The KK Lee Trusmadi Bird Hide in Sabah is a standout destination for birdwatching and bird photography, attracting both local and international enthusiasts. Managed by Mr. KK Lee, a passionate birder, this hide offers a prime location for spotting rare pheasants and other rainforest birds.
KK Lee Trusmadi Bird Hide
When we visited the Trusmadi bird hide in August 2024, our arrival was around 7.00 AM, and our team was the only one there. The birds had already started to be active around the bird hide area, and we quickly met KK Lee, chatted a little and rushed to our hide seats to see and photograph some of the birds there.
I have to say that the hide area is quite large and can easily accommodate twelve people at any one time. The birds are also not too far away, roughly 3-5 metres from the hide, so you need to bring your 800 or 1000mm lens here. A 400mm—600 mm lens is sufficient, while those using a bridge camera like the Nikon P1000 series will also find it easy. Some of my photos were taken with my smartphone.
The chairs are the common plastic coffee shop chairs, but KK Lee offers cushions at the back for those who want more comfort. Each bird pod is fitted with a plug point for charging your smartphone or camera batteries. You can also bring a portable fan with a plug or USB and plug it in.
One thing that Asians need to understand is to keep their voices down, and if there are other birders there whom you may not know, I would recommend you don’t talk like you are at home. Some birders are quite sensitive to noise that may scare away birds. So, please be ethical and polite when you are there.
Facilities at Trusmadi Bird Hide
The Trusmadi bird hide boasts modern amenities, including clean restrooms, a lounge, a dining area, and a kitchen for light meals, ensuring a comfortable experience. Mr Lee even provides Wi-Fi, as network coverage in that area is almost non-existent.
For those planning to stay longer, snacks like biscuits and even quick meals like cup noodles are offered, and all of this is included in the bird hide fees you pay. And if you prefer your type of meal or snack, you are welcome to bring it along.
The only thing not available is a chef-on-call, but who knows, one day, that may even happen. Anyway, for birders who require rest, Mr Lee has even provided customers with a sleeping area in a small tent. The washroom is legit, with two units and one doubling as a shower for anyone who wants to freshen up. I recommend watching the video below for more details.
What Birds Can Be Seen At Trusmadi Bird Hide
This is one of the popular questions, and over here in Trusmadi, there are several Bornean starbirds to see and photograph. If you’re a birdwatcher/twitcher, it should easily give you at least five or more lifers. You will want to photograph the star birds if you are a bird photographer. The list is below:
- Bulwer’s Pheasant
- Bornean Banded Pitta
- Crested Partridge
- Crimson-headed Partridge
- Red-breasted Partridge
- Dayak Blue Flycatcher
- White-crowned Shama
- Black-throated Babbler
- Penan Bulbul
- Rail Babbler
- Temminck’s Babbler
- Sunda Scimitar Babbler
- Bornean Bulbul
- Bornean Whistler
- Rufous-chested Flycatcher
- White-throated Fantail
- Bornean Barbet
- Golden-whiskered Barbet
- Orange-headed Thrush
- Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush
Of course, many other birds are not listed here, but those are usually in the canopy or higher up in the trees. It would be best to walk around the bird hide area to spot most of the other birds.
KK Lee Trusmadi Bird Hide Video
Below is a video that Birdwatching Asia made during our visit to the bird hide in August 2024. Please consider liking and subscribing to our Birdwatching Asia YouTube Channel, as we constantly upload videos of birds, bird locations, and bird hides.
How to go to KK Lee Bird Hide in Trusmadi
Trusmadi is a two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, and it’s accessible for those willing to start their day early. Departures are recommended as early as 4:00 AM. It would be best to note that the birds here start being active as early as 6 AM; therefore, the two-hour journey should depart by 4 AM.
Usually, it’s a nonstop drive here, but if you want to stop to get food and other urgent needs, I recommend you leave around 3:30 AM. If you’re not in a rush, please take your time.
Once you arrive here, you will see a sign on the left, and the bird hide is just literally by the main road where you need not trek inside. There are steps and a properly covered walkway down the hide, about 50 meters from the main road.
Additional Information for the KK Lee Bird Hide
You can contact KK Lee via his Facebook page under his name. He does not have an official Trusmadi Bird Hide page. I also recommend you book through him in advance. If you are going through a bird guide in Sabah, I suggest you let them make the arrangements, as they will know best.
Conclusion
The KK Lee Trusmadi Bird Hide is one of Malaysia’s best, providing a well-managed environment for bird enthusiasts to connect with nature. The hide has hosted hundreds of birders and photographers, making it a popular spot for those exploring Sabah’s avian diversity. Birdwatching Asia’s visit in August 2024 highlighted the hide’s appeal and KK Lee’s welcoming presence.
