Sabah's remarkable birdlife takes centre stage at the 16th Borneo Bird Festival on 7–8 November 2026, held at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok, Sandakan.
Established in 2008, the annual festival brings together birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and nature lovers for a weekend dedicated to biodiversity, conservation and ecotourism.
Organised by the Sandakan Borneo Bird Club and Sabah Forestry Department, the festival features guided birdwatching walks, bird races, photography competitions, workshops and activities for children. This year's programme also sees the Borneo Bird Run make a comeback on 8 November after a 7-year hiatus.
Beyond the activities, the venue is a highlight in itself. Surrounded by the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, RDC's forest trails and elevated skywalk offer opportunities to spot hornbills, colourful pittas and other rainforest birds among the treetops.
A visit to the festival is also a chance to explore Sandakan's wildlife attractions. Nearby, this Sandakan wildlife tour takes in the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, offering a closer look at two of Borneo's best-known animals.
For those looking to venture further into the rainforest, take to the Kinabatangan River on wildlife cruises in search of hornbills, proboscis monkeys and other animals.
The 2026 season of BBC's Celebrity Race Across the World, which premiered on 28 October, opens in Kuching, Sarawak, where 4 celebrity pairs begin a 7,500km race to Melbourne, Australia.
While the race begins in Sarawak and the bird festival takes place in Sabah, both offer a glimpse into natural attractions that make Malaysian Borneo such a compelling destination.
Discover more Sabah tours and wildlife experiences on MalaysiaTravel.com, where you can explore options from licensed local operators, book selected experiences instantly and manage multiple bookings in one checkout.
Planning a Sabah adventure? Contact our travel specialists via WhatsApp or email at for help finding experiences that suit your trip.
