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Update on birding Sabah, Malaysia. May-June 2001,

The very name Borneo conjures up an image of superb, steamy rain forests, craggy mountains, primitive, forest dwelling tribesmen, Orang Utans, Gibbons, spectacular endemic birds etc. etc. The idea that Borneo is a difficult site to bird couldn't be further from the truth The northern part of the island,  Malaysian Sabah has an excellent tourist infrastructure, efficient transport and comfortable accommodation, incorporating all of the sites you need to visit to have a chance of picking up all but a very few of the specials.

Logistics and cost.

The main entry point to Sabah is the airport at Kota Kinabalu on the north-west coast of Borneo.

Most tours fly the whole way from London-Kuala Lumpur-Kota Kinabalu on Malaysian Air Systems (MAS) but this seemed very expensive when we tried to book this routing.

We were fortunate to find a special deal through expedia.co.uk utilising Royal Brunei who fly daily from Heathrow to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei and then connect with an onward flight to Kota Kinabalu

Flight details:
Flight BI98 Dep LHR 13.30 to Dubai arrive 23.20  Dep Dubai 00.40 Arr BWN 13.30
BI 825 Dep BWN 15.10  Arr Kota Kinabalu 15.30

This we managed to get for the price of 502.00 plus 33.50 taxes Total 533.50 per person. (www.expedia.co.uk)

We have seen a mythical fare somewhere for 391.00 but this was unavailable when we tried to book. The current best deal on expedia at the time of our departure (mid May)  was 880.00 using Quantas, Singapore Airlines and Royal Brunei.

Overall impression of Royal Brunei Punctual, Charming (and attractive) stewardesses, Food ordinary.
Once in Sabah we used MAS for the 2 internal flights, again booked through Expedia.
To reach Danum Valley we flew from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu on MS2084 Dep 0655 Arr 0750 Cost 20.80 including taxes.
To return from Sakau and Sepilok we flew from Sandekan to Kota Kinabalu on MAS2065 Dep 17.20 Arr 18.00
Cost 16.80 including taxes.
All above air fares are quoted in pounds sterling.

To facilitate the ground arrangements we contacted Borneo Ecotours who put together all our ground arrangements. Borneo Ecotours at www.borneoecotours.com

Rate of exchange was 5.15 Ringit=1.00 sterling at the Heathrow exchanges but we saw a rate of 5.35 from an exchange in a mall by our hotel in Kota Kinabalu and at the exchange desk at Kota Kinabalu airport. There is an extensive duty free shopping area in the arrivals area at Kota Kinabalu airport as well. This is in stark contrast to the shopping area at Brunei.

We worked our route out using information found in the following:

Birding Sites in Malaysia published by the Oriental Bird Club as a supplement to Forktail in 1994.
Trip report on Sabah by Jan Vermeulen downloaded from www.birdtours.co.uk

SITE UPDATES

Kota Kinabalu Area

1.  Hotel Shangri La: Very comfortable and recommended by Borneo Ecotours. From the hotel entrance, bear right into the small car-park. There is a steep partially cleared hillside with a wooden stairway climbing almost to the top. It looks as if this area may be being actively cleared but there were still some tall trees along the top of the ridge and the area proved a nice introduction for the last hour before dusk on our arrival day.

Species seen included Pink-necked Green-pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon, Common Iora and Yellow-vented Bulbuls.

2. Palau Manukan We built a day into our itinerary to visit this offshore island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman NP to try and find Tabon Scrubfowl. The water-taxis operate from the jetty in front of the Hyatt Hotel and operate on a supply and demand basis. It should still only cost 10-20 ringit per person but rates appear to be negotiable.

The crossing only takes about 20 minutes and the approach to the island is stunning, a picture book tropical island. There is a wooden landing jetty from which you can watch the brightly coloured marine fish in the clear water below. Collared Kingfishers can be seen perched up on some of the dead tree snags. The best  way to work the island is to walk the clearly marked, paved jogging track which leads off to the left for 1.5Km round to the west end of the island. We thought that it went all the way round but it is no great problem just to retrace your route.

The track is supposedly the best chance for the scrubfowl but we neither saw nor heard anything. However we did get good looks at Mangrove Blue-flycatchers, Mangrove Whistlers, Pied Fantails, Pied Triller.

Once back at the jetty, continue further along the beach, passing a couple of stalls selling cold drinks and hiring snorkelling gear, to the restaurant for lunch, if required. The noodle soup was very good.

It is certainly worthwhile hiring some snorkelling gear from one of the stalls and going for a swim offshore. Ask the stall guys the best area to see the coral reefs and be prepared to see some stunning fish. It cost us 15 Ringit pp for flippers and a mask. Well worth it. One of the non-birding highlights of the trip.

The beach area can get very busy with tour groups but the jogging trail was completely deserted.

In hindsight, we probably were a bit late in the day to get the best out of the trip. I'm not sure how early the first water taxi would be available but by the time we departed (8.00am) it was already baking hot and the birding was hard work.

It would also be possible to rent one of the very attractive chalets for a night and this would then give you an early morning chance of the scrubfowl along the path.

It is supposedly a good area for Frigatebirds, mainly Lessers but a chance of Christmas Island although none were to be seen during our visit. We were also gripped off by the news that a Nicobar Pigeon had recently been seen here.

The island is apparently now managed as a resort and details can be found at www.KinabaluNatureResorts.com and this company does a set deal of overnight room, dinner and breakfast from RM77pp. The same site also can arrange bookings at KinabaluNP, Laban Rata and Poring Hot Springs.

There is a 3 Ringit per person entrance fee for day trips, payable at the landing stage.

3.Likas Bay This site comprises a series of smallish ponds on the landward side of the coast road going north out of Kota Kinabalu, no more than 3-4 Km from the centre of town and just before a huge white mosque on the left.

Just park up anywhere along the verge here and scan the ponds. This stop can easily be incorporated into the drive from Kota Kinabalu to Mount Kinabalu.

Cinnamon Bittern, Purple Heron, Common Moorhen, Purple Gallinule are all regular here. We also found Black-crowned Night-heron and Blue-throated Bee-eaters but didn't find Watercock which is sometimes seen here.

Danum Valley

This superb area is now readily accessible as an all-inclusive package. This can be booked direct through www.asia-hotels.com where the quoted rate all inclusive is US 152 single or US93 per person if a couple. This does not include the standard return transfer from Lahad Datu airport which costs 100ringit per person min 2 pax. This transfer meets the daily 06.50 MAS flight from Kota Kinabalu. Flight cost 20.80 sterling, booked in UK.

For this price one gets full board accommodation and a guide to keep you right on the numerous trails, and other extras such as night drives. The guides we encountered seemed to know their birds and were very useful.

Our deal was built into our itinerary by Borneo Ecotours so I'm not sure exactly what we paid for this sector of our trip.

Most of the visitors when we were here were on a standard 2 night package but it doesn't seem to be a problem to stay as many nights as you wish. We thought 4 nights would be sufficient but we could have given it longer and certainly the tour groups are now staying anything up to a week here.  We talked to some divers who were staying here and had tried unsuccessfully to negotiate a cheaper rate locally in Lahad Datu but without success.

Other attractions include a canopy walkway giving tree-top views over a small valley.

We had been tipped off that drinks were very expensive here and we bought a supply of coke, beer and water in Lahad Datu and chilled them in the fridge in our room. A plus here is the constant free supply of cold drinking water.

Our highlights included Leopard Cat and Clouded Leopard on a night drive, Wallace's Hawk-eagle, White-fronted Falconet and Bornean and Black-throated Wren-babblers around canopy walkway area. The canopy walkway is supposedly the best spot to find Bornean Bristlehead particularly after about 16.00.

In the trees in the garden round the cabins, we had Jambu Fruit-dove, Black-and-red Broadbill, Finsch's Bulbul, White-crowned Shama, Bornean Blue-flycatcher and Dusky Munias as well as regular appearances of the weird looking Bearded Pigs. The cabins also overlook the river and here were seeing Large-billed Heron, Silver-rumped Swift and Helmeted Hornbill.

The staked out Buffy Fish-owl is still performing at the far end of the football pitch in the staff area.

Giant Pitta is seen occasionally along the Hornbill Trail. We got very close to a calling bird about 3Km out from lodge along the approach road but were really frustrated by the dense verges in actually seeing the bird.

We spent most of our time birding along the 4Km main approach road which gives the most open views but it does pay to spend some time along the narrow trails through the forest to have a chance of pittas etc. Apparently Pygmy White-eyes are now being seen along this road although we failed to pick any up ourselves. Good birds that were seen along the approach road included Little Spiderhunters, Yellow-rumped Flowerpeckers

 We also found the Danum Trail along the riverbank as good as any and where we were finding Short-tailed Babblers.

To find the site for Blue-banded Pitta, take the 1Km East trail which crosses several steep ridges with muddy sides and streams at bottom. At its furthest junction, where a track leads off to the left down a steep hill, seems to be the spot for Blue-banded Pitta but we got no response to tape playback. We did however start a Giant Pitta calling as well as a Blue-headed Pitta but neither could be enticed into view.

We did finally find a responsive Blue-headed Pitta by walking out along the Segama Trail and then continuing further along the Tented-camp trail which roughly follows the riverbank and listening for calling birds particularly where there are some open areas with a lot of leaf litter.

Leeches are a major problem particularly along the forest paths and leech socks do seem to help. These can be purchased in Kota Kinabalu or from the shop at the lodge here (15 ringit).

There appears to be a particularly aggressive bee around here and the Segama trail passes by an active hive. Our guide did warn us to run past this tree but even so, I still suffered a painful sting. There are also some uncomfortable biting elephant flies but we didn't encounter any mosquitoes here.

We did see a couple of small brown striped snakes but were assured that they were harmless.

Sakau Rainforest Lodge

This is one of 5 or more lodges situated on the Kinabatangan River near Sakau. We stayed at the Sakau Rainforest Lodge which is the one managed by Borneo Ecotours and the only one situated on the far bank of the river.

The usual deal here is a 2 night-3 day package in and out of Sandakan airport. We originally intended staying 3 nights to ensure we found Storms Stork but as we had already managed to see 2 birds before we had even arrived at the lodge, we changed this to just a 2 night stay and added an extra night at Sepilok to try again for Bornean Bristlehead.

The 2 night package is all inclusive and includes an afternoon and a morning river-trip on both days. These were to prove to be well worth it. Birds seen from the boat included Purple and Striated Herons,  Grey-headed Fishing-eagle, White-fronted Falconet, Thick-billed Green-pigeon, Long-tailed Parakeet, Orange-backed Woodpecker. We also got great looks at numerous Proboscis Monkey, Silvered Langurs, Long-tailed Macaque, Orang Utan and Estuarine Crocodile.

The morning cruise also includes a 30 minute forest walk which turned up Oriental Pied Hornbill, Red-crowned Barbet, Striped Wren-babbler and Horse-tailed Squirrel. Leeches were a problem again here.

The heat of the day can be spent birding the gardens round the lodge. Birds seen here included Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, Dusky Munia, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch.

There is supposedly a trail leading off into the forest behind the lodge but it was very overgrown and muddy when we tried to work our way through here. There were elephant footprints in the mud along here.

We also took up the option of a night cruise which turned up numerous baby Estuarine Crocodiles, roosting Black-and-red Broadbills, Blue-eared and Stork-billed Kingfishers and an unexpected Malay Civet.

The lodge itself is managed by the larger-than-life, Joseph, who insists on everyone wearing a sarong for the evening meal. You won't argue. The rooms can be a bit cramped but there are hot showers and constant electricity to work the room fans. No air conditioning. No ad lib cold drinking water.

Further info can be found on Borneo Ecotours web page See above.

Gomantong Cave

This site is really just a stop off, either on the way to or from the lodges at Sakau. It is about 30 minutes drive from the jetty at Sakau and is well signposted Gua Gumantong. There is a paved road leading to a manned green entrance gate where you have to sign in and then a 5Km paved road leads through some forest to the main reception area and car-park. Entrance seems to be free.

From the car-park, a 10 minute walk along a boardwalk leads to the spectacular cave entrance and a group of huts where the guys who harvest the nests live along with their security guards.

There is a wooden walkway round the inside if the caves and a strong spotlight is needed to appreciate the numbers of nesting swiftlets and roosting bats. The smell in here is very overpowering and it is advisable to wear a hat as protection from droppings and the tiny mites which can be picked up here and which can cause an irritant dermatitis.

It is only by seeing the Edible-nest, Black-nest and Mossy-nest Swiftlets actually sitting on their distinctive nests, that one can be positive of the species i/d.

The rope ladders suspended from the roof make you appreciate the risks taken to collect the valuable nests.

If possible try to arrange your visit for an afternoon when you can bird the approach road and aim to get to the caves just before 5.00pm. It is about then that the bats start to emerge and you have a chance of picking up the Bat Hawks and Peregrine Falcons which regularly pick off their prey as the emerge from the upper exits.

We found the actual birding along the approach road through the forest completely dead.

Sepilok

This was probably the most disappointing site visited as it has now been developed into a major tourist attraction with all the attendant hassle.

We arrived in an afternoon and went to check out the set up. The actual reserve is officially only open between 9.00-11.00 and 14.00-15.30. After a bit of discussion, we talked our way into an early access by having to hire a guide at a cost of 10ringett per person per hour!! There is also a standard 10 ringit per person entrance fee. (Malay locals get in at a cheaper rate.)

To get access to the trails through the forest, you are supposed to have a permit issued by the local forestry office. This is issued FOC but when we tried to telephone on the afternoon we arrived, they weren't answering the phone and the next 2 days were a public holiday and the office was closed. We were told to try Miss Nia on 213135 or Mr Kwan on 213966.

In reality, things are a bit more relaxed. We arranged to meet our guide at 6.00am and he duly turned up and we walked to the birding tower for the first couple of hours. He had to return to the main gate for 8.00 so we only had to pay for 2 hours. He had no idea about the birds however. Apparently there is a birding guide called Melvin but he was off on holiday.

We spent all our time along the birding tower trail and mangrove forest trail and didn't see another person so no-one checked whether we had any permits or not. We stayed out on the trails till 17.30-18.00 and just used the normal exit which isn't locked.

The main attraction here are the orphaned Orang-utans and there is a major circus event when they are fed at 10.00 and 15.00. There is a circular boardwalk leading to the feeding platform and all the tourist seem to stick this route.

To get to the trails, follow the main boardwalk in and turn left at the first fork. Follow this down till you see an orange gate on the left with a warning that a permit is necessary to enter. Take this path and cross a couple of boardwalk bridges. There is then a fork with the birding tower trail going off left and the mangrove forest trail to the right. The birding tower trail is 1km and the mangrove trail 5Km.

Leeches are again a nuisance along the trails here. The orphaned orangs can be a bit off-putting as well, as they try to grab on to you as you pass them on the boardwalks.

Sepilok reserve is only 23km from Sandekan and once here you don't need any transport.

There are 3 places to stay next to the reserve. There is an up market looking Sepilok Nature Resort, a bit more ethnic but very friendly Sepilok Jungle Resort (where we stayed) and  very nice looking rest house right by the reserve gate, Sepilok Rest house. Our Jungle Resort was the furthest from the reserve entrance.

Sepilok Jungle resort can be found at www.borneo-online.com.my/sjungleresort

Sepilok Rest house can be contacted at sephse@tm.net.my

Kinabalu NP

After the oppressive heat and humidity of the lowlands, it was a relief to arrive in the cool highlands of this superb area. The road transfer from Kota Kinabalu too about 2 hours.  It is very popular with both locals and visitors and the areas round the accommodation and administration can get very noisy and busy. Most visitors simple want to climb the mountain to see the sunrise and the drive up to the start of the summit trail at Timpahon Gate can get busy. The circular drive around the main centre can also be busy with traffic-mostly massive 4x4s.

There seems to be a whole range of places to stay. We were allocated a twin -bedded cabin which was perfectly adequate if a little basic. This little group of cabins are located .8Km from the main office and just across the road from one of the 2 large restaurants in the complex.

It took us a day or so to work out the transport system. There is a large bus which leaves the main HQ centre for Timpahon Gate regularly every morning to take hikers to the start of the summit trail. This doesn't stop to pick up or drop off along its route. Cost is 12.5 Ringitt per person

The office in HQ however will readily arrange whatever transport you need and, by simply dialling 099 from the phone in the cabin, a minibus can be ordered to take you up to the Timpahon Gate at a flat rate of 12.5 Ringitt. We regularly ordered a bus for 7.00am and it always arrived on time. This gets you the top before most of the noisy hikers.

The best birding strategy for this area seems to be:

1. Check the areas around the cabins and restaurant at dawn as the lights attract numerous moths through the night which in turn attracts the birds to feed on them. This produces good looks at Chestnut-capped and Sunda Laughing-thrushes, Chestnut-capped Yuhinas, Short-tailed Magpies, Ashy and Hair-crested Drongos.

2.Walk the well marked and maintained trail system. Our info suggested that the Silau-silau trail was best for birds but it was always quiet when we walked it. We preferred the longer Liwagu Trail which gives excellent views out over the canopy although it can be a bit steep particularly at the upper end. The upper start of this trail is at the small lay-by just before the parking area at the Power Station. It is not signed. It starts with a long steep descent and it is along this section that Bornean Stubtail was being seen. We also found Whitehead's Trogon, Black Laughing-thrush and Golden-naped Barbet along this trail whilst other birders were picking up Whitehead's Broadbill.

The Silau-silau trail was also holding Whitehead's Broadbill which was to elude us completely but did give us Mountain Wren-babbler and White-browed Shortwing.

3. To pick up the endemic Mountain Black-eye and Friendly Bush-warblers, it is necessary to spend some time at higher elevations. We included a single nights' stay at the hostel at Laban Rata. All the necessary paper-work was taken care of by Borneo Ecotours. To stay at the lodge a permit is necessary and also the services of a mountain guide. The guide is only really necessary if one is contemplating climbing to the summit. This involves a 3.30am departure for the 1.5-2Km hike up steep rock faces, using ropes in some places and was an option we declined. We stayed in a 4-bed room and had dinner and breakfast in the restaurant. The service here can be a bit slow but when you consider the location and that all the food and drink has to be carried up on porter's backs, it is an amazing set-up.

Mountain Black-eyes were found anywhere from about 1.5Km up but were very numerous round Raban Lata. We found our only Friendly Bush-warbler in the scrub just below Laban Rata but beware of the local race of  the also very common, Sunda Bush-warbler. The trail can be very steep in places particularly between Km 4-4.5 and it is just as hard work coming down as going up.

The first 500M of the trail just beyond the Timpahon Gate is also good for Golden-naped Barbet and Mountain Wren-babblers whilst we were lucky to find our only Mountain Serpent-eagle here. The rest of the trail can appear fairly birdless for long sections.

Our twin-bedded cabin cost 92 Ringitt per night

A night in a 4-bed room at Laban Rata Resthouse cost 34 Ringitt

Poring Hot Springs

This is an area of open-air bathing pools fed by some rather sulphurous volcanic springs. There are also some more exclusive cabins with private Jacuzzis and showers. There is a very smart restaurant within the complex as well as several small ethnic food stalls along the road just outside the main gate.

We were given a 2 bedroom cabin with a large lounge and kitchen but there is also a cheaper hostel option on site as well.

We seriously underestimated this area and only allowed an afternoon and a morning before we had to leave for home. It needs at least another full day to do the area justice.

Don't be put off by first impressions. The area round the open-air baths can be crowded and noisy but once away from this small section there are plenty of good birding spots.

We spent a couple of hours in the late afternoon along the canopy boardwalk here. This is well signed from the bath area and involves paying an extra fee at the small entrance kiosk. They also charge a camera and video fee as well. It is then a long, steep climb up to the walkway proper. The light is definitely best here in the afternoon and we were soon onto a large mixed flock passing us by at eye level and giving some excellent views. Birds seen here included Raffles and Chestnut-breasted Malkohas, Diard's Trogon, Gold-whiskered, Red-throated and Yellow-crowned Barbets, Grey-capped and Buff-rumped Woodpeckers, Scarlet Minivet, Streaked, Spectacled and Scaly-breasted Bulbuls, Black-naped Oriole, Horsefield's Babbler, Yellow-bellied Yuhina, White-tailed Flycatcher, Maroon-breasted Philentoma, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Long-billed Spiderhunter and the spectacular Giant Squirrel. We revisited the area at dawn next morning but the light is not so good as the sun is coming straight in your eyes.

The walkway is open from 6.30am till last entrance at 17.00.

We were also advised to check the area by the generator before dusk. To find this section, just follow the paved road round by the edge of the football pitch, past the hostels and bear left and follow the road as it starts to climb up past the obvious, noisy generator on the right and towards the large director's house. This area is supposedly good for barbets and woodpeckers although we only found Hairy-backed Bulbuls and Dusky Munias.

We spent our last morning along the waterfall trail which can be quite steep in places and can take a whole day to bird properly. We only really had a morning and only got as far as the first major stream crossing after the bat caves. It was just before the bat caves that we got our only sightings of Mountain Barbet. We also found Yellow-bellied Bulbul and Yellow-eared Spiderhunter along this section of trail. The areas of bamboo near the end of this trail area supposedly good for Blue-banded Pitta.

The mythical Hose's Broadbill has been seen in this area but there are no recent records.

A night in the 4-bed Tempua cabin cost 92 Ringitt

Bird Species List

1 Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) Single flying upriver by lodge, Danum Valley, 24.5.01. 2 At Sakau, 28.5.01
2 Great-billed Heron (Ardea sumatrana) Single on Danum River in front of cabins, Danum Valley, 26.5.01.
3 Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) Single at Sakau, 28.5.01. At least 6 seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
4 Great White Egret (Egretta alba) At least 10 seen roadside on drive to hotel from airport, Kota Kinabalu,   21.5.01. 6 Roosting on tree on approach to Sakau, 27.5.01. 10+ At Sakau, 28.5.01 Single seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
5 Pacific Reef-heron (Egretta sacra) Single grey-phase bird seen in Kota Kinabalu, 21.5.01.
6 Cattle Egret (Bubulcu ibis) Group of 4 birds seen in roadside field on outskirts of Kota Kinabalu, 8.6.01.
7 Striated Heron (Butorides striatus) 2 At Sakau, 28.5.01. 2 Seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
8 Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) 3 Seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
9 Cinnamon Bittern (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus) 4 Seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
10 Storm's Stork (Ciconia stormi) Single in riverside tree on boat trip to Sakau Rainforest Lodge, 27.5.01.
11 Bat Hawk (Machaeramphus alcinus) 2 Seen feeding on emerging bats, Gumantong Caves, 27.5.01. Single over river at dusk, Sakau, 28.5.01.
12 Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus) Single by Lahad Datu, 23.5.01.
13 White-bellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) Single over Gumantong Caves, 27.5.01.
14 Lesser Fishing-eagle (Ichthyophaga humilis) Single flushed along river along Danum Trail, Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
15 Grey-headed Fishing-eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) Single at Sakau, 28.5.01.
16 Mountain Serpent-eagle (Spilornis kinabaluensis) Single soaring over Timpahon Gate, Kinabalu NP, 7.6.01.
17 Crested Serpent-eagle (Spilornis cheela) 4 Along road to Danum Valley, 23.5.01. Single over lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Single soaring over approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. At least 4 on approach to Sakau River Lodge, 27.5.01. 2 Seen on river cruise, Sakau, 28.5.01. 2 Seen at Gumantong cave, 29.5.01.
18 Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus) Single at Sakau, 28.5.01. Single perched by restaurant, Kinabalu NP, 7.8.01.
19 Besra (Accipiter badius) Single along forest trail at Sepilok, 30.5.01.
20 Rufous-bellied Eagle (Hieraaetus kiernerii) Single over ridge in front of lodge, Danum Valley, 26.5.01.
21 Wallace's Hawk-eagle (Spizaetus nanus) Pair seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 23.5.01.
22  White-fronted Falconet (Microhierax latifrons) Single perched bird seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 23.5.01. Pair seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. pair seen at canopy walkway, Danum valley, 26.5.01. Single at Sakau, 28.5.01.
23 Chestnut-necklaced Partridge (Arborophila charltonii) Calling birds heard below canopy boardwalk, Danum valley, 23.5.01.
24 Great Argus (Arusianus argus) Calling birds heard at dawn, Danum Valley, and then a single perched bird seen well along Hornbill Trail, 24.5.01.
25 White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) Single roadside on drive to Kota Kinabalu airport, 23.5.01. 6 Seen on approach to Sakau River Lodge, 27.5.01. Several seen round lodge at Sepilok, 29730.5.01.
26 Common Moorhen (Gallinula chlorops) At least 30 seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
27 Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) Single seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
28 Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus) 2 Breeding plumaged birds seen by jetty for islands, Kota Kinabalu, 22.5.01.
29 White-winged Black-tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) 2 on pond on approach to Sakau River Lodge, 27.5.01.
30 Gull-billed Tern (Sterna nilotica) Single on pond on approach to Sakau River Lodge, 27.5.01.
31 Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) 2 Seen on crossing to Palau Manukan, 22.5.01.
32 Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chimensis) 2 Seen by Shangri La, Kota Kinabalu, 21.5.01. Abundant on road down to  Sakau River Lodge, 27.5.01. A couple round lodge at Sepilok, 29730.5.01. Common at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
33 Ruddy Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia emiliana) Pair seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
34 Little Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia ruficeps) Single seen by Timpohon Gate, Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01. Single seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
35 Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) Pair seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.  
36 Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans) 4 Seen by Shangri La, Kota Kinabalu, 21.5.01. Pair along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
37 Thick-billed Green-pigeon (Treron curvirostra) Single at Sakau, 28.5.01.
38 Jambu Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus jambu) Single male round lodge at Danum Valley, 23.5.01.
39 Green Imperial Pigeon (Ducula aena)  3 Seen by Shangri La, Kota Kinabalu, 21.5.01. 2 Seen on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01. Single seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. 4 Seen flying over river at Sakau, 28.5.01.
40 Mountain Inperial Pigeon (Ducula badia) A couple seen flying over road on walks down from Timpamon gate, Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01. Single seen well, sitting preening in trailside tree, Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
41 Long-tailed Parakeet (Psittacula longicauda) 3 Seen at Sakau, 28.5.01.
42 Blue-crowned Hanging-parrot (Liriculus galgulus) Pair along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01. Single by approach to Sepilok Reserve, 30.5.01. Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
43 Plaintive Cuckoo (Cacomantis merulinus) Single calling bird round lodge at Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01. pair seen in gardens on morning of 25.5.01.
44 Raffles Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus) Single male flying over approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 24.5.01. Pair seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
45 Red-billed Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus javanicus)  Pair seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 23.5.01.
46 Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) Single seen along approach road to lodge,  Danum Valley, 23.5.01 and 2 there on 25.5.01. Single there on 26.5.01. 2 Seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
47 Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) Singles on drive into Danum Valley, 23&25.5.01. Single at Sakau, 28.5.01.
48 Lesser Coucal  (Centropus bengalensis) Single along riverbank by cabins at Danum Valley, 24.5.01.
49 Mountain Scops-owl (Otus spilocephalus) 2 Birds heard calling behind cabins, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01.
50 Buffy Fish-owl (Ketupa ketupa) Single spotlit on night drive, Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01. 2 Seen on night cruise, Sakau, 28.5.01.
51 Giant Swift (Hydrochous gigas) Single seen in break in clouds between Km5-6, Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4.6.01.
52 Edible-nest Swiftlet (Collocalia fucifaga) 20 seen at Gomatong Cave, 27.5,01.
53 Black-nest Swiftlet (Collocalia maxima) Hundreds of nesting birds seen at Gomatong Cave, 27.5.01.
54 Mossy-nest Swiftlet (Collocalia salangana) Several birds sitting on their distinctive nests, Gomatong Cave, 27.5.01.
55 Glossy Swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta) Abundant over Kota Kinabalu, 21&22.5.01. Numerous Danum Valley, 23,24,25&26.5.01. Common round Sepilok reserve, 30.5.01. Common at Likas Bay, 1.6.01. Common around circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1&2.6.01.
56 Silver-rumped Swift (Raphidura leucopygialis) Several along river by lodge at Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01.
57 Little Swift (Apus affinis) 2 At Brunei Airport, 21.5.01.
58 Asian Palm Swift (Cypsiurus balasiensis) Single round lodge at Danum Valley, 23.5.01.
59 Grey-rumped Treeswift (Hemiprocne longipennis) Single over river by lodge, Danum Valley, 24.5.01.
60 Whiskered Treeswift (Hemiprocne comata) Single seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01.
61 Red-naped Trogon (Harpactes kasumba) Single glimpsed along Hornbill Trail, Danum Valley, 24.5.01.
62 Diard's Trogon (Harpactes diardi) Calling birds heard Danum valley, 23&24.5.01. Pair along forest trail at Sepilok, 30.5.01. Superb looks at a perched male, seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
63 Whitehead's Trogon (Harpactes whiteheadi) Single female seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
64 Scarlet-rumped Trogon (Harpactes duvaucelii) Single male along forest trail at Sepilok, 30.5.01.
65 Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting) Single flying across track by lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Single at Sakau, 28.5.01. Single spotlit on night cruise at Sakau, 28.5.01
66 Black-backed Kingfisher (Ceyx erithacus) Single over Danum Trail, Danum Valley, 24.5.01. Single in gardens by cabins and a secong along Danum Trail,  Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
67 Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) Single seen on roadside pond on road down to Sakau Rainforest Lodge, 27.5.01. 4 Seen on river cruise, Sakau, 28.5.01. Single spotlit on night cruise, Sakau, 28.5.01.
68 Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) 2 Pairs seen round Palau Manukan, 22.5.01. Single seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
69 Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis) Single seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
70 Red-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis amictus) Pair seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. Single along birding tower trail, Sepilok, 31.5.01.
71 Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis) Single seen along road out of Danum Valley, 27.5.01. Single at  Sakau, 28.5.01.
72 Bushy-crested Hornbill (Amorrhinus galeritus) Single perched in riverside tree along Danum Trail, Danum Valley, 24.5.01.
73 Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus) 4 Seen flying over, along aproach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
74 Asian Black Hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus) Single male seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. Single on approach road to Sakau rainforest Lodge, 27.5.01. Pair by jetty at Sakau, 29.5.01 and a single seen at Sepilok same day.
75 Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) Pair in fruiting tree at Sakau, 28.5.01.
76 Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) Roosting pair spotlit on night drive, Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01. Pair along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Pair seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. 6+ Seen at Sakau, 28.5.01. Pair along forest trail at Sepilok, 30.5.01.
77 Helmeted Hornbill  (Buceros vigil) Single calling bird round lodge at Danum Valley, 23&26..5.01.
78 Gold-whiskered Barbet (Megalaima chrysopogon) Single along Danum Trail, Danum Valley, 24.5.01. Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
79 Red-crowned Barbet (Megalaima rafflesii) 3 In fruiting tree at Sakau, 28.5.01.
80 Red-throated Barbet (Megalaima mystacophanos) Pair seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
81 Mountain Barbet (Megalaima monticola) Single seen along waterfall trail, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
82 Yellow-crowned Barbet (Megalaima henricii) Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
83 Golden-naped Barbet (Megalaima pulcherrima) Single seen near top of Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Family party seen near start of Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4.6.01.
84 Brown Barbet (Calorhamphus fuliginosus) Calling birds hear Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01. Party of 6+ along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Single seen along birding tower trail, Sepilok, 31.5.01. Party of 3 seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
85 Rufous Piculet (Sasia abnormis) Single feeding up support tree of suspension bridge to start of Segama Trail, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Single in lodge gardens at Sakau, 28.5.01. Single along waterfall trail, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
86 Rufous Woodpecker (Celeus abnormis) Group of 3 feeding through canopy at edge of forest at Sepilok, 31.6.01.
87 Checker-throated Woodpecker (picus mentalis) Single seen in feeding flock, along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01.
88 Buff-rumped Woodpecker (Meiglyptes tristis) Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
89 White-bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopus javensis) Single seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
90 Grey-capped Woodpecker (Dendrocopus canicapillus) Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
91 Orange-backed Woodpecker (Reinwardtipicus validus) A pair seen along river at Sakau, 28.5.01.
92 Black-and-red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos) Single outside lodge, Danum Valley, 24.5.01 and a pair there next morning. Pair spotlit on river cruise, Sakau, 28.5.01.
93 Banded Broadbill (Eurylaimus javanicus) Single seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01.Single in lodge gardens at dawn, Sakau, 29.5.01
94 Black-and yelllow Broadbill (Eurylaimus ochromalus) At least 6 seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Single seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. Pair by jetty at Sakau, 28.5.01.
95 Giant Pitta (Pitta caerulea) A very close calling bird heard along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01 but we just couln'd get looks at it. Another calling bird heard along East trail, Danum Valley, 26.5.01.
96 Blue-headed Pitta (Pitta baudii) Single bird heard giving a few calls in response to tape playback but not seen, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. Single male seen well along Tented Camp trail, Danum Valley, 27.5.01.
97 Garnet Pitta (Pitta granatina)  Calling birds heard along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 24&25.5.01.
98 Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica) Single at Brunei Airport, 21.5.01. Single by hotel in Kota Kinabalu and a pair on landing jetty at Palau Manulan, 22.5.01. Numerous in Danum Valley, 23,24,25&26.5.01. Seen round Gomatong Cave, 27.5.01. Common round lodge at Sepilok, 29&30.5.01. A few seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01. Single over cabins at Poring Hot Springs, 7.6.01.
99 Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike (Hemipus picatus) Single male seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01 and 2 males seen along same trail on 6.6.01.
100 Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike (Hemipus hirundinaceus) Single male seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01.
101 Sunda Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina larvata) 3 Seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01. and 3 next morning by cabins.
102 Pied Triller (Lalage nigra) Single male seen near far end of track on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01.
103 Fiery Minivet  (Pericrocotus igneus) Single male along forest trail at Sepilok, 30.5.01.
104 Grey-chinned Minivet (Pericrocotus solaris) Single female seen by restaurant at dawn and a pair seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01 and 4 seen along same trail on 6.6.01.. 4 Seen near start of Summit -rail, Kinabalu NP, 4.6.01. 4 Seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
105 Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus) Single female seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs,
8.6.01.
106 Green Iora (Aegithina viridissima) Pair seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
107 Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia) 4 Seen by Shangri La, Kota Kinabalu, 21.5.01. Single at Sakau, 28.5.01.
108 Lesser Green Leafbird (Chloropsis cyanopogon) Several round lodge at Danum Valley, 23,24&25.5.01. Pair seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7&8.6.01.
109 Greater Green Leafbird (Chloropsis sonnerati) Several round lodge at Danum Valley, 23,24,25&27.5.01.
110 Blue-winged Leafbird (Chloropsis cochinchinensis) Single male seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
111 Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus) Flock of 4 round lodge at Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01.
112 Black-and-white Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanoleucos) 2 Seen on approach to jetty at Sakau, 27.5.01.
113 Scaly-breasted Bulbul (Pycnonotus squamatus) Single in trees by cabins at Danum Valley, 27.5.01. Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
114 Grey-bellied Bulbul (Pycnonotus cyaniventris) Single seen at flowering trees in lodge garden, Danum Valley, 24.5.01.
115 Puff-backed Bulbul (Pycnonotus eutilotus) 3-4  Round lodge at Danum Valley, 23,24&27.5.01. A couple in lodge gardens at Sakau, 28.5.01. Great looks at a close-in bird along birding tower trail, Sepilok, 31.5.01. Pair seen at start of trails, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
116 Flavescent Bulbul (Pycnonotus flavescens) Pair seen by Timpohon Gate, 2.6.01. Regular at all elevations along Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4&5.6.01.
117 Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) 10 Seen by Shangri La, Kota Kinabalu, 21.5.01. Common on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01. 2 Round lodge at Danum Valley, 23.5.01. Common round lodge at Sepilok, 29&30.5.01.
118 Olive-winged Bulbul (Pycnonotus plumosus) Pair seen along forest trail, Sepilok, 30.5.01.
119 Cream-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus simplex) Single round lodge, Danum Valley, 24.5.01.
120 Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus brunneus) 3-4  Round lodge at Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01. A couple in garden of lodge at Sakau, 29.5.01.  Pair seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
121 Spectacled Bulbul (Pycnonotus erythrophthalamos) Pair seen along approach road to Lodge, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
122 Finsch's Bulbul (Criniger finschi) Single seen at flowering trees in lodge garden, Danum Valley, 24.5.01.
123 Ochraceous Bulbul (Alophoixus ochraceus) Pair seen round cabins at Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01. Pair taped in along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Single seen along circular Drive, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
124 Grey-cheeked Bulbul (Alophoixus bres) A couple seen along Segama Trail, Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
125 Yellow-bellied Bulbul (Alophoixus phaeocephalus) Single seen perched over track along Danum Trail, Danum Valley, 25.4.01. Single along waterfall trail, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
126 Hairy-backed Bulbul (Tricholestes criniger) Pair round lodge at Danum Valley, 23.5.01. Pair seen along waterfall trail, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
127 Buff-vented Bulbul (Iole olivacea) A couple seen behind cabin, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. We could clearly see the white eye although the crest was flattened in both  these birds.  A couple in lodge gardens, Sakau, 28.5.01.
128 Streaked Bulbul (Ixos malaccensis) Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
129 Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) Single seen sitting up on roadside tree on approach to Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01.Single seen at light by restaurant at dawn and a single seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Single by cabin at dawn and 2 seen seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
130 Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus) Single seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. A couple seen from Birders Canopy, Sepilok, 30.5.01 and single there next day. Single at Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
131 Hair-crested Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus) Single seen at light by restaurant at dawn and a single seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Single by cabin at dawn, 6.6.01.
132 Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus)  3 Seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Single seen on river cruise at Sakau, 28.5.01. Up to 4 seen daily at Poring Hot Springs, 7&8.6.01.
133 Dark-throated Oriole (Oriolus xanthonotus) Party of 3 seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
134 Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
135 Black-and-crimson Oriole (Oriolus cruentus) Singles seen by cabins at dawn, Kinabalu NP, 2&3.6.01.
136 Asian Fairy-bluebird (Irena puella) Single male round lodge at Danum Valley, 23.5.01.
137 Short-tailed Magpie (Cissa thalassina) At least 6 seen round lights by restaurant at dawn, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Pair seen along Silau-silau Trail, kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
138 Bornean Treepie (Dendrocitta  cinerascens) Single seen sitting up on roadside tree on approach to Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01 and a couple seen along circular road by park HQ, same afternoon. 2 Seen by cabins, Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01. Regular round restaurant at dawn and several seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3&6.6.01. Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
139 Black Magpie (Platysmurus leucopterus) Pair seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
140 Slender-bill Crow (Corvus enca) Single over lodge, Danum Valley, 23.5.01. Single seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. 4 Seen along approach road to Sakau Rainforest Lodge, 27.5.01. Heard around forest at Sepilok, 30.5.01.
141 Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala) Party heard in canopy along forest trail, Sepilok, 30.5.01.
142 Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis) A couple in lodge gardens, Sakau, 28.5.01. Single seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
143 Black-capped Babbler (Pellorneum capistratum) Single seen feding by path near birders tower, Sepilok, 31.5.01.
144 Temminck's Babbler (Pellorum pyrrogenys) Singles seen in roadside scrub around circular drive, Kinabalu NP, 1&3.6.01.
145 White-chested Babbler  (Trichastoma rostratum) Single along river-edge, Danum Trail, Danum Valley, 24.5.01. Single by cabins at Sakau, 29.5.01. 3 Seen along trails at Sepilok, 30.5.01.
146 Short-tailed Babbler (Malacocincla malaccense) Small party of 5 birds feeding along edge of river, Danum Trail, Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
147 Horsfield's Babbler (Malacocincla sepiarium) A couple seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. 4 Seen along trails at Sepilok, 30.5.01. 6 Seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
148 Moustached Babbler (Malacopteron magnirostre)  Small pary seen at bottom stairs to canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01.
149 Sooty-capped Babbler (Malacopteron affine) Single seen at side of approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 23.5.01.
150 Scaly-crowned Babbler (Malacopteron cinereum) Flock of 4 seen round lodge at Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01.
151 Rufous-crowned Babbler (Malacopteron  magnum) 3 Seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 24.5.01. Single seen preening after a bath by lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. 2 Seen along trail at Sepilok, 30.5.01.
152 Bornean Wren-babbler (Ptilocichla leucogrammica) Single taped in at bottom canopy walkway, Danum valley, 24.5.01. Calling bird along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
153 Striped Wren-babbler (kenopia striata) Calling birds heard by canopy walkway, Danum valley, 24.5.01. Single taped into view along Tented Camp Trail, Danum Valley, 27.5.01. Single on forest walk at Sakau, 28.5.01.
154 Black-throated Wren-babbler (Napothera atrigularis) Pair called up, along side trail just off approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 24.5.01.
155 Mountain Wren-babbler (Napothera crassa) Pair seen along Silau-silau trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01.At least 6 birds calling loudly and 2 seen well at start of Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4.6.01.
156 Grey-throated Babbler (Stachyris nigriceps) Small party at dawn by cabins, Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01. and regular along roads and trails, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Small party seen near top of Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
157 Grey-headed Babbler (Stachyris poliocephala) prty of 6 in undergrowth at gate to canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
158 Chestnut-winged Babbler (Stachyris erythroptera) Single taped out, along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 23.5.01 and 3-4 seen along approach road to lodge next morning.
159 Striped Tit-babbler (Macronous gularis) A couple of birds seen daily in grassy areas between our cabin and the river, Danum Valley, 23724.5.01. A couple flushed from verges along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Several round lodge at Sakau, 28.5.01.
160 Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler (Macronous ptilosus) 2 Seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 23.5.01. 2 Along Danum Trail, Danum Valley, 24.5.01. A couple taped out along approach road to Lodge, Danum valley, 26.5.01.
161 Sunda Laughing-thrush (Garrulax palliatus) A couple of parties seen round cabins, Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01. Single seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Pair seen near start of Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4.6.01. A couple seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
162 Black Laughing-thrush (Garrulax lugubris) Party of 8+ seen near top of Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01.
163 Chestnut-capped Laughing-thrush (Garrulax mitratus) 3 Seen along circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01. several flocks seen round cabins, Kinabalu NP, 2&3.6.01. Party seen near start of Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4.6.01. Regularly seen along Liwagu Trail and round buildings, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
164 White-browed Shrike-babbler (Pteruthius flaviscapis) Great looks at a pair at eye-level, seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Pair seen in mixed flock between Km 2-1, Summit trail, Kinabalu NP, 5.6.01. Pair seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
165 Chestnut-crowned Yuhina (Yuhina everetti) 20 Seen along circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01. Common everywhere, Kinabalu NP, 2-6.6.01.
166 Yellow-bellied Yuhina (Yuhina zanthaleuca)  2 Seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
167 White-browed Shortwing (Brachypteryx montana) Single seen between Km1-2 and a second between Km 4-5, along Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4.6.01. Responsive singing male along Silau-silau trail, Kinabalu NP, 7.6.01.
168 Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) 2-3 Pairs seen round restaurant area on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01. Birds seen were of the black bellied pluto ssp. Several seen along approach road to Sakau Rainforest Lodge, 27.5.01. A couple in lodge gardens, Sakau, 28&29.5.01. A couple in lodge gardens at Sepilok, 29.5.01. 4 Seen round cabins at Poring Hot Springs, 7.6.01.
169 White-crowned Forktail (Enicurus leschenaulti) Single seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25&26.5.01. Pair seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01.
170 White-crowned Shama (Copsychus stricklandi) Single bird with partial white crown seen round lodge at Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01. Single seen along forest trail at Sepilok, 30.5.01.
171 Sunda Whistling-thrush (Myiophoneus glauginus) Single seen by nepenthes Villas, late afternoon, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01. 
172 Island Thrush (Turdus poliocephalus) At least 6 seen sitting out on bushes around Laban Rata, Kinabalu NP, 4.6.01. seebohmi ssp
173 Yellow-breasted Warbler (Seicercus montis) Pair seen along circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01. A pair seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3&6.6.01. A few seen along lower levels of Sunnit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4&5.6.01.
174 Mountain Leaf-warbler (Phylloscopus trivirgatus) 3-4 Seen along trails, Kinabalu NP, 2&3.6.01. Regular at all elevations along Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 5.6.01. A couple seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
175 Dark-necked Tailorbird (Orthotomus atrogularis) Single seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Several seen round lodge, Sakau, 28.5.01. 2 Seen along wtaerfall trail, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
176 Ashy Tailorbird (Orthotomus ruficeps) Single seen along trail on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01. Pair seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
177 Rufous-tailed Tailorbird (Orthostomus sericeus) Common round lodge at Danum Valley, 23.5.01. A couple along forest trails, Sepilok, 30.5.01. Pair seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
178 Mountain Tailorbird (Orthostomus cuculatus) 4 Seen along circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01. Pair seen near Park HQ, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Single seen between Km 3-2 Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 5.6.01. Single seen by cabins and a second at top Liwagu Trail, 6.6.01.
179 Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris)  A couple seen along approach road to Sakau Rainforest Lodge, 27.5.01. A couple along river at Sakau, 28.5.01. A couple on approach to Sepilok, 29.5.01. 3-4 Seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
180 Sunda Bush-warbler (Cettia vulcania) Single vocal bird taped into view by Timpohon gate, Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01. Several others heard calling nearby. Singles seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3&6.6.01. Numerous calling birds heard and several seen at all elevations along Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4&5.6.01.
181 Friendly Bush-warbler (Bradypterus accentor) Single seen in scrub close to lodge at Laban Rata, Kinabalu NP, 5.6.01.
182 Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa daurica) Adult feeding recently fledged juvenile, seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01.
183 Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassina) Pair seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 23.5.01 and a single male seen on 26.5.01.
184 Indigo Flycatcher (Eumyias indigo) Single male seen sitting out over river from suspension bridge to start of Segama Trail, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Single male outside cabin at Kinabalu nP, 2.6.01. 3+ Seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Single seen in mixed flock between Km 2-1, Summit trail, Kinabalu NP, 5.6.01.
185 Snowy-browed Flycatcher (Ficedula hyperythra) Pair with a juvenile along Silau-silau Trail, Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01. Pair seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01.
186 Little Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula westermanni) A couple of pairs seen along circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01. Single male seen by restaurant, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Pair seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
187 White-tailed Flycatcher (Cyornis concretus) Single seen near park HQ, along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
188 Bornean Blue-flycatcher (Cyornis superbus) Male seen by cabins, Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
189 Mangrove Blue-flycatcher (Cyornis rufigastra) A couple of pairs, one with a couple of juveniles, seen along trail on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01. 
190 Pygmy Blue-flycatcher (Muscicapella hodgesoni) Small family group seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
191 Grey-headed Flycatcher (Culicapa ceylonensis) Single feeding off supports of suspension bridge to start of Segama Trail, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Pair seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
192 White-throated Fantail  (Rhipidura albicollis) 2 Seen along circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01. 2 Seen along road below Timpohon Gate, Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01. Regularly seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3&6.6.01. Regular at all elevations along Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4&5.6.01.
193 Spotted Fantail (Rhipidura perlata) Single along Danum trail, Danum Valley, 25.4.01. Single along East trail, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. Single along forest trail, Sepilok, 30.5.01.
194 Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica) A couple along trail on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01. Single along approach road to Sakau rainforest Lodge, 27.5.01. Common along river at Sakau, 28.5.01. 4 Seen in scrub by entrance to Sepilok, 29.5.01.
195 Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea) Single male along Danum Trail, Danum Valley, 24.5.01. Single seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Single male seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. Single on forest walk at Sakau, 28.5.01. Singles along forest trails, Sepilok, 30&31.5.01. Single seen at nest by bat caves along waterfall trail, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
196 Maroon-breasted Philentoma (Philentoma velatum) Single female seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01. Resembles a small cuckoo-shrike.
197 Asian Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi) Single female seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. Single male seen on river cruise, Sakau, 28.5.01. Single along forest trail, Sepilok, 30.5.01.
198 Bornean Whistler (Pachycephala hypoxantha) Single seen along circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01. 2 Seen along Mempening Trail, Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01. 3 Seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3&6.6.01. Regular along lower levels of Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4&5.6.01.
199 Mangrove Whistler (Pachycephala grisola) A couple along trail on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01. secedens ssp.
200 White-breasted Wood-swallow (Artamus leucorhynchus) A couple along trail on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01. 2 Seen outside Lahad Datu, 23.5.01. 4 Seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
201 Asian Glossy-starling (Aplonis panayensis) 20 Seen by Shangri La, Kota Kinabalu, 21.5.01. 2 Seen along trail on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01.Several seen round Lahad Datu, 27.5.01. Common at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.
202 Common Mynah (Acridotheres tristris) 2 At Brunei Airport, 21.5.01.
203 Crested Mynah (Acridotheres critellatus) Single on drive to Kota Kinabalu airport, 23.5.01.
204 Hill Mynah (Gracula religiosa) 2 Flying over approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 23.5.01.
205 Plain Sunbird (Anthrepetes simplex) Pair round lodge at Danum Valley, 23.5.01.
206 Plain-throated Sunbird (Anthrepetes malacensis) A pair along trail on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01.
207 Red-throated Sunbird (Anthrapetes rhodolaema) Pair seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
208 Ruby-cheeked Sunbird (Anthrepetes singalensis) Single male seen at start of East trail, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. Single in lodge gardens, Sakau, 28.5.01.  Pair seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
209 Purple-naped Sunbird (Hypogramma hypogrammicum) Single male seen in lodge gardens at Sakau, 28.5.01.
210 Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) A couple of pairs seenalong trail on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01. A pair round lodge at Sepilok, 29&30.5.01.
211 Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) Male seen in gardens of lodge, Sepilok, 30&31.5.01.
212 Temminck's Sunbird (Aethopyga temminckii) 4+ Seen along circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01 and a couple seen there at dawn, 3.6.01. 3 males seen by restaurant, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01..
213 Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra) Adult feeding a juvenile, along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 23.5.01. A couple seen same area, 24,25&26.5.01. Single along trail behind lodge, Sakau, 28.5.01. A couple round lodge at Sepilok, 30.5.01.
214 Long-billed Spiderhunter (Arachnothera robusta) Single seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 23.5.01. Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.8.01.
215 Spectacled Spiderhunter (Arachnothera flavigaster) 2 Seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01. Single seen there 26.5.01.
216 Yellow-eared Spiderhunter (Arachnothera chrysogenys) Pair seen along waterfall trail, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
217 Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera affinis) Single feeding in flowering shrub outside cabins, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. This bird showed a large heavy bill and definite white tip to tail.
218 Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker (Prionochilus xanthopygius) Single male seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Single male in lodge gardens at Sakau, 28.5.01.
219 Yellow-vented Flowerpecker (Dicaeum chrysorrheum) Single seen by lodge, Danum Valley, 26.5.01.  Single on forest walk at Sakau, 28.5.01.
220 Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma) Common round lodge at Danum Valley, 23,24,25,26&27.5.01.A couple round lodge at Sakau, 28.5.01. Single male by cabins at dawn, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
221 Black-sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum monticolum) Single female seen along circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01
222 Black-capped White-eye (Zosterops atricapilla) 2 Seen along circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01 and again on 3.6.01.
223 Everett's White-eye (Zosterops everetti) A couple seen along road down from Timbamon gate, Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01.
224 Mountain Black-eye (Chlorocharis emiliae) Abundant from the 2Km level to Laban Rata, Kinabalu NP, 4&5.6.01.
225 Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) Several flocks seen on verges round Kota Kinabalu, 21.5.01. Common in open areas on Palau Manukan, 22.5.01. A few seen round Lahad Datu and along approach road to Sakau Rainforest Lodge, 27.5.01.Common round lodge at Sepilok, 29&30.5.01. 4 seen round cabins, Poring Hot Springs, 7.6.01.
226 Dusky Munia (Lonchura fuscans) Several round lodge at Danum Valley, 23,2425&26.5.01. 2 Seen in lodge gardens at Sakau, 28&29.5.01. Small flock seen by cabins at Poring Hot Springs, 7.6.01.
227 Black-headed Munia (Lonchura malacca) Single in garden in Lahad Datu, 23.5.01. Several seen along approach road to Sakau Rainforest Lodge, 27.5.01. A pair in gardens round lodge, Sakau, 29.5.01 and several in scrub adjacent to Sepilok reserve, same day. Regular around Sepilok reserve, 30&31.5.01. Several seen at Likas Bay, 1.6.01.

Mammals Species List

Mountain Treeshrew (Tupaia montana) Single seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01. Single scavenging in waste bins along circular drive, Kinabalu NP, 6.6.01.
Large Treeshrew (Tupaia tana) Single seen by cabins at dawn, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01.
Flying Lemur (Cynocephalus variegatus) Single seen on night drive, Danum Valley, 25.5.01.
Red Leaf Monkey (Presbytis rubicunda) Troop of 8 along Danum Trail, Danum Valley, 24.5.01 and again by lodge, next afternoon.
Silvered Langur (Presbytis cristata) Small group of 3 seen in riverbank tree at dusk, Sakau, 28.5.01.
Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus) Common along riverbank on cruise, Sakau, 28.5.01.
Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) Small group seen feeding in trees across river from lodge,
Danum Valley, 24&25.5.01. Single seen from boat on approach to Sakau Rainforest Lodge, 27.5.01. Seen on river cruise, Sakau, 28.5.01. Singles seen in Sepilok reserve, 30&31.5.01.
Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina) A couple of small troops seen along forest trails, Sepilok, 30&31.5.01.
Bornean Gibbon (Hylobates muelleri) 3 Along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 24.5.01. Single seen along road to Gumatong cave, 29.5.01.
Orang Utan (Pongo pygmaes) Single female seen feeding in tree along riverbank, Sakau, 28.5.01. A couple seen along trails at Sepilok, 29.05.01. and at least 15 seen there next day.
Kinabalu Squirrel (Callosciurus baluensis) Single seen by Timpohon Gate, Kinabalu NP, 2.6.01. A couple seen along Summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4.6.01.
Giant Squirrel Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 7.6.01.
Prevost's Squirrel (Callosciurus prevostii) 3 Seen from canopy walkway, Danum Valley, 26.5.01. These were of the all dark pluto ssp. A couple round lodge, Sakau, 28$29.5.01. Singles along trail at Sepilok, 29730.5.01. Single seen from canopy walkway, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
Plantain Squirrel Single at Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
Bornean Black-banded Squirrel (Callosciurus orestes) Single seen along circular road, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01and a couple along road below Timpohon gate, 2.6.01.
Horse-tailed Squirrel (Sundasciurus hippurus) Single seen on forest walk section of morning cruise, Sakau, 28.5.01.
Jentink's Squirrel (Sundasciurus jentinki) A couple seen along Liwagu Trail, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01.
Bornean Mountain Ground Squirrel (Dremomys everetti) Pair seen along Silau-silau trail, Kinabalu NP, 1.6.01. A couple seen scavenging food at hut shelter along summit Trail, Kinabalu NP, 4&5.6.01.
Plain Pigmy Squirrel (Exiliscurus exilis) Single by cabins at Danum Valley, 25.5.01. Single along forest
trail, Sepilok, 30.5.01. Single along waterfall trail, Poring Hot Springs, 8.6.01.
Horsfield's Flying Squirrel (Iomys horsfieldi) 2 Seen outside cabins, Kinabalu NP, 3.6.01.
Red Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista petaurista) Single seen on night drive Danum Valley, 23.5.01.
Malay Weasel Single in front of cabins, Kinabalu NP, 7.6.01.
Malay Civet (Viverra tangalunga) Single spotlit on night cruise, Sakau, 28.5.01.
Banded Palm Civet (Hemigalus derbyanus) Single rounds cabins, Danum Valley, 23.5.01.
Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) Single seen on night drive Danum Valley, 23.5.01. Single seen crossing approach road to lodge, late morning, 26.5.01.
Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis) Single seen on night drive Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01.
Bearded Pig (Sus barbatus) Single seen along approach road to lodge, Danum Valley, 23&24.5.01.
Greater Mouse Deer (Tragalus napu) Single rounds cabins, Danum Valley, 23.5.01.
Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) Up to 6 seen feeding in roadside forest on night drive, Danum Valley, 24.5.01.

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