Welcome to Sabah: South-East Asia’s birding paradise
Discover world-class birdwatching in the rainforests and islands of northern Borneo, Malaysia
Sabah is a region located in the north of Borneo, Malaysia. It’s the third largest island in the world and one of the country’s most popular destinations, especially for nature lovers.
Home to several national parks, miles of tropical coastline and the tallest mountain in South-East Asia, Sabah packs a punch when it comes to jaw-dropping landscapes. But the jewel in the region’s crown is the sheer diversity of its birdlife — you’ll find over 600 species of bird here, including many rare and endemic residents.
Read on to discover what makes Sabah a birding hotspot, what areas to visit and which species you can see.
Birdwatching in Sabah
Sabah is a standout destination for birding holidays due to its huge variety of habitats. In one trip, birdwatchers can visit lowland rainforests, cloud forests, subalpine meadows, coastal wetlands and islands – and see different species in every location!
As well as this incredible biodiversity, there are a variety of lodges and hotels designed with birdwatchers in mind and plenty of local birding guides who speak multiple languages, including English.
Key habitats to visit in Sabah
Kinabalu Park
This UNESCO Global Geopark holds over half of the region’s bird species. There are several walking and birding trails in the park, or you can join a guided hike to tackle Mount Kinabalu.
Visit the park headquarters to enlist the help of a private birdwatching guide who will be invaluable in spotting all kinds of feathered creatures, like Whitehead’s trogon and Whitehead’s broadbill.
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Closer to sea level, the virgin rainforest of the Danum Valley offers fantastic birdwatching. Join a birding tour and experience the canopy walk – hanging bridges suspended 360 metres among the treetops – where you’ll have the chance to see (and photograph) magnificent birds up close.
Over 300 bird species can be found here. Look out for several endemic species, including the Bornean bristlehead, Bornean blue flycatcher and the Bornean wren-babbler.
Kinabatangan River
Stretching for 560 kilometres and passing through dense rainforest, the Kinabatangan River provides a home for a wide variety of animals. The lower Kinabatangan area is a birding hotspot with over 240 species recorded here.
Join a guided river boat tour to find some of the region’s most sought after birds, including the Storm’s stork, dwarf kingfisher, Malaysian flycatcher and all eight types of hornbill.
Coastal islands
It’s not just Sabah’s leafy interior that’s bursting with avian biodiversity. Over 1,500 kilometres of coastline, including countless islands and secluded inlets, provide prime habitats for Malaysia’s birdlife.
Head to Pulau Tiga Island to try and see white-bellied sea eagles, frigatebirds and terns. Or visit Pulau Mantanani Island, best known among wildlife enthusiasts for sightings of the rare Mantanani scops owl, as well as thousands of roosting frigatebirds that migrate to the island each year.
When to visit Sabah
The best time to visit Sabah, Borneo, for birdwatching is from May to October when the trees are fruiting. Fruit is a key food source of Malaysian birds and this is also the breeding season for many species.
The annual Borneo Bird Festival will take place from 25-26 October. Join like-minded hobbyists and wildlife photographers from around the region, meet English-speaking guides and listen to talks about recent conservation projects, all in the beautiful setting of the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok.
Find out more about the Borneo Bird Festival.
Global Birdfair 11-13 July 2025
Meet the Sabah Tourism Board and its co-exhibitors at Global Birdfair 2025 in Rutland, United Kingdom this summer.
Learn more about the astounding birdlife to be found in Sabah along with insider knowledge and tips to help you plan your next birding adventure.