Top Bird Watching Places in Malaysia

After exploring many areas, I have compiled a list of the top birdwatching places in Malaysia for anyone interested in knowing where and how to get to these locations.

This list of places for birdwatching in Malaysia is also in no order and is purely based on popularity, infrastructure, and accessibility to these places, which many birders have visited.

Top Bird Watching Places in Malaysia

Kinabatangan River, Sabah
Taman Negara, Pahang
Fraser’s Hill, Pahang
Langkawi Island, Kedah
Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah
Awana Genting, Pahang
Paya Maga, Sarawak
Bario Highlands, Sarawak
Danum Valley, Sabah
Maliau Basin, Sabah
Rainforest Discovery Center, Sabah
Crocker Range National Park, Sabah
Deramakot Forest Reserve, Sabah

Bird Watchers at the Borneo Highlands in Sarawak.

Some places mentioned above require travelling via two flights, overland journeys, and even river cruising or trekking. And being in a tropical climate, Malaysia offers over 800 species of birds covering many different terrains.

There are tropical rainforest, coastal, island, montane, and wetland locations in Malaysia where you can spot the different species of birds suitable for all kinds of birders.

With so many locations being offered and published in magazines, books, and online sites, deciding which places to go for birding in Malaysia must take time.However, the list below briefly explains the places and the kinds of experiences you will get. They are also visitor-friendly, so you don’t have to cut through the thick jungle and walk for miles.

List of Top Birdwatching Locations in Malaysia

Malaysia is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering diverse habitats from rainforests to highlands and coastal areas. Below is a curated list of the best birdwatching spots in Malaysia, complete with star species, accessibility, and unique features.

1. Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo

Star Birds: Storm’s Stork (rare and highly sought-after), Straw-headed Bulbul (common and easily seen).
Why Visit: Known for its rich biodiversity, Kinabatangan River offers boat cruises to spot birds and wildlife like proboscis monkeys and orangutans. Early morning and night cruises are enriching.
How to Get There: Located four hours from Sandakan.
Unique Feature: Combines birdwatching with wildlife safaris along the Kinabatangan River.
How to Book: Contact Birdwatching Asia for Kinabatangan Birding Tours.

2. Taman Negara, Pahang

Star Birds: Garnet Pitta, Large Frogmouth.
Why Visit: Malaysia’s oldest national park, home to over 450 bird species. Offers trekking, canopy walks, and boat rides along the Tembeling River. Bird watching in Taman Negara is one of the best options for Peninsular Malaysia.
How to Get There: A 5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Access via Kuala Tembeling jetty.
Unique Feature: The Taman Negara Canopy Walkway is one of the longest in the world, offering stunning birding opportunities.

3. Fraser’s Hill, Pahang

Star Bird: Malayan Whistling Thrush.
Why Visit: A cool highland retreat with over 270 bird species. Hosts the annual Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race.
How to Get There: A 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.
Unique Feature: Easy treks and a vibrant birding community, especially on weekends.
How to Book: Contact Birdwatching Asia for half-day or full-day birding tours to Fraser’s Hill.

4. Langkawi Island, Kedah

Star Birds: Brown-winged Kingfisher, Mountain Hawk-Eagle.
Why Visit: A tropical island offering rainforest, lowland, and coastal bird species. Ideal for self-birding or guided tours.
How to Get There: Fly to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur or take a ferry.
Unique Feature: Combines birdwatching with a relaxing island getaway.
How to Book: Contact Birdwatching Asia for Langkawi Birding Tours.

5. Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah, Borneo

Star Bird: Long-tailed Broadbill.
Why Visit: A premier birdwatching and wildlife destination with over 220 recorded species. It is known for its knowledgeable guides and is recognised as one of the best rainforest resorts in Malaysia.
How to Get There: You need to pre-book a tour here. No walk-ins.
Unique Feature: Offers night safaris and the chance to spot Bornean elephants and clouded leopards.
How to Book: Contact Birdwatching Asia for Tabin Birding Tours.

6. Paya Maga, Lawas, Sarawak, Borneo

Star Bird: Black Oriole (endemic).
Why Visit: A remote and lesser-known birding spot, perfect for spotting endemic species. Requires trekking and specialized tours.
How to Get There: Book with specialized operators, as access involves 5+ hours of travel and trekking.
Unique Feature: One of the few places to see the elusive Black Oriole.
How to Book: Contact Birdwatching Asia for Paya Maga Birding Tours.

dulit-frogmouth-sarawak Top Bird Watching Places in Malaysia — The rare Dulit Frogmouth in Sarawak, photographed by Yeoh Siew Teck.

7. Bario and Bakelalan Highlands, Sarawak

Star Bird: Dulit Frogmouth.
Why Visit: Highland villages offer cool climates and unique birding experiences. Homestays provide an authentic cultural experience.
How to Get There: Fly to Bario or Bakelalan from Miri.
Unique Feature: Combines birdwatching with cultural immersion in traditional highland villages.
Bakelalan Trip Report: I did a Bakelalan birdwatching trip report some time back.

How to Book: Contact Birdwatching Asia for Bario and Bakelalan Birding Tours.

8. Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo

Star Bird: Hill Blue Flycatcher.
Why Visit: A pristine rainforest with excellent birding opportunities, including night birding and canopy walks.
How to Get There: No walk-ins; this place accepts pre-booking only.
Unique Feature: The Danum Canopy Walk offers unparalleled views of the rainforest and its avian inhabitants.
How to Book: Contact Birdwatching Asia for Danum Valley bird tours.

9. Maliau Basin, Sabah, Borneo

Star Bird: Blue-banded Pitta.
Why Visit: Known as the “Lost World of Sabah,” this remote and non-commercial conservation area offers an actual wilderness experience.
How to Get There: Specialized bird tours with a permit are only allowed. No self-visits here.
Unique Feature: A challenging but rewarding destination for serious birders.
How to Book: Contact Birdwatching Asia for Maliau Basin Birding Tours.

10. Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC), Sandakan, Sabah

Star Bird: Bornean Bristlehead (endemic).
Why Visit: Features a modern canopy walk system and towers for birdwatching. Hosts the annual Borneo Bird Festival.
How to Get There: Drive from Sandakan City.
Unique Feature: The canopy walk is one of the best in Malaysia for birdwatching.
How to Book: Contact Birdwatching Asia for Rainforest Discovery Centre Birding Tours.

11. Crocker Range National Park, Sabah

Star Bird: Bornean Ibon.
Why Visit: An up-and-coming birding spot near Kota Kinabalu, offering diverse species and fewer crowds.
How to Get There: A 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu to Crocker Range National Park. Contact Birdwatching Asia for any bird tours here.
Unique Feature: Proximity to Kota Kinabalu makes it accessible for short trips.
How to Book: Contact Birdwatching Asia for Crocker Range Birding Tours.

12. Deramakot Forest Reserve, Sabah

Why Visit: A newly popular destination for birdwatchers, known for its rich biodiversity.
How to Get There: Specialized tours are required. Contact local operators for details.
Unique Feature: A hotspot for rare and endemic species.
How to Book: Contact Birdwatching Asia for Deramakot Birding Tours.

13. Awana Genting, Pahang (Now Closed)

Note: Awana Genting is currently closed. Consider exploring alternative birding spots in the Genting Highlands area.
This used to be one of the best places near Kuala Lumpur for birding.

Conclusion

This list highlights Malaysia’s incredible birdwatching opportunities, from well-known hotspots to hidden gems. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, Malaysia’s diverse ecosystems promise unforgettable birding experiences. For more details or to plan your trip, visit Birdwatching Asia, as they can help you to arrange for the best reputable guides in Sabah. Happy birding!

David Hogan Jr., an amateur bird watcher since 2008, compiles the list above. Since then, I have been writing about birdwatching and am always ready to explore new birdwatching places in Malaysia. I have also visited most birding places listed above but am not a serious bird photographer.

One of my recent projects is a dedicated website called Bird Watching Asia, which aims to promote birdwatching all over Malaysia. You can also read about my other birding adventures locally and worldwide, namely, bird watching in Indonesia or the many Malaysian birdwatching events throughout the year.

I hope this list of the top birdwatching places in Malaysia will be helpful for birders who plan to travel to this beautiful tropical country. And always remember to get a professional bird guide for your trip, depending on which part of Malaysia you want to do bird watching.

Share this content: