Borneo Bird Festival 2025: A Complete Guide

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.

📅 Festival Overview

• Dates: October 25–26, 2025
• Venue: Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah
• Organizers: Borneo Bird Club and Sabah Forestry Department

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

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.