Birds of Sarawak
For those interested, a Birds of Sarawak Facebook group has been established by Birdwatching Asia to focus on birdwatching and bird photography in Malaysia’s largest state. This Facebook bird group will also serve to inform people that Sarawak is home to a significant number of bird species, which are spread throughout the state.
Sarawak has been one of the lesser-visited places for birdwatching due to its logistics, but over the years, more birders have been heading over to explore some of the beautiful birding locations.
As Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak is home to over 530 species of birds, as Borneo itself has an astonishing 688 bird species spread through the third-largest island in the world.

Birdwatching and bird photography have also grown tremendously since the COVID-19 lockdowns, when thousands of new birders and photographers discovered a new hobby. This is not only a phenomenon in Malaysia, but also a worldwide issue.
Therefore, with the sudden influx of local and international birders, there has been a surge in demand for birding locations around Malaysia since the country reopened its borders fully.
Birdwatching Asia had previously published an article about birdwatching locations in Sarawak, highlighting the numerous places one can visit. However, in 2023, we will be doing a detailed article sharing more information.
And if you did not know, Sarawak is also home to two of the Bornean endemics, which can only be seen there: the rare Dulit Frogmouth and the Black Oriole, two star birds that many birders and photographers are after.
The very special and unique Borneo Bristlehead has also been sighted in several locations around Sarawak. So, who knows, when you are exploring the national parks, you may even encounter this sought-after star bird of Borneo.
How many bird species are there in Sarawak?
While no official numbers have been published in recent years, a publication from the Sarawak Forestry Department states that approximately 185 mammal species, 530 bird species, 166 snake species, 104 lizard species, and 113 amphibian species are found in Sarawak.
According to Avibase, there are 592 bird species in Sarawak, as of July 2023, which is a relatively healthy number considering the state’s size. Therefore, the unofficial number of bird species in Sarawak is 592, pending an official count or publication.

Birds of Sarawak Facebook Group
This Sarawak birding group is open to anyone who wants to post photos of birds taken in Sarawak, ask questions about potential birding locations, or share other related information. The group is flexible and easygoing, so please respect the group’s rules and ethics.
The group will not tolerate individuals who come in as ‘spam’, offer bird tours, sell products, or post unrelated postings. If we find anyone doing that, we will remove and ban that person from the group.
You are allowed to post.
- Bird photos with camera brand and settings
- Bird videos
- Bird questions
People are Not Allowed to Post.
- Rare Bird Actual Locations
- Bird Tour Promotions (Individual/Company)
- Birding Products for Sale
- Non-bird Photos and Videos
- Camera and Birding Equipment (Individual or Shops)
- Birds for Sale
Conclusion
The Birds of Sarawak Facebook Group is open to anyone to join, and you can learn a little more about the birds found around this massive Malaysian state on the island of Borneo.
However, you are reminded that this is a bird photo and video group, and it is strictly limited to that purpose only. If you fail to follow the rules provided, you will be removed and banned from that bird group.
Hi
Can I ask how many days I need to do a birding trip in Sarawak?
I am looking for frogmouth and the black oriole.
Hello Peter, for the Dulit’s Frogmouth and Black Oriole, you may need around 4-5 days minimum. But again, this also depends if you are doing it on your own or engaging a bird guide to bring you to see them. Either way, I would recommend at least 5-7 days in the Bakelalan district for this. The frogmouth is much easier as most people get to see it within 1-2 days, with guide of course.
Hello Peter,
I’m attending a scientific meeting at Kushing from 6 to 10 Oct 2025.
I would like to take the opportunity to do bird watching (7-12 days) either before or (preferentially) after the meeting.
I’ve been once in Sabah before (in Feb 2029) and went for a week-end at Mount Kinabalu and Tanjung Aru beach.
Do you have any recommendation to give on the sites to spot (close to Kushing or elsewhere) and any contact with a local guide ?
Thanks Michel