Borneo Bird Festival 2026 Returns to Sepilok, Sandakan This November
Birdwatchers, bird photographers, conservationists, and nature lovers can once again look forward to one of Malaysia’s premier birding events as the 16th Borneo Bird Festival 2026 returns to Sandakan in Sabah this November.
The annual festival will take place on 7–8 November 2026 at the world-famous Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), located in the heart of Sepilok’s lush rainforest ecosystem near Sandakan, Sabah. The event is organised by the Borneo Bird Club together with the Sabah Forestry Department and has grown into one of the most recognised birding festivals in Southeast Asia.
A Bird Festival With a Strong History
The upcoming 2026 edition marks the 16th year of the Borneo Bird Festival, showcasing how the event has steadily evolved from a local birdwatching gathering into an internationally recognised avitourism event attracting participants from across Asia and beyond. Previous editions have welcomed birders, photographers, researchers, tour operators, and wildlife enthusiasts from countries including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom, as well as from across Europe.
Over the years, the festival has become known not only for birdwatching activities but also for its strong conservation message, educational programs, photography competitions, bird races, workshops, and community engagement.
Why International Birders Love the Borneo Bird Festival
One of the main reasons the Borneo Bird Festival attracts overseas visitors is that Sabah is considered one of the top birdwatching destinations in Asia. Borneo is home to over 680 bird species, including numerous endemic birds found nowhere else on Earth.
For visiting birders, the festival offers an excellent opportunity to combine birdwatching with wildlife tourism in Sabah. Many international visitors often extend their stay to explore nearby locations such as Kinabatangan, Danum Valley, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and Kinabalu Park.
The festival’s location at the RDC in Sepilok is also a major attraction. The centre is famous for its canopy walkway, rainforest trails, and excellent accessibility to bird species such as hornbills, broadbills, pittas, trogons, kingfishers, barbets, and various endemic Bornean birds.
For bird photographers, the event is especially appealing due to the abundance of photographic opportunities around the RDC grounds and surrounding forests.
Activities Expected at the Festival
While the full itinerary for the 2026 festival has yet to be officially announced, previous editions have featured:
- Guided birdwatching walks
- Sabah Bird Race
- Bird photography contests
- Nature photography exhibitions
- Bird identification workshops
- Conservation talks and presentations
- Wildlife and eco-tourism booths
- Family-friendly educational activities
- Birdwatching product and optics displays
- Food and Culture Bazaar
- Borneo Bird Run (TBC)
The festival traditionally creates a lively and friendly atmosphere where beginners and experienced birders can meet, network, and share their passion for birds and nature.
Based on previous editions, more details and the official schedule are expected to be released closer to the event date.
Event Details
Event: 16th Borneo Bird Festival 2026
Dates: 7–8 November 2026
Venue: Rainforest Discovery Centre
Location: Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Time: Expected from morning until evening daily (full schedule to be announced)
Website: www.borneobirdfestival.com
Related Articles on Birdwatching Asia
If you want to see what previous editions of the festival looked like, you can also check out these related articles on BirdWatching Asia:
- “Borneo Bird Festival 2025: Your Gateway to Birding in Borneo” Read Article
- “Program for the Borneo Bird Festival 2025” View Program
- “Borneo Bird Festival 2024 Trip Report” Read Trip Report
Conclusion
The Borneo Bird Festival 2026 is shaping up to be another exciting celebration of Borneo’s extraordinary birdlife and rainforest biodiversity. Whether you are a serious birder, wildlife photographer, conservation supporter, or simply someone who enjoys nature, this annual event in Sepilok offers one of the best opportunities to experience birdwatching in Sabah.
With its beautiful rainforest setting, international birding community, and strong focus on conservation and eco-tourism, the festival continues to position Sandakan and Sabah as one of Asia’s leading birdwatching destinations. Birders planning to visit Sabah in November 2026 should definitely keep these dates open and monitor the official festival website for upcoming announcements and the full event program.