14 Days Sabah Borneo Birding and Bird Photography Tour with Jason Bugay Reyes
A private 14-day Sabah birding and bird photography route with Jason Bugay Reyes covering Kota Kinabalu, Mt. Trusmadi, Mt. Alab, Kinabalu Park, Sepilok, Kinabatangan and Danum/Tabin/Sungai Kapur options.
About this tour
This BirdWatch review listing is based on Jason Bugay Reyes's approval and his Birding Tours in Sabah itinerary for a 14-day birding and bird photography route across Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.
The route starts around Kota Kinabalu birding sites, continues to Mt. Trusmadi/Mt. Alab hides, Kinabalu Park montane forest, Telupid and Sepilok/Rainforest Discovery Centre, then moves to Kinabatangan River before finishing with Danum Valley, Tabin Wildlife Reserve or Sungai Kapur Forest Reserve depending on the final arrangement.
The published source price is MYR 56,710 for two guests when staying in Tabin Wildlife Resort and MYR 65,062 for two guests when using Danum Valley Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Current price, route, accommodation standard and availability must be confirmed by Jason through BirdWatch before booking.
Birds you can spot
Alcedo meninting
target
Lophura bulweri
target
Haematortyx sanguiniceps
target
Icthyophaga humilis
target
Anhinga melanogaster
target
Buceros rhinoceros
target
Pelargopsis capensis
target
Ciconia stormi
target
Aethopyga temminckii
target
Microhierax latifrons
target
Calyptomena whiteheadi
target
Harpactes whiteheadi
target
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu, check in and bird around Tanjung Aru Beach, Likas Lagoon and Penampang rice fields for coastal, wetland and open-country birds.
Depart early for Mt. Trusmadi bird hides and Mt. Alab birding, with targets including Bulwer's Pheasant, Bornean Banded Pitta and partridges.
Continue hide and montane birding around Trusmadi and Alab, adapting time to weather, hide access and photography opportunities.
Continue to Kinabalu Park for montane forest birding, including the Whitehead's trio and other highland endemics.
Early start around the Power Station and trails for montane species such as Mountain Blackeye, Pale-faced Bulbul, Grey-chinned Minivet and Bornean Treepie.
Drive toward Telupid for Bornean Peacock-Pheasant and Blue-banded Pitta hide access, then continue to Sepilok and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Bird the Rainforest Discovery Centre and Sepilok forest for Bornean Bristlehead, Black-crowned Pitta, Rufous-collared Kingfisher, woodpeckers, trogons and babblers.
Finish Sepilok birding and drive to Kinabatangan River, a major lowland river birding and wildlife area.
Use river and tributary cruises for hornbills, kingfishers, raptors, storks, waterbirds and forest-edge species.
Continue Kinabatangan birding, with possible Simud Puteh/Gomantong-style evening activity for Bat Hawk depending on the confirmed route.
Transfer from Kinabatangan toward Danum Valley, Tabin Wildlife Reserve or Sungai Kapur Forest Reserve, depending on the final lodge/reserve arrangement.
Full day in lowland rainforest targeting pittas, wren-babblers, Bornean Bristlehead, ground-cuckoo and other forest birds, with night walks/drives where available.
Additional lowland rainforest birding and photography time around the selected reserve or lodge trail system.
Bird in the morning, transfer to Lahad Datu Airport after lunch for the flight to Kota Kinabalu, then end the tour.
Locations & map
- Kota Kinabalu - Sabah Malaysia (Arrival city and local coastal/wetland birding sites.)
- Mt. Trusmadi - Sabah Malaysia (Bird hides and montane/foothill birding.)
- Mt. Alab - Sabah Malaysia (Crocker Range birding station area.)
- Kinabalu Park - Sabah Malaysia (Montane forest birding around Mount Kinabalu.)
- Sepilok Forest Reserve / Rainforest Discovery Centre - Sabah Malaysia (Lowland forest birding and canopy/skywalk birding.)
- Kinabatangan River / Sukau - Sabah Malaysia (River cruises and lowland wildlife/birding.)
- Tabin Wildlife Reserve - Sabah Malaysia (Lowland rainforest birding option.)
- Danum Valley Forest Reserve - Sabah Malaysia (Lowland rainforest birding option.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Flexible private departures; best timing and availability to be confirmed by Jason.
Included
- Private bird guiding by Jason Bugay Reyes - Exact guiding scope is confirmed after inquiry.
- Birding route planning - Route is adjusted to target birds, weather and current site access.
Not included
- International airfares and travel insurance - Not included in the published source price.
- Unspecified meals, drinks and personal expenses - Confirmed in the final quotation.
- Camera/video fees where required - Confirmed according to current site rules.
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle, domestic flight, river cruise or Transport details are confirmed after inquiry. | Meet: Kota Kinabalu | Pickup: Pickup details confirmed after inquiry through BirdWatch.info.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are dates and prices fixed?
No. Dates, current price, currency, lodging standard and site access are confirmed by Jason after inquiry.
Can the itinerary be adjusted for target birds or photography?
Yes. Jason's source page states that custom-made birding itineraries are available upon request.