8D7N Borneo Birding – Tambunan, Trusmadi, Kinabalu & Poring Hot Spring

Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), you’ll be welcomed by our representative and begin a scenic 1.5-hour overland journey to Tambunan, a peaceful highland town surrounded by lush greenery. After checking in, you’ll receive a detailed briefing about your birding adventure before enjoying dinner and settling in for the night amidst the tranquil mountain air.

Overnight: Tambunan (Dinner)

Rise early and head to Gunung Alab Bird Station, located about 30 minutes from Tambunan. This montane forest is a hotspot for Borneo’s endemic species, offering opportunities to spot the Bornean Treepie, Mountain Barbet, Indigo Flycatcher, and more. You’ll spend the day birding across the Alab Bird Station and its sub-station, enjoying the cool mountain climate and vibrant bird calls before returning to Tambunan for dinner.

Overnight: Tambunan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Before sunrise, travel to the Trusmadi Bird Hide for an early-morning session, one of the best times to encounter elusive species in the quiet forest. Breakfast will be served as a packed meal at the hide, followed by lunch in Tambunan town. In the afternoon, continue birding along Trusmadi Forest Reserve’s forest edges and roadside trails, known for frequent sightings of the Whitehead’s Spiderhunter and Bornean Bulbul.

Overnight: Tambunan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Enjoy one last morning at Trusmadi before departing for Kinabalu National Park, a journey of approximately three hours. Along the way, stop for lunch and take in the changing landscapes as you approach the majestic Mount Kinabalu. Upon arrival, check in at Kundasang and spend the late afternoon birding along Kinabalu Park’s montane forest trails, teeming with a diverse range of high-elevation birdlife.

Overnight: Kundasang (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Spend a full day exploring Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park’s altitude gradient makes it a paradise for birdwatchers, hosting many endemic species such as Whitehead’s Broadbill, Bornean Whistler, Crimson-headed Partridge, and Mountain Blackeye. Guided by experienced birding experts, you’ll explore several trails designed to maximize your chances of rare sightings.

Overnight: Kundasang (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Start the day with early-morning birding around Kinabalu Park’s lower trails before departing for Poring Hot Spring, located about an hour’s drive away. Enjoy a leisurely lunch en route, then check in to your accommodation upon arrival. In the late afternoon, explore the forest trails around Poring, where the shift from montane to lowland habitat brings a new variety of species and photographic opportunities.

Overnight: Poring Hot Spring (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Spend the entire day birding in the lowland tropical forest surrounding Poring Hot Spring. The trails here provide access to both ground-level and canopy habitats, offering chances to see lowland specialties and rainforest endemics. Explore the Canopy Walkway, which stretches high above the forest floor, allowing unique perspectives for bird observation and photography.

Overnight: Poring Hot Spring (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, enjoy one last birding session around Poring before departing for Kota Kinabalu International Airport, approximately a three-hour drive away. Take in the final views of Sabah’s lush landscape as you conclude your unforgettable Borneo birding adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch