Borneo Bird Festival 2025: Your Gateway to Birding in Borneo
Sandakan, Sabah – October 25–26, 2025
Circle these dates, October 25–26, 2025, as the Borneo Bird Festival is gearing up for its 18th spectacular edition, promising an unparalleled celebration of avian marvels. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok, Sandakan, this annual event transforms one of Sabah’s richest biodiversity hotspots into a global gathering point for bird enthusiasts, nature photographers, researchers, and conservation advocates alike.
Immerse yourself in the towering dipterocarp forests of northeastern Borneo – a front-row seat to one of Southeast Asia’s most incredible birding arenas. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Rhinoceros Hornbill, the fascinating Helmeted Hornbill, or search for elusive endemics like the Bornean Bristlehead and Blue-Headed Pitta.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro with advanced gear or a curious beginner with a basic pair of binoculars, the RDC’s renowned canopy walkways and jungle trails offer the chance to spot over 300 species within a remarkably small radius.
But the Borneo Bird Festival transcends a typical birding weekend. It’s an immersive experience crafted to inspire and educate. The two-day program is packed with engaging activities, including the thrilling Sabah Bird Race, competitive wildlife photography showcases, insightful guided nature walks, informative ecology talks, fun children’s bird-art contests, and exhilarating canopy ziplining – all accompanied by the iconic calls of hornbills echoing through the trees. Each element is designed to cultivate a deeper connection with birds, their habitats, and the urgent need for their preservation.
In collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department, this festival is a vital pillar for ecotourism and environmental education in the region. It also serves as a crucial nexus, bringing together field guides, scientists, tour operators, and policymakers to forge essential networks that bolster habitat protection efforts.
With over 568 bird species documented in Sabah, including four unique Bornean endemics, the message is undeniable: safeguarding these invaluable treasures is a priority for today and future generations.
Borneo Bird Festival 2025
- When: 25026 October
- Where: Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah
- Tickets: Free Entrance
- Website: Borneo Bird Festival
Conclusion
For anyone passionate about birds and the wild ecosystems they inhabit, the Borneo Bird Festival 2025 is more than just a trip—it’s a profound journey into the heart of nature. Every moment in Sepilok, from the forest floor to the soaring canopy, reinforces the timeless allure of birdwatching.
Thanks for reading this article on Borneo Bird Festival 2025: Your Gateway to Birding in Borneo, and we hope to see you there! You should start making your travel and accommodation plans quickly, as hotels and resorts around Sepilok sell out quickly.
