Here is a list of Birding Events in Malaysia for 2025 that showcases the country’s popular birdwatching fairs, festivals and bird races. These events are usually held over the weekends and throughout the year all over the country.

Some of the major birdwatching events include Raptor Watch, Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race and the Borneo Bird Festival, which attracts local and international participants. However, in the last couple of years since pre-pandemic, there have been some new birding events around Malaysia, mostly at local levels.

Birding Events in Malaysia for 2025

1. Raptor Watch 2025

It is probably one of the best birding events near Kuala Lumpur, focusing on the peak raptor migration at Tanjung Tuan at the border of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka. From Kuala Lumpur, it is only a two-hour drive, and you could see hundreds, if not thousands, of raptors during the weekend. The event includes:

• Raptor Migration Viewing: Observe the majestic raptors in flight as they soar across the skies.
• Educational Talks and Workshops: Learn about raptors, their migration, and conservation efforts.
• Nature Walks: Explore the natural beauty of Tanjung Tuan and its rich biodiversity.
• Fun Activities for Kids: Engage in hands-on experiences designed to teach the younger generation about nature and conservation.

Raptor Watch 2025

• Date: 8-9 March
• Venue: Tanjung Tuan, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
• Website: MNS Malaysia

2. Wings of KKB 2025

This is more of an educational program and event targeted towards school children. It has been running for many years in the township of Kuala Kubu Bharu, or KKB, as it is locally called. A bird race and photography contest are involved but only attract local birders. The district council and state tourism board jointly organise the event with some local NGOs. Because it is locally organised, there is a lack of marketing for the other birding groups or the international market.

Wings of KKB

• Date: 26-27 April
• Venue: Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
• Website: –

3. Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race 2025

The mother of all bird races in Malaysia and possibly Southeast Asia has been running for 36 years. The Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race 2025 is one birdwatching event not to miss for any local or visiting birders. However, joining this bird race may be a challenge as all the top teams in the country will participate. But there is, of course, the beginners category.

Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race 2025

• Date: 20-22 June
• Venue: Fraser’s Hill, Pahang
• Website: Pahang Tourism Events

4. Taiping Bird Week 2025

The Taiping Bird Week is an annual event at Lake Gardens in Taiping, Perak, focusing on birdwatching and education. The week features various activities, including talks and workshops, to raise awareness about bird conservation. The weekend highlights include a bird race and photography contest, attracting amateurs and professionals to spot and capture local bird species. The event promotes a deeper connection with nature while celebrating the beauty of birds.

Taiping Bird Week 2025

• Date: TBC, tentatively in August
• Venue: Taiping Lake Gardens area
• Website: –

5. Borneo Bird Festival 2025

The largest bird festival in Malaysia has been around for 15 years and is going strong in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The BBF, as it is called, attracts both local and international participants to explore some of Borneo’s best birding locations in Sabah. The festival is well-balanced for both enthusiasts and family visitors. Many bird-related contests, like bird races, photography races, photo contests, and others, are targeted towards general visitors and children.

Borneo Bird Festival 2025

• Date: Either 18-19 or 25-26 October (I will confirm once I get the info)
• Venue: Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sandakan, Sabah
• Website: Borneo Bird Festival

6. Perlis Bird Race 2025

The Perlis Bird Race 2025 is an exciting event where birdwatchers and photographers compete to spot and document as many bird species as possible in Perlis, Malaysia. Taking place over a weekend, it includes a bird race, a photography contest, and educational workshops on bird conservation. The event aims to promote birdwatching, raise awareness about bird conservation, and support local environmental efforts while offering participants the chance to explore Perlis’ diverse birdlife.

• Date: 24-26 October
• Venue: Wang Kelian, Perlis
• Website: Perlis Bird Race 2024

7. Pesta Sayap 2025

The Pesta Sayap (Festival of Wings) is a one-day event held at the Kuala Selangor Nature Park in Malaysia, organized since 2004 by Taman Alam Kuala Selangor, the Kuala Selangor Council, and the Malaysian Nature Society. It aims to raise awareness about coastal wetlands and celebrate migratory birds along the North Central Selangor Coast. It offers birdwatching enthusiasts and the public a chance to learn about bird species and wetland ecosystems.

Pesta Sayap 2025 – Festival of Wings

• Date: TBC
• Venue: Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KSNP), Kuala Selangor
• Website: –

Other Birdwatching Events in Malaysia for 2025 – Tentative

As many smaller birdwatching events or ad-hoc events occur around Malaysia, most of those listed below are uncertain due to many unforeseen reasons. I will list them for interest, and if you are the organiser or want to confirm the event, please let me know.

Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest 2025

• Date: –
• Venue: Pengkalan Gawi, Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu
• Website: –

Taman Negara Bird Count 2025

• Date: –
• Venue: Taman Negara, Pahang
• Website: –

Sarawak International Bird Race 2025

• Date: –
• Venue: –
• Website: –

Taiping Raptor Watch 2025

• Date: –
• Venue: –
• Website: –

Putrajaya Bird Race 2025

• Date: –
• Venue: Putrajaya Wetlands, Putrajaya
• Website: –

Negeri Sembilan Bird Race 2025 (Angsi Bird Race)

• Date: Possibly in September
• Venue: –
• Website: Angsi Bird Race 2024

Panti Bird Race 2025 – Johor Bird Race

• Date: –
• Venue: Panti Bird Sanctuary, Kota Tinggi, Johor
• Website: Panti Bird Race 2024

Conclusion

This list of Birding Events in Malaysia for 2025 was compiled for everyone interested in birdwatching, especially those visiting Malaysian birders. Please take note that this list is only a guide as sometimes, dates may change for some of the events. It is also recommended that you subscribe or bookmark this page, as I will do my best to update any changes here.

Meanwhile, have a great year ahead as it is still early January when I am writing this article, and I am sure this year will be quite an interesting year for birding or bird photography. Even though the post-pandemic birders have mostly returned to their daily lives, many new bird photographers are still out there.