From Highlands to Lowlands: An Epic 12-Day Birding Sweep of Sabah Borneo
What a journey! I recently returned from a 12-day expedition across Sabah (April 25 – May 6, 2026), and the "Land Below the Wind" truly lived up to its reputation. I met up with Khandan and our eager group—Bruce, Moira, Mike, and Diane—in Kota Kinabalu, ready to tackle everything from coastal paddy fields to the misty heights of Mount Kinabalu and the deep river systems of the Kinabatangan.
The "Whitehead’s Trio" and Highland Rarities
After a fantastic warm-up in the Kota Kinabalu paddy fields—where we were greeted by dozens of Wandering Whistling-Ducks and a White-bellied Sea-Eagle with its prey—we headed straight for the highlands. The bird hides provided front-row seats to Borneo’s montane gems. We watched in awe as the Bornean Banded Pitta, Black-throated Wren-Babbler, and both Red-breasted and Crimson-headed Partridges stepped into view.
The absolute highlight of our time in Kinabalu Park was completing the "Whitehead’s Trio." We had incredible, close-range encounters with the Whitehead’s Trogon, the neon-green Whitehead’s Broadbill, and even caught a glimpse of the Whitehead’s Spiderhunter. We capped off the highland leg by spotting the Mountain Black-eye immediately upon arrival at the summit, followed by the elusive Bare-headed Laughingthrush. To add a touch of botanical magic, the group even witnessed a Rafflesia flower in full bloom.
The Quest for the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant
Leaving the mist behind, we embarked on a rugged 4x4 journey followed by a 45-minute uphill trek to a remote village hide. Our target? The Bornean Peacock-Pheasant. The effort paid off instantly; a magnificent male was waiting for us, eventually joined by a female before we departed.
Our transition to Sepilok and the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) shifted the pace. From the canopy walk, we marveled at Rhinoceros Hornbills, Red-naped Trogons, and the massive Great Slaty Woodpecker. Nature even threw in a bonus: an Orangutan feeding nearby and a Slow Loris during our night walk.
River Cruises and Rare Pittas
The final leg of our trip took us to the mighty Kinabatangan River. Despite the tropical heat, our river cruises were spectacular, offering views of Storm’s Storks, Lesser Adjutants, and a herd of Bornean Pygmy Elephants cooling off by the water.
The grand finale occurred at a specialized forest hide an hour from the river. There, we finally caught up with the birds we had "dipped" on earlier: the Sabah Partridge and the stunning Black-crowned Pitta. We also added the Bornean Crested Fireback and the rare Rufous-collared Kingfisher to our list before a final afternoon cruise revealed a roosting Buffy Fish Owl.
Ready to tick the Whiteheads off your life list?
Whether you are looking for the endemics of Sabah or the forest specialists of Peninsular Malaysia, our 2027 tours are designed to put you exactly where the birds are. Khandan is already confirmed to return next year, and spots are filling fast!
