flycatcher and several other species of flycatchers have been recorded in Deramakot. Dusky munias are seen frequently. Several species of Barbet, Bulbul, Babbler are present. One can have a detailed list of birds of Deramakot in eBird.
Deramakot’s biodiversity is vast, and many other species of animals, both common and rare, can be encountered during visits. The reserve provides an unrivaled opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of life in Borneo’s unique and precious ecosystem. Keep in mind that sightings can vary, and some species might be more elusive depending on the time of year and specific conditions during your visit.
A Restricted Forest: Only with the Right Guide
One of the first things you’ll notice about Deramakot Forest Reserve is the strict regulations. Unlike the usual jungle treks where tourists roam freely, Deramakot is a protected area, and access is tightly controlled. Only those with an experienced guide can enter the reserve.
This is to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the forest and ensure that wildlife enthusiasts experience the reserve in a responsible way. You won’t be allowed to wander alone or on your own schedule here, and that’s a good thing.
Your senior guide will not just be your navigator but a storyteller, drawing from years, if not decades, of experience in the forest. These guides are often former locals who have spent their entire lives in the jungles of Borneo. Their knowledge of the forest’s trails, wildlife, and nuances is invaluable, ensuring your safety and enhancing your experience.
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Responsible Travel: Preserving Deramakot's Legacy
Deramakot Forest Reserve is a conservation success story. In the 1990s, it was transformed from a logging area to a sustainable forest reserve with a focus on ecotourism and conservation. Today, it serves as an important sanctuary for endangered species, and visits are carefully managed to prevent over-tourism, ensuring the forest remains in its pristine condition for future generations.
By following the guidelines of responsible tourism — traveling with a senior guide, adhering to forest regulations, and leaving no trace of your presence — visitors to Deramakot help contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts of this remarkable ecosystem.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Deramakot Tour - Book Early
There is only one accommodation option in the entire Deramakot Forest reserve which is completely full booked most time of the year and several months, even years in advance. So plan and book at your earliest. Other than accommodation, you also need to book with us quite in advance so that we can block our Deramakot Specialist Senior Guides for your trip.
Can I go to Deramakot in rainy season?
Borneo’s rainforest is known for sudden downpours. Always carry waterproof gear, including a jacket, shoes, and a backpack cover. And such slight rain adds to the fun of rainforest expeditions. The endemic animals also do not like it to be too dry, so you need a bit of rain so that the animals are more active.
What should I bring when visiting Deramakot?
It’s advisable to bring lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for protection against insects, poncho or rain jackets and rain protection for your camera gears, sturdy footwear for walking on trails, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and a good camera for photography. Don’t forget insect repellent, sunscreen, and a flashlight for night safaris.
Is Good guide important in Deramakot?
Your senior guide is your key to the forest, so listen carefully to their instructions. They are treasure troves of information regarding Deramakot, its mammals and overall wildlife of Borneo. They will ensure you have the best chance to observe wildlife and navigate the forest safely. Our Guides in Deramakot are handpicked, and they are equipped with experience and a deep understanding of the forest’s nocturnal rhythms along with topnotch spotlight, scopes and other guiding tools to make your wildlife expedition the best.
Can I visit Deramakot independently or do I need a guide?kot forest reserve affected by logging?
Walk-in safari are not permitted in Deramakot Forest Reserve, You must arrange entry permit, vehicle permits in advance to do game drives in Deramakot. It is highly recommended to visit Deramakot with an experienced guide, as they can help you spot wildlife and understand the area’s complex ecosystem. You will also need to book your accommodation quite in advance. Your best bet is to contact us to arrange everything for a complete peace of mind and best Deramakot Expedition.
Which camera lens to use in Deramakot?
It is recommended to have atleast 300mm reach in all the destinations. If possible, a semi-pro level zoom lens like 150-600mm or 200-600mm with an additional 70-200mm will be perfect. For landscape, a 24-70mm will be handy. You will take most photos in low light, so a good iso, noise reduction, and fast lens will always be good.
What activities can I do in Deramakot?
Visitors can enjoy game drives, night safaris, and bird watching. The reserve offers an opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural environment, with both daytime and nocturnal wildlife viewing.
Can I see orangutans in Deramakot?
Yes! Bornean Orangutans are regularly seen in Deramakot, especially during morning game drives. The reserve is home to about 50% of Sabah’s orangutan population, and sightings are a highlight for many visitors. Also take note that, these are original wild population of orangutan, unlike what you see on the feeding stations of rehab centres in Sepilok, Semenggoh etc.
Is Deramakot suitable for birdwatching?
Absolutely! Deramakot is a fantastic destination for birdwatching, with a rich variety of species, including the full spectrum of Bornean hornbills. Many birdwatchers visit to spot the rare Bornean Bristlehead, as well as other unique species like the White-fronted Falconet and Dusky Broadbill.
Is deramakot forest reserve affected by logging?
Deramakot is a sustainably managed forest reserve. While logging does occur, it is done responsibly, with a focus on preserving the overall biodiversity. The removal of some trees and the creation of logging roads can actually benefit certain species by allowing new plant growth, although some forest specialists may be affected.
Is Deramakot safe for tourists?
Yes, Deramakot is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as with any wildlife destination, it is important to follow safety guidelines, respect wildlife, and be prepared for the conditions of the reserve, including potential rough terrain and weather changes.
