Telupid
Birding in Telupid, Sabah – Discover the Heart of Borneo’s Forest Birdlife
Telupid – The Gateway to Borneo’s Untamed Birding Wilderness
Located along the central route between Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu, Telupid sits in the heart of Sabah and serves as a perfect stopover for birdwatchers exploring the interior of Borneo. This lesser-known area, surrounded by lush mid-elevation rainforests and rolling hills, offers peaceful birding away from crowds — a true gem for nature lovers seeking new frontiers in Borneo birdwatching.
With its mix of lowland and hill forest habitats, Telupid attracts an impressive variety of both endemic and migratory birds, making it a rewarding destination for dedicated birders and photographers alike.
Why Birding in Telupid is Worth Exploring
Telupid’s location between major birding hubs like Kinabalu Park, Danum Valley, and Kinabatangan River gives it a unique blend of avian diversity. Forest reserves and rural backroads around Telupid often yield surprising sightings, from colorful broadbills to secretive pittas. The area remains underexplored, offering the thrill of discovery with every birding walk.
Top Birding Areas in Telupid
- Telupid Forest Reserve – Mid-elevation forest with a mix of montane and lowland species.
- Kg. Kiabau and Surrounding Countryside – Great for open-country and edge-loving birds.
- Roads Toward Deramakot and Tangkulap – Excellent for deeper rainforest birding and rare endemics.
Notable Birds of Telupid
Bornean Endemics & Highland-Lowland Mix
- Bornean Barbet (Psilopogon eximius)
- Bornean Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis superbus)
- White-crowned Shama (Copsychus stricklandii)
- Black-and-crimson Oriole (Oriolus consanguineus)
- Bornean Black Magpie (Platysmurus leucopterus aterrimus)
- Bornean Bulbul (Rubigula montis)
- Mountain Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus trivirgatus)
- Black-sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum monticolum)
Other Interesting Species
- Blue-banded Pitta (Hydrornis schwaneri)
- Rufous-collared Kingfisher (Actenoides concretus)
- Black-and-yellow Broadbill (Eurylaimus ochromalus)
- Scarlet-rumped Trogon (Harpactes duvaucelii)
- Red-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis amictus)
- Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus alboniger)
- Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca)
Best Time for Birding in Telupid
Birding in Telupid is enjoyable year-round, but the best time to visit is from March to August, when bird activity peaks and weather is generally favorable. Early mornings are especially productive, offering excellent light for bird photography and vocal activity across the forest canopy.
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