16th Borneo Bird Festival 2026

The 16th Borneo Bird Festival 2026 takes place on 7 and 8 November 2026 at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok, near Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The festival celebrates Borneo's birdlife with guided birdwatching walks, a bird race, photography competitions and conservation talks. It suits nature lovers, photographers, school groups and families who want to experience Borneo's rainforest with expert guides.

About Borneo Bird Festival

According to Sabah Tourism, the festival was established in 2008 by the Sandakan Borneo Bird Club and has grown into an annual event that promotes conservation and ecotourism. It works with the Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks and Sabah Wildlife Department to use venues such as nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and state parks.

Activities listed by the organisers include the Sabah Bird Race, photography competitions, guided birdwatching walks, workshops on bird identification and conservation, and educational events. The festival draws participants from Malaysia and abroad and uses the event to raise awareness of Borneo's bird species and habitats. See the official festival website for the programme.

Borneo Bird Festival 2026 dates and venue

The Borneo Bird Festival 2026 dates are Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026. The venue is the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok, a forest education centre with trails and a canopy walkway, a short drive from Sandakan town. Some activities, such as early-morning walks or the bird race, may need advance registration; check the official website.

How to get to Sandakan for Borneo Bird Festival

Sandakan Airport (SDK) has domestic flights from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. International travellers usually connect through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) or Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). From Sandakan Airport, Sepilok is a short road transfer by taxi or pre-booked car. Travellers can also drive from Kota Kinabalu, but it is a long road journey.

For a trip to Sandakan for Borneo Bird Festival, arrive on the Friday so you can join the early-morning sessions, when birds are most active.

Early November falls in the wetter part of the year on Sabah's east coast, so expect showers, especially in the afternoon. Morning activities usually offer the best conditions and the most bird activity. Bring binoculars if you have them, a camera with a zoom lens, and a small dry bag for electronics. Leech socks are useful on some forest trails.

Where to stay

Sepilok has several nature lodges and guesthouses close to the RDC, which are ideal for early starts but limited in number, so book early. Sandakan town offers more hotels and restaurants. Many visitors stay a few extra nights at the lodges along the Kinabatangan River for wildlife-spotting boat trips.

Planning a group trip to Borneo Bird Festival

A group tour to Borneo Bird Festival can be built as a four- or five-night Sandakan nature package: the festival weekend at Sepilok, visits to the nearby orangutan rehabilitation centre and sun bear conservation centre, then two nights on the Kinabatangan River. It suits schools, university groups and photography clubs from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Gulf. Pack light rain gear, insect repellent and neutral-coloured clothing for birdwatching, and keep group sizes small on forest trails.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Borneo Bird Festival 2026?

The 16th Borneo Bird Festival takes place on 7 and 8 November 2026 at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, according to Sabah Tourism.

Who organises the festival?

Sabah Tourism lists the Borneo Bird Club and Sabah Forestry Department as organisers, with support from other Sabah agencies.

Do beginners enjoy the festival?

Yes. Guided walks and identification workshops are designed to help newcomers as well as experienced birders.

Which airport is closest?

Sandakan Airport (SDK) is closest, with flights from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL).

What else can I see near Sepilok?

Sepilok is known for orangutan and sun bear conservation centres, and the Kinabatangan River nearby is popular for wildlife boat trips.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to Borneo Bird Festival in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.