Overview
Discover Borneo’s spectacular avian diversity on this 16-day birding and wildlife photography expedition through Sabah’s best natural reserves. From the misty mountains of Tambunan and Kinabalu Park to the pristine rainforests of Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Utan Rainforest Lodge, and Danum Valley, this tour offers an unforgettable experience for bird enthusiasts and photographers seeking rare and endemic species. Guided by expert naturalists, you’ll explore a variety of habitats across different elevations, ensuring the best opportunities to capture Borneo’s most iconic wildlife.
Tour Highlights
- Birding across Sabah’s top destinations: Tambunan, Kinabalu Park, Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Utan Rainforest Lodge, and Danum Valley
- Expert birding and photography guidance throughout the journey
- Opportunities to observe Bornean endemic and rare bird species
- River cruises, canopy walks, and optional night safaris
- Comfortable lodges surrounded by nature in every location
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), meet your guide and begin an overland journey to Tambunan town, approximately 1.5 hours away. Upon arrival, receive a short briefing about the tour and settle in for the evening.
Overnight: Tambunan (Dinner)
After breakfast, take an early morning drive to Gunung Alab, about 30 minutes away. Spend the day birding around the Alab Bird Station and Alab Sub-station, known for its cool montane forests that shelter numerous Bornean endemics.
Overnight: Tambunan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Depart early for Trusmadi Bird Hide, where you’ll enjoy your packed breakfast while observing early-morning species activity. Later, return to town for lunch and continue birding along the forest edge and roadside areas of Trusmadi Forest Reserve in the afternoon.
Overnight: Tambunan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Enjoy a morning birding session at Trusmadi Forest Reserve before departing for Kinabalu National Park, a three-hour drive. Stop for lunch along the way, and upon arrival, begin your first afternoon birding adventure within 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)
Enjoy a full day birding and photography session at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Explore the canopy walkway and nature trails that offer opportunities to photograph species like the Bornean Bristlehead, Black-and-red Broadbill, and Rufous-collared Kingfisher.
Overnight: Sepilok (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Begin the morning at RDC before traveling to Gomantong Forest Reserve with lunch en route. After birding at Gomantong’s lush forest trails, continue your journey to the Kinabatangan River, arriving in the evening.
Overnight: Sukau, Kinabatangan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Cruise along the Kinabatangan River in the early morning and late afternoon to spot hornbills, kingfishers, and other riparian birds. Spend midday birding around the lodge grounds. An optional night cruise offers the chance to encounter nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Sukau, Kinabatangan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Continue exploring the different river tributaries for more bird and wildlife photography opportunities, including sightings of Storm’s Stork and Oriental Darter.
Overnight: Sukau, Kinabatangan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Depart Kinabatangan for Lahad Datu (approximately 2 hours). After registration at the Utan Rainforest Lodge office, continue the 2.5-hour journey into the lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon birding session or relax in a hide for close-up wildlife photography.
Overnight: Utan Rainforest Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Spend the full day birding within the rich biodiversity of Utan Rainforest Lodge. Explore mangrove areas, bird hides, and forest trails where hornbills, pittas, and other lowland species are often encountered.
Overnight: Utan Rainforest Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Depart for Lahad Datu in the morning and register at the Danum Valley office. Continue into Danum Valley, a journey of about 2.5 hours through pristine rainforest. In the afternoon, enjoy birding around the Borneo Rainforest Lodge or Danum Valley Studies Centre.
Overnight: Borneo Rainforest Lodge / Danum Valley Studies Centre (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Spend two full days exploring the primary lowland dipterocarp forest of Danum Valley, one of Borneo’s richest birding locations. Search for rare and endemic species such as the Blue-headed Pitta, Bornean Bristlehead, and Great Argus Pheasant. Optional night safaris or walks provide opportunities to encounter nocturnal birds and mammals.
Overnight: Borneo Rainforest Lodge / Danum Valley Studies Centre (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After early morning birding near the lodge, enjoy breakfast before checking 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
