Overview
Embark on a 14-day birding and photography journey across Sabah’s most iconic natural habitats — from the cool highlands of Tambunan and Kinabalu Park to the ancient rainforests of Sepilok, Kinabatangan, and Danum Valley. This adventure is designed for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers eager to capture Borneo’s rare and endemic species while experiencing the island’s incredible biodiversity, guided by expert naturalists throughout.
Tour Highlights
- Birding across diverse habitats from montane to lowland rainforests
- Opportunities to photograph Bornean endemics and rare species
- Experienced naturalist birding guide throughout the tour
- Visits to iconic locations: Kinabalu Park, Sepilok, Kinabatangan, and Danum Valley
- Optional night walks and river cruises for nocturnal species
Itinerary
Arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Meet your guide and proceed for an overland journey to Tambunan town (approximately 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, receive a tour briefing and check-in at your accommodation.
Overnight: Tambunan (Dinner)
After an early breakfast, drive to Gunung Alab (approximately 30 minutes). Spend a full day birding and photographing at Alab Bird Station and Alab Sub-station, exploring the misty montane forests rich in endemic species.
Overnight: Tambunan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Depart early for a morning birding session at Trusmadi Bird Hide. Enjoy your packed breakfast at the hide before returning to town for lunch. In the afternoon, continue birding along the forest edges and roadsides of Trusmadi Forest Reserve.
Overnight: Tambunan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Start the morning with birding at Trusmadi Forest Reserve before departing late morning for Kinabalu Park (approximately 3 hours). Stop for lunch en route and continue with late afternoon birding and photography at the park.
Overnight: Kundasang (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Enjoy a full day of birding and photography across various altitudes within Kinabalu National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Borneo’s famous montane endemics, including the Whitehead’s trio, Fruithunter, and Mountain Black-eye.
Overnight: Kundasang (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Early morning birding around the park. After lunch, drive to Sepilok (approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy an evening birding session along the forest edge near your lodge.
Overnight: Sepilok (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Spend a full day birding and photographing at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC). Explore canopy walkways and forest trails where lowland endemics and rainforest species are often sighted.
Overnight: Sepilok (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Begin the morning at RDC before continuing your journey towards Gomantong Forest Reserve. Enjoy lunch en route. After birding and photography at Gomantong, proceed to the Kinabatangan River in the evening (approximately 45 minutes’ drive).
Overnight: Sukau, Kinabatangan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Experience morning and afternoon river cruises in search of birdlife and wildlife along the Kinabatangan. Midday birding can be done around the lodge. Optional night cruise available for nocturnal species and mammals.
Overnight: Sukau, Kinabatangan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Continue exploring different tributaries of the Kinabatangan River for more bird and wildlife photography opportunities.
Overnight: Sukau, Kinabatangan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Depart for Lahad Datu in the morning (approximately 2 hours). Register at the Danum Valley office and continue the drive into the valley (approximately 2.5 hours). Enjoy an afternoon birding session around the area followed by an optional night walk to spot nocturnal species.
Overnight: Danum Valley Studies Centre (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Spend two full days exploring the pristine lowland dipterocarp forests of Danum Valley. Discover and photograph elusive forest species such as the Blue-headed Pitta, Bornean Bristlehead, and various hornbills. Optional night walks or safaris are available for nocturnal birds and mammals.
Overnight: Danum Valley Studies Centre (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Early morning birding near the lodge before breakfast. After check-out, transfer to Lahad Datu Airport for your departure flight.
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Includes/Excludes
Tour Includes
- Bird specialised license Tour Guide
- Accommodation
- Land transport
- Entrance fee
- Meals as stated
- Tourism tax
Tour Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Flight ticket
- Personal expenses
- Additional activities
- Laundry
- Any other fees not mentioned above
FAQs
- Enough clothes for change
- Basic toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Sun lotion
- Cash
- Outdoor attire
- Trekking shoes
- Torch light
- Hat
