Deramakot Forest Reserve is renowned as one of Sabah’s premier wildlife destinations, offering excellent opportunities to encounter Borneo’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. From 4 to 6 June 2026, we hosted a group of wildlife enthusiasts on a 3D2N safari adventure through this remarkable conservation area.
What made this trip particularly memorable was an extraordinary sighting of five wild orangutans feeding on the same tree during a single afternoon safari drive—a rare and unforgettable wildlife encounter that became the highlight of the tour.
Day 1: Journey to Deramakot and First Wildlife Encounters
The adventure began with a departure from Sepilok at approximately 11:00 AM. Guests travelled overland to Deramakot Forest Reserve, arriving around 3:30 PM. The road conditions were dry throughout the journey, although the route was characteristically uneven and bumpy, which is common when travelling into remote forest areas.
Upon arrival, the guests were eager to begin their wildlife search and had high expectations for sightings throughout the tour.
Evening Night Walk
At 5:00 PM, guests joined a guided night walk around the lodge area. Despite the relatively short activity, several interesting nocturnal species were encountered, including:
- Common Palm Civet
- Various forest insects
- Fruit Bats
The night walk provided an excellent introduction to Deramakot’s rich nocturnal ecosystem.
Night Drive Safari
After dinner, the group embarked on a night drive safari at 8:00 PM.
The forest was active, rewarding guests with sightings of:
- Small-toothed Palm Civet
- Slow Loris
- Red Giant Flying Squirrel
- Honey Bee Nest
The activity concluded at approximately 10:40 PM, marking a promising start to the safari experience.
Day 2: An Unforgettable Orangutan Encounter at Deramakot
Morning Drive Safari
The day began early with a morning safari from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
Wildlife sightings included:
- Asian Black Hornbill
- Serpent Eagle
- Various small bird species
While the morning produced several bird sightings, the guests were hoping for larger mammals and began questioning why the safari routes often followed the same forest roads.
Our guide explained that although the roads remain largely the same, wildlife sightings vary significantly depending on the time of day, weather conditions, animal movements, and pure luck. Every safari drive offers a unique experience, even when travelling along familiar routes.
Afternoon and Night Safari
At 4:00 PM, the group headed out once again, and this safari would prove to be the highlight of the entire tour.
During the drive, the guide located an incredible wildlife scene: five orangutans feeding in a single tree at the same time.
The sighting included:
- Two mother orangutans with their babies
- One young orangutan
The guests spent considerable time observing the orangutans as they moved through the canopy, feeding and interacting naturally within the forest.
Seeing five orangutans together is uncommon, making this one of the most remarkable sightings recorded during recent Deramakot tours.
Additional wildlife encountered throughout the safari included:
- Rhinoceros Hornbill
- Serpent Eagle
- Numerous Small-toothed Palm Civets
- Brown Fish Owl
- Malay Civet
- Red Giant Flying Squirrel
- Slow Loris
- Sunda Colugo
The safari concluded at approximately 9:30 PM.
Following the exceptional orangutan encounter, the guests were delighted and fully understood the guide’s earlier explanation regarding wildlife movements. Their excitement was evident, and they immediately requested an additional hour for the following morning’s drive safari in hopes of discovering even more wildlife.
Day 3: Final Safari Before Departure
With enthusiasm still high from the previous day’s sightings, the group departed at 6:00 AM for their final drive safari.
Wildlife observed included:
- Asian Black Hornbill
- Rhinoceros Hornbill
- Bornean Gibbon (observed at a distance)
- Various small bird species
After breakfast and check-out at 9:30 AM, the group recorded one final reptile sighting:
- Monitor Lizard
The return journey to Sepilok began shortly afterwards, with the guests arriving back at approximately 2:30 PM.
Wildlife Highlights
Some of the notable wildlife species recorded during this 3D2N safari included:
Mammals
- Orangutan (5 individuals feeding on a single tree)
- Slow Loris
- Small-toothed Palm Civet
- Common Palm Civet
- Malay Civet
- Red Giant Flying Squirrel
- Sunda Colugo
- Bornean Gibbon
- Fruit Bat
Birds
- Rhinoceros Hornbill
- Asian Black Hornbill
- Serpent Eagle
- Brown Fish Owl
- Various forest bird species
Reptiles & Other Wildlife
- Monitor Lizard
- Forest Insects
- Honey Bee Nest
Tour Summary
This 3D2N Deramakot Forest Reserve tour showcased exactly why Deramakot remains one of Sabah’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, patience and time spent in the forest often lead to extraordinary encounters.
The highlight of this trip was undoubtedly the rare observation of five wild orangutans feeding on the same tree, an experience that transformed initial skepticism into excitement and appreciation for the unpredictability of wildlife safaris.
For nature lovers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking authentic rainforest experiences, Deramakot continues to offer some of the best wildlife-viewing opportunities in Borneo.
Inspired by this tour report?
Our 3D2N Deramakot Forest Reserve Tour offers multiple guided safari drives, comfortable accommodation, and experienced local wildlife guides to maximize your chances of spotting Borneo’s iconic animals.