Visit Deramakot Forest Reserve, Borneo

Deramakot Forest Reserve: Sustainable Forestry and Borneo Wildlife Encounters

Situated about 100 miles southwest of Sandakan, Deramakot Forest Reserve spans over 55,000 hectares of mixed Dipterocarp forest. As one of the Sabah Forestry Department’s pioneering sustainable projects, Deramakot has been globally recognized for its conservation efforts — it became the world’s first tropical rainforest to receive Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification in 1997 and remains the longest continuously certified rainforest to date.

A Model of Sustainable Forestry

Deramakot serves as a living example of how commercial forestry can coexist with rainforest conservation. The goal: to produce high-quality, low-volume timber while minimizing ecological disruption. Practices have evolved over the decades based on technological advancements and ecological research. The reserve’s history of logging dates back to the 1950s, and while past impacts are still visible in some areas, the Sabah Forestry Department embraces transparency and accountability. The educational Domingos Trail walks visitors through the forest’s history with interpretive signs and an honest message: “We learn from our mistakes.”

Wildlife Watching and Jungle Exploration

Today, Deramakot is a treasure trove for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to get off the beaten path. Its rich, regenerating rainforest provides habitat for an array of wildlife — from orangutans and gibbons to civets, sambar deer, flying squirrels, and the elusive clouded leopard. Birdwatchers will be especially delighted, with frequent sightings of hornbills soaring above the canopy and a symphony of dawn calls echoing through the forest.