From the professional birdwatcher to the casual nature lover, there is something for everyone when staying at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges’ Kinabalu Park accommodation. This birdwatching paradise sits within the Kinabalu Ecoregion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to 323 species of birds and some of them cannot be found anywhere else on earth.
Birders from around the world come here to chase Whitehead’s trio. The trio are named after John Whitehead, an explorer and naturalist who studied southeast Asia’s birds in the 1800’s. These colourful, rare species are the crown jewels of Kinabalu birding.
Whitehead’s Trogon: Supermodel of the forest
This is Kinabalu’s flagship bird everyone wants to spot. Dressed in red and silver, it is found in montane forests and is endemic to Borneo.
Where to find it: Look along the Silau-Silau Trail or the road to Timpohon Gate early in the morning.
Whitehead’s Broadbill: The glowing green puffball
Another species only found in Borneo, the broadbill is bright, round, and vibrant green! It’s like a cute, puffed-out tennis ball that’s come to life. It likes spending time in the forest canopy in mid to high altitudes.
Where to find it: Often perched high in flowering trees near the park headquarters.
Whitehead’s Spiderhunter: The nectar fanatic
This highland nectar-seeker darts between blooms and branches in the misty forests of Kinabalu Park and
the Crocker Range. Endemic to Borneo, it’s easy to spot by its pale head and long, curved bill—perfect for
sipping nectar and snatching the occasional spider.
Where to find it: Watch for it around blossoming canopy trees along higher elevation trails.
Bornean Green Magpie: Forest mischief maker
This member of the crow family is flashy, noisy, and full of attitude! You’ll probably hear the Bornean Green
Magpie before you see it. Its feathers are a brilliant, vivid green, and known for its loud calls.
Where to find it: Lives in dense vegetation of mid and upper montane forests and usually joins mixed bird
flocks
Red-breasted Partridge: Secret walker in the woods
This Borneo endemic bird with a bright red head is striking yet shy. It is often active at dawn or dusk and
prefers to strut quietly through the undergrowth.
Where to find it: Look low on the forest floor along quiet trails of the montane forests (1,000 to 1,700m
elevation) in the early morning.
Mountain Serpent Eagle: Sky king
A majestic mountain raptor that rules the ridges with a piercing call. This endemic raptor is rare to spot. It
prefers high elevation and can be seen soaring near the forest ridges.
Where to find it: Scan the skyline and forest edges on sunny mornings near Timpohon Gate.
Everett’s Thrush: Hide and seek champion
Spotting this shy bird is a real prize! It loves staying in the shadows of damp undergrowth. The Everett’s
Thrush usually inhabits high-altitude mossy forests and if you’re lucky enough to cross paths, it has a
melodious dawn song.
Where to find it: Creeps along damp forest paths and undergrowth.
Bornean Treepie: The chatty neighbour
Always talking, always moving. This playful bird brings life to the forest with its calls and colourful plumage.
Where to find it: Common around park headquarters and forest edges, often hopping between branches
in small groups.
Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush: The comedian of Kinabalu
Traveling in noisy groups, they sound like they’re laughing their way through the trails. Chestnut-hooded
Laughingthrush are favourites for their beauty and song at dawn.
Where to find it: Easy to spot along Silau-Silau and Bundu Tuhan trails, especially in the mornings.
Mountain Black-eye: Little adventurer
Tiny, curious, and full of energy, this high-altitude bird loves the cool mountain air. The small Mountain
Black-eye is a special find, often joining mixed feeding flocks in the cool mountain air.
Where to find it: Only in Borneo’s highlands, they are often seen near the treeline near Timpohon Gate.
What to bring?
If you’re a beginner birder, here are some tools to make your trip more enjoyable.
- Binoculars: A standard 8×42 type works because they are bright and have a wide field of view, making it easier to find birds and follow them in flight.
- Camera: An average mirrorless camera with a 150mm telephoto lens is more than enough to capture beautiful bird photos. Unfortunately, point-and-shoot cameras or smartphone cameras will not get you the
crisp images you want. - Clothes: Outdoor and light clothing is recommended. If you’re heading up into the mountains, pack a jacket and a good pair of walking or trekking shoes for comfort.
- Local guidebooks: The ‘Pocket Guide to the Birds of Borneo’ is a practical guidebook for beginner birders in Sabah.
- Attitude: Remember to bring along a good attitude and some patience. Respect the environment and take your trash with you.
Luxury in nature
After a full day of birdwatching, there’s no need to travel far. Stay right where the action is. Sutera
Sanctuary Lodges offers one of the best luxury nature resorts in Sabah within Kinabalu Park itself. It offers
unmatched convenience and comfort. From the elegant Liwagu Suite to the grand Rajah Lodge, it’s the
perfect place to rest, refresh, and wake up to birdsong at your doorstep.
