Enjoy your first and second day birding at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sandakan situated not from from the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Expect to see Black & Crimson Pitta, Diard’s Trogon, Bat Hawk, Black & Yellow Broadbill, Little Green Pigeon, Rufous Woodpecker, Violet Cuckoo, Rufouscollared Kingfisher, White-bellied Woodpecker, Jerdon’s Baza, Rhinoceros Hornbill and White-rumped Sharma. The canopy walkways make viewing an enjoyable experience.

The lucky ones may find the Borneo Bristlehead, endemic to Borneo and a birder’s must-see. Accommodation at Sepilok Nature Resort (L,D)

Another day of birding at the Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre and its vicinity (B,L,D)

Onward to the serene village of Sukau situated within one of the most wildlife-rich wetland rainforest area. Among the birds seen along the river are Rhinoceros Hornbill, Helmeted Hornbill, Wrinkled Hornbill, the rare Storm’s Stork an endangered Oriental Darter. River cruise to the Oxbow lake in search of more birds. Listern out for the calls made by Giant Pitta. Raptors such as Crested Serpent Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Jerdon’s Baza, Brahminy Kite and White-fronted Falconet frequently sighted.

River cruise to watch Proboscis monkeys and be amazed by the physical feature and agility of this much talked-about primate. Accommodation in Sukau (B,L,D)

Travel to Tabin Wildlife Reserve and check into the charming timber lodge at Tabin wildlife Resort. The Sunbird Café is surrounded by flowering plants which attract a number of brightly coloured birds. As you sip-your coffee, your will be kept busy following active species such as the Black-backed Kingfisher, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, Red-throated Sunbird and the Black and Yellow Broadbills. A bird hide facing the flowing river provides a wonderful site for viewing birds. Stroll along the resort road you may be greeted by White-bellied Munia , Lesser Coucal and Storm’s Storks. You will most likely be able to spot one or more of Borneo’s eight species of hornbill in Tabin. After dinner, go for nocturnal birdsspotting. Birding at the resort’s vicinity you may find Finsch’s Bulbul, endemic Bornean and Black-throated Wrenbabblers, White-crowned Forktail, Dark-throated Oriole, and Malaysian Blue Fly-catcher.

Trek to Lipad mud volcano, a mineral salt lick for wildlife and birds. The endemic Black and Crimson Pitta could be seen or heard along the trek. Finsch’s Bulbul, Black-throated Wren-babblers, White-crowned Forktail, Dark-throated Oriole are some of the species spotted here. Green Imperial Pigeons and Jambu Fruit Doves also frequented this area. The adventurous ones can try out the effect of volcanic mud on their face.

Birding along the core area road, you will be entertained by wild bird songs and the calls of Borneo Gibbons. Dollar bird, Rufous woodpecker, Bronzed Dragon, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Speckled Piculet, Chestnut-capped Thrush, White-fronted Falconet, Long-tailed Parakeet, Temminck’s Sunbird, Purple-throated Sunbird are some of the species to be expected. Wild ginger plants are favourite of the Thick-Billed Flowerpecker. Accommodation at Tabin Widlife Resort (B,L,D)

Fly to Kota Kinabalu and go birding at the popular Tg. Aru Beach. Look for three species that you probably have to travel a long way to see elsewhere- Blue Naped Parrot, Java Sparrow, and Crested Myna. Other birds easily spotted include Green Imperial Pigeon, Pink Necked Green Pigeon, Zebra Dove, Pied Thriller, Olive backed and Brown Throated Sunbirds. Overnight at Mega De Aru or similar. (B, L, D)

Visit Gunung Emas to look out for high altitude species today. Here, Crimson-headed Partridge , Oriental Cuckoo, Bornean treepie, Bornean bulbul, Black-sided flowerpecker, Chestnut-hooded Launghingthrush, Ashy Drongo, Sunda Bush-warbler and Grey-throated Babbler are some of the species expected. (B,L,D)

Kinabalu Park offers an exciting birding experience. The Park encompasses a range of habitats, from lowland rainforest to montane forest. There are 58 strictly montane birds—17 of which are endemic Bornean species. Expected to be seen are Malaysian Treepie, Ashy Drongo, Laughing Thrush, Short-tailed Magpies, Mountain Leaf Warblers, Chestnut-crested Yuhina, Temminck’s sunbird, various flycatchers and babblers. Along the forest trails, it is possible to spot the Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Bar-winged Cuckooshrike, Sunda Whistling Thrush, and Whitehead’s Broadbill. Accommodation at Fairy Garden Hotel or similar. (B,L,D)

Transfer to KKIA for your departure flight (B,L)