This Itinerary covers two of the best places in Borneo, Danum Valley Conservation Area and Deramakot Forest Reserve to see Wild Orang Utan, Clouded Leopard, Pygmy Elephants and many other elusive wildlife of Borneo. The trip starts from Danum Valley Conservation Area, an undisturbed ancient rainforest and continue to a hidden gem Deramamkot, where all species of Wild Cats of Borneo have been recorded.
We will track wildlife both on foot and in a specially equipped 4WD following an expert guide all the times. The complete itinerary contains several hours of Guided Night walks/safaris.
Pricing:
USD 1909 (MYR 8699) per pax, Ex-Sandakan
when 3 pax sharing the same vehicle, accommodation is on twin sharing basis and single supplement charge is included.
Unlike some other Tour Planners sending you to self-guided hikes, an Experienced Guide Specialized in these two forests will accompany you Throughout this trip.
A 6 pax group will get the best possible rate for private guided trip.
Accommodation:
Air-conditioned Chalet style accommodation with en-suite washroom in both places.
- In Danum Valley, we either book DVFC or INFAPRO.
- In Deramakot, we will book chalet in the Park Head Quarter.
Day 1: We meet you at Sandakan airport or any hotel nearby Sandakan airport at 10am in the morning, and drive you to Telupid town by tourist van or small car according to the no. of pax. Driving distance of ~120 kms and takes ~2.5 hours on paved roads.
You will have lunch at this small town (from a veg/non-veg choice of basic fried rice, fried noodles, rice with local curry and some canned drinks) before we embark on our adventurous journey to the Deramakot forest reserve by a well-equipped 4wd vehicle. The last leg of the journey will be through unpaved challenging roads frequented by wild elephants. Nocturnal animals will not be active yet, however primates, birds and monitor lizards are not uncommon. We will reach the camp around 5 pm. There is a restroom at the main entry point of Deramakot forest reserve.
Upon arrival at the camp, you will be transferred into your respective rooms to freshen up, followed by a sumptuous dinner. After that we will start our first night safari. This will be more towards an understanding of the forest and the terrain, our naturalist will brief you accordingly.
Day 2 : The naturalist will discuss with you and decide on the time of the morning safari. You will wake up to the sound of Bornean gibbons, mostly the males and followed by the females. Usually the primates are active once the first Sunlight falls on the trees, that is, around 7 am. Depending on the weather condition and last night’s animal activity, you might also start a bit early when it will be still dark and the wild cats might still be seen. You will be back to the camp for breakfast. Take a nap afterwards, or stay at the balcony of the dining hall to photograph leafbirds, broadbills, serpent eagles, hornbills and many other birds. After lunch you can take a rest for a while before we start our afternoon safari to see mainly primates and birds. We will come back for dinner and then will go for the night safari. On average, we will spend ~7 hours each day on safari.
Day 3: We can follow a similar schedule as the previous day. Alternatively, we can skip the morning safari and after lunch we can proceed with packed dinner, driving all the way to the riverside and only after sunset we will start our night safari from that spot. Boat rides upriver can also be arranged with additional charges.
Day 4 and 5: A repeat of Day 2.
Day 6: Today is free and easy, pack your bag for the next destination. After breakfast we will leave Deramakot for Lahad Datu via Sandakan.
Overnight and dinner in some budget hotel at Lahad Datu, take good rest.
Day 7: In the morning, you will be transferred to DVFC. Check-in after being briefed by DVFC employees. After lunch, relax before embarking on a mid-afternoon brief walk in the region to get a taste of the rainforest. The region surrounding the centre is teeming with wildlife, and it is not uncommon to see resident orang utans, hornbills, and other birds. Return to the centre before sundown and dine at 7:00 p.m. Go on a night safari with your guide after dinner for ~2 hours.
Day 8: Get up early at 6:00 a.m. for an early morning walk with your guide to observe the forest come to life. Primates and birds are most active around this time. Return to the centre for breakfast and, if desired, hike a nearby route. Rest in the late morning until lunch. There are numerous trekking routes, you can go on one or relax around the camp. After dinner, join your guide on an 4WD-night drive/ night walk.
Day 9: We invest the morning to see primates and birds, and spend the rest of the day at the centre or trek a longer trail after the guide determines your fitness level. Your guide will lead you to a night walk after dinner.
Day 10: Hike early in the morning. After breakfast you will be dropped at Sandakan airport.
