12D11N Borneo Bird Photography Expedition: From Highlands to Rainforest Rivers

Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), meet your guide and begin your overland journey to Tambunan, a scenic highland town about 1.5 hours away. As you ascend the Crocker Range, enjoy the changing landscapes of forested valleys and rural villages. Upon arrival, check in and receive a short tour briefing over dinner.

Overnight: Tambunan (D)

After an early breakfast, drive approximately 40 minutes to Gunung Alab, a montane birding paradise. Spend the day photographing Bornean highland endemics at the Alab Bird Station and Alab Sub-station — areas rich with species such as the Bornean Whistler, Mountain Blackeye, and Whitehead’s Spiderhunter. Misty trails, mossy trees, and cool air create the perfect atmosphere for photography.

Overnight: Tambunan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Set out before dawn to the Trusmadi Bird Hide, a tranquil spot offering up-close opportunities to photograph elusive forest birds such as Broadbills, Barbets, and Pheasants. Spend the full day in hide-based photography surrounded by pristine montane forest. Return to Tambunan for dinner and rest.

Overnight: Tambunan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Spend the early morning photographing birds and forest details at Trusmadi Forest Reserve before departing for Kinabalu National Park (around 3 hours’ drive). Stop for lunch along the way and arrive in the late afternoon. If time allows, enjoy an evening photography session at the park, where montane specialties like the Whitehead’s Trogon and Bornean Treepie can be spotted.

Overnight: Kundasang (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Devote the day to exploring Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique flora and fauna. Capture images across various altitudes, from fern-lined trails to orchid-covered slopes, as mist rolls over the mountain. Birding photographers can expect a variety of endemic species and macro enthusiasts will love the vibrant insect and plant life.

Overnight: Kundasang (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After a morning shoot around the park, depart for Telupid after lunch (about 3 hours’ drive). This quieter region offers excellent hide locations for lowland bird species. Upon arrival, check in and prepare your gear for the following day’s photography session.

Overnight: Telupid (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Spend the early morning at a private bird hide near Telupid, where colorful species such as Trogons, Broadbills, and Babblers frequent the area. After lunch, continue your journey to Sepilok, located about 2.5 hours away. Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Sepilok (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Enjoy a full day at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), one of Sabah’s premier birdwatching and photography locations. Walk the canopy walkway and forest trails to photograph species like the Black-and-Crimson Pitta, Rufous-collared Kingfisher, and Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. After dinner, join a private night walk to photograph nocturnal species such as owls, civets, and flying squirrels.

Overnight: Sepilok (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After a short morning session around Sepilok’s forest edges, drive to Gomantong Forest Reserve to photograph wildlife around the cave system, home to swiftlets and nesting bats. Continue to Kinabatangan River (about 45 minutes’ drive) and check in to your riverside lodge.

Overnight: Sukau, Kinabatangan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Spend two full days exploring the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river and a haven for wildlife photographers. Enjoy dawn and dusk river cruises to capture Bornean Pygmy Elephants, Proboscis Monkeys, Hornbills, and other wildlife along the riverbanks. Optional night cruises offer the chance to photograph nocturnal mammals and owls.

Overnight: Sukau, Kinabatangan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Enjoy a final early morning photography session before breakfast. After check-out, transfer to Sandakan Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Borneo Bird Photography Tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch