Borneo Bird Festival 2025
Borneo Bird Festival
The Borneo Bird Festival 2025 is set to take place on October 25–26, 2025, at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. This annual event is one of the largest bird festivals in Malaysia, celebrating Borneo’s rich avian diversity and promoting conservation and ecotourism.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | 15th Pesta Burung Borneo / Borneo Bird Festival 2025 |
| Location | Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sabah |
| Dates | October 25, 2025 – October 26, 2025 |
| Fees | RDC FEES APPLIES (The standard admission fees listed above will be charged for entry). |
đź“… Festival Overview
- Event: Borneo Bird Festival
- Dates: October 25–26, 2025
- Venue: Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah
- Organizers: Borneo Bird Club and Sabah Forestry Department
Event Schedule – 15th Borneo Bird Festival 2025
Perfect — this is a clearer and more detailed version of the 15th Borneo Bird Festival 2025 event poster. Here’s a complete, text-friendly breakdown of the schedule and highlights from the image:
đź“Ť Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok
📅 24–26 October 2025
🎉 Theme: Nurturing Nature for 15 Remarkable Years
🌿 Free Entry
SATURDAY, 25 OCTOBER
BORNEO BIRD CLUB BOOTH
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:15 AM | Race Briefing: Borneo Bird Race & Bird Photo Race |
| 6:30 AM | Canon Guided Birdwatching Walk |
| 8:00 AM | Guided Walk with Borneo Bird Club |
| 9:00 AM | Guided Walk with Borneo Bird Club (Pre-registration required) |
OUTDOOR STAGE AREA
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Booth Exhibition & Activities |
| 9:00 AM | Video: “Borneo Bird Festival – Nurturing Nature for 15 Remarkable Years” |
| 10:00 AM | Talk: Sharing Insights – Nenita’s Journey to Bird Photography |
| 10:30 AM | Talk: Elevating Wildlife Conservation – Nest Boxes as Tools for Ecological Restoration |
| 11:00 AM | Fun Games with Borneo Bird Club |
| 11:45 AM | Awarding: Colouring Contest (Kindergarten & Primary Year 1–3) |
| 2:30 PM | Awarding: Colouring Contest (Primary Year 4–6) |
| 3:00 PM | Talk: Listening to Birds – How to Save Malaysia’s Feathers Through Sound |
| 3:30 PM | Fun Games with Borneo Bird Club |
EE ACTIVITY HALL
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Registration |
| 9:00 AM | Colouring Competition (Kindergarten) |
| 1:00 PM | Registration |
| 1:30 PM | Colouring Competition (Primary Year 1–3) |
EXHIBITION HALL FOYER
| Activity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Exploracle Challenge | Open Category |
RAINFOREST HALL & LOBBY
| Activity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Art Workshops | Cahaya Sepilok, Dzial Crafts & RS DIY Handmade |
| Educational Exhibition | — |
| Camera Sensor Cleaning | For SONY & CANON Users |
OTHER ACTIVITIES
- Artistic Bornean Bird Make-Up Competition
- Bornean Bird Costume Competition
- Tree-Climbing Experience
- Local Arts & Handicrafts
- Temporary Tattoo & Reflexology Booths
- Food & Drink Stalls
- Meet the Mascot & Friends
SUNDAY, 26 OCTOBER
BORNEO BIRD CLUB BOOTH
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Canon Guided Birdwatching Walk |
| 8:00 AM | Guided Walk with Borneo Bird Club (Pre-registration required) |
| 9:30 AM | Log Book Submission: Borneo Bird Race |
| 4:30 PM | Guided Birdwatching Walk (Final Session) |
OUTDOOR STAGE AREA
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Booth Exhibition & Activities |
| 9:00 AM | Video: “Borneo Bird Festival – Nurturing Nature for 15 Remarkable Years” |
| 9:30 AM | Product Talk by SONY |
| 10:00 AM | Talk: KHATU |
| 10:30 AM | Talk: Small Primate, Big Picture – The Importance of Tarsier Research in Sepilok |
| 11:00 AM | Fun Games with Borneo Bird Club |
| 11:45 AM | Awarding: Borneo Bird Race, Bird Photo & Video Contests |
| 2:00 PM | Awarding: Colouring Contest (Primary Year 4–6) |
| 2:30 PM | Artistic Bornean Bird Make-Up Competition Parade & Awarding |
| 4:00 PM | Fun Games with Borneo Bird Club |
RAINFOREST HALL & LOBBY
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Art Workshops |
| 8:30 AM | Educational Exhibition |
| — | Camera Sensor Cleaning by SONY & CANON |
EE ACTIVITY HALL
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Registration |
| 9:00 AM | Drawing Competition (Secondary School) |
| 10:00 AM | Registration |
| 12:30 PM | Colouring Competition (Primary School Year 1–6) |
Main Activities
1. Sabah Bird Race
A competitive birdwatching event where participants race against time to spot and identify as many bird species as possible within a designated area. This race attracts birdwatchers from around the world.
2. Bird Photography Contest
An opportunity for photographers to showcase their best bird photographs. The contest categories and prizes will be announced closer to the event date.
3. Guided Birdwatching Walks
Led by experienced guides, these walks offer participants a chance to observe and learn about Borneo’s diverse bird species in their natural habitat. The RDC’s canopy walkways provide excellent vantage points for birdwatching.
4. Workshops and Talks
Experts will conduct sessions on bird identification, conservation, and photography techniques. These sessions are designed for both beginners and seasoned bird enthusiasts.
5. Children’s Activities
Interactive sessions and contests aimed at educating and engaging young minds about birds and nature conservation.
6. Local Food and Cultural Exhibits
Experience Sabah’s rich heritage through traditional performances, crafts, and local delicacies.
About Borneo Bird Festival
Established by the Sandakan Borneo Bird Club (SBOBC/BOBC) Sabah in 2008, is an annual event celebrating Borneo’s birdlife and promoting conservation and ecotourism. Supported by local government, the festival has grown in reach and impact.
The festival collaborates with the Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks, and Sabah Wildlife Department to secure venues across Sabah, including nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, state parks, and rainforests.
Objectives
- Raise awareness and appreciation of Borneo’s bird species.
- Educate and inspire learning for all ages about birds and conservation.
- Celebrate nature’s beauty and promote enjoyment of birdwatching.
- Support projects protecting bird habitats.
- Build community and foster pride in Borneo’s natural heritage.
- Connect bird enthusiasts and encourage experience-sharing.
- Highlight cultural significance of birds via art, music, and storytelling.
- Encourage exploration of Borneo’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
- Support scientific research on birds and habitats.
- Promote sustainable living and responsible tourism.
About the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
The RDC is a premier ecotourism destination in Borneo, known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation. It features elevated walkways, canopy towers, and a variety of trails that allow visitors to explore the rainforest’s diverse ecosystems. The centre is also home to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and is a gateway to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
About Sabah & Sepilok
Sabah is best known for its lush forests teeming with wildlife, pristine beaches with clear waters, nature reserves, and rich cultural heritage. Sepilok refers to a conservation area in Sabah, Malaysia, most famous for the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Festival Highlights
The 18th edition of the Borneo Bird Festival promises an immersive experience with a variety of activities:
- Sabah Bird Race: A competitive birdwatching event attracting enthusiasts from around the world.
- Bird Photography Contest: Showcasing the best of Borneo’s avian life through the lens.
- Guided Birdwatching Walks: Led by experts, offering insights into local bird species and habitats.
- Workshops and Talks: Focusing on bird identification, conservation, and ecology.
- Children’s Art Contest: Engaging younger participants in creative expressions related to birds.
- Canopy Ziplining: An adventurous activity amidst the forest canopy.
- Local Food and Cultural Exhibits: Featuring Sabah’s rich heritage and cuisine.
The festival is co-organized by the Borneo Bird Club and the Sabah Forestry Department, with support from local government and conservation groups.
Entry Ticket Fees
| Category | Malaysian Residents (RM) | Non-Malaysian Residents (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 7 | 30 |
| Children (5–17 years old) | 3 | 20 |
| Children under 5 years old | Free | Free |
Travel Tips
- Getting There: Fly into Sandakan Airport (SDK), which is approximately 30 minutes by car from the RDC.
- Accommodation: There are several accommodations in Sandakan ranging from budget to luxury. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the festival period.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, camera, insect repellent, and a hat.
- Weather: Borneo’s weather can be humid and rainy. It’s advisable to carry a raincoat or umbrella.
Additional Resources
- Official Festival Website: www.borneobirdfestival.com
- Sabah Tourism Board: www.sabahtourism.com
- Birdwatching Asia Guide: www.birdwatching.asia
Planning Your Visit
- Tickets: Entry to the RDC is required; proceeds support conservation efforts.
- Accommodation: Options are available in Sandakan; early booking is recommended.
- Travel: Sandakan is accessible via flights from major Malaysian cities.
For more information and updates, visit the official festival website: www.borneobirdfestival.com.
Why Attend?
The Borneo Bird Festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Whether you’re a seasoned birder, a photography enthusiast, or a family looking to explore nature, the festival provides a platform to learn, connect, and contribute to conservation efforts.
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