As birding or birdwatching has increased since the pandemic, there has also been a rise in bird photographers. This article shares information on some of the best places for bird photography in Sabah, North Borneo.

Sabah is a part of Malaysia, but located on the island of Borneo, and is one of the bucket-list destinations for birdwatching in this part of the world due to some of the unique endemic species found here.

Bird Photography in Sabah, North Borneo

Birdwatching in Sabah has been active since the 90s, as this part of Malaysia was highly popularised due to the foresight of the tourism stake players back then. Over the last three decades, birding has been developed to cater to the international market, which travelled thousands of miles from the US and Europe to encounter some unique North Bornean wildlife and birds.

Since the pandemic, there has been a steady rise in bird photographers visiting Sabah, and most are now coming from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, and Singapore.

Before we discuss the bird photography locations around Sabah, these are mostly scattered throughout North Borneo, and travelling long distances is compulsory. Therefore, it is much easier to engage a specialist or bird guide to achieve this without trying to figure things out independently.

While regular visitors to Sabah will say it is quite easy, it won’t be for first-timers, and you can be assured that you will waste a lot of time looking for some of the places mentioned. I still recommend you engage a bird guide service for a smooth bird photography experience.

Locations for Bird Photography in Sabah:

1. Kinabalu Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site home to many endemic species and offers diverse habitats from lowland forests to montane ecosystems. This is one of the top places for bird photography in Sabah, which is easy access from Kota Kinabalu.
2. Sepilok Kabali Forest Reserve: Known for its sun bear and orangutan rehabilitation centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), this place provides excellent birdwatching opportunities at the RDC and its surroundings, especially at the main steel canopy walk of the RDC.
3. Kinabatangan River: Probably the most famous river in Borneo for wildlife and bird photography, it’s an excellent spot for spotting kingfishers, hornbills, and other uncommon to rare bird species. Birding is done via boats here.
4. Danum Valley Conservation Area: A pristine rainforest where rare birds like the Bornean Bristlehead, Great Argus, pheasants and various hornbills exist. This is also Malaysia and Southeast Asia’s most premium luxury birding resort.
5. Trusmadi Forest Reserve: This is one of the newer areas home to several bird observation stations, perfect for photographers looking to photograph rare birds like the Bulwers Pheasant, partridges, and other uncommon pheasant species.
6. Tabin Wildlife Reserve: A primary and secondary rainforest slightly larger than Singapore and offers some of the best natural bird photography on the east coast of Sabah. There is only one main resort here called the Tabin Wildlife Resort.

Bird Species to Look For:

• Bornean Bristlehead: Unique to Borneo, it’s a must-photograph for bird enthusiasts.
• Hornbills: Eight species, including the Rhinoceros and Wreathed Hornbills, can be seen around Sabah, and Tabin Wildlife Reserve is one of the places to see all eight.
• Rare Birds: The Bornean Peacock Pheasant is one of the rarest in Borneo and can now be seen in Telupid, in the centre of Sabah.
• Endemic Birds: Look for the Bornean Blue Flycatcher, Black-crowned Pitta, and Sabah Partridge.
• Whitehead’s Trio: Depending on birders’ luck, these three main star birds of Kinabalu National Park can be photographed in one morning.

Photography Tips:

1. Early Mornings: The best time for birdwatching and photography is early morning when birds are most active. Therefore, travelling to various places requires proper planning.
2. Bring the Right Gear: A telephoto lens (300mm or longer) will help you capture distant birds, and a tripod can stabilize your shots.
3. Be Patient: Birds can be elusive, so patience is key. Quiet movements and waiting for the right moment will pay off.
4. Natural Light: Use natural light to your advantage. Overcast days can provide soft lighting, while golden hours offer warm tones.
5. Focus on Composition: Pay attention to your background to avoid distractions and frame your subject well.
6. Hire a Licensed Bird Guide: This will ensure you find the right birds at the right places without hassle and wasting time.

For those seeking more unique birds, you can also read this article on the endemic bird locations in Sabah, which details where and what kind of birds are found in the various districts. If you want to photograph the birds, you must travel several hours from one place to another.

For more information about Sabah or the Land Below the Wind, visit the official Sabah Tourism website, which has an excellent interactive section.

Conclusion

For those planning to visit Malaysia to photograph birds, Sabah is undoubtedly the best place, as the industry has mastered the infrastructure and knowledge of birding. Therefore, it is quite common to see many bird photographers at some places mentioned above.

Birdwatching Asia has worked with a reputable licensed bird tour company in Sabah for many years. If you are interested, please contact us, as we can recommend them for your bird photography in Sabah, North Borneo.