Sabah is known as a birdwatcher’s paradise in Borneo, with its diverse habitats ranging from rainforests to mangroves and montane forests to the seas, offering numerous Sabah birding routes for birders. Over 600 species of birds, including endemic and migratory species, have been recorded throughout Sabah, so there is no shortage of birding opportunities here.

Sabah Birding Routes

Bird guides will take you to the best birding locations in Sabah, such as Kinabalu Park, Danum Valley, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and the Kinabatangan River. You will have the chance to see iconic birds such as the Bornean Bristlehead, Storm’s Stork, and the Rhinoceros Hornbill, as well as other unique and beautiful species.

With several different routes, there is something for every birdwatcher. From the lush forests of Kinabalu Park to the coastal wetlands of Kota Kinabalu, each route offers a unique birdwatching experience.

At the recent Sabah Birding Routes 2024 launch at the UK Bird Fair, the routes focused mainly on 3-5 day birding trips and 7-14 day bird tours. There was also a unique Sabah Birding Loop Tour, which makes an entire loop around Sabah and lasts 21-30 days.

Here are some popular birding routes and areas in Sabah:

Kinabalu Park:

• Location: Near Kota Kinabalu (West Coast)
• Highlights: The area is home to endemic species like Whitehead’s Trogon, Whitehead’s Spiderhunter, Bornean Stubtail and Bornean Whistler. Trails such as the Silau-Silau Trail and Kiau View Trail offer good birding opportunities, while the main walk to Timpohon Gate is one of the most popular bird walks.

Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve

• Location: Near Sandakan (East Coast)
• Highlights: Known for the unique and endemic Bornean Bristlehead and other species like the Black-crowned Pitta, hornbills, kingfishers and other lowland birds. The Rainforest Discovery Centre offers a massive elevated walkway and several metal canopy towers for birdwatching.

Danum Valley Conservation Area

• Location: Lahad Datu area (East Coast/Central)
• Highlights: Offers some of the best primary rainforest birding in Borneo. Look out for species like the Bornean Bristlehead, Giant Pitta, the majestic Great Argus and various hornbills. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is also one of Borneo’s most luxurious birding and nature resorts.

Tawau Hills Park

• Location: Tawau (East Coast)
• Highlights: Known for the Blue-headed Pitta and other lowland species. Trails through the park provide good birding opportunities. You need to engage a bird guide to see the beautiful pitta here.

Liwagu River Area (Ranau)

• Location: Near Ranau (West Coast)
• Highlights: Rich birdlife, including the Mountain Serpent-Eagle and Whitehead’s Trogon. The Rafflesia Centre also offers birding opportunities. This place requires a bird guide to spot birds.

Lower Kinabatangan River

• Location: Near Sukau (East Coast)
• Highlights: River cruises offer opportunities to spot several species of hornbills, kingfishers, and other water-associated birds. Several river lodges are located along this majestic river, which has one of Sabah’s best wildlife and bird populations. You must pre-book a bird tour to visit this place and stay at any lodges.

Pulau Tiga Park

• Location: Off the coast of Sabah (West Coast)
• Highlights: In addition to birding, the island is known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, including various seabirds. It is one of the unique islands in Sabah and requires a bird guide to access.

How to book a Bird Tour in Sabah?

Those interested can contact us directly here, as we have contacts with some of the best tour guides in Sabah. As we run this birding website, we deal with many bird guides when we are out in the field exploring for content. This way, we know who the licensed and reputable bird guides are in Sabah.

Conclusion

When planning a birding trip in Sabah, it is highly recommended and advisable to hire licensed local guides who are knowledgeable about the area. This will ensure that you get professional guidance and service through your bird tours in Sabah.

The Sabah Birding Routes 2024 campaign was launched at the Global Birdfair 2024 and is a strategic move to highlight Sabah’s unique birdwatching opportunities on an international platform. By officiating the campaign at their promotional booth, the Sabah Tourism Board is effectively showcasing the region’s diverse birdlife and attracting birding enthusiasts worldwide.

Continuous promotion and marketing efforts are crucial in positioning Sabah as a premier destination for birding in Borneo. Highlighting the endemic species, diverse habitats, and specialized birdwatching infrastructure such as trails and observation points will further enhance Sabah’s appeal to birdwatchers.