KOTA KINABALU: A group of birding enthusiasts from the United Kingdom has offered to assist in attracting American birdwatchers to the state in its bid to promote Sabah as a unique avian destination.
Global Birdfair founder Tim Appleton, who was part of a recent familiarisation trip to Sabah, said the state provides a compelling mix of avian and mammalian attractions that can create a richer and more dynamic nature experience for travellers.
He said it was also amazing that unlike many parts of the world where birding enthusiasts were mostly from the older generation, those in Sabah were relatively younger.
“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 the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to promote Sabah as a unique avian destination to the UK birdwatching market, while also offering to assist in attracting American birdwatchers.
“Sabah is a hidden gem in birding and wildlife tourism, we assure greater visibility and exposure for the state at next year's Global Birdfair,” he said.
The familiarisation trip to Sabah was facilitated by the STB, which extended the invitation to Appleton during the Global Birdfair in Rutland, UK, in July.
During their stay, the group attended the Borneo Bird Festival at the Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre, in Sandakan, where they observed nature and wildlife within the Kabili-Sepilok forest reserve.
The group included Appleton’s wife, Penny Robinson; NatureTrek Tailormade manager Georgie Dodds; Limosa Holidays general manager Chris Collins; and birding specialist writers Dr Stephen Moss and Dominic Couzens.
Their familiarisation trip included a visit to Kinabalu Park, where they spotted endemic bird species such as Whitehead’s Broadbill, Whitehead’s Spiderhunter, and Whitehead’s Trogon as well.
Couzens noted that many in the group had never visited Borneo before, describing it as “one of the best trips”.
“I never imagined I’d have the chance to explore Borneo, and I think the same goes for most UK people. The potential here is enormous, especially with the mix of mammals and birding,” he said.
He suggested that Sabah leverage 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,” said Couzens.
“The combination of mammal and bird species in locations like Sepilok makes it an ideal destination for eco-tourists to enrich their experience while fostering interest in birdwatching,” he added.
On Monday (Oct 28), STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai hosted a dinner for the group, during which they discussed future collaboration opportunities to promote Sabah as a bird watching 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 rural areas to enhance efforts in attracting bird enthusiasts to Sabah.
He said 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,” Bangkuai added.
He 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.
