Ornithology in Borneo
12 Days 11 Nights Exploring Borneo and its bird species
A wild symbol of Southeast Asia, Borneo captivates with its exceptional biodiversity and unspoiled landscapes — true natural sanctuaries.
Discover Borneo, the third largest island in the world, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Embark on an adventure through the pristine rainforests of Sabah — from Mount Kinabalu to the Kinabatangan River jungle, through the bird-rich Tabin Wildlife Reserve and the Sepilok region, home to orangutans. A unique journey into the heart of wild and fascinating nature.
Join us as we explore the country’s top birdwatching hotspots — carefully selected to maximize your chances of encountering rare and spectacular species in the wild!
Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu - Mount Kinabalu national park
(Dinner)
Reception at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Transfer by minivan for a 2-hour journey that takes us to the slopes of Mount Kinabalu. With a peak reaching over 4000m above sea level, Kinabalu's montane forests are home to an incredible diversity of endemic birds and plants. A night hike through the mossy forest will reveal a host of unusual insects and endemic amphibians.
Day 2 - Mount Kinabalu national park
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
We spend the day along the mountain roads and trails of the park to explore the mountain forest and observe the specific species of this environment. We visit the educational center and the botanical garden of the park. Meals are taken in the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 3 - Poring hotspring - Sepilok
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Observation before breakfast for the early birds, then departure to Poring hotspring where we do the course in the canopy. After lunch we continue our journey to the east coast of Borneo, and arrive in Sepilok in the late afternoon.
Day 4 and 5 - Sepilok
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Short excursion in the gardens before breakfast for early risers. Depart after breakfast to be at the entrance of the Rainforest Discovery Center when it opens. Morning devoted mainly to the search for birds along the trails. The Wallace's Hawk-eagle and the crested serpent-eagle perch on the tall trees. In the undergrowth, we will try to spot the trogons and the Pittas, which are often very discreet. The Broadbills and the hornbills evolve higher in the trees. Return around noon to the lodge for lunch. In the middle of the afternoon, return to the center to try to spot the flying squirrels and other crepuscular mammals at the end of the day.
Day 6 - Kinabatangan river
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
After breakfast, a short mini-bus ride will take us to the marina. Transfer to a boat that will first cross the gulf before reaching the Kinabatangan River estuary, which we will ascend for more than two hours. We will be immersed in another universe: first of all the mangrove, kingdom of the saltwater crocodile, proboscis monkeys and nursery of millions of fish. Then, the gallery forest that borders the banks of the river. In this habitat we will see our first kingfishers, egrets, hornbills and many other birds. About fifty kilometers, and here is our lodge which appears, at the bend of a meander in the river. Installation in this exceptional place. Evening meal at the lodge. Night excursion by boat to search for nocturnal creatures: civets, bats, Buffy Fish-Owl.
Day 7 and 8 - Kinabatangan river
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
After breakfast, we will take our boat to survey the river and its tributaries in search of fishing birds: the rare Storm Stork, the discreet Yellow Bittern, the splendid Blue-eared Kingfisher or the imposing Gray-headed Fish-Eagle. Return to the lodge for lunch. After a break in the early afternoon, another boat trip in the afternoon to visit a different sector of the river for new observations. Evening meal at the lodge.
Day 9 - Tabin
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
After breakfast, we leave Sukau, first by boat and then by van to travel to Lahad Datu and then to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in eastern Sabah. Arrival at the lodge in the early afternoon. Lunch at the lodge. The Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a well-preserved sanctuary that we will have the privilege of discovering for two days. Installation at the lodge in the early afternoon. Free afternoon. Evening meal at the lodge. Night excursion around the lodge to spot nocturnal animals. The rainforest is home to a large number of creatures that only come into activity after dark. Batrachians, insects, spiders are among the most active. An immersion in the incredible biodiversity of the Malaysian forest!
Day 10 and 11 - Tabin
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
During the next two days, accompanied by a local guide, we will walk the paths and tracks of Tabin in search of the very diversified fauna. We will alternate excursions on foot and in an all-terrain vehicle. At least one end of the day will be spent visiting a particular clearing, where the muddy ground attracts many animals that come to look for mineral salts. A raised platform will facilitate observation on the lookout for animals. Meals will be taken at the lodge and a free moment is planned in the first half of the afternoon, during the hottest hours of the day. In the evening, night walks are planned to increase the chances of observing a crowd of animals. We will also be able to remain silent to listen to the incredible soundscapes of the jungle, with the rustling of insects and the croaking of frogs.
Day 12 - Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu
(Breakfast, lunch)
Last morning observations then we take the direction of Lahad Datu airport after lunch to take a flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Keep the adventure going with a trip extension on Lankayan island or in the urban jungle of Singapour!.
Want to travel on different dates or customize your itinerary? We offer fully tailor-made and private trips — contact us to start planning!
Our prices include :
- The services of an English-speaking tour leader,
- Accommodation on the basis of a double or twin room in the hotels mentioned or equivalent,
- Full board meals,
- Transfers and transport on site,
- Domestic flights
- Entrance fees,
- Guide fees.
Our prices do not include :
- International flights,
- The single room option if desired and subject to availability. Price upon request,
- Non-meals drinks and alcoholic drinks,
- Tips and other personal expenses.
- In the case of air transport, air surcharges in the event of excess baggage or increased fuel.
- Multi-risk travel insurance (optional)
- Expenses related to force majeure (adverse weather conditions, geopolitical issues, etc.)
When to go?
For the best bird watching experience, plan your trip between March and September — with March to June being the prime months. Drier weather and active bird life create ideal conditions for observation, while easier access to natural sites ensures a smooth and enriching adventure.
Mount Kinabalu national park :
Mount Kinabalu National Park, overlooked by the imposing Mount Kinabalu massif rising to 4095 m, the highest in South-East Asia, is the best site for Borneo's mountain endemics and a viewing destination of birds, classic of South-East Asia.
Mont Kinabalu.
Poring Hotspring :
Man-made hot spring complex in the jungle at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, with open spaces offering good birding opportunities. Many butterflies are also present, and rafflesia sometimes bloom around the springs. The course in the canopy offers beautiful perspectives on the jungle and allows beautiful observations.
Canopy walk
Sepilok :
An excellent birding site with lowland dipterocarp forests and mangrove forest. Famous for its Orangutan Rehabilitation Center (Ourc) and the Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC). Although the birding list overlaps significantly with that of Kinabatangan and Danum Valley, birding for a day here is still highly recommended.
Rainforest Discovery Center
Kinabatangan river :
The second longest river in Malaysia, the Kinabatangan River is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, especially around its lower basin. Renowned as a wildlife sanctuary where exotic species such as Proboscis Monkeys, Orangutans and Asian Elephants can be seen. A river safari is the best way to experience the rich ecosystem and abundant wildlife of the Kinabatangan.
River Lodge.
Tabin wildlife reserve :
Tabin Wildlife is a nature reserve in Sabah, eastern Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. Tabin is a rectangular area of approximately 122,539 hectares created in 1984, declared a wildlife sanctuary mainly due to the large number of animals that inhabit its forests, some of which are highly endangered. Sabah's three largest mammals, namely the Borneo pygmy elephant, Borneo rhino and Tembadau are found in the reserve; nine species of primates are present, as well as three species of felines which are all on the list of protected wildlife species; 42 families representing 220 species of birds have been recorded here. Tabin is one of the best places in Sabah to observe the rich biodiversity of nature and to take part in nature-based activities. One of the highlights of Tabin being the active and mineral-rich mud volcanoes, attracting frequent visits from wildlife for their mineral intake and providing an ideal platform for wildlife viewing and birding.
Easy. The walks carried out throughout the tour do not present any difficulty. It is hot, between 30 and 34°C (86 to 94°F), and the percentage of humidity is high, between 80-95%.
We walk a few hours a day at the pace of leisurely walking with many breaks for observation. You are in good health and able to walk at a normal pace, with a small backpack containing hydration.
Accommodation throughout the trip varies between premium and standard.
We will travel by minibus with approved drivers. Road conditions in Malaysia are good.
Information concerning health and administrative formalities may constantly evolve. It is necessary to check for updates with official bodies.
Visa:
Most foreign nationals do not require a visa for a stay of less than three months in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. They must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of their stay and a return or onward ticket. A travel declaration must be made online within 72 hours of travel.
Health :
No vaccination is required unless you are arriving directly from Africa or South America, where in this case you will need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
You will find the list of countries requiring a yellow fever vaccination certificate and/or a visa on the official website of the Immigration department of Malaysia
Feel free to contact us for any clarification or special request.
- Registration: your request is made through the Booking form. We prepare a quote with all the information related to your trip that you will receive by e-mail within 2 to 5 days of your request.
- Confirmation : Your registration will be final and taken into account by the validation of the quote, our general conditions of sale and the payment of a deposit of 40%. The balance payment must reach us no later than 45 days before the departure date.