Serious birders often name Danum Valley among their top Southeast Asian destinations, largely because of species you simply won't find in more disturbed forest.
Photo by Birds of The World
What to look for
- Bornean bristlehead — the holy grail for most visiting birders, and Danum is among the best places on Earth to find it
- Pittas — several species recorded, including the blue-headed and black-crowned pitta
- Hornbills — multiple species, best spotted from the canopy walkway near fruiting trees
- Great Argus — a spectacular, hard-to-approach pheasant occasionally encountered on quiet forest trails
Book a specialist birding guide
Standard treks are led by generalist naturalist guides who are excellent for wildlife overall, but if birding is your primary goal, ask specifically for a birding package with a dedicated bird guide when booking. It costs more, but experienced birders consistently say the difference in species logged is substantial.
Timing tip
Early morning treks, right after dawn, consistently produce the best birding activity, before the heat of the day sets in.