Sandakan / Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve / Frederick Kugan Base Camp / Night Safari Drive
Begin your adventure with a warm welcome at Sandakan Airport or hotel, followed by your chosen route into the remote northeast of Sabah, either:
- Option 1: Overland + Boat
Travel 1.5 hours by road to the quiet riverside town of Beluran, then switch to a motorised longboat for a scenic 1-hour cruise along the Sugut River. This serene journey offers your first glimpses of riverine wildlife and lush forest scenery. - Option 2: Overland Only
Take a 2-hour drive from Sandakan to Botitian R&R in Paitan, followed by an adventurous 3.5-hour 4x4 off-road journey deep into the wild interior—passing remote forest edges and oil palm estates rarely seen by visitors.
Both options bring you to Frederick Kugan Base Camp, the heart of Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve, a protected Class I rainforest and one of Sabah’s most ecologically rich and strictly preserved lowland forests, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
After check-in and a welcome lunch, your guide will deliver a comprehensive orientation, sharing insights into the reserve’s remarkable biodiversity.
As the sun sets, venture out on a 2-hour 4x4 night safari, your first chance to encounter Trusan Sugut’s nocturnal residents, from flying squirrels and civets to possibly a clouded leopard on the prowl.
