Bird watching in Sukau is unlike enjoying the same activities in other places of Sabah. Compared to birdwatching hotspots like Kinabalu Park, Tabin and Danum Valley, birdwatchers will find it more relaxing here as part of the activities are conducted via river cruise – thanks to the unique feature of Sukau which is located in the riverine heart of Lower Kinabatangan. To enhance birdwatching experience, the ‘silent’ electric motor will be used when approaching wildlife. This will not frighten them and reduce negative impact to their habitat.
The Lower Kinabatangan, especially the stretch between the Batu Putih village down to the tiny settlement of Kampung Abai not far from the river mouth, is one of the richest wildlife habitats in Southeast Asia. Perhaps the most dazzling news is the growing recognitions from international birdwatchers who rate Sukau ‘a must-visit’ place in Sabah. To date, a total of 210 bird species were recorded by keen birders in this region.
Among the myriad of striking birds seen along the river are the rare Storm’s Stork and the endangered Oriental Darter which have disappeared from the freshwater swamps of Peninsular Malaysia. Of the 54 hornbills species that exist in the world, eight species of hornbill have been recorded here, with the most common being the Asian Black Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill and Rhineceros Hornbill. Raptors are also frequently seen, especially near the oil palm plantations. These include the Crested Serpent Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Jerdon’s Baza, the Buffy Fish Owl and Brown Wood Owl, (normally seen at night times), the soaring Brahminy Kite, and the little White-fronted Falconet.
Other bird families recorded by birdwatchers are the woodpeckers, barbets, parrots, pigeons, pittas, bulbuls, and sunbirds. Bird lovers will also be fascinated by some of the stunning birds such as the slender White Egret, the Black-and-red and Black-and-yellow Broadbills and the Paradise flycatcher with its waterfall of white tail feathers arc.
Another highlight for birdwatching here is the stay at the award-winning ecolodge, Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Operating since 1995, the lodge offers guests a unique eco-experience amidst the lush green surroundings; while its 1500feet long ‘Hornbill Boardwalk’ with viewing decks make birdwatching activities more feasible in the jungle.
Our 16D/15N program which also cover other highly rated birdwatching locations incorporates a river cruise along the Menanggol River (a tributary of Kinabatangan), one of’ the few reliable sites to see the Bornean Ground Cuckoos and the endemic Bornean Bristlehead. Getting to see this bird live in the wilderness is a rare opportunity but can be the most rewarding highlights for bird enthusiasts in Sukau.
