Birding in Kinabalu Park, Sabah – Explore Borneo’s Montane Birding Paradise
Kinabalu Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Birding Gem
Rising majestically at 4,095 meters, Mount Kinabalu is not only the tallest mountain in Malaysia but also one of Asia’s richest birding destinations. The surrounding Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects over 300 bird species, including some of the most sought-after Bornean endemics. Its cool montane forests, misty trails, and rich biodiversity make it a must-visit for every birdwatcher visiting Sabah.
Why Kinabalu Park is a Birding Hotspot
Kinabalu Park’s diverse elevation zones — from lowland dipterocarp forests to subalpine shrublands — support an incredible variety of birdlife. Whether you’re exploring the park headquarters, the Silau-Silau Trail, or the upper mountain slopes, you’ll be surrounded by a symphony of bird calls from dawn till dusk.
Top Birding Areas in Kinabalu Park
- Park Headquarters & Botanical Garden Trails – Easy-access trails great for endemics like the Bornean Whistler and Black-capped White-eye.
- Silau-Silau & Liwagu Trails – Ideal for forest-dwelling species such as Whitehead’s Trogon and Fruithunter.
- Power Station & Timpohon Gate Area – Higher elevation zone where mountain specialists like the Mountain Black-eye thrive.
Notable Birds of Kinabalu Park
Bornean Endemics & Montane Specials
- Whitehead’s Trogon (Harpactes whiteheadi)
- Whitehead’s Broadbill (Calyptomena whiteheadi)
- Whitehead’s Spiderhunter (Arachnothera juliae)
- Everett’s Thrush (Zoothera everetti)
- Bornean Whistling Thrush (Myophonus borneensis)
- Mountain Black-eye (Chlorocharis emiliae)
- Bornean Treepie (Dendrocitta cinerascens)
- Bornean Barbet (Psilopogon eximius)
- Bornean Stubtail (Urosphena whiteheadi)
Other Beautiful Species
- Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush (Garrulax treacheri)
- Indigo Flycatcher (Eumyias indigo)
- Mountain Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus trivirgatus)
- Temminck’s Sunbird (Aethopyga temminckii)
- Little Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia ruficeps)
- Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus alboniger)
Best Time for Birding in Kinabalu Park
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