Special Interest:
Birding
Discover Sabah’s
ENDEMIC
BIRDS
With more than 600 species recorded, Sabah is one of Asia’s top birding destinations; from montane forests to river floodplains, every habitat reveals something rare and remarkable.
Special Interest:
Birding
Discover Sabah’s
ENDEMIC
BIRDS
With more than 600 species recorded, Sabah is one of Asia’s top birding destinations; from montane forests to river floodplains, every habitat reveals something rare and remarkable.
Endemic Birds
of Borneo
From the elusive Bornean Bristlehead to Whitehead’s trio of trogon, spiderhunter, and broadbill; these are the species that draw birders from across the world.
Identify the birds you see or hear with Merlin Bird ID
Indigo Flycatcher
Plaintive Cuckoo
White-crowned Shama
Where to Go
Key Birding Destinations
Crocker Range
Embrace the tranquil, vast expanse of this Important Bird Area. Offering a mix of montane and lower elevation forests, Crocker Range provides an excellent, quieter alternative for seeking mid-altitude endemics. Dedicated birders will appreciate the challenge of this diverse terrain in pursuit of species like the Bornean Barbet and Mountain Barbet.
Sayap Substation, Kinabalu Park
The Sayap Substation offers a uniquely secluded sub-montane experience on Kinabalu Park’s western flank. This tranquil location (around 1,000m) grants specialized access to the forest transition zone. Explore pristine river trails to find sought-after species like the Long-tailed and Whitehead’s Broadbills, along with numerous Bornean flycatchers.
Kota Kinabalu, Coastal Area
Your birding journey begins at this precious urban sanctuary. The Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre provides a tranquil setting to observe migratory shorebirds, colorful kingfishers, and rare visitors like the majestic Storm’s Stork. It is an easily accessible and delightful reminder of nature’s resilience before venturing deeper into Borneo’s heart.
Kinabalu National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown jewel for montane birding in Borneo. The Headquarters’ cool air is ideal for pursuing the island’s most exclusive high-altitude endemics. Explore trails in search of the iconic ‘Whitehead’s Trio’ (Trogon, Broadbill, and Spiderhunter) and the elusive Fruithunter. (57 words)
Sepilok
Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Rainforest Discovery Centre
This destination offers a highly accessible and wonderfully curated lowland rainforest experience. The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) canopy walkway elevates your view, bringing you eye-to-eye with the colourful inhabitants. Look out for dazzling Bornean Pittas (like the Blue-headed) or the enigmatic Bornean Bristlehead.
Kinabatangan River
A spectacular, immersive birding adventure awaits along the legendary Kinabatangan River. Cruising silently at dawn provides an unparalleled view of the riverine ecosystem. This is one of the world’s most reliable sites to witness all eight species of majestic Bornean Hornbills soaring overhead, alongside the rare Storm’s Stork.
Danum Valley
Step into one of the world’s finest remaining tracts of primary lowland rainforest. Danum Valley promises truly deep, untouched jungle birding. This is the coveted location to spend time searching for elusive specialties like the Bornean Bristlehead or staking out the stunning array of colourful Pittas amidst 300+ bird species.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Nestled in the eastern lowlands, Tabin is distinguished by its vibrant, accessible landscape. Trails offer fantastic viewing opportunities, making it ideal for photographers. The reserve’s unique mud volcanoes attract diverse fauna, and the forest offers excellent chances to locate charismatic ground-dwellers like the Black-and-Crimson Pitta.
Crocker Range
Embrace the tranquil, vast expanse of this Important Bird Area. Offering a mix of montane and lower elevation forests, Crocker Range provides an excellent, quieter alternative for seeking mid-altitude endemics. Dedicated birders will appreciate the challenge of this diverse terrain in pursuit of species like the Bornean Barbet and Mountain Barbet.
Sayap Substation, Kinabalu Park
The Sayap Substation offers a uniquely secluded sub-montane experience on Kinabalu Park’s western flank. This tranquil location (around 1,000m) grants specialized access to the forest transition zone. Explore pristine river trails to find sought-after species like the Long-tailed and Whitehead’s Broadbills, along with numerous Bornean flycatchers.
Kota Kinabalu, Coastal Area
Your birding journey begins at this precious urban sanctuary. The Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre provides a tranquil setting to observe migratory shorebirds, colorful kingfishers, and rare visitors like the majestic Storm’s Stork. It is an easily accessible and delightful reminder of nature’s resilience before venturing deeper into Borneo’s heart.
Kinabalu National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown jewel for montane birding in Borneo. The Headquarters’ cool air is ideal for pursuing the island’s most exclusive high-altitude endemics. Explore trails in search of the iconic ‘Whitehead’s Trio’ (Trogon, Broadbill, and Spiderhunter) and the elusive Fruithunter. (57 words)
Sepilok
Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Rainforest Discovery Centre
This destination offers a highly accessible and wonderfully curated lowland rainforest experience. The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) canopy walkway elevates your view, bringing you eye-to-eye with the colourful inhabitants. Look out for dazzling Bornean Pittas (like the Blue-headed) or the enigmatic Bornean Bristlehead.
Kinabatangan River
A spectacular, immersive birding adventure awaits along the legendary Kinabatangan River. Cruising silently at dawn provides an unparalleled view of the riverine ecosystem. This is one of the world’s most reliable sites to witness all eight species of majestic Bornean Hornbills soaring overhead, alongside the rare Storm’s Stork.
Danum Valley
Nestled in the eastern lowlands, Tabin is distinguished by its vibrant, accessible landscape. Trails offer fantastic viewing opportunities, making it ideal for photographers. The reserve’s unique mud volcanoes attract diverse fauna, and the forest offers excellent chances to locate charismatic ground-dwellers like the Black-and-Crimson Pitta.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Embrace the tranquil, vast expanse of this Important Bird Area. Offering a mix of montane and lower elevation forests, Crocker Range provides an excellent, quieter alternative for seeking mid-altitude endemics. Dedicated birders will appreciate the challenge of this diverse terrain in pursuit of species like the Bornean Barbet and Mountain Barbet.
Golden-naped Barbet
Discover Wildlife
in Flight
Migration
Movements
Migratory species pass through in April and again from September to October, adding exciting seasonal variety to wildlife encounters.
Birdlife
Discoveries
Birding in Sabah is exceptional year-round, with March to October often bringing calmer mornings that are ideal for spotting both resident and migratory species.
Discover Birdlife
In Flight
Birding in Sabah is exceptional year-round, with March to October often bringing calmer mornings that are ideal for spotting both resident
and migratory species.
Migratory species pass through in April and again from September to October, adding exciting seasonal variety to wildlife encounters.
Discover Birdlife
In Flight
Migratory species also pass through in April and again from September to October, adding to the variety
Birding in Sabah is best during the dry season from March to October when birds are most active and easier to spot.
Voice of the Rainforest
Listen to
their songs
Helmetted Hornbill
Voice of the Rainforest
Listen to
their songs
Helmetted Hornbill
Find
Your
Birding
Journey
Every birder has a different goal. Find the perfect journey that matches your personal interests.
Here are few ways to experience Sabah’s incredible birdlife.
Lowland
Explorer
Move through Sabah’s rich lowland habitats, from open paddyfields to coastal stretches where an abundance of birdlife offers vibrant, fast-paced sightings across diverse environments.
Find
Your
Birding
Journey
Every birder has a different goal. Find the perfect journey that matches your personal interests.
Here are few ways to experience Sabah’s incredible birdlife.
Upland
Explorer
Venture into Sabah’s highland ecosystems, where cooler climates and dense montane forests reveal a unique cast of endemic and high-altitude species. A rewarding pursuit for those drawn to rarities and elevation-specific sightings.
Find Your
Birding Journey
Upland
Explorer
Venture into Sabah’s highland ecosystems, where cooler climates and dense montane forests reveal a unique cast of endemic and high-altitude species. A rewarding pursuit for those drawn to rarities and elevation-specific sightings.
Sample Itineraries
Find Your
Birding Journey
Lowland
Explorer
Move through Sabah’s rich lowland habitats, from open paddyfields to coastal stretches where an abundance of birdlife offers vibrant, fast-paced sightings across diverse environments.
Sample Itineraries
