Birding & Bird Photography Tours In Sabah, Borneo. Click below.

Monday, July 13, 2026

The best of Ba'kelalan at Kelabit Highlands

 8-12th July 2026



Targeting two of Sarawak's rarest endemic birds—the Dulit Frogmouth and Black Oriole—Cikgu Sang and Nick led a group of birders from China on this challenging expedition.

The Dulit Frogmouth certainly lived up to its reputation, giving us a very hard time despite our best efforts. Fortunately, the Black Oriole eventually rewarded our patience. A juvenile female was seen feeding in a fruiting tree, while the adult remained concealed high in the canopy, calling continuously from one of the tallest trees that was unfortunately not visible from the main road at Lepak.

Although we missed clear views of the adult, witnessing this elusive endemic in its natural habitat was still a memorable experience and a fitting highlight of the trip.

eBird trip report https://ebird.org/tripreport/549062

Breakfast in Beaufort before Klias Peatswamp Forest


Watching the uncommon Red-throated Pipit

On our way to look for the rare Hook-billed Bulbul

With Ron and John in Sipitang town

Waiting for the ferry in Lawas




One of the remaining wetlands in Lawas

Ongoing upgrading road project from Lawas-Ba'kelalan


With Cikgu Sang and Mark

Sang's Homestay at Buduk Nur village

Birding around Ba'kelalan-Bario Road


Stuck on a deep mud while searching for the Black Oriole


Succesful trip for the Dulit Frogmouth

Birding at Mt. Murud

View of Maligan Highlands

Slaughtering the hen for soup




Oil seal for the hub

Ron's ninja king 

Paddyfield Pipit

Large Frogmouth


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