A Walk Above the Trees: Rainforest Discovery Centre, Borneo

devanandpaul
5 days ago
5 min read

Step into the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok (Borneo), and experience Sabah’s rich wildlife through its canopy walks, quiet jungle trails, and guided night walks. With over 300 bird species recorded, it is a must-visit location for birders and nature lovers alike.

Birding in the rainforests of Southeast Asia is highly productive, but towering trees, high canopies, and birds’ preference to stay well above eye level make photography far from easy. Many times, we spend an entire day looking straight up, straining our necks, holding heavy cameras at awkward angles, and still fail to get clear views of our target species. However, at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok, Sandakan (Malaysian Borneo), the birding experience is out of this world.

Located at the edge of the Kabili–Sepilok Forest Reserve, the RDC canopy walk lifts you almost to the level of the tree canopy, where hornbills glide past at eye level and broadbills perch astonishingly close.

This makes the RDC one of the best birdwatching sites in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

RDC Sepilok: One of Borneo’s Most Accessible Wildlife Hotspots

At the RDC, more than 300 species of birds, as well as orangutans, macaques, flying squirrels, several reptiles, and nocturnal creatures, have been recorded. For birders and wildlife photographers, the RDC is easier to reach, compared with remote places like Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

RDC Canopy Walkway and Observation Towers

The RDC canopy walkway—25 metres high, 2 metres wide, and 620 metres long—has three observation towers (named after birds): Bristlehead, Hornbill, and Trogon, the highest point in the RDC at 26.5 metres, offering sweeping views of the lowland dipterocarp rainforest.

Clear signages along the walkway help visitors identify local plants, birds, and wildlife.

Jungle Trails and Best Birdwatching Times at RDC

Apart from the canopy walk, the RDC offers a network of flat, easy jungle trails ideal for spotting understory birds and mammals. Several trails follow small streams, which attract bird activity throughout the day.

Best times for birdwatching:

• Early morning (6–10 a.m.)

• Late afternoon (3.30–6 p.m.)

Birds are more active at these times of the day.

Although you can explore the RDC by yourself, a guide makes the experience far more since they know the hotspots.

Birds Seen from Canopy Walkway

1. Bornean bristlehead – The star of the RDC, seen in small groups but requires a lot of luck.

2. Hornbills – Rhinoceros, black, oriental-pied, bushy-crested, and white-crowned hornbills all glide across treetops.

3. Raptors – Crested serpent-eagle, rufous-bellied eagle, white-bellied sea eagle, and the Wallace’s hawk-eagle.

4. Broadbills – The black-and-yellow broadbill and black-and-red broadbill are commonly seen, while the banded broadbill is recorded less often.

5. Bulbuls – Red-eyed, cream-vented, streaked, and Charlotte’s bulbuls gather at fruiting trees. Cream-eyed bulbul may also be seen.

6. Bornean black magpie – A noisy all-black bird easy to spot.

7. Flycatchers – Grey-streaked, Asian brown, and dark-sided flycatchers visit during migration.

Birds Along the Jungle Trails

1. Pittas – Western hooded, blue-headed, and black-crowned pittas.

2. Sabah partridge – Endemic to Sabah.

3. Babblers – The understory has many babblers: grey-hooded, chestnut-rumped, sooty-capped, and fluffy-backed tit-babbler.

4. White-crowned shama – A beautiful songbird rarely seen outside protected areas.

5. Trogons – Diard’s trogon is regularly seen, so are red-naped and scarlet-rumped trogons.

6. Kingfishers – Rufous-backed dwarf kingfisher and rufous-collared kingfisher are spotted along streams. Stork-billed and blue-eared kingfishers are seen around the lake near the park entrance. Also, listen for the call of the Bornean banded kingfisher.

7. Woodpeckers – Grey-and-buff, buff-necked, buff-rumped, white-bellied, orange-backed, great slaty, and maroon woodpeckers are among the many species found here. Rufous piculet is common; olive-backed woodpecker is rare.

Mammals and Reptiles at RDC

1. Orangutan – Sometimes seen near or from the canopy walkway.

2. Squirrels – Prevost’s and cream-coloured giant squirrels are common.

3. Red giant flying squirrel – Frequently seen at dusk, gliding between trees.

4. Pig-tailed macaque – These macaques freely roam the park. If you find an alpha male blocking your path, take a detour.

5. Pit vipers – They occasionally rest on handrails—stay alert!

6. Chameleon – Chameleon forest dragon (not a true chameleon as the name suggests; their ability to change colour is not as pronounced as in true chameleons).

RDC Night Walk: Nocturnal Wildlife Experience

The RDC night walk is a must-do. Many rainforest animals are active only after dark. Trained rangers guide you on a 2-hour walk through the forest, during which you may spot civets, moonrats, Malay badgers, bearded pigs, flying lemurs, birds sleeping, owls, frogs, glow-worms, and fireflies; with luck, you might even see a Bornean tarsier and a slow loris—two of Sabah’s rarest nocturnal primates. The night walk takes place between 6 and 9 p.m., and separate tickets must be booked in advance.

Plant Discovery Garden

The RDC also features a 3-acre Plant Discovery Garden housing hybrid orchids, arid land plants, aquatic plants, pitcher plants, economic crops, and tropical American species.

How to Reach RDC

The RDC is located in Sepilok, Sandakan, about 25 km west of Sandakan city.

Transport options:

• Public transport from Sandakan (45–50 minutes)

• Taxi or Grab for a faster, direct trip

The RDC is also close to

• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

• Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

You can combine all three in one trip.

What to Wear and Carry for RDC Visit

The weather is usually hot and humid, with sudden rain possible at any time. Wear light, breathable clothing, and carry the following:

• Hat and sunscreen

• Waterproof gear (raincoat, dry bag)

• Insect repellent (mosquitoes and leeches are usually not a big issue here)

• Drinking water (plenty)

Facilities at RDC

• Public toilets at several points

• A café near the start of the skywalk—great for breaks

• Shelters for shade or rain

• A souvenir shop inside the new visitors centre

Who Should Visit RDC, Sepilok

The Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, appeals to a wide range of visitors—from birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and researchers to nature lovers, families, and first-time travellers to Borneo. Its rich biodiversity, easy trails, canopy walkways, and convenient location near Sandakan make the RDC an ideal place for anyone seeking an accessible rainforest experience without having to venture deep into remote jungle reserves.