Borneo's Mammals - Deramakot Forest Reserve

This was a trip of a lifetime. Viewing nocturnal animals is a challenge, the trip concentrated on that and we came home having seen a lot of the animals described in the promotional material and a lot more. Our local guide Henri, was informative, (not only about the wildlife and flora, but about the local culture), patient and kind, taking everyone's interests into consideration. We couldn't have asked for a better guide. It was a very well organized trip, from the publicity material, answering any of our queries throughout the booking process, to the final joining instructions to the logistics on ground and properties that were chosen for our stay. Thank you, Naturetrek.

A.M. Mumbai, India, Oct 24

A 12 day trip to the heart of unspoilt rainforest, explored by track and river. Fantastic opportunities to view and photograph a range of wonderful animals and birds. Our guide and leader Henry Sapinggi provided excellent organisational and caring leadership, in addition to brilliant guiding and a huge range of natural history knowledge and context. Highlights included a viewing of the very elusive Sunda Clouded Leopard and 30 minutes spent in the company of a lovely young female Orangutan at the side of the river. Naturetrek were efficient and informative, providing a wonderful holiday that more than exceeded my expectations. They were also very responsive to the few queries I had. 

D.H. South Yorkshire, July 24

A 13-night intense rainforest wildlife-watching tour in Sabah. It started with one night at Sepilok, largely to visit the orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Then seven nights at Demarakot Forest Reserve, where the schedule was structured around nightly spotlighting drives in search of elusive nocturnal species (slow loris, leopard cat, flying squirrels, colugo, civets, etc), whiled daytime allowed some forest walks. Finally, three nights at Kinabatangan Wetland Resort, with daily boat trips along the river in search of orangutans, proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. We had an excellent and highly expert guide, with whose help we saw around 125 species of bird and 31 mammal, plus numerous reptiles, butterflies and other wildlife highlights. Accommodation varied from fairly basic, at Dermakot, to very comfortable, at Kinabatangan. Conditions were hot and humid, with rain on many nights. The group of seven guests bonded well and all completed every activity, whatever the conditions. All in all, a memorable experience of the special wildlife of this part of the world. Naturetrek have always impressed me, not only with the quality of their product but also the quality of their information. They take wildlife seriously, and the pre-trip itinerary and notes are both detailed and realistic. Everything happened as scheduled, and our local guide was superb.

M.U. East Sussex, Oct 23

This was a two week trip and three locations in North East region of Borneo. Only eight of us in the group plus UK guide. Focus was on Mammals in particular the Clouded Leopard. First week spent in boats - safaris both early morning and night. Here we saw Orang Utang, crocodile, probiscus monkeys, langurs, otters and many birds. The second week we moved onto the Deramakot Forest Reserve. We stayed in basic but comfortable accommodation. Each night we would leave around 5.30pm and stay out until 3am in an effort to see Clouded Leopard. Other animals were Owls, Thomases flying squirrels, a variety of civets and leopard cats. On our 4th night we struck gold and had an exceptional view of the clouded leopard walking towards us and reached the front bumper of our truck. She walked round the truck and continued along the road. She was no more that 2 metres away from us.

P.A. Kent

Our trip was well organised, led by two expert leaders Nick and Mike and supported by a delightful and efficient land crew. The accommodation and transport was excellent and the itinerary made the most of our brief visit to Sabah. Night Drives from Deramakot Forest Reserve HQ proved to be highly successful and all members of our group were in full support of the Leaders' suggestion we "go for it" every night to see as many nocturnal mammals as possible. This resulted in excellent views of the elusive Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat and several species of Civet and Squirrels. Nick and Mikes' knowledge of reptile, amphibians and various "bugs" was a surprise and resulted in some very impressive photographs by the more "professional" photographers. Seeing the Pygmy Elephant as well as all the important monkeys and primates at Kinabatangan and Deramakot made for an almost perfect trip. What's not perfect? There's always those mammals that we didn't see but that could result in a return trip sometime!

G.S. New Zealand

The wildlife sightings were excellent. Mike Gordon was incredible when spotlighting in Deramakot.

M.S. Tyne & Wear

Nick is amazing! In-depth knowledge of all birds/mammals, constantly checking all guests were happy - excellent operator! A truly rewarding destination with expert 'local' leader Mike Gordon who gave his all to show everything to everyone.

G.S. New Zealand

The main feature for me was our exceptional sighting of the clouded leopard. Words fail me as to how close to the truck she came and what a clear view of her markings. Full marks to Nick who briefed us in advance to keep absolutely quiet if we had a sighting. No one said a word. Having said that, there were plenty of mammals and birds to see - langurs, orang-utan with baby, otters, owls, flying squirrels, leopard cat, crocodiles and the beautiful marked Malayan civet.

J.L. Surrey