More than 10 years ago, during a night walk at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu (Sabah, Malaysia), my guide Jimmy suddenly shouted, “Hey! There’s a horned frog here!” “Where?” I asked. I only saw him pointing his flashlight at a leaf—but I didn’t see any frog. Then he picked up the “leaf” and showed me a horned frog in his hand. I was amazed by its perfect camouflage and strange appearance. Since then, I’ve been a fan of horned frogs.
The horned frogs of Borneo belong to the family Megophryidae. They all have pointy, leaf-like projections extending from their eyelids, helping it blend into the foliage.
No, horned frogs are not horny. They have large, broad heads, and their “horns” are pointy, triangular projections extending from the edges of their eyelids. The horns and snouts mimic curled, pointed leaf tips. Each species has different “horns.” Their bodies are usually brown or reddish-brown, matching the forest foliage. These features make horned frogs masters of disguise. They stay still and stealthy, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey that passes by.
1) Bornean Horned Frog
The first horned frog I ever photographed was a Bornean Horned Frog. With the “horns” on its head, it looks so grumpy and sinister that if a princess kissed it, she’d probably turn it into a demon—the prince of darkness—instead of a handsome prince. Just kidding. It’s actually a very docile frog.
The Bornean horned frog (Pelobatrachus nasutus), also known as the long-nosed horned frog or Malayan leaf frog. This one has a bright orange throat, which is unique to this species.
The Bornean Horned Frog, also known as the Malayan Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus nasuta), is the most common and widespread horned frog species. You can find it in both lowland and highland forests of Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sumatra.
Malayan horned frog lives in the lowland rainforest. It’s not endemic to Borneo and is relatively more common than other species. This one is from Poring.
It has the most prominent and protruding horn-like projections from its eyelids and snout. Some individuals have an orange throat, making them very photogenic. This frog comes in shades of light greyish to reddish-brown. If you hear loud honks that sound like a metal instrument near a stream, that’s probably the Bornean Horned Frog.
2) Montane Horned Frog
The Montane Horned Frog, or Kobayashi’s Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus kobayashii), is endemic to Sabah, Malaysia. I consider it the most iconic frog of Sabah. It lives mostly in montane forests between 1,200 and 1,700 metres above sea level, usually hidden in the leaf litter or along rocky stream banks.
Endemic to Borneo, Montane horned frog (Pelobatrachus kobayashii) lives in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and rivers.
If the name “Kobayashi” sounds Japanese—yes, you’re right. The species was named after Dr. Tatsuo Kobayashi, a Japanese biologist who collected the first known specimen during a scientific expedition.
I spotted this Montane Horned Frog in Kinabalu Park
3) Kinabalu Horned Frog
The Kinabalu Horned Frog, also called the Balu Spadefoot Toad (Pelobatrachus baluensis), is another species found exclusively in Sabah, living only in the mountains of western Sabah.
The Kinabalu horned frog or Balu spadefoot toad (Pelobatrachus baluensis) in Kinabalu Park.
Endemic to the highlands of northern Borneo, the Kinabalu Horned Frog breeds only in cool, clear, rocky streams. During the day, it lies camouflaged among the forest floor’s leaf litter, emerging at night to call for mates.
Kinabalu horned frog is named after Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain of Malaysia.
4) Rough-backed Horned Frog
The Rough-backed Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus edwardinae) is also known as the Rough Horned Frog, Edwardina’s Horned Frog, or Edwardina’s Spadefoot Toad. It lives in steep or hilly lowland rainforests and is endemic to Borneo.
Rough-backed horned frog is a stocky, medium-sized frog, with slender legs, in clay brown colour.
This elusive frog is rarely seen due to its excellent camouflage and earthy colours. Chien Lee, a well-known wildlife photographer, spent nearly two weeks doing repeated night hikes in the forest without success. He finally found one by following a peculiar squeaking call—coming from the leaf litter just behind his camp kitchen!
Tropical moist lowland forests and rivers are the preferred habitats of the Rough-backed horned frog.
As for me? One just hopped right up to me at the toilet of Borneo Jungle Girl Camp in Nuluhon Trusmadi after a heavy rain. Lucky, huh?
Where to See Horned Frogs?
Horned frogs live on the forest floor, from 60 to 1,900 metres above sea level. They usually hide in burrows, under leaf litter, beneath dead logs, or behind large rocks during the day. They prefer moist environments and are often found near streams, rivers, and wetlands with dense vegetation and high humidity.
A horned frog fan got this frog tattooed on his upper arm.
The hardest part is spotting them—they’re almost invisible due to their camouflage. For better chances, hire a guide for a night walk or herping trip in Kinabalu Park or Poring. Experienced guides can even locate them by their loud, harsh calls.
The good news? They can’t hop far or fast due to their short legs and heavy bodies. They usually stay still and try to blend in, making them great subjects for photography.
Vegetarians may consider mushrooms a delicious plant-based option in their diet. However, mushrooms are neither plants nor animals—they belong to the fungi kingdom, which has existed for over a billion years, long before the first humans existed. Even NatGeo classifies mushrooms as wildlife. Mushrooms frequently appear in captivating fictional and magical worlds, such as Avatar, Mario, Harry Potter, and Alice in Wonderland.
The colourful fungi of Borneo
Fungi are just crazy, with their peculiar shapes, patterns, and colours. This is the number one reason why I am slow in hiking—I always pause to photograph them along the way. Some fungi are stunning, adding an eye-catching touch to the often monotonous forest landscape. József Geml, a mycologist from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands who was impressed by Sabah’s fungi, remarked, “One of the manifestations of this diversity comes in the endless variety of shapes and colours that sometimes are truly breathtaking.”
Fungi in various sizes, forms, and shapes.
Mushrooms thrive in humid environments and humus-rich soil, making the tropical rainforests of Borneo their perfect habitat. The fungi kingdom may contain up to five million species (compared to 275,000 plant species), yet only 5% have been scientifically named. Some mushrooms only sprout for a few days before vanishing for decades. These random encounters excite me, as I might have photographed a fungus that is rare or even unknown to science!
“Nature alone is antique, and the oldest art a mushroom” – Thomas Carlyle
My favourite fungi are mainly the larger mushrooms in the Basidiomycota group because they are more showy and photogenic. Mycologists, on the other hand, often search for extraordinary fungi that may be smaller than a coffee bean. Regardless of their appearance, fungi play an essential role in decomposing organic matter, breaking down dead wood and fallen litter, and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Many fungi in the phylum Basidiomycota are edible and exhibit a variety of fascinating forms, including boletes, puffballs, gilled fungi, coral fungi, toothed fungi, bracket fungi, and jelly fungi.
Are you ready for a magical tour featuring some of the coolest fungi in Borneo? Most of these photos are from my 20 years of hiking in Borneo’s forests.
The Most Unique Mushroom of Sabah
If I were to pick the most special fungus representing Sabah, it would undoubtedly be Chlorogaster dipterocarpi, discovered in 2004. This rare fungus is native to Sabah and was first found in Danum Valley, a million-year-old virgin rainforest in Borneo.
Photo of Chlorogaster dipterocarpi by Laessøe & Jalink (Kaijo Russell), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
This puffball fungus stands out with its unusual appearance—a slender, pear-shaped body with a dark green surface covered in small, cone-like warts. At the top, a pale green, circular opening resembles an alien’s eye.
The Most Beautiful Mushroom
A Dusun Liwan (a native tribe of Sabah) folklore features a mushroom in its story. In the tale, Si Anak-Anak finds a talking mushroom by the river and takes it home. Every night, a beautiful woman mysteriously appears in his room, only to vanish by day. He falls in love with her and later discovers that she is actually the mushroom in human form. To keep her as a human, he hides the mushroom’s outer covering, preventing her from transforming back. They marry, have a child, and live happily together. That pretty girl could be a Bridal Veil Stinkhorn.
Bridal Veil Stinkhorn (Phallus indusiatus) and the talking mushroom girl in the tale lol.
The Bridal Veil Stinkhorn (or Bamboo Mushroom) is one of the most exquisite fungi in Southeast Asia due to its white or orange net-like indusium, which hangs down from the top like a bride’s veil (or a hot girl wearing a fishnet dress?). I have seen the Bridal Veil Stinkhorn in the hill forests of Kionsom (Inanam), Tun Fuad Stephens Park, Kopungit Hill, Kg. Kiau Nuluh (Kota Belud), and Danum Valley. I haven’t found a wife, though—I may have eaten her accidentally, as the Bridal Veil Stinkhorn is considered a delicacy.
Glowing Mushrooms / Bioluminescent Fungi
Glowing mushrooms, also known as ghost mushrooms, emit bioluminescent light (or cold light) in the dark. Most of the glowing mushrooms in Sabah are endemic to Borneo. It is still unclear why these fungi glow. Some theories suggest that they attract nocturnal insects and animals, aiding in spore dispersal.
A decaying log glows in the dark. Spotted in Poring.
The bioluminescence is weak, so you need to turn off any lights when in the forest at night. Once your eyes adjust to the darkness, you can spot the green glow of these mushrooms or even a glowing log covered in bioluminescent fungi. This eerie light, also called foxfire, has an air of mystery. According to Kadazan legend, glowing mushrooms are guided by spirits who are hostile to those who try to harvest them.
Glowing Mushroom Garden of Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a collaborative effort with the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, in partnership with Sound Tech Productions.
Aside from natural forests, you can also see bioluminescent fungi at the Glowing Mushroom Garden of Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Tuaran. This is Malaysia’s first bioluminescent mushroom display, enhanced with illuminated LED lights.
Edible Mushrooms / Fungi
For at least 13,000 years, mushrooms have been consumed as food, and they are now an important agricultural product in Sabah. Some Sabah villages produce tons of shiitake and oyster mushrooms annually. In Sabah, 25 wild mushroom species were documented as edible mushrooms for food and five species for medicinal uses.
Left: Cultivated mushrooms, Middle: Shiitake mushroom, Right: The new book “Mushroom Culinary of Sabah,” a recipe collection featuring 33 exquisite mushroom dishes by Sous Chef Elroy Ernest.
Some of Borneo’s wild edible fungi include Bull-eye fungi and Kodop, both of which can be found in tamu (native open markets of Sabah). Additionally, fungi play a crucial role in fermentation. Without yeast fungi, tapai and lihing—Sabah’s favourite rice wines—would not exist. Similarly, without fungi fermenting dough, traditional bread would be flat and bland.
Edible wild mushrooms of Sabah. Left: Bull-eye Fungus (Calostoma fuscum), Middle: Kulat Kodop or Cendawan Sisir (Schizophyllum commune) fried with white chili and salted fish, Right: “Wild “Kulat Sawit” mushrooms (Volvariella volvacea) collected from oil palm plantation
Poisonous Mushrooms
Whenever people see a mushroom, their first question is often, “Is it edible?” You may have heard that brightly coloured mushrooms are toxic, while others claim the white ones are dangerous. Both are wrong. There is no simple rule to distinguish whether a mushroom is safe to eat just by looking at it. You must be able to identify the species.
Left: False Parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites) is the main cause of mushroom poisoning in Sabah. Right: Some believe that mushrooms growing on termite nests are safe to eat, but this is not always true.
From 2014 to 2024, a total of 200 cases of mushroom poisoning were reported in Malaysia, with Sabah recording the highest number (67%). Most cases were caused by the False Parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites), a toxic mushroom that closely resembles the edible Shaggy Parasol. Commonly found on lawns and gardens after rain, it is nicknamed the “Vomiter.” Consuming it can result in severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and colic.
Medicinal Fungi
On the other hand, fungi have also saved lives. For example, Penicillium was the fungus behind the discovery of penicillin, the first antibiotic, which has saved millions from deadly infections. Another well-known medicinal fungus is Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), a highly prized Chinese herb that can be found in Sabah’s forests.
Left: Tiger Milk Mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) , Middle: fungus herb for sale in local market, Right: Big shelf fungi. I wish they are Lingzhi
The Tiger Milk Mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) got its name from a local legend that claims the fungus grows where a mother tiger’s milk has dripped onto the ground. It has been used in traditional medicine for its wide-ranging health benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, neuroprotective, and wound-healing properties.
Zombie Fungi
“Zombie” fungi are among the creepiest fungi, and I’ve spotted quite a few in lowland forests. The horror begins when an ant or insect (often a moth) gets infected by fungal spores and is slowly consumed from the inside.
Insects infected by zombie fungus
As the fungus matures, it takes over the insect’s mind, compelling it to climb to a higher spot and latch itself onto a leaf. The insect then dies, and the fungus sprouts from its body, releasing spores to continue the cycle. A famous and highly valuable Chinese medicinal herb, Cordyceps sinensis (also known as caterpillar fungus or 冬虫夏草), is produced in a similar way.
Other Interesting Fungi
The world of fungi doesn’t end there! The more you explore, the more fascinating species you’ll discover.
Starfish Fungus
Spotting a Starfish Fungus (Aseroe rubra), also called the Anemone Stinkhorn, in Sabah is as rare as winning the lottery. This alien-like fungus is short-lived, withering in a day or two, so many people have never seen it.
Starfish Fungus, or Space Alien Fungus (Aseroe rubra) in Kinabalu Park
It resembles a reddish star-shaped structure on a white stalk. Its dark olive-brown slime (gleba) smells like rotting meat and contains spores. The foul scent attracts carrion flies, which help spread the spores. Its scientific name literally means “disgusting red juice.”
Agarwood (Gaharu)
Nicknamed the “Scent from Heaven,” the fragrant wood of Agarwood (Aquilaria species), or Gaharu as it’s known locally, is worth its weight in gold due to its rarity and widespread use in perfume, incense, and traditional medicines. Sabah’s forests contain an abundance of wild Agarwood, attracting illegal poachers.
Left: Agarwood trees being nailed to stimulate resin production. Right: Agarwood is highly priced in the Asian market.
However, the tree itself doesn’t naturally produce its prized resin. It must first be injured and infected by specific fungi (e.g., Fusarium species). Cultivators artificially inoculate trees with the right fungi, and the resin takes 1 to 5 years to develop.
Earthstar
The Earthstar mushroom (Geastrum sp.) resembles a tiny orange before maturing. Its outer layer splits open into star-like segments as it ripens, revealing a smooth, egg-shaped spore sac. When raindrops hit the sac’s central pore, a jet of spores is released. Earthstars are generally non-toxic but inedible.
Earthstar mushroom (Geastrum sp.) found on Kopungit Hill (left) and Sorinsim Park (right)
Cup Fungi
Known as “Kulat Mangkuk” in Malay, cup fungi (Cookeina spp.) are commonly found on decaying wood in damp, shaded forest areas. Their vibrant colours range from red, pink, peach, to orange, and some even have tiny hairs covering the cup surface. Cup fungi can be used as fish bait by rubbing them on fish hooks.
Cup Fungus. Left: Cookeina tricholoma, Right: Cookeina sulcipes
Dead Man’s Fingers
Xylaria polymorpha, Dead Man’s Fingers, is a wood-decaying fungus named for its eerie, black, finger-like fruiting bodies.
Best Locations for Fungi Spotting in Sabah
Fungi are found everywhere, but the diversity varies greatly depending on the forest’s condition. Pristine forests are the best places to find fungi, as their underground mycelium networks remain intact and undisturbed.
Fungi are also food sources for some critters, such as fungus beetles and slugs.
Over 95% of plants are estimated to rely on fungi for growth and survival. Logged forests, however, have far fewer fungi species because their damaged mycelium networks need 100 to 200 years to fully recover.
With over 10 different forest types spanning various altitudes, Maliau Basin—also known as Sabah’s Lost World—is the top spot for fungi spotting. Its towering trees block sunlight, creating a cool, moist environment where fungi thrive. Once a passionate mycologist steps into Maliau Basin, he will cry with joy and doesn’t want to leave his dreamland.
Danum Valley is one of the world’s oldest and last remaining virgin rainforests, and researchers are still discovering new species of flora and fauna here.
Kinabalu Park is a UNESCO Global Geopark of Malaysia. Described by fungi experts as an “El Dorado” for mycologists, Kinabalu Park is easily accessible and tourist-friendly. Simply walk along its nature trails, and you’ll spot unique highland fungi in the montane forest.
Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and pristine rivers, Tawau Hills Park (Taman Bukit Tawau) boasts some of the world’s tallest tropical trees. Yet, surprisingly, not many people know about this incredible spot! While birdwatchers, botanists, entomologists, and photographers frequent the park, mycologists should also take note.
Books about Borneo Fungi
For more information, check out these books:
The Larger Fungi of Borneo – David Norman Pegler (Natural History Publications, 1997). This book is out of print, but you can find a copy at the Sabah State Library.
Wild Fungi of Sabah: A Pictorial Documentation – Piakong Mohd. Tuah, Markus Atong, Nur Zaida Zahari (2018) ISBN: 978-967-2166-12-2
Fungi are mysterious, deadly, life-saving, and essential to nature. From toxic mushrooms to medicinal wonders and mind-controlling fungi, they never cease to amaze. Next time you’re in the forest, look closer—you might spot something incredible.
Borneo is home to an incredible 688 bird species, with 66 endemic to the island and six unique to Sabah, making Sabah one of the important birdwatching destinations. However, a number of native birds are trophy species that birdwatchers highly seek, and the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant is definitely on their lists. If there were a Borneo bird beauty pageant and fashion show, the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant would undoubtedly be crowned the most beautiful bird of Borneo (an island shared by three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei).
A male Bornean peacock-pheasant. Check out the stunning blue-green ocelli on its feathers. Bornean peacock-pheasant can live up to 27 years.
Once abundant a century ago, the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant has become a rare and endangered bird. First recorded in the late 1870s in Kalimantan (Indonesia) and later in Sabah during the 1890s, it vanished from Sabah for over a century, as if it had become extinct. Birdwatchers who wanted to see this bird had to fly to Balikpapan (Kalimantan). BirdLife International estimates the population to be between 600 and 1,700 individuals, classifying it as endangered due to habitat loss from deforestation in lowland and hill forests up to 1,000 metres above sea level.
Female Bornean peacock-pheasant and her chick. This peacock-pheasant is insectivores and hard to breed in captivity. They nest and lay eggs about three times a year, raising one chick at a time.
Rediscovery
On 10 Oct 2024, a local newspaper reported that the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant was discovered in Telupid, the central part of Sabah, by a former ranger. The discovery attracted thousands of birdwatchers to this remote town, so you can imagine how charismatic this bird is. Actually, some bird guides, researchers, and poachers had seen the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant in different parts of Sabah, such as Kuamut Forest Reserve, Ulu Tongod Forest Reserve, and Deramakot, as early as 2016.
Peacock (left) Vs Bornean peacock-pheasant (right). Bornean Peacock-Pheasant is not a peacock, though they share some similarities.
Peacocks are famous for their iridescent feathers, and while the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant is not a peacock, its name derives from its striking teal-green ocellations, or “eyes,” adorning its mantle, wings, and tail feathers. During courtship, males fan their tail feathers and raise their mantle feathers to mesmerise the less colourful females.
Bird that Bears a German Name
Did you know? The Bornean Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron schleiermacheri) was named after Christian Schleiermacher, a 19th-century German trader who contributed to natural science. The species was formally described in 1877, and one of its oldest specimens, collected over 130 years ago, is still housed at the British Museum.
“It’s so important to showcase all that I can to get the public to see what’s out there, right now, while there’s still time to save species. We won’t save what we’ve never even met.” – Joel Sartore, photographer and founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark
Where to See Bornean Peacock-Pheasant?
To see the most beautiful bird of Borneo, the easiest way is to visit Kampung Bestaria (or Bistaria Village) in Telupid. You can book the birding trip with Ulu Telupid Birding Center at +60 12-3835034 (Phone/WhatsApp) or email Ulutelupidhide@gmail.com. They have a bird hide at the forest edge where the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant forages almost every day. But please be reminded that though the chance of sighting is good, it’s a wild habitat and not a zoo, so it’ll depend on your luck.
400-metre walk to the bird hide
The bird hide is a few kilometres from the village, accessible via an oil palm plantation. At the end of a soil road lies a small forest, where a 400-metre walk leads to the hide. The path, slightly sloped, requires some effort, especially if carrying heavy photography gear. A scentless insect repellent, raincoat, and rain cover for equipment are recommended.
The bird hide and toilet
As the bird hide is on private land, visitors need permission to enter. A bird guide accompanies every trip, and a lunch pack is provided. The hide is equipped with chairs and a table but lacks electricity. Basically, you just set up your camera and wait patiently. A small toilet is available 20 metres away. Bring entertainment, like pre-downloaded podcasts or videos with earphones, as the wait from 8 am to 4 pm can be long. A power bank is also useful.
Left: inside the bird hide. Right: inside the toilet. Bornean peacock-pheasant is secretive and prefers moving along vegetated paths that keep it concealed, so the camera trap misses it sometimes.
Sightings typically occur between 10 am and 1 pm. The Bornean Peacock-Pheasant is elusive, so you better stay still and silent. Sometimes you would hear their calls really near, but they may not appear. About 12 metres away from the viewpoint of the hide is a small open area in the forest, which is quite well-lit during sunny days. Photographers should use a long lens (500mm or more) to capture better pictures of the birds. My Canon R7 with an RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens produced great results, though a larger aperture like F/2.8 would have been ideal.
Left: Female Bornean peacock-pheasant and her chick on day 1. Right: A male Bornean peacock-pheasant showed up on day 2
On my first day, the first Bornean Peacock-Pheasant appeared at 11:07 am. It was a female Peacock-Pheasant with a chick. I was told that there were at least three new chicks around that area, which is good news as their population is growing. They were very sensitive. The mother was constantly looking at the surroundings for any sign of threat while also busy feeding her chick. A few minutes later, heavy rain poured, and they ran away for cover (bummer!). Anyway, I was so happy with my photos that framed both of them. This luck doesn’t come by every day. However, no male appeared that day, though I heard their calls (Listen to their calls) from the woods nearby.
Besides the Bornean Peacock-Pheasant, I also bagged some shots of the Hooded Pitta, Jewel Dove, White-crowned Shama, shrew, and squirrels.
Day two was a sunny day. This time a male Bornean Peacock-Pheasant showed up at 10:08 am. It stepped cautiously from the undergrowth into the open. The male Peacock-Pheasant is more colourful than the female. Too bad there was no female around, or the male would have shown off its beautiful feathers by going fluffy, fanning its tail feathers, and dancing around. It was a fruitful trip as I got the shots of an adult male, female, and chick. Spending at least two days to increase your chances of seeing both male and female birds.
When night falls in Borneo, most tourists call it a day, while there are a group of tourists who can’t wait to enter the dark rainforest. The chorus of frogs and crickets masks their footsteps as they scan the foliage with flashlights, searching high and low for the critters that come alive after sunset. Whenever someone pauses with a gasp of wonder, the others eagerly gather to witness a rare and extraordinary discovery. For these explorers, the night is when the rainforest truly awakens—usually after 7 p.m.
The Borneo rainforest never sleeps; in fact, its animals are even busier at night.
Borneo is one of the top destinations for night walks and herping—a niche activity for enthusiasts seeking reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats. Sabah, in particular, boasts a rich array of endemic animals with vibrant colours and unique forms. As advertised in National Geographic, Borneo island is renowned for its biodiversity. For instance, a single tree can host hundreds of species. Among the treasures you might encounter are tarsiers, flying frogs, stick insects, leopard cats, and snakes.
It’s easier to find frogs, snakes, and lizards at night because most of them are nocturnal. You would be disappointed if you look for them during daytime.
For some, bugs and snakes might not seem endearing. However, this fear often stems from a lack of understanding, exacerbated by modern lifestyles that disconnect us from nature. Today, children may even shy away from chickens—a far cry from the days when our grandparents shared stories of catching crickets, collecting fireflies for lanterns, keeping scorpions as pets, or enjoying frog delicacies.
Most snakes and spiders in Sabah are neither aggressive nor dangerous. In fact, the “cute” hippo and kangaroo are far more dangerous.
If you find wild critters fascinating and night walks thrilling, you’re in luck! Sabah boasts several fantastic spots where you can observe a diverse range of wildlife, including frogs and toads, tarsiers, slow lorises, flying squirrels, civets, badgers, leopard cats, lizards, snakes, geckos, birds, stick insects, spiders, snails, millipedes, and moths. It’s a dream for macro photographers, as many creatures stay still, making close observation and photography easy.
Left: Stick insect. Right: Daddy longlegs (Harvestman). Did you know that female stick insects can reproduce without males? They clone themselves through their eggs! In the past, some village kids even snacked on these eggs. And guess what? Daddy longlegs isn’t a spider! Night walks are full of fascinating critters to discover.
Best Locations
The two best locations for night walks and herping are Kinabalu Park and Poring. These destinations are popular because they offer a combination of highland and lowland habitats and are only 19 km apart. Note that most locations require permits or guides for night walks. If you’re searching for rare and endemic frogs, lizards, and snakes in Borneo, consider joining the Borneo herping tour led by Kurt Orionmystery.
1) Kinabalu Park (Kundasang)
Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site, showcases the biodiversity of Borneo. Situated at approximately 1,563 metres (5,128 feet) above sea level, this montane forest is ideal for night walks. Visitors must register with Sabah Parks during daytime office hours and hire a guide (fees apply).
Left to right, top to bottom: Sabah Pit Viper (Trimeresurus sabahi), Kinabalu Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus baluensis), Tree Frog, and Slug Snake.
Possible Sightings
🐍 Malcom’s Pit Viper, Dragon Snake, Sabah Pit Viper, Chasen’s Mountain Pit Viper, Kinabalu Brown Pit Viper, Black Striped Coral Snake, Schmidt’s Reed Snake, Dark-headed Black Snake, Borneo Red Snake, Borneo Black Snake, Dark Spined Kukri Snake, Candy Cane Snake, Gold White-Spotted Cat Snake, Sabah Slender Slug Snake, Stuebing’s Slug Snake, Inger’s Slug Snake
At 550 metres (1,804 feet) above sea level, Poring features a tropical rainforest home to lowland species. There are two night walk spots: one within Poring Hot Springs (a substation of Kinabalu Park) and the other at Lupa Masa, a private area adjacent to the park.
Left to right, top to bottom: Sumatran Pit Viper (Trimeresurus sumatranus), Hole-in-the-head Frog (Huia cavitympanum), Cat Gecko, and Giant Forest Dragon (Gonocephalus grandis).
Tawau Hills Park, locally known as Taman Bukit Tawau, is a protected lowland forest and water catchment area on Sabah’s east coast. Home to some of the world’s tallest tropical trees, this park is a paradise for birdwatching, hiking, and herping, thanks to its sprawling rivers and streams teeming with life. The park is also rich in wildlife, featuring creatures like maroon leaf monkeys and hornbills. For accommodation and guiding services, reach out to 1Stop Borneo.
Left to right, top to bottom: Leaf Insect (Phyllium agnesagamaae), river turtle, Saffron-bellied Frog (Chaperina fusca) guiding its eggs in a tree hole, Common Mock Viper (Psammodynastes pulverulentus)
The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) is renowned for its Rainforest Skywalk—the longest canopy walkway in Sabah, spanning an impressive 620 metres. Visitors can also explore an extensive network of nature trails that showcase the diverse lowland rainforest of Sepilok.
Left: Tarsier, Right: Bent-toed Gecko
Night walks are held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with registration required at the ticketing counter before 5 p.m. Depending on your luck, you might spot fascinating creatures like the Bornean tarsier, slow loris, civets, moonrats, flying squirrels, glowworms, or even owls.
Danum Valley is home to Borneo’s oldest primary rainforest. This dense forest shelters iconic wildlife such as orangutans, clouded leopards, tarsiers, and hornbills. The elusive Bornean Bristlehead is also a prized sight for birdwatchers.
Left: Leopard Cat, Right: A sleeping black-crowned pitta (Erythropitta ussheri)
While herping here can be rewarding, the valley’s remote location and premium costs may not suit everyone. For a luxurious experience, stay at the 5-star Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Budget travellers can opt for the Danum Valley Field Centre (also known as the Danum Valley Studies Centre).
Other Good Locations
The following are other great spots for night walks and herping. Even seasoned entomologists and herpetologists may uncover rare and fascinating finds.
Crocker Range Park, the largest terrestrial park in Sabah, features lush lowland rainforests and mixed hill dipterocarp forests. The park’s headquarters in Keningau boasts facilities such as accommodation and camping grounds. Visitors can book a guide at the office during the day to explore the 2-kilometre nature trail at night. One of the park’s standout features is its variety of stick insects, along with hidden gems like glowworms.
Left to right, top to bottom: A large stick insect, Lampyridae firefly (note its glowing tail), a tarantula spider probably, newly hatched Flatid Planthopper
Kinabatangan Floodplain is Sabah’s largest wetland and a RAMSAR site, renowned as a prime destination for spotting Bornean pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and eight species of hornbills. Night walks here are often optional tours offered by lodges and resorts near secondary forests, oxbow lakes, or swampy areas. These environments host unique species you may not find in other rainforests. For those seeking a promising spot, Danau Girang is worth considering.
Left to Right: a frilled tree frog on a vine, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Ornate Shrub Lizard (Aphaniotis ornata)
Located about a two-hour hike from Kiau Village in Kota Belud, Miki Survival Camp offers visitors an immersive experience in rainforest survival. While the camp is known for teaching survival skills, the night walks are equally remarkable. Though the amenities are basic (no electricity), the sightings here rival those in Kinabalu Park.
Left to Right: Mossy Bush Frog (Philautus macroscelis), a well-camouflaged katydid, huge caterpillar of a moth, Borneo Slug Snake (Asthenodipsas borneensis)
My visit to Tabin Wildlife Reserve included a single night walk, which was enjoyable though it didn’t yield anything particularly memorable. However, the reserve has hosted projects like the Frog Camp programme, indicating its potential as an excellent herping site.
Left to right, top to bottom: Buffy Fish Owl, Lantern Bug (Pyrops transversolineatus), Striped Bronzeback, Palm Civet
5) Kionsom (Kota Kinabalu)
If you prefer a herping spot close to Kota Kinabalu City, Kionsom in Inanam is a convenient option, located just 20 minutes from the city. This hilly area, interspersed with numerous streams, offers a variety of wildlife. You can arrange tours through Ki-Onsoi Herping.
Left to Right: Whip Scorpion or Vinegaroon (Thelyphonidae), Giant River Toad, Long-legged Scutigerid centipede
Possible Sightings
🐍 Borneo Python, Vine Snake, Bornean Keeled Pit Viper, White-fronted Water Snake, Striped Bronzeback, Elegant Bronzeback
🐸 Northern Torrent Frog, Giant River Toad, File-eared Frog
6) Sayap Substation (Kota Belud)
Sayap, one of Kinabalu Park’s substations, also serves as the starting point for climbing Mount Minodtuhan. Though this place is far and less accessible, it’s gaining popularity among herpes as it is located in a transitional and riverine zone between lowland and montane forests, where animals from both habitats can be found!
Left: Bornean Horned Frog, Right: Stick Insect
Possible Sightings
🐍 Sabah Bamboo Pit Viper, Borneo Red Snake
🐸 Golden-legged Bush Frog, Long-fingered Stream Toad, Bornean Horned Frog, Masked Tree Frog
The best time for night walk is during new moon, ideally after rain. When it’s full moon, the nocturnal animals are more sensitive and stay hidden away from the bright moonlight. That affects herping as insects are afraid of frogs, frogs are afraid of snake, and snakes are afraid of owl.
Left: Beware of fire ants—socks and jeans won’t stop their painful stings. Right: Rubber boots are ideal for night walks as they protect against ant bites, snake bites, and leech bites, while also being waterproof.
What to Bring and Wear on a Night Walk
Never go alone. A knowledgeable guide increases your chances of wildlife encounters.
Travel with a group to split guiding costs.
Night walks can last hours—carry a flashlight with a long battery life. Bring spare flashlight or extra batteries.
Headlamps are convenient but may attract insects like wasps to your faces.
Look for the reflective eyes of animals to spot them in the dark.
Bring a raincoat for unexpected rain.
Wear anti-leech socks; leeches indicate a thriving forest ecosystem.
Opt for water-resistant hiking shoes or rubber boots for muddy and swampy areas.
Beware of fire ants, which are active at night and have painful stings.
Follow your guide’s instructions and avoid touching anything.
Useful Books
These field guides by Natural History Publications (Borneo) are useful for herping enthusiasts:
A Field Guide to the Snakes of Borneo (2nd edition) by Björn Lardner, Rob Stuebing, Robert Inger. ISBN: 978-983-812-151-4
A Field Guide to the Frogs of Borneo (3rd edition) by Robert F. Inger, Robert B. Stuebing, T. Ulmar Grafe, J. Maximilian Dehling. ISBN: 9789838121767
Amphibians & Reptiles in Sabah by Robert F. Inger and Tan Fui Lian. ISBN: 983-812-010-3
There are around 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide, with approximately 150 species found in Malaysia alone. Sabah, in particular, has over 80 described cicada species. These fascinating creatures come in various sizes, spanning from 15 mm to 70 mm (0.6 to 2.76 in inches) in length. In the lush forests of Sabah, their melodious chorus often fills the air.
Left: Mangrove Cicada, Purana. Right: Forest Cicada, Platylomia spinosa. Cicadas of Southeast Asia have a life cycle of one to three years.
Did you know that only male cicadas can sing? Cicada can produce a sound exceeding 100 decibels, which is technically loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss if it sings right outside your ear. The giant cicada, Megapomponia merula, also known as the 6’o Clock Cicada, is the loudest cicada in Borneo (Click Here to hear its orchestra). In Peninsular Malaysia, its slightly larger cousin, Megapomponia imperatoria, is dubbed the 7 o’clock Cicada, as it gets darker later in this part of the country.
Megapomponia merula, also known as the 6’o Clock Cicada, is the largest cicada in Borneo
The swarming season for cicadas in Malaysia is typically from March to May. Cicadas spend their entire life cycle underground, emerging only in adulthood to breed. After laying their eggs in the soil, cicadas’ nymphs hatch and spend several years underground, burrowing as deep as 1 to 2.5 meters, where they feed on tree sap.
Left: A cicada mud tower on the forest floor. Cicada nymphs construct mud towers above ground in order to aerate their burrows. In the final nymphal instar, they construct an exit tunnel to the surface and emerge. Right: An exuvium or nymphal skin of a cicada on a tree trunk
When they reach their final nymphal instar, they dig an exit tunnel to the surface and emerge. Once above ground, they ascend a nearby plant, shed their skin, and emerge as adults. In forested areas, you’ll often find many of these abandoned skins clinging to tree bark. Interestingly, these dry skins are utilized in certain Chinese medicines for their cooling effect.
Cicada nymphal skins are used in traditional Chinese folk medicine to remove heatiness
Local Chinese tradition holds a belief that when a person passes away, their spirit rides on a cicada (or moth or other insects) to visit the family on the seventh day to bid farewell before departing to the afterlife. As a result, it is taboo to harm any insect during this period.
In Malay, cicada are known as ‘riang-riang’ while in Dusun, they are called ‘tengir’ or ‘taviu’. The empress cicada, scientifically known as Megapomponia imperatoria, is the world’s largest cicada found in Malaysia. It can grow up to 8 cm long with a wingspan of 20 cm
Throughout history, the cicada has symbolized resurrection, immortality, spiritual realization, and ecstasy. In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, they were considered sacred to Apollo and associated with the ecstatic singing of the Dionysian Bacchae and Maenads.
Cicadas shed their skins on a nearby plant for the last time and emerge as adults. The exuviae or nymphal skins are normally left clinging to the bark of the tree.
Some Sabah natives, particularly those from the interior, consume cicadas, especially the green varieties. These cicadas are typically roasted over a fire and have their hard exoskeleton removed before consumption. Alternatively, they may be stir-fried until they turn yellow. Some people even dig out the cicada nymph, which is said to have about 20 of them under the chimney. Interestingly, some refer to cicadas as the ‘Shrimps of the Land,’ suggesting they might be tasty.
The Green Cicada, Dundubia vaginata. It’s an edible species. While most species are considered edible, there is an exception for the black and brown cicadas with yellow stripes.
According to Dr. Azman Sulaiman, a researcher at the UKM Centre for Insect Systematics Entomology, cicadas are considered relatively clean compared to other insects, although some may carry parasites. In 2012, scientists discovered that cicada wings possess antimicrobial properties due to microstructures called nanopillars, which effectively shred various harmful bacteria.
Welcome to our list of the top 10 travel destinations in Sabah. Handpicked for their popularity and quality, these attractions offer unforgettable experiences. Our recommendations are based on firsthand experiences, let’s dive into the captivating wonders of Sabah!
1. Mount Kinabalu (Kinabalu Park)
Climbing Malaysia’s tallest peak, Mount Kinabalu, is a must-do for any Sabah trip. Located within Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark, this mountain offers not just thrilling climbs but also lush nature trails teeming with unique plants and wildlife. Birdwatching in the park and highland stay at adjacent Kundasang are also popular activities among tourists.
Mount Kinabalu is 4,095 metres in height and the highest mountain of Malaysia. Next to it is Mount Nungkok, a.k.a. The Child of Kinabalu
Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark is a UNESCO triple crown site (Geopark, World Heritage Site, and the UNESCO Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve)
View of Tunku Abdul Rahman Peak from the Panalaban base camp
Descending from Mount Kinabalu. Climbers need to descend around 8am before dense mist covers the peak.
You are close to the highest peak when you reach the wishing pond
Kota Kinabalu City is renowned as a nature resort city and a fantastic retirement destination. One of the main attractions is Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, conveniently located just 15 minutes away from the city by boat. During peak seasons, tens of thousands of tourists flock to this marine park, comprised of five tropical islands.
Manukan Island is the most visited islands of Sabah
The clear sea water of Sapi Island
Manukan Resort near the beach
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is only 15 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu City by boat ride
Mamutik Island is the smallest island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
These islands boast stunning coral reefs bustling with a variety of colorful reef fish, making them ideal spots for a range of water activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, and sea-walking. You can also embark on an island-hopping tour to visit two to three islands (Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik) in a single day, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of each island. Read more…
3. Sepilok
A visit to Sepilok offers the chance to explore three remarkable Borneo attractions located side by side. Start with the Orangutan rehabilitation centre, where orphaned orangutans are trained to survive in the wild. During feeding sessions, you can observe these intelligent apes sharing food with mischievous macaques. Just a short distance away lies the Bornean Sunbear Conservation Centre, where you can watch adorable sun bears in their element.
The feeding time of Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation centre are at 10am and 3pm
The tower and skywalk of Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sandakan
A Bornean sunbear napping high on a tree
Tourists looking at the training of baby orangutan at the nursery
The tall tropical trees at Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
Nearby, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) immerses you in the Borneo rainforest and is a hotspot for birdwatching. Take a stroll along the sturdy 620-metre-long skywalk, allowing you to wander amidst towering tropical trees and observe fruits and birds up-close. With luck, you might even spot endemic birds like the Bornean Bristlehead, a prized sighting for birdwatchers. Read more…
4. Sipadan Island
Sipadan Island stands as Malaysia’s premier diving site, unequivocally. This world-renowned spot is a haven for scuba enthusiasts, offering a breathtaking array of marine life, including turtles, schools of bumphead parrotfish, barracuda, and jackfish across more than 10 dive sites.
Snorkelling at Sipadan Island. See how clear the water is.
Sipadan Island is the only oceanic island in Malaysia
Sipadan Island is part of the Coral Triangle (a.k.a. Amazon of the Sea)
The dark blue area in the sea is a 600 metre drop to the deep
The skeleton of turtle trapped in Turtle Tomb Cave
The Hanging Garden is revered among divers for its vibrant display of hard and soft corals along vertical walls. For those with cave diving skills, the Turtle Tomb is an unmissable underwater cavern notorious for trapping and drowning turtles. Even snorkelers can revel in the island’s underwater marvels. Sipadan Island epitomizes the untouched beauty of a tropical paradise, devoid of human activities that threaten the environment. Read more…
5. Danum Valley
The Borneo rainforest stands as one of the oldest in the world, boasting unparalleled biodiversity. Within this pristine expanse lies Danum Valley, a sanctuary teeming with wildlife and untouched natural beauty. Here, you’ll encounter the world’s tallest tropical trees amidst the dense foliage. For an immersive experience, consider staying at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, a 5-star jungle retreat.
Canopy walk of Danum Valley
A sleeping Black-crowned pitta we saw during night walk
Morning walk in the misty rainforest of Borneo
Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley
Guests can partake in a range of guided activities, including canopy walks, birdwatching, waterfall explorations, riverside picnics, night safaris, and tubing adventures. During the fruiting season, observe orangutans and hornbills feasting on fig trees. Night walks offer a rare glimpse of elusive Bornean creatures such as the tarsier, clouded leopard, and bearcat. Read more…
6. Klias Wetland
The Klias Peninsula is poised to become Malaysia’s next RAMSAR site, recognized for the exceptional biodiversity of a wetland. This unique ecosystem, encompassing peat swamp forests, harbors a rich variety of wildlife. Visitors can embark on leisurely boat cruises along the brackish river, which serves as a crucial carbon sink storing vast amounts of wood beneath its surface.
Proboscis Monkey is endemic to Borneo and also known as Dutch Monkey because of its big nose and belly
River cruise at Klias Wetland
Blue-eared Kingfisher is common at the mangrove and rivers of Sabah
Klias wetland is a peat swamp forest with unique vegetation
The brackish water of Klias River is the best nursery for prawns and crabs
During the daytime, the enchanting sight of proboscis monkeys, endemic to Borneo, steals the show. Abundant sightings of other animals, including oriental darters, hornbills, kingfishers, grey-leaf monkeys, and macaques, add to the allure. As night falls, prepare to be mesmerized by a magical spectacle as thousands of fireflies adorn the trees along the riverbank, resembling twinkling Christmas trees on a summer’s night. Read more…
7. Poring Hot Springs
Poring is not boring! Poring offers a refreshing escape for those seeking relaxation and adventure alike. Relax and rejuvenate in the soothing Sulphur hot springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties beneficial for both skin and ailments. Explore the butterfly garden, home to rare species like the Rajah Brooke Birdwing.
Bath area of Poring Hot Springs. This area was discovered by the Japanese.
Canopy walk of Poring Hot Springs is one of the most popular activities here
Langanan Waterfall in Poring Hot Springs is one of the tallest waterfalls of Sabah
Red-bearded bee-eater
Chalets in the park of Poring Hot Springs
For thrill-seekers, challenge your fear of heights with a stroll across the wobbly canopy walk, suspended 40 meters above ground—a thrilling experience and one of Sabah’s highest. If that’s not enough excitement, embark on a two-hour hike to the majestic Langanan Waterfall, one of Sabah’s tallest.
Poring also offers cozy chalets for those wishing to fully immerse themselves in nature’s embrace. Nearby, keep an eye out for the blooming rafflesia flower, a rare and impressive sight during the right season. Read more…
8. Boheydulang Island
Prepare to be awestruck by the breathtaking beauty of Boheydulang Island, where every vista elicits a resounding “WOW!” This enchanting island boasts arguably the most scenic sea views in all of Borneo. Situated within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Boheydulang is one of eight islands formed by an ancient volcano that erupted 2.5 million years ago. Most of the volcano’s crater is now submerged beneath the sea, with the remnants forming the picturesque islands we see today. Nicknamed Pearl Island, Boheydulang is steeped in legend, with tales of Princess Salamiah, who is said to have taken refuge on the island and transformed into a fairy.
View of Tun Sakaran Marine Park from the top of Boheydulang Island. These islands were used to be part of an ancient volcano rim
The climb to the top of Boheydulang Island takes about 45 minutes
Boardwalk of the jetty on Boheydulang Island
This spot is a turtle highway of Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Tun Sakaran Marine Park is the second largest marine park of Sabah
To soak in the island’s unparalleled beauty, embark on a 45-minute hike to the summit of Boheydulang, towering approximately 353 meters above sea level. The panoramic scenery from the summit is truly unforgettable, making Boheydulang one of the most sought-after destinations in Semporna, often hailed as the Maldives of Southeast Asia. Read more…
9. Kinabatangan River
Stretching an impressive 560 kilometers, the Kinabatangan River holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s second-longest river. Meandering from the heart of Sabah to its eastern coast, this river nourishes vast expanses of Borneo rainforest, including ox-bow lakes, mangroves, and wetlands. It’s a realm inhabited by a rich array of Borneo’s iconic wildlife, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, sun bears, and pygmy elephants.
A herd of proboscis monkey on the tree
Kinabatangan River and an Oxbow Lake
Pygmy elephant is the smallest elephant in the world
Morning river cruise in the misty Kinabatangan River
A forest lodge next to Kinabatangan River (with air-conditioning!)
Embark on a tranquil boat ride during the morning or dusk hours, and you’ll witness wildlife bustling along the riverbanks, showcasing their natural behaviors. Bird enthusiasts flock here to capture images of unique avian species such as hornbills, kingfishers, and oriental darters. Spotting rare birds like the Pitta, Bornean Ground Cuckoo, Storm’s Stork, and Bornean Bristlehead is considered a prized achievement, akin to discovering a hidden treasure. Read more…
10. Mari-Mari Cultural Village
After having so much fun with nature attractions, most tourists miss out on the important part of the Borneo experience – the colorful Borneo cultures. The Mari-Mari Cultural Village fills in the gap by showcasing the captivating traditions and customs of the five main tribes of Sabah. All of this is done in a village complex surrounded by rainforest with authentic traditional settings.
Asking the Borneo headhunter for permission to enter Mari-Mari Cultural Village. This is just part of the acting.
Sampling the freshly cooked local food (Kuih Jala)
Visit the longhouse of Mari-Mari Cultural Village
Tourists trying the bamboo dance
Colourful dais for wedding couples of Bajau
In just half a day, visitors can get a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle of our natives. Moving from one traditional house to another, you can sample some local food and drink of the Bajau, known as the Cowboys of the East, see how the vest of a Murut warrior is made from tree bark, play traditional games, observe the skill of starting a fire and hunting with a blowpipe, and participate in a bamboo dance. Read more…
Others / Special Interest
No matter what your interests may be, Sabah offers something special for everyone. Here are a few more recommended attractions tailored to suit various visitor preferences.
The Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC) is one of the most accessible natural rainforest parks in Sabah. It sits by a lake at the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve in Sandakan. RDC has been in operation since 1996 for environmental education purposes. Today, it is a 3-in-1 park (i.e. wildlife, bird and botanical) for nature lovers and bird watchers where they can see the unique flora and fauna of Borneo. To students, it’s the best outdoor classroom to learn the rich biodiversity of tropical rainforest.
Rainforest Discovery Center and the adjacent Sepilok-Kabili Forest, and its lake. Boat is available for rent (RM5)
Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC) is managed by the Sabah Forestry Department and one of the most popular Environmental Education (EE) centers in Sabah. A pristine lowland dipterocarp and Mangrove forest with astounding 300 species of birds are recorded in the area.
10 things you can do at Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC). RDC receives more than 30,000 visitors every year.
The 4,300-hectare Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve has gained birders recognition worldwide for its iconic Bornean Bristlehead, Black & Crimson Pitta, Blue-headed Pitta, Giant Pitta, Black Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill and more. The forest of Sepilok is declared as an Important Birding Area (IBA) by Birdlife International in 2009.
Jungle and Nature Trails
Visitors can walk along the trails and become acquainted with green giants such as the 40-Meter-tall mengaris tree, one of the tallest tree in Borneo. Besides soaking up the sight and getting a good workout, visitors can refer to the interpretive panels along the trail, which has descriptions about the unique residents of the forest.
Interesting fruit and plant at RDC. Left: Giant aroid (Alocasia robusta), endemic to Borneo; Middle: an unknown fruit; Right: Elephant tree, locally known as Simpoh Gajah or Ubah Rusa (Species: Dillenia borneensis), endemic to Borneo
Alert the little ones to keep an eye out for darting civets and flying squirrels (which can glide up to 100 Meters)! And lucky visitors have also spotted animals such as the elusive red leaf monkey, gibbon (the fastest moving primate in tree canopy), mouse deer, civet cat and many odd looking insects such as stick insect and lantern bug.
Giant trees of Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok Giant (left) and Kabili Monster (right)
The giant trees that you must check out are Sepilok Giant, a Yellow Seraya tree (Shorea acatissima), which is about 65 Meters in height, with an estimated age of 800-1,000 years old, and the 75-Meter-tall Kabili Monster, an Obah Suluk tree (Shorea pauciflora).
Trail map of Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
Another tree worths a good look is Belian Borneo Ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri), the 7th hardest wood in the world. The main trails are gravel path, and some sections are networks of well-trodden nature (soil) trails for you to explore deeper.
Plant Discovery Garden
RDC also has a Plant Discovery Garden, which covers about 3 acres of land. This garden will make any botanist smile with its rich collection of hybrid orchids, arid land plants, aquatic plants, pitcher plants, economic crops and tropical American plants.
Orchid and carnivorous plant (from America) in the Plant Discovery Garden of RDC
There are colourful outdoor interpretive panels with descriptions of all the plants, which are available in English and Bahasa Malaysia languages and makes learning not only easy but fun as well.
Interpretation panels with photographs and interesting facts of fruits and herb, description is available in English and Malay languages.
For serious learners, there are just too many local and exotic plants (flowers, herbs, spices, crops) to look at, just to name a few, peach palm, vanilla, tongkat ali, rubber, cassava, cinnamon, fig, and cycad (a living fossil and food of dinosaur).
From left: Kelumpang Sarawak (Sterculia megistophylla), fig tree, and red fruit of achiote plant (used as lipstick in the past)
Rainforest Skywalk (Canopy Walk)
The main attraction of RDC is Rainforest Skywalk, the longest Canopy Walkway in Sabah. Visitors can climb to the top of the observation towers and take in the breathtaking view from the 620-Meter-long and 25-meter-high metal platforms and walkway.
Towers of RDC. From left: Bristlehead Tower, Trogon Tower, nature trail under the tower
The walkway is two meters wide, is very sturdy and can hold the weight of a large crowd. RDC has three main towers that are named after the Bristlehead, Hornbill and Trogon and a single-column shelter called the Sunbird. With a height of 26.5 Metres (87 ft), Trogon Tower is the highest tower of RDC.
Rainforest Skywalk of Rainforest Discovery Centre is tall but still lower than many trees. Some of the trees were planted in 1970s and 1980s.
The designers of the canopy walkway made sure that it was not only safe for adults, but also for young children who are at kindergarten-level.
Fruiting next to the Rainforest Skywalk. From left: Artocarpus elasticus (Terap togop), Dacryodes rostrata (or cuspidata), poisonous Lampada Fruit (Tabernaemontana macrocarpa)
To the team at RDC, the younger children are exposed to the wonders of Mother Nature, the more they will appreciate our rainforest. During weekends, some local retired people also come here for birding regularly.
Rainforest Skywalk of RDC is 620 Metres long after an extension of 250 Metres completed in early 2022.
The highest platform of towers is about 26.5 Meters (87 feet) above the ground. Many birds, wildlife, fruits and insects live high on the tree, so these towers provide a great viewing point for bird watching and wildlife sighting. I’ve seen mother orangutan with her baby there before (see video).
Orangutan and Macaque could be seen at RDC, especially during fruiting season. They are not friendly so keep a distance from them.
Bornean Bristlehead normally feeds up in the mid and upper layer of tree canopy, and best seen from Canopy Walkway. You have higher chance of seeing them near Bristlehead and Hornbill Towers in RDC. On the skywalk, you don’t need to look up so much that your neck cramps. I’m confident to say that RDC has one of the best setting for bird watching in the world.
Information board about the tall rainforest trees around this area, so you can do a self-guided tour.
Many trees here are very old and over 50 Meters tall, most of these emergent trees are from the family Dipterocarpaceae, the main timber family of Sabah. During fruiting season, you will see many birds and wildlife coming here for feeding.
Bird Watching
Due to the tourist-friendly canopy walkway and nearby virgin rainforest where over 300 lowland bird species reside, RDC is really a haven for nature photographers and birdwatchers.RDC is also the most promising spot to see Bornean Bristlehead, the trophy bird species of birders, but you still need some luck. I saw it only once after three visits.
Birdwatching and bird photography are popular activities at RDC. Do bring a binocular with you.
Many endemic (13 species are Borneo endemic), rare and colorful birds are active around RDC, for example, Bornean Bristlehead, Hornbills, Pittas, Kingfisher (8 species), Trogons, Malkohas, Leafbirds, Minivets, Spiderhunters (6 species), Crested Jay, Red-bearded Bee-eater, Broadbills, Woodpeckers, and Bulbuls. For full list, you may see this Checklist of Birds in Sepilok.
Endemic birds of Borneo in Sepilok. The red-headed bird in pictures is Bornean Bristlehead (Nickname: headphone bird)
Therefore, for visitors who don’t want to travel far, RDC is the best alternative birding sites to Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the world-class birding sites in Lahad Datu.
Trail signages and interpretation panel of birds in RDC
Some forest birds spend most of their time on canopy and best to be observed from RDC Canopy Walkway, while some prefers habitat in understorey and forest ground, so you need to explore the jungle trails for such birds. (Note: leeches might present during wet season)
Interpretation panels of birds in RDC are placed at the spots where sighting of birds in the pictures are possible. Some are placed on Rainforest Skywalk for birds that are active on canopy.
According to birding community, the 1.9-KM Kingfisher Trail is very productive (many birds). There are many direction signages in the RDC trail network, so you should have no problem to get around. What I really like is – RDC also places many information panels in different spots to inform you what birds, trees and wildlife are (probable) nearby.
Birds of RDC. From left: Red-bearded bee eater, Racket-tailed drongo, White-crowned hornbill, Bornean black magpie
Inside the forest there are small ponds used by many birds as natural bird bath for bathing and drinking. Most birds only dip their wings to splash water on their backs. Parts of the bath is just about 2 inches deep, just enough for small birds. Keep an eye for Red-eyed Bulbul, Emerald Dove and Hairy-backed Bulbul there. Garden birds such as sunbirds, spiderhunters and flowerpeckers are common visitors too.
Borneo Bird Festival is packed with activities for birders, children, photographers and tourists.
RDC is a preferred venue for Borneo Bird Festival, which is usually held in Sep or Oct annually, the best visiting time for bird watchers who are looking forward for exciting activities such as bird race, talks, bird photography contest, latest birding gears, and exhibition.
Exhibition Hall
The main visitor building has an exhibition hall that features the unique flora found in Sabah, plus the various icons in our animal kingdom including the Bornean pygmy elephant, orangutan, proboscis monkey and many more.
The Exhibition Hall of RDC is great for learning the biodiversity of Borneo
Visitors can also find information on reptiles and the main groups of birds. The building also has a multi purpose hall, which is often used for talks, screenings and other activities.
Information about flora & fauna of Borneo (available in both English and Malay languages)
Besides animals, visitors can browse good collections of plant, fruit, tree and insect specimens in the hall. The information is presented in gallery style, with a lot of beautiful photographs with minimal text, available in English and Malay languages.
Left: One of the display item: Ghost Durian (Durian Hantu) has no spikes and inedible, though it’s under the same family of Durian fruit. Right: Crocodile specimen in exhibition hall of RDC
This Exhibition Hall is air-conditioned, so I love to come here after a long walk under hot sun outside LOL (and for the toilet too). I must say the Exhibition Hall does a very good job in giving visitors an interesting overview of Borneo’s nature.
Other Facilities
The infrastructure of RDC is quite well-thought, this makes RDC an excellent attraction, as well as a great location to organize mid-scale events. They also added a 180-Metre flying squirrel zipline at the lake area.
Left: Keruing Cafe of RDC is located at the starting point of Canopy Walk and it serves simple meals and drink. Right: Kabili Mini Theatre for seminar, talks and conferenceLeft: Exhibition about Borneo birds in Drongo House. Right: Birders Rest Complex (toilet available), Both places are good shelters when it rains.
Entrance Fee
Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC) is open from 8am to 5pm every day (include Public Holidays), but the trails and canopy walkway close at 8pm, so some visitors can do night walk and evening birding. RDC is a park opens to public, any walk-in visitor can buy a ticket to enter (see ticket prices below).
Malaysian
Foreigner
Adult (18 & above)
RM7
RM30
5-17 years old
RM3
RM20
Below 5 years old
FREE
FREE
Entrance Fee to RDC (Last updated on 1st April 2024)
All proceeds from ticket sales are used to organize environmental education programs for students, teacher training courses and other environment-related activities.
Night Walk
Most wildlife are nocturnal. You may not see a lot of wildlife during daytime in RDC, but a night walk there would probably give you some pleasant surprises. Depend on your luck, you would see civet, moonrat, Malay badger, sleeping birds, glow worm, owls, stick insect, firefly, frog, bearded pig, flying lemur, etc. You hit jackpot if you spot Bornean Tarsier or Slow Loris, the most mysterious primates of Sabah. Known as Ghost Monkey locally, Bornean Tarsier is the smallest primate of Borneo and has huge eyes bigger than its brain.
During dusk, people gather and wait for red giant flying squirrel to come out of the box. Far right: Tarsier
Night Walk is available (conducted between 6pm-8pm), you can register for the walk at ticketing counter (before they close at 5pm). The fee is RM50 per adult and RM25 per child (5-16 years old) for a minimum of 2 hours, RM20/person for each additional hour.
Rates for night walk at Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC). Updated in Nov 2024
You can book a private group (max 5 people) for RM350. Do bring torch-light (flashlight) and raincoat with you. You can take photos but no camera flash is allowed for small animals.
How to get there
The Rainforest Discovery Center is located at Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, about 25 KM to the west of Sandakan City (see Location Map). Public transport to Sepilok is available readily and the journey takes about 45 to 50 minutes one way. You can hire a taxi for a return trip for about RM100 per car (≈USD$28)(negotiable).
RDC Shuttle Service (within Sepilok only) is available only when licensed taxi not around and depend on staff availability. It’s no guarantee but good to know this option anyway. The standard rate is RM10 (≈USD$2.50) per car. You can request for transport in following time: 9am-5pm: enquire for taxi or shuttle service at ticketing counter 5pm-8pm: enquire shuttle service at security hut
Butterfly is the most beautiful insect in the world and has been a symbol of elegance, romance and beautiful transformation. Japan, India and Australia have national butterflies that represent their country. Malaysia also picks Rajah Brooke’s birdwing (Scientific name: Trogonoptera brookiana) as the poster boy due to its striking colours. Birdwings are named for their exceptional size, angular wings, and bird-like flight.
Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing (Trogonoptera brookiana brookiana) is the national butterfly of Malaysia and also the most well-known butterfly in Malaysia
As the most well-known butterfly in Malaysia, Rajah Brooke’s birdwing has large angular wings decorated with tooth-shaped ‘electric green’ bands on a velvet black background, and a splash of metallic blue markings on the underside of its wings. This national beauty also lives in Borneo (an island shared by three countries, i.e. East Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia).
Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing (Trogonoptera brookiana brookiana) likes to sip water around creek area under the shade
Kinabalu Birdwing, the Sabahan Butterfly
On 2 Oct 2023, Kinabalu Birdwing (Scientific name: Troides andromache) is officially declared as the Sabah State Butterfly. It’s the best candidate because: (1) its black and yellow colours are the main colours of traditional costumes of Kadazan, the largest indigenous group of Sabah, (2) Kinabalu Birdwing is only found around Mount Kinabalu, Crocker Range , and Sipitang (near Merapok) of Sabah , and (3) its bird-like flight movement reminds us of Sumazau dance. Most entomologists would agree that this endemic Borneo birdwing is truly a Sabah butterfly.
Kinabalu Birdwing Butterfly (Troides andromache andromache) is a montane butterfly lives between 1,000 to 2,000 Metres above sea level. Kinabalu Birdwing a large butterfly with a forewing length of about 65 mm (male) or 85 mm (female). The male (right) is black, yellow, and grey in colour, lower forewing with a band of large greyish distal spots dusted with yellow, while the female (left) has additional brown and white scaling on the forewing. The hindwing differs from the male in the band of large, black discal / postdiscal spots.Official announcement of Kinabalu Birdwing as the Sabah State Butterfly in a press conference on 2 Oct 2023. Group photo at the right: (from left to right) Dr. Stephen Sutton (Leading Researcher of Kinabalu Birdwing Project), James Quek (President of Rotary Kota Kinabalu), Datuk Christina Liew (Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment (Sabah)), Datuk Mohd Yusrie Abdullah (Ministry’s Permanent Secretary) and Dr. Gerald Jetony (Director of Sabah Biodiversity Centre).
The Kinabalu Birdwing (Troides andromache) is a large (wingspan of female can reach 18.5cm (7.28 inches), the size of a small plate) but elusive butterfly, and its life remains pretty much a mystery. For example, why it chooses to live in cloud forest between 1,500 to 2,000 metres above sea level, a cold and misty environment which is harsh to most butterflies. The locals call Kinabalu Birdwing as Kalibambang Emas, which means a large and brightly coloured butterfly, in Dusun language.
Female (left) and Male (right) Kinabalu Birdwing Butterfly (Troides andromache andromache). They are rare endemic species of Borneo island. Right: The upper forewing of male is entirely black with a violet sheen. The hindwing is almost entirely yellow with black scaling narrowly over the veins, as a broad inner margin, and as large fringe spots producing an edentate submarginal band.
Kinabalu Birdwing has four other sister species in Borneo. All of them are sexually dimorphic (means male and female have different look).
Common Birdwing (Troides helena)
Golden Birdwing (Troides amphyrysus)
Miranda Birdwing (Troides miranda)
Mountain Birdwing (Troides cuneifera)
Left: Golden Birdwing (Troides amphrysus) from Kinabatangan, Right: Common Birdwing (Troides helena) from Poring in mating mood. Though the colours of all Borneo birdwing species are almost the same, they have subtitle difference in wing pattern and geographical distribution. For example, Golden Birdwing is a lowland species.
All Borneo birdwing species look the same to casual eyes. Unlike the other Borneo Birdwings, the females of Kinabalu Birdwing have white forewings with a black band on the edge of their wing. The males have black forewings and on the underside a number of white arrowhead bands.
Families of Borneo Butterflies
It has been estimated that there are about 940 species of butterflies in Borneo (from 10 families) and 81 of them are endemic (only found in Borneo). As of 2020, the family Lycaenidae has the most endemics, with 42 species, followed by Nymphalidae (15), Hesperiidae (9), Pieridae (6), Papilionidae (5) and Riodinidae (4).
Every year in May, over 40+ Kadazandusun and Murut girls from different districts of Sabah line-up during Kaamatan (harvest festival) to compete for the State-level Unduk Ngadau title (Miss Harvest Festival). Probably we need a beauty pageant for our butterflies too. Don’t worry about the scientific names of their families and species (in brackets), just enjoy the riot of colours from these flying gems.
Butterflies of Sabah Borneo in Papilionidae family. Top left: Common Bluebottle (Graphium sarpedon), Top right: The Great Mormon (female) (Menelaides memnon memnon), Bottom left: Tailed Jay (Graphium agamemnon agamemnon), Bottom right: Green Dragontail (Lamproptera meges meges)
Papilionidae family has four “most”: largest, most beautiful, most studied, and well-known. There are 44 species in Borneo, which include the famous Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing and Borneo Birdwings.
Left: Catopsilia scylla from Kota Kinabalu wetland mangrove, and Right: Painted Jezebel (Delias hyparete diva) are butterflies of Pieridae family
Butterflies of Pieridae family are mostly medium-sized with yellow, white or orange colour. 41 species live in Borneo. They are often called whites, yellows or sulphurs in common names according to their colours.
Sabah butterflies in Nymphalidae family. Top left: Bornean Oakleaf (Kallima buxtoni), Top right: Malay Lacewing (Cethosia hypsea), Bottom left: The Yellow Glassy Tiger (Parantica aspasia aspasia), Bottom right: Common Three Ring (Ypthima pandocus sertorius)
Nymphalidae is one of the largest butterfly family and there are 136 species in Borneo. They are diverse in shapes, colours and patterns. They are also known as the four-footed butterfly because their front pair of legs is non-functional. These are strange butterflies that are often found sipping on fallen fruits, plant sap and animal dropping.
Sabah butterflies in Danaidae family. Left: Tree Nymph (Idea stolli), Top right: Ideopsis gaura, Bottom right: Mangrove Tree Nymph / Paper Kite (Idea leuconoe)
27 species of Borneo butterflies belong to Danaidae family. Many of them have black veins and numerous oval black dots on their translucent white wings. They are slow flyers and said to be the lightest butterfly in the world. For example, Ashy-white Tree Nymph (Idea stolli) is named as “Kupu-kupu Surat” (Mail Butterfly) locally because it glides gracefully in the air like a floating paper.
Butterflies of Sabah in Hesperiidae family. Left: Burara gomata lalita, Right: Yellow Banded Awl (Hasora schoenherr chuza)
With a family of 3,000 species (over 200 species in Borneo), Hesperiidae, which is also known as the Skippers, is the largest family. These moth-like butterflies are usually small and dull coloured.
Borneo butterflies of Lycaenidae family. Left: Zeltus amasa maximinianus, Right: Miletus ancon gigas from Crocker Range Park. A common name for Lycaenidae family is the Blues as most of them are blue in colour.
Impressed by the colours and diversity of Sabah butterflies? Kinabalu Birdwing is always my Unduk Ngadau. Who’s yours?
Differences between Butterflies and Moths
Many people can’t tell the difference between butterfly and moth. Let’s do the fun quiz below and see how good you are (ask your kids to join too). They are from Sabah and you may have seen two or more of them.
Quiz! Guess which one is Moth or Butterfly. Scroll down to next picture for answers.Answers for Butterfly vs Moth quiz above. 1) Giant Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas), 2) Butterfly (Junonia iphita viridis), 3) Butterfly (Cynitia cocytina ambalika, male), 4) Tropical Swallowtail Moth (Lyssa zampa), 5) Butterfly (Chersonesia risa cyanee), 6) Emperor Moth from Deramakot Forest
Did you get all the answers right? There are three easy ways to distinguish them:
Butterflies are day-flying insects and moths are active at night.
When resting, the wings of butterflies are folded upright (but butterfly outstretches its wings for sun basking sometimes), while moth’s wings are open horizontally.
Butterfly has a pair of plain and club-like antenna. Moths are heavy-bodied with feathery antennas.
Interesting Facts about Butterflies
Here are some truths about butterflies, which are as fascinating as their colours.
Bornean Jezebel (Delias eumolpe eumolpe) is another marvelous butterfly species of Borneo and it’s hyper-endemic to Crocker Range Park
Interesting Facts about Butterflies
Here are some truths about butterflies, which are as fascinating as their colours.
The largest butterflies of Sabah are Golden Birdwing (Triodes amphrysus) and Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing (Trogonoptera brookiana), with a forewing of 8.5 cm (3.35 inches) in length.
Lesser Grass Blue (Zizina otis) is the smallest butterfly of Sabah, with a wingspan of only 1.5cm.
Caterpillar has crazy growth rate. For example, the larva of Great Mormon butterfly can grow from 0.3cm to 7cm in 3 weeks. For that speed and scale, a new-born human baby can grow into a 40-foot-tall giant within a month!
From egg to adult stage, most butterflies have a life span of only 1 to 3 months, depending on the species, some can live up to a year.
There is a butterfly called Kadazan Lass or Bornean Sapphire (Heliophorus kiana), a Borneo endemic, so are Kadazan Small Tiger (Dodona elvira) and Kinabalu Gem (Poritia phormedon).
Approximately five per cent (i.e. 50 species) of Sabah butterflies are toxic, so having butterflies in your stomach can be a bad experience.
There are about 17,500 butterfly species in the world, and Peru has the most species, which is about 3,700. Iceland has 0 species.
Butterflies smell with their feet, which have taste receptors to help them locating food.
The world’s largest butterfly farm is located in Penang.
Butterflies evolved from moths around 190 million years ago. Both co-existed with the dinosaurs before.
Group of Eurema hecabe hecabe butterflies sipping mineral-rich water at river bank of Poring Hot Springs
Where to See Borneo Butterflies in Sabah?
Butterflies are everywhere. In general, you can see rich variety of wild butterflies in a garden full of blooming flowers and adjacent to a forest. Areas such as Tun Fuad Stephen Park (Bukit Padang), Crocker Range Park and Kinabalu National Park (625 species) are good places to start butterfly watching. If you want to see a lot of rare butterflies with the least effort, you can visit a butterfly garden (entry fee applied). Note: most butterflies in captivity have broken wings, not so great for photography.
Left: Malayan Nawab (Polyura moori saida) sipping chicken dropping in Kawang Forest, Right: The Blue Begum (Prothoe franck borneensis)
Most visitors aim for soaking in the popular sulphur springs and skip butterfly farm inside the park. Poring Butterfly Farm is started in 1989 with 4 main components, namely, exhibition gallery, large enclosure, breeding room and nursery of larvae’s food plant. Only the first two are open to public. You can see the specimens of most, if not all, Borneo endemic butterflies in the gallery. There are information panels and insect display boxes along the walkway. No guiding service is provided.
The Exhibition Gallery and Enclosure of Poring Butterfly Farm
The garden and streams outside the enclosure are the magnet for wild butterflies from pristine forest nearby. Besides butterflies feeding among the flowers, you can find group of butterflies (majority are male) congregate at stream banks for puddling, a drinking party for butterflies to sip natural salts from the mineral-rich creek, which contains vital nutrients for their reproduction. Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing prefers to do this in shady area.
Kipandi Butterfly Park is similar to Poring Butterfly Farm, but with more extensive and exotic collection of local and foreign insect specimens in their exhibition hall. The visitors can check out the pupa and caterpillars in their nursery. This site offers better experience for an education tour because they also have native orchids and pitcher plants in their garden. However, visitors need to book an appointment prior to the visit. You can try calling or texting (Whatsapp) their phone numbers at +60 13-8739092 (Mr. Stevan Chew, Operation / Park Manager) or +60 19-5302298 (Mr. Linus Gokusing).
Education tour, butterfly nursery, exhibition hall and native orchid garden of Kipandi Butterfly Garden
Best Time for Butterfly Watching
Butterflies are more active when there is sunlight, so 9am to 3pm during sunny day would be the most suitable time for butterfly watching in Sabah. Most butterflies need an air temperature of above 15°C (60°F) to fly. If they get too cold, they are unable to fly, so in cold days, you would see them rest on a leaf and bask with their wings out-stretched like a solar panel. Nevertheless, some species such as Kinabalu Birdwing can remain active in a cool and misty day.
Conservation of Borneo Butterflies
Like other wildlife, butterflies need an undisturbed habitat and reliable food sources to survive. Global warming, the use of pesticides in agriculture, and forest clearance threaten their well-being. In 2018, Kinabalu Birdwing was listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as a result of the large-scale forest clearance in Pinosuk Plateau (around Mesilau) of Mount Kinabalu. Therefore, some proactive measures are needed in place to prevent them moving toward extinction.
Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing (left) and Borneo Birdwing (right) butterflies are fully protected species by Malaysian law
Protection by Malaysian Law
Butterflies are fun to watch but you could be caged for catching a protected species. About 30 Malaysian butterfly species (e.g. Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing, Borneo Birdwings, Ashy Tree Nymph) are categorised as the fully protected species in Wildlife Protected Species Act 2010 [Act 716]. On 1 September 2023, the butterfly species was listed as a Protected Biological Resource under the Sabah Biodiversity Enactment (Amendment) 2023. You can be fined up to RM30,000 or jailed for up to one year, or both, for capturing, collecting, or trading them illegally (without a permit or license).
Left: The Black and White Helen (Papilio nephelus albolineatus) is sipping nectar from Red Javanese Ixora (Ixora javanica), Right: Aeron’s Rod or Brazilian Tea (Local Name: Bunga Malam) is an evergreen plant loved by butterflies such as this Eurema hecabe hecabe
Feeding the Butterflies!
Why not inviting these little fairies into your backyard? You can plant plenty of flowers to conserve and attract these colourful visitors. Evergreen plant such as Red Javanese Ixora (Todong Periuk), Indian Snakeweed (Bunga Malam), Red hot cat’s tail (Ekor kucing) and Hibiscus are some of the common nectaring flowers of butterflies. Or just plant any flower you love, the more variety, the better.
Left: Clipper (Parthenos sylvia borneensis), Right: Common Red Harlequin (Paralaxita telesia)
You can target different types of butterflies with selected flowers. For Kinabalu Birdwing in highland, Orange balsams (Impatiens walleriana). Yellow daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.), Mussaenda, Lantana, Busy Lizzie, Poinsettia (Eurphorbia spp.) and Hibiscus (Rosa sinensis) are the flowers they feed on. It’s even superb if you cultivate Aristolochia foveolata, a liana that can serve as a foodplant for larva of Kinabalu Birdwing. FYI, Swallowtail & Birdwing Butterfly Trust and The Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu are training homestay operators in Kampung Kiau to plant this liana.
Borneo or Kinabalu Birdwing butterflies feeding on nectaring flowers
References & Acknowledgement
Stephen Sutton, Corné F. H. van der Linden, Tom M. Fayle, Kalsum M. Yusah, Alim Biun, Arthur Chung, Paul Foronda, Saiheng Taradas and Bart P. J. Burger. Troides andromache Staudinger 1892: The Natural History and Conservation of the Kinabalu or Borneo Birdwing Butterfly. The Malayan Nature Journal, 81st Anniversary Special Issue 2021.
Special thanks to members of Butterfly of Borneo Facebook Group (especially Potanthus Ttp), Dr. Stephen Sutton, and Dr. Arthur Y.C. Chung for the identification and information on Sabah butterflies. (Disclaimer: This acknowledgement doesn’t imply that they adopt this article)
