UK birding experts inaugural visit to Sabah commended

29 October 2024

KOTA KINABALU: A group of birding experts from the United Kingdom, led by Global Birdfair founder Tim Appleton, recently completed a familiarisation trip to Sabah.

This initiative was facilitated by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), which extended the invitation to Appleton during the Global Birdfair held in Rutland, UK, in July.

During their visit, the group attended the Borneo Bird Festival at the Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre, where they had the opportunity to explore the rich nature and wildlife of the Kabili-Sepilok forest reserve.

Appleton commended the event, particularly noting the refreshing presence of young birdwatchers among the attendees.

“In the UK, birdwatching events tend to attract an older demographic, so it’s inspiring to see such youthful enthusiasm here in Sabah,” he remarked, noting the immense potential of the Sabah birding scene.

Appleton expressed keenness to collaborate with STB to promote Sabah as a unique avian destination to the UK birdwatching market, while also offering to assist in attracting American birdwatchers.

“Sabah provides a compelling mix of avian and mammalian attractions that can create a richer and more dynamic nature experience for travellers,” he said.

Describing Sabah as a hidden gem in birding and wildlife tourism, Appleton assured greater visibility and exposure for the state at next year's Global Birdfair.

On Monday, STB Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai hosted a dinner for the group, during which they discussed future collaboration opportunities to promote Sabah as a birdwatching destination.

“STB is committed to developing niche tourism markets and positioning Sabah as an appealing avian destination,” he stated, adding STB will facilitate the setting up of bird hides in the rural areas to enhance efforts in attracting bird enthusiasts to Sabah.

“With the attractive birding guide fees, this initiative has the potential to become a new source of income for the rural folks.

“We also welcome Appleton's readiness to help train rural folks to become professional guides,” he added.

Joniston emphasised the importance of partnerships with experienced birding professionals like Appleton in broadening Sabah’s reach and introducing its natural offerings to new global audiences.

The group included Tim Appleton’s wife, Penny Robinson; NatureTrek Tailormade Manager Georgie Dodds; Limosa Holidays General Manager Chris Collins; and birding specialists Dr. Stephen Moss and Dominic Couzens.

Their familiarisation trip featured a visit to Kinabalu Park, where they spotted several endemic bird species, including Whitehead’s Broadbill, Whitehead’s Spiderhunter, and Whitehead’s Trogon.

Couzens remarked that many in the group had never visited Borneo before, calling it “one of the best trips” he’s experienced.

“I never imagined I would have the opportunity to explore Borneo, and I believe that sentiment resonates with many in the UK. The potential here is immense, especially with the unique mix of mammals and birds,” he said.

He suggested that Sabah could capitalise on its iconic wildlife, particularly the orangutan, to attract nature enthusiasts to areas like Sepilok, where both mammals and birds can be observed.

“Sabah could indirectly promote birdwatching to those who might not have considered it before. The combination of mammal and bird species in locations like Sepilok makes it an ideal destination for eco-tourists, enriching their experience while fostering a greater interest in birdwatching,” Couzens stated.