Established by the Sandakan Borneo Bird Club (SBOBC/BOBC) Sabah in 2008, is an annual event celebrating Borneo's birdlife and promoting conservation and ecotourism. Supported by local government, the festival has grown in reach and impact.
The festival collaborates with the Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks, and Sabah Wildlife Department to secure venues across Sabah, including nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, state parks, and rainforests.
Activities include the Sabah Bird Race, photography competitions, guided birdwatching walks, workshops on bird identification and conservation, and educational events. These attract participants from Malaysia and beyond, raising awareness of Borneo's bird species and habitats.
The festival advocates for stronger conservation policies by engaging policymakers, conservationists, and the public, promoting sustainable management of Borneo's natural
resources.
The Borneo Bird Festival exemplifies community collaboration and environmental stewardship, showing how local organizations and government can drive positive change for wildlife conservation and ecotourism in Sabah.
