SARAWAK
Sarawak
The culturally diverse state of Sarawak is the pride of the nation. This mystical state is full of ancient history and wondrous nature. This is the largest state in Malaysia, covering 124,000 square kilometres and has an 800 kilometres coastline, facing the South China Sea. It is on the north western coast of Borneo, the third largest island in the world.
Contact Info
- Sarawak Tourism Board
- www.sarawaktourism.com
- Gunung Mulu National Park
- Similajau National Park
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Visitor’s Information Centre, Kuching Sarawak
Tourism Complex, (Old Courthouse) - vic-kuching@sarawaktourism.com
- Visitor’s Information Centre, Miri
- vic-kuching@sarawaktourism.com
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National Park Booking Offices (Kuching)
National Parks Booking Office
Visitors Information Centre -
Jaya Nature Reserve, Jalan Setia Jaya,
Tabuan Jaya, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak.
- National Park Booking Offices (Miri)
- Online booking: ebooking.sarawak.gov.my
The natural assets and beauty of Sarawak is in its blend of tribal traditions and nature: everything from the scattered valley farms of the Kelabit Highlands to the bird’s-nest trading communities of the Niah Caves and the nomadic jungle Penan have their place. Birdwatchers will have an amazing time birding and enjoying sites so amazing such as Sarawak!
Bako National Park
No. of species: 237
Bako National Park is Sarawak’s oldest national park, covering an area of 2,727 ha was gazetted in 1957. It is at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula and is one of the smallest national parks in Sarawak, yet one of the most interesting, as it contains almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo.
This national park has a fascinating variety of habitats including the Kerangas Forest, beach vegetation, grassland, mangroves as well as mixed dipterocarp and peat swamp forest and was designated as an IBAs, (MY37). Bako National Park offers visitors an excellent introduction to the rainforest and coastline of Borneo. So far, 237 species of both resident and migrant birds have been recorded here.
Between the park headquarters or the mangroves of Telok Asam, it is as a good place to start birdwatching. Here you might catch sight of the common resident birds such as Pink-necked Green-pigeon, Ashy Tailorbird, Mangrove Blue-flycatcher, Common Flameback and Sunda Pygmy Woodpeckers, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, and Chestnut-bellied Malkoha. Head for the Lintang and Serait trails if you are searching for forest birds such as the Red-naped Trogon, Grey-capped Emerald Dove (Asian Emerald Dove), Asian Fairy Bluebird, Greater Racquet-tailed Drongo, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, White- chested Babbler, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, White-bellied Woodpecker, Buff-necked Woodpecker, Red-crowned Barbet and Bornean Brown Barbet (Brown Barbet), Blue- eared Kingfisher, Oriental Dwarf-kingfisher (Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher), Scarlet Minivet, Spotted Fantail, Oriental Paradise- flycatcher (Blyth’s Paradise-Flycatcher) and Grey-chested Jungle-flycatchers.
Visiting this site is best done between March to October.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Coordinate: 4°02’33.0”N 114°48’46.8”E
No. of species: +270 bird species.
Habitat: Mulu National Park encompasses lowland rainforests, limestone caves, karst pinnacles, and montane forests. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its biodiversity and unique geological features.
Visitor Experience: Mulu is accessible via short flights from Miri or long overland trips. Facilities include eco-lodges and basic accommodation near the park headquarters. Guided tours are recommended for locating rare species.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Black Oriole, Mountain Barbet, Bornean Leafbird, Diard’s Trogon, and Golden-naped Barbet.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Eyebrowed Thrush, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Arctic Warbler, and Yellow-rumped Flycatcher.
Similajau National Park
No. of species: 185
Gazetted as a park in 1976, The Similajau National Park covers an area of 8,996 hectares and with an approximate 71 square kilometres of flat and mildly undulating rainforest, with the eastern part of the park facing the South China Sea. This site is situated about 25 kilometres northeast of Bintulu town and is listed as an IBAs, (MY49).
Around 6 hornbill species are found amongst the 185 species of birds recorded here. There are about four Bornean endemic species – Bornean Wren-babbler, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, Dusky Munia and the superstar – the Bornean Bristlehead.
Other recorded species include the Bat Hawk, Wallace’s Hawk-eagle, Great Argus, Violet Cuckoo, Short-toed Coucal, Buffy Fish- owl, Brown Wood-owl, Large Frogmouth, Blue-throated Bee-eater, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Garnet Pitta, Hook-billed Bulbul, Diard’s Trogon, Scarlet-rumped Trogon as well as the Crested Jay and Malay Blue-flycatcher.
The short View Point Trail leads to the viewing point shelter, where you can look for White-bellied Sea-eagle, Brahminy Kite, Storm’s Stork, and a variety of other seabirds. Apart from amazing birds, there are five species of that frequent the waters off Similajau – the Irrawaddy dolphin, the Bottlenose dolphin, the Indo-pacific Humpback dolphin, the Finless Porpoise dolphin and the Pantropic Spotted dolphin – and all are more frequently encountered between March and September.
Penrissen Range / Gunung Penrissen
No. of species: > 200
The Penrissen Range is located in the world’s oldest and second largest tropical rainforest and is accessible only via Borneo Highlands Resort, about 60 kilometres southwest of Kuching. The range sits more than 1,000 metres asl between Kalimantan and Sarawak. This is one of the most frequently and well documented sites in Sarawak.
The highest point is the spectacular Gunung Penrissen, which is one of the more accessible mountains on the Sarawak/Kalimantan border, standing proud at 1,326 metres high. Located at the western-most mountain range on Borneo, Gunung Penrissen is isolated from the central highland spine of Borneo, and has a distinct ecology. This mountain forms part of the range of low mountains which form the border with Kalimantan and includes the died-out volcano of Gunung Niut (1,701 metres) in Kalimantan.
Designated as an IBAs, (MY40), it has a bird list of over 200 species with about nine endemics including the Blue-banded Pitta, Chestnut-crested Yuhina, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker and Pygmy White-eye. An interesting hike along the Penrissen trail may get birders views of Great Argust, Long-billed Partridge, Wreathed Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill, Pale Blue-flycatcher, Hume’s White-eye, Temminck’s Sunbird, Ashy Drongo, Rail-babbler Black-thighed Falconet and many more. Clearly one of the more accessible and popular trails and birdwatching sites in Borneo.
Kubah National Park
Coordinate: 1°36’48.3”N 110°11’51.6”E
No. of species: +180 bird species.
Habitat: Kubah National Park consists of lowland dipterocarp forests, hill dipterocarp forests, and freshwater streams. The park is also known for its rich biodiversity of palms, ferns, and orchids, which creates a lush environment that supports a variety of bird species.
Visitor Experience: The park is a short drive from Kuching and offers well-marked birdwatching trails for all levels. Local guides are available, while facilities include picnic areas and basic amenities.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Bornean Frogmouth, Bornean Black Magpie, Bornean Blue Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, Red-naped Trogon, and Gold-whiskered Barbet.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Siberian Blue Robin, Tiger Shrike, Brown Shrike, and Blue-and-white Flycatcher.
Paya Maga Highlands
Coordinate: 4°26’18.0”N 115°30’27.4”E
No. of species: +250 bird species.
Habitat: Elevation ranges from 300m to 1,860m, spanning secondary lowland forests, mixed dipterocarp forests, and unique montane heath forests at the summit plateau. The variety of forest types supports a high diversity of resident and migratory birds.
Visitor Experience: Paya Maga Highlands is remote and challenging to access. From Lawas, visitors usually travel about three hours by 4WD followed by a three-to-four-hour trek to reach the highlands. Facilities are basic, with rustic camping shelters such as Black Oriole Camp. Local guides are strongly recommended.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Black Oriole, Bornean Frogmouth, Hose’s Broadbill, Whitehead’s Broadbill, Mountain Barbet, Bornean Barbet, Bornean Leafbird, and Bornean Bulbul.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Eyebrowed Thrush, Grey-streaked Flycatcher, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Arctic Warbler, and Eastern-crowned Warbler.
Kelabit Highlands
This popular highland is located along a large highland plateau, at an altitude of over 1,000 metres surrounded by jungleclad mountains, including the highest mountain of Sarawak – Mount Murud, majestic at 2,423 metres high.
This range and its montane and submontane habitat cater to a large number of Borneo endemic species such as Bulwer’s Pheasant, Whitehead’s Trogon, Whitehead’s Spiderhunter, Whitehead’s Broadbill, Fruithunter, Hume’s Thrush, Bornean Frogmouth, Hose’s Broadbill, Blue-banded Pitta, Bornean Banded Pitta, Bornean Bulbul, Bornean Leafbird, Bornean Barbet, Mountain Barbet, Pygmy White-eye, Black-throated Wren-babbler and Kinabalu Serpent-eagle (Mountain Serpent-Eagle) Ferruginous Partridge, Helmeted Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Malay Blue-banded Kingfisher, Green Broadbill, Cinereous Bulbul, Scaly-breasted Bulbul, Orange-breasted Trogon, White-necked Babbler, Temminck’s Babbler and many more. This site is known to local birdwatchers as the best site to record the rare and endemic Dulit Frogmouth.
Access to this site is by road from the town of Lawas or by flight from Miri. Apart from homestays and lodges operated by the community, the park also has bungalows, hostels, rest houses and even longhouses for rent. There is a nominal park entrance fee of RM10. Permits and information are available at the Visitor Centre.
Kinabalu Park
Species Count: +300 bird species
Habitat: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park
covers lowland dipterocarp forests, submontane and montane forests, oak-laurel forests, and subalpine scrubs near the summit of Mount Kinabalu. The ariation in altitude creates distinct ecological zones, each hosting unique bird assemblages.
Visitor Experience: Kinabalu Park is highly accessible and well developed, with trails, canopy walks, and visitor facilities that includes accommodation, restaurants, and an education centre. Birdwatching can be done along roadsides, garden areas, and forest trails. The park is famous among birders for highland specialties that are difficult to see elsewhere.
Potential Bird Sightings: Resident Birds: Whitehead’s Trogon, Whitehead’s Broadbill, Whitehead’s Spiderhunter, Mountain Black-eye, Friendly Bush Warbler, Crimson-headed Partridge, Fruit-hunter, and Bornean Whistler.
Migratory Birds (August –March): Eyebrowed Thrush, Mugimaki Flycatcher , Grey-streaked Flycatcher, Arctic Warbler, and Blue-and-White Flycatcher.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Species Count: +300 bird species.
Habitat: Tabin spans 120,500 hectares of lowland, swamp, and regenerating forests in eastern Sabah. Its size and habitats support diverse birds and iconic mammals like orangutans and Borneo Pygmy Elephants.
Visitor Experience: Birdwatching in Tabin is rewarding due to its mix of rare lowland species and Bornean endemics. Visitors can explore trails, riverbanks, mud volcanoes, and canopy areas. The Tabin Wildlife Resort provides lodging, guided tours, and night safaris.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Black-crowned Pitta, Bornean Ground Cuckoo, Blue-headed Pitta, Giant Pitta, White-fronted Falconet, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Helmeted Hornbill, and Bornean Black Magpie..
Migratory Birds (August–March): Oriental Honey Buzzard, Asian Brown Flycatcher, and Barn Swallow.
Tanjung Aru Beach
Species Count: +180 bird species.
Habitat: Coastal beach with casuarina trees, palm trees, roadside vegetation nearby mangroves, and some land- scaped park areas (Prince Philip Park, Perdana Park) at the edge of Kota Kinabalu.
Visitor Experience: Best times are near dawn or early morning for quieter activity, and also late afternoon for the parrot activity and sunset. Birdwatching can be done from the beach, among trees, at the park edges, and in casuarina groves.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Blue-naped Parrot, Long-tailed Parakeet, White-breasted Woodswallow, Green Imperial-Pigeon, Ori-ental Magpie-Robin, and Dusky Munia.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Grey-streaked Flycatcher, Gull-billed Tern, and White-winged Tern.
Kinabatangan River
Species Count: +250 bird species.
Habitat: The Kinabatangan River meanders through lowland dipterocarp forests, freshwater swamp forests, oxbow lakes, and riparian areas. This mosaic of habitats provides ideal foraging, nesting, and roosting grounds for a wide variety of birds as well as other wildlife like orangutans and Proboscis Monkeys.
Visitor Experience: The river is accessible via Sandakan or Kinabatangan lodges, with boat tours being the primary method of exploring the area. Local guides enhance the experience by spotting cryptic and rare species. Accommodations range from rustic lodges to eco-resorts.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Storm’s Stork, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Bat Hawk, Straw-headed Bulbul, Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle, and Bornean Ground-Cuckoo.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Barn Swallow, Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, Rainbow Bee-eater, and Scared Kingfisher.
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Species Count: +300 bird species.
Habitat: Danum Valley features primary lowland dipterocarp rainforests, riverine forests, and montane forests at higher elevations. The diversity of habitats supports a wide range of forest specialists, canopy dwellers, and migratory birds.
Visitor Experience: Access is via Lahad Datu, followed by a 1–2 hour drive to the conservation area. Accommodation is available at eco-lodges with basic facilities. Birding trails, canopy walkways, and river tours allow visitors to experience both the understory and canopy layers. Guided tours are mandatory.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Bornean Crested Fireback, Sabah Partridge, Blue-headed Pitta, Black-crowned Pitta, Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, and White-fronted Falconet.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Narcissus Flycatcher, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, and Asian brown Flycatcher.
Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
Species Count: +350 bird species.
Habitat: RDC is located within the protected lowland dipterocarp rainforests of the Sepilok Forest Reserve. The area includes forest trails, a canopy walkway, and freshwater streams that provide diverse habitats for understory and canopy species.
Visitor Experience: RDC is easily accessible from Sandakan and offers well-maintained trails and a canopy walkway for elevated viewing. Guided tours are available and highly recommended for better bird identification. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre are also nearby if you’d like to visit.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Bornean Bristlehead, Black-and-yellow Broadbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Blue-headed Pitta, Cream- eyed Bulbul, Ventriloquial Oriole, and Sabah Partridge.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Grey-streaked Flycatcher, Blue and White Flycatcher, Dark-sided Flycatcher, and Asian Brown Flycatcher.
Maliau Basin Conservation Area
Species Count: +200 bird species.
Habitat: The Maliau Basin Conservation Area contains a rich variety of forest types, primarily consisting of lower montane forests, rare montane heath forests, and lowland to hill dipterocarp forests. The lower montane forest, characterized by towering Agathis spp. along with oaks, laurels, and conifers like Dacrydium spp., gradually transitions into mossy cloud forests along the northern rim.
Visitor Experience: Access is challenging, usually via a combination of road transport and multi-day treks. Accommodation is limited to basic eco-lodges and camps Apiq White fronted within the conservation area. Birdwatching trails include both lowland walks and higher elevation routes. Early mornings offer the best bird activity. Local guides are essential for finding rare species and navigating the area safely.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Sabah Partridge, Helmeted Hornbill, Brown barbet, White-fronted Falconet, and Blue-headed Pitta.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Dark-sided Flycatcher, Siberian Blue Robin, and Grey Wagtaill.
Mount Trusmad
Species Count: +250 bird species.
Habitat: Mount Trusmadi features five different types of vegetations —lowland mixed dipterocarps, hill mixed dipterocarp forests, lower montane forests, upper montane forests and summit scrubs.
Visitor Experience: There are bird hides in the Trusmadi area located around ~1,300m elevation, which are useful for observing submontane & lower montane bird species, including the Bulwer’s Pheasant.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Bulwer’s Pheasant, Crested Partridge, Red-breasted Partridge, Bornean Banded Pitta, Grey-hooded Babbler, Temminck’s Babbler, and Black-throated Wren Babbler.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Dark-sided Flycatcher, Narcissus Flycatcher, and Blue-and-white Flycatcher.
Tawau Hills Park
Species Count: +250 bird species.
Habitat: Lush dipterocarp forest vegetation and lianas cover the lower regions giving way to thick damp mossy forests as the altitude gets higher and temperatures get cooler.
Visitor Experience: Tawau Hills Park is accessible from Tawau town via a short drive. Birdwatching trails range from easy walks to moderate hikes.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Blue-headed Pitta, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Bold-striped Tit Babbler, and Rufous-backed Dwarf-kingfisher.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Siberian Blue Robin, Asian Brown flycatcher, and Dark-sided Flycatcher.
Poring Hot Spring
Species Count: +300 bird species.
Habitat: Poring Hot Springs is located within the Kinabalu Park lowland and hill dipterocarp forests. The area features hot springs, canopy walkways, and riverine habitats, providing diverse environments for forest and riparian bird species.
Visitor Experience: The site is easily accessible from Kinabalu Park headquarters. Birdwatching can be done along the well-maintained trails, canopy walkways, and near the river. Early morning is the best time to spot forest and canopy birds. Facilities include accommodations, public hot springs, and picnic areas.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Hose’s Broadbill, Blue-banded Pitta, Bornean Leafbird, Chestnut-crested Yuhina, and Charlotte’s Bulbul.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Siberian Blue Robin, Narcissus Flycatcher, and Mugimaki Flycatcher.
Gomantong Forest Reserve
Species Count: +260 bird species.
Habitat: The Gomantong Forest Reserve consists of lowland dipterocarp forests, limestone karst formations, and riverine areas. The caves and surrounding forest provide unique habitats for cave-dwelling birds and forest specialists.
Visitor Experience: Visitors can explore forest trails and boardwalks leading to cave entrances. Early morning is ideal for birdwatching, especially near rivers and forest edges. Guided tours are recommended for spotting cave-nesting Chestnut-crested Yuhina Yuhina everetti swiftlets and elusive forest birds. Facilities are basic but adequate for day visits. At dusk, the Bat Hawk hunts bats emerging from the cave.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Bat Hawk, Oriental Pied-Hornbill, Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle,Black-nest Swiftlet, White-nest Swiftlet, Mossy- nest Swiftlet, and Plume-toed Swiflet.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Arctic Warbler, Asian brown Flycatcher, and Grey-streaked Flycatcher.
Buntal Bay
Species Count: +120 bird species.
Habitat: Buntal Bay features extensive mudflats and mangrove forests. These habitats provide rich foraging grounds for shorebirds, herons, egrets, and kingfishers, while mangroves shelter resident passerines and raptors.
Visitor Experience: Buntal Bay is moderately accessible by road from Kuching, with birdwatching best done during low tide when mudflats are exposed. Visitors can walk along simple trails or hire local boat guides to explore channels and mangrove patches. The area is ideal for both casual birders and photographers.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Common Iora, Collared Kingfisher, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and Little Egret.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Nordmann’s Greenshank, Far Eastern Curlew, Chinese Egret, and Chinese Crested Tern.
