For visiting birders, birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu should certainly be part of the itinerary. As the main gateway of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is often the starting point for many northern Borneo visitors. Several top-notch birding destinations are located within 2-3 hours of the city, such as Kinabalu Park and Gunung Alab. However, it’s also worthwhile setting aside some time to explore the birdwatching locations within the city itself. 

Article updated on September 2024 with new information.

Birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is a sprawling urban area; however, several decent birdwatching locations exist within the city and its suburbs. These locations are close to the city centre, making them easily accessible from anywhere within the city. Despite this proximity, birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu is rewarding, with many migrant and resident species possible. This is especially true for first-time birders to Malaysia.

The locations described in this article are all located within Kota Kinabalu City and its surrounding area. The information and photos in this article mainly come from my experience visiting these locations in 2019 and 2023. The main reference material used is the excellent Phillips’ Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo, the Birds of Malaysia by Lynx Edicions, and eBird

1) Birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site

This wetland area is one of the most accessible places to go for birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu. This site is located near Likas and encompasses 24.2 hectares of mangrove forest. Once covering the entire coastline, Kota Kinabalu Wetland remains the only patch of natural mangrove forest. Kota Kinabalu Wetland is also a Ramsar site, designated on 22/10/2016.

Despite its close proximity to the city, this location boasts an impressive array of plants and animals. Significantly, the wetland is an important location for residents and migratory birds; it was previously named Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary. For birders, the best time to visit the wetlands is during the northern winter (September to March). During this time, the resident birds will be supplemented by wintering birds coming in from the north. Nevertheless, birding here is still rewarding during other times of the year.

Birds that can be seen here:

• Purple Heron (there’s a breeding colony here)
• Striated Heron
• Stork-billed, Collared, and Blue-eared Kingfishers
• Black-crowned and Nankeen Night-Herons
• Little, Medium (formerly known as the intermediate egret), and Great Egrets.
• Migrant waders such as the Long-toed Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, and Pacific Golden-Plover 
• A variety of small, resident birds such as prinias, tailorbirds, Malaysian Pied-Fantail, etc.

Getting here:

The wetland is only a few minutes drive from the city centre; it’s easy to reach. Simply use a navigational app or a taxi/e-hailing service.

Birding here:

Exploring the wetland is easy, thanks to an extensive network of boardwalks, trails and shelters. A sheltered bird hide within the site allows visitors to see and photograph birds relatively easily. The site also hosts a wealth of plant and animal life, so keep your eyes peeled!

Admission fee and opening times:

Entrance fee is RM 10 (Malaysians) or RM 20 (foreigners).

The site is open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays), from 8 am until 5 pm. 

More information

Check out our more in-depth article of the Kota Kinabalu Wetland at the link below:

• Birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu Wetland

Find out more by heading to the following links:

• Kota Kinabalu Wetland page on the Ramsar Sites information service website.
• The official Sabah Wetlands website.
• The Wikipedia page has additional info on the birds and animals seen there.

2) Birdwatching at Tanjung Aru Beach and Prince Phillip Park

Update September 2024: Prince Phillip Park will undergo refurbishment and development within the upcoming months. Therefore, you may find the park itself closed to visitors, possibly as early as October 2024. The duration of the upgrading works is currently unknown. Keep this in mind if you choose to come here. Nevertheless, the parrots should still be visible from the beach itself.

This beach is popular for tourists to Kota Kinabalu, primarily for its stunning sunsets. However, it’s also a popular location for birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu. Many birders come here to see a star bird that can be reliably seen year-round (more on this below).

Birds that can be seen here:

• Blue-naped Parrot. The star bird of Kota Kinabalu. This is an exotic species originally from the Philippines. A small population has become established at Tanjung Aru Beach/Prince Phillip Park; this is the best place to see this handsome parrot in Malaysia. They are quite raucous and active, so locating them isn’t too difficult. 
• Long-tailed Parakeet. This attractive parrot is also regularly seen here, often in noisy flocks. Unlike the Blue-naped Parrot, this species is native to Malaysia.
• White-breasted Woodswallow
• Green Imperial-Pigeon. Rare in peninsular Malaysia, this stately pigeon is very common around Kota Kinabalu.
• Oriental Magpie-Robin (black). The Sabah version of this excellent songster is more black than the rest of Malaysia.
• Dusky Munia (Bornean endemic) and Chestnut Munia
• Cattle and Medium Egrets frequent the park, whereas Pacific Reef Egrets patrol the beach.
• Winter visitors such as Whimbrel and migrant terns.

Getting here:

The beach is located south of the city centre, near the airport. Search for Tanjung Aru Beach using a navigational app or take an e-hailing/taxi. Journey time from the city is approximately 15 minutes. There’s ample paid parking space available nearby.

Birding here:

Walk along the sandy beach to look for shorebirds, egrets and terns. To see the parrot and other birds, explore Prince Phillip Park, located next to the beach. The best time to bird here is in the mornings. Note that the beach is usually very busy in the evenings, as many visitors come here for the stunning sunset.

3) Birdwatching at Lok Kawi Beach

This stretch of beach is located south of the city, about 20 minutes drive away. This otherwise unremarkable beach is a recommended place to go birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu, primarily for the Malaysian Plover.

Birds that can be seen here:

• Malaysian Plover. This location is notable as a reliable place to see this otherwise scarce bird. Interesting tidbit: the Malaysian Plover is the only plover that breeds in Malaysia! 
• The Gull-billed Tern is a cosmopolitan species that is a migratory visitor to Malaysia.
• Migrant waders such as the Whimbrel, Terek Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone and Common Sandpiper.
• Egrets and herons
• The  Chinese Egret is an uncommon migrant that is occasionally seen along this beach. 

Getting here:

The beach can be reached by e-hailing, taxi or personal vehicle. It’s about 20 km from Jesselton Point. A useful landmark is the Lok Kawi military camp near the beach. If using e-hailing/taxi, make sure to arrange with the driver for the return trip to the city.

Alternatively, you can use the following GPS coordinates: 5.856523, 116.043075

Birding here:

Walk along the beach, especially towards the south. Look hard for the Malaysian Plover, as it is very small and easily overlooked! If possible, visit here in the mornings, when there are fewer people. Additionally, the best time to see shorebirds here is during low tide; therefore, check the tide charts beforehand.

4) Birdwatching at Likas wetlands

Update September 2024: The section of the retention ponds closest to the ‘floating’ mosque is currently overgrown with floating plants. Therefore, this section is currently unsuitable for migrating shorebirds. It’s uncertain when the local city council will remove the invasive floating plants. 

Not far from the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar site, the Likas Wetlands is a retention pond near Likas Bay. The pond is shallow, attracting many resident and migratory birds that can be seen resting and foraging. 

Birds that can be seen here:

• Oriental Darter. These birds are uncommon in Peninsular Malaysia but are easily seen around Kota Kinabalu (and Sabah). 
• Cattle, Little, Medium, and Great Egrets.
• Black-crowned and Nankeen Night-Herons.
• Purple and Striated Herons, with the occasional Grey Heron.
• Visiting terns, such as the Little, Whiskered and White-winged Terns.
• Migrant waders such as the Black-winged Stilt, Wood Sandpiper, Common Greenshank and Little Ringed Plovers.
• Raptors such as the Brahminy Kite and White-bellied Sea-Eagle.

Getting here:

The closest landmark is the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (floating mosque), a popular tourist attraction. Use this landmark for e-hailing, taxi, or navigational apps. The wetland is across the road from the mosque. If driving there, take note that parking spots are limited due to the narrow road shoulders. 

Birding here

The area opposite the mosque offers the best view of the retention pond. The birds may be quite far away; therefore, scopes and telephoto lenses would be helpful.

If birding here, please be aware of the following potential hazards:

• There is a crocodile warning sign present. There have been sightings of crocodiles in nearby areas in late 2022 and early 2023. 
• It’ll be at your own risk if you decide to go birding here. Prioritise personal safety first, and stay away from the water’s edge. If unsure, skip this location; head for other birding areas detailed above.
• Additionally, the roads around the pond are very busy with high-speed traffic. Avoid crossing the road from the Likas Bay/ Likas public park. The best place is to park opposite the City Mosque and bird from there.

Other good birdwatching locations at Kota Kinabalu:

1. Penampang Paddy Fields –  for paddyfield birds such as the Wandering Whistling-Duck, Striated Grassbird and Red Avadavat.
2. Inobong Substation, Crocker Range Park – for the Scarlet-rumped Trogon and Bornean Banded Kingfisher
3. Tun Fuad Stephens Park (closed for renovations until September 2024) – for the Sunda Frogmouth.
4. Manukan Island – for the Philippine Megapode.

For more information on Penampang Paddyfields and Inobong Substation, head over to the link below:

• Birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu – Part 2

Conclusion

Kota Kinabalu is blessed with several good birding locations, conveniently located within the city and its suburbs. These locations are all easily accessible and boast an impressive array of birds. Birdwatching here is perfect for those on short visits or those on stopovers while en route to other destinations in Sabah.

In summary, birdwatching at Kota Kinabalu is an easy and rewarding experience worth considering for birders visiting the city.

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References:

Phillipps, Q. & Phillipps, K. (2014). Phillips’ Field Guide To The Birds of Borneo. Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan (Third edition). John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.

Puan, C.L., Davison, G. & Lim, K.C. (2020). Birds of Malaysia. Covering Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo and Singapore. Lynx and BirdLife International Field Guides. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.