Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve

Tucked in the northeastern part of Sabah, just south of the Sugut River and fringed by the Sulu Sea, the Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve (TSFR) spans 8,680 hectares of rare ecological wealth. It sits at the confluence of several forest landscapes - bordered by Sugut River, Paitan River, Jembongan Forest Reserve, Sugut Class II (Production) Forest Reserve and nearby mangrove reserves like Kuala Bonggaya and Kuala Labuk, forming a natural corridor between inland forests and coastal ecosystems. Despite being surrounded in parts by oil palm plantations, Trusan Sugut remains a green stronghold with remarkable conservation potential.

The Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve was formerly a Class II (Production) Forest Reserve that formed part of the larger Sugut Forest Reserve. Due to its high conservation value, efforts to bring Trusan Sugut under effective management and protection were initiated by the Sabah Forestry Department in 2011. In November 2014, the area was reclassified as a Class I (Protection) Forest Reserve, and has since become one of Sabah’s few tropical forests to achieve Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, a globally recognized benchmark for sustainable and responsible forest management.

A key feature of Trusan Sugut is the diversity of forest types packed into its relatively compact area. The reserve contains endangered lowland forest types such as lowland mixed Dipterocarp forest, a variant of which is the Kapur forest, lowland Kerangas forest, lowland peat swamp forest, and lowland freshwater swamp forest. These ecosystems support a staggering array of life of 365 butterfly species, 57 amphibian species, 103 reptile species, 335 bird species and 168 mammal species, including 40 species of medium-sized and large mammals. It is a vital refuge for iconic wildlife such as the critically endangered Bornean orangutan, banteng, clouded leopard, sun bear, proboscis monkey and saltwater crocodile. As the last known lowland stronghold for orangutans in northern Sabah, Trusan Sugut is not only a conservation gem but a living showcase of Sabah’s natural heritage, primed for world-class eco-tourism.

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS TRUSAN SUGUT WILDLIFE SAFARI

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS TRUSAN SUGUT - WINGS & RAINFOREST

Rooms & Facilities

The Frederick Kugan Base Camp serves as the main field station for the Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve and is the central hub for all on-site activities and operations.

Guests are welcomed at a spacious open-air dining hall that also serves as a reception area, comfortably accommodating 20 to 30 people in a relaxed, natural setting. Beyond dining, the hall also serves as a gathering point where guides deliver in-depth briefings, guests exchange stories and daily wildlife sightings are logged. This is part of Think Big Adventure’s commitment to long-term biodiversity monitoring, in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department and WWF-Malaysia.

Accommodation at the base camp caters to a range of group sizes and preferences:

Tembadau: A large three-bedroom chalet features air-conditioned rooms, two bathrooms, a spacious air-conditioned living area and verandah - ideal for families or small groups (6–8 pax).

Bengkatan (2 units): Two-bedroom family chalets with air-conditioning, private bathroom and living space. Suitable for up to 4 guests per unit.

Tenggiling (5 rooms): One-bedroom studio units for couples or solo travellers, each with air-conditioning, private bathroom and living space.

Dormitories: Separate air-conditioned male and female dormitories with bunk beds for up to 12 guests in total. Shared bathroom facilities are located in an adjacent building.

Whether you're a passionate naturalist, wildlife enthusiast, avid birder or adventure seeker, the base camp provides a welcoming and well-equipped base for exploring the wonders of Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve!

Meals

All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the dining hall, conveniently located adjacent to the guest resthouse. During meal times, guests are welcome to enjoy complimentary coffee and tea, available at the self-service corner throughout the day.

Breakfast: 0700 – 0830 HRS
Lunch: 1200 – 1330 HRS
Dinner: 1900 – 2130 HRS
Coffee & Tea Corner: 0700 – 2130 HRS

Expect wholesome, Malaysian home-style meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced Halal ingredients, including produce from Beluran and catch from nearby fishing villages. Meals are typically served buffet-style. However, for groups of fewer than 10 guests, individual meal sets will be provided. Breakfast often features a Western spread with options like toast, cereal, eggs (fried or scrambled) and sausages, with occasional Asian favourites like fried rice or noodles. Lunch and dinner usually include a variety of vegetable dishes and protein options including chicken, beef and/or seafood, served with steamed rice. Special dietary needs, including vegetarian options, can be catered for.

Activities

While most guests choose to stay 3 to 4 nights at Trusan Sugut, some extend their stay to a week or more in pursuit of the perfect shot of the elusive clouded leopard. Your arrival day will include 2 hours night safari, introducing you to the Reserve’s remarkable wildlife. Each subsequent full day at Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve will feature 7 hours of 4x4 wildlife safaris, along with opportunities to explore nearby trails on foot.

Witness breathtaking sunrise or sunset views from Fidelis Tip, a panoramic lookout over the forest canopy, or take a short guided hike to Sam Mannan Cave, known for its unique geological formations. Guests may also take part in optional tree planting efforts, supporting long-term conservation and reforestation efforts. For those keen on riverine adventures, optional river cruises offer chances to spot proboscis monkeys, estuarine crocodiles and even fireflies lighting up the mangroves after dusk.

Our Guides
Throughout your trips with us, you will have the privilege of being accompanied by one of our dedicated in-house nature guides stationed at the Reserve. Private or special-interest guides, such as birding guides can be arranged, upon request.

Tour Inclusion
Reserve's Entrance Fee, Return Land and/or Boat Transfer, Accommodation at the Frederick Kugan Base Camp, Full Meals, 4x4 Safari Drives (7 hours a day except Arrival & Departure Day), Think Big Adventure Specialist Nature Guide Service (1:6) and Travel Pack (which includes Linen Bag, a pair of Leech Socks & 750ml Refillable Water Bottle).

Tour Exclusion
Flight Tickets, Air Freight Charges, Extended Safari Drive, Tipping or Gratuities to Tour Guide and Driver, Personal Travel Insurance, Personal Expenses and Other Optional Activities / Meals / Beverages not mentioned in our tour itineraries.

Recommended Flights:
To Sandakan:

AK 6492 SDK ETA 0710 HRS / AK 6488 SDK ETA 1005 HRS

From Sandakan:

AK 6497 SDK ETD 1505 HRS (by boat access) / AK 6495 SDK ETD 1730 HRS (by land access)

Things to Bring/Wear
Raincoat, Cap/Hat, Sunglasses, Insect Repellent (100% Deet), Good Trekking Shoes (or local ‘Adidas Kampung’), Socks, Slippers/Sandals, Head Torch or Torch Light, Comfortable Cotton T-Shirts with Long Outdoor Pants (breathable/ quick-dry material and earth colors), Windbreaker Jackets, Selection of Dry Bags (to keep trek bag content dry), Binoculars, Camera, Personal First Aid Kit, Personal Toiletries and Personal Medications (if needed).

Generator Supply (Electricity)
The base camp currently relies on a diesel-fueled generator, which may be turned off during daytime hours. To ensure uninterrupted power for your return, we’ll rest the generator while you’re out on safari and restart it upon your arrival back at camp. As part of the Reserve’s commitment to sustainability, the camp is undergoing phased installation of solar panels. Once completed, this clean energy system will power the base camp, Timbang River jetty and several observation towers throughout the Forest Reserve.

Mobile Phone or Internet Coverage
Satellite-based Starlink internet is available at the base camp, but service may occasionally be disrupted due to adverse weather conditions or satellite signal issues. Mobile phone coverage is generally limited within the Reserve, though signal may be intermittently available at higher elevations, particularly from the observation towers at the Reserve.