The uber-rare Bornean Peacock-Pheasant has historically been very difficult to see. However, this bird has begun appearing regularly near Telupid, Sabah, over the last few years. This small town in the interior of Sabah suddenly experienced an influx of birdwatchers, all wanting to see and photograph this rare Bornean endemic. The Telupid Bornean Peacock-Pheasant hide is undoubtedly the best place on earth to see this otherwise impossible bird.

Telupid Bornean Peacock-Pheasant Hide

In early September 2024, the Birdwatching Asia team visited the Telupid Bornean Peacock-Pheasant Hide in Sabah. The visit was part of our Sabah-wide expedition to highlight and promote birdwatching and bird photography locations within the state. 

During our pre-trip research, we found that there is little information about visiting this hide on the Internet. Therefore, our main objective was to obtain and provide information on visiting this hide for anyone interested.

Introduction to the Telupid Bornean Peacock-Pheasant Hide

This is a paid bird hide located near Telupid, Sabah. Khairul Ikhwan initially set it up a few years ago to allow visitors to see the rare Bornean Peacock-Pheasant. Subsequently, the management of this hide was handed over to Bestaria Eco-tourism, a cooperative formed by residents of the nearby village of Kampung Bestaria.

This hide has been open to the public for at least two years. However, the hide began before the pandemic, when the peacock pheasants were first discovered in the area. It took several years of ‘training’ for the birds to become accustomed to humans. Only then was the hide opened for visitors.

Bestaria Eco-tourism also operates two other hides in the area: one for the Straw-headed Bulbul and the other for the Blue-banded Pitta. This article focuses only on the peacock-pheasant hide.

What birds can you see at the Telupid Bornean Peacock-Pheasant Hide?

Obviously, the star attraction of this hide is the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant. In the past, this exceedingly rare endemic was next to impossible to see, primarily due to its scarcity and reclusiveness. This hide has allowed birdwatchers and photographers worldwide to reliably see this special bird.

Nevertheless, the Telupid Bornean Peacock-Pheasant hide also attracts other species. They include, but are not limited to:

• Bornean Crested Fireback. A Bornean endemic pheasant. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant actively avoids this species. Thus, if the fireback is present, you’re much less likely to see the peacock-pheasant.
• Short-tailed Babbler (Leaflitter).
• Ferruginous Babbler
• Grey-hooded Babbler
• Bornean Black-capped Babbler
• Grey-chested Jungle-Flycatcher
• White-crowned Shama

Is the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant guaranteed here?

As of October 2024, the chances of seeing the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant at this hide are very good. However, even though these birds are fed, they’re still fully wild. Therefore, as with any wildlife encounter, there’s always a chance the main subjects will not show up. 

How to go birdwatching here?

To visit the Telupid Bornean Peacock-Pheasant hide, contact Birdwatching Asia. We work closely with reputable Sabah bird tour companies that specialise in this. Of course, this applies to those who need a bird guide, transport, and other logistic services.

Where is Telupid?

Telupid is a small town located near the geographic centre of Sabah.

• Sandakan is 2.5 hours drive away.
• Kota Kinabalu is 4.5 hours drive away.

Telupid is accessible from Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan, as both towns have major airports. You’ll likely have to rent a car or follow a bird guide to reach the town.

Arriving at the hide in the early morning is essential so as not to miss the peacocks and pheasants. To facilitate this, you’ll likely have to stay overnight in town. During our trip, we stayed at the City Hotel, Telupid. This is a basic but perfectly acceptable budget hotel for a night’s stay.

How do you reach the hide?

In the morning (6 a.m.), you’ll meet the representative from Bestaria Eco-tourism at the Loung-Loung Restaurant (about a 20-minute drive from Telupid). You’ll have your breakfast here and buy extra food if necessary. 

The guide will then lead you to Kampung Bestaria itself (a 30-minute drive from the restaurant). At the village, they’ll transfer you to a 4×4 vehicle, which will take you to the starting point of the hide. 

After leaving the 4×4 vehicle, the hide is a further 30-40 minute hike up a hill. The trail is steep in parts and may be muddy after rains. Therefore, this hide may not be reachable for everyone. It’s unsuitable for people with heart problems or knee issues.

You may request a porter in advance should you require assistance carrying heavy photography equipment up to the hide.

How is the hide?

The Telupid Bornean Peacock-Pheasant hide is fully enclosed and covered, thus affording you protection from the elements. Nevertheless, the facility is still relatively basic, especially when compared to the bird hides at Trusmadi (for example – KK Lee’s Trusmadi Bird Hide). Take note of the following:

• No toilet.
• Food/drinks are not included; therefore, bring your own food and water.
• The floor is simply the dirt itself. The ground is uneven at parts, so setting up tripods may be tricky.
• Plastic chairs for sitting. 
• Bring along insect repellent.

The hide has two sections:

• The main (oldest) section houses up to 20 people and is located slightly uphill from the bird-feeding area.
• A newer second section is located on a slight slope adjacent to the main hide. This section only fits 6-7 people, but it offers better view angles.

How is the birdwatching experience here?

Simply wait for the bird(s) to show up. Their appearance times vary, but early morning seems to be the best. According to the guides, they also sometimes reappear in the late afternoon. Of course, these birds may pop up at any time – they’re wild animals.

During our visit, we were lucky as the birds appeared early, around 8 a.m., and loitered around the area for about an hour. The male was the first to appear. A few minutes later, the female and chick arrived. The male continued to patrol the area, making sure everything was safe for his family. They came and went three times during that hour, finally disappearing by mid-morning. We left the hide around 9.30 a.m.

Of course, your experience may be quite different from ours. Ultimately, the duration of your visit will depend on when the peacock pheasants show up.

Finally, don’t neglect other species while waiting for the peacock pheasants. Many lowland rainforest birds, including some Bornean endemics, will visit the hide, looking for an easy meal.

Recommended photography gear?

Photography here may be tricky since lighting at the hide is often relatively poor.

• Bring a sturdy tripod to minimise camera shake.
• At least 400mm to 600mm lenses.
• A ‘fast’ lens is very beneficial. Otherwise, you’ll need to bump up the ISO.

Important considerations

The Bornean Peacock-Pheasants have become accustomed to humans over the years. Nevertheless, they’re still wild, and may flee if excessive noise are present. Therefore, it’s a good idea to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Keep voices to a minimum. 
• Put mobile phones on silent.
• Silent mirrorless cameras are of great benefit here.
• For DSLR users, use quiet shutter modes, if available.
• Don’t move around unnecessarily; this will scare the birds and annoy other hide users.

What are the fees and charges?

Expect to pay around RM 150 – RM 500 (or more) per person to visit the hide. This may change; indeed, the rates were previously much higher. Bestaria Eco-tourism will advise you of the latest rates when you are there. They have separate rates for local Sabahans (cheapest), non-Sabahan Malaysians (a bit more expensive), and non-Malaysians (most expensive).

Finally, there’s also an additional payment for the 4×4 ride. This fee is per vehicle, and each 4×4 can carry up to 6 passengers. We had to pay RM 100 during our visit. Enquire directly with Bestaria Eco-tourism for the exact price.

These rates may seem expensive. However, remember that you’ll support the local ecotourism industry while seeing a once-in-a-lifetime bird. Moreover,  you’ll be helping to prove the economic value of hides such as this, thus indirectly helping secure the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant’s future in Sabah.  

Conclusion

The Telupid Bornean Peacock-Pheasant hide is currently the only hide in the world that offers reliable encounters with rare birds. While basic, the hide does the job and is more than adequate for observing and photographing them. 

For now, the Bornean Peacock-Pheasants at Telupid remain a reliable star attraction. However, who knows what the future of this endangered and declining species may hold? Therefore, now is as good a time as any to visit this unique hide and see this one-of-a-kind bird.

Do you have any questions about this article? Feel free to comment below, or better yet, contact us at https://birdwatching.asia/contact-us.