Crimson Sunbird [Male] @ Rainforest Discovery Center, Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, East Malaysia

Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) [Male] is colorful, attractive and very active resident bird can be found in Rainforest Discovery Center, Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, East Malaysia. They can be found on the flowering plants along the road around the center.

The male Crimson Sunbird is featured by crimson color back and belly. Female bird has completely different color, featured by gray on the breast and dark brown on the back. In terms of size, color and other features, it is observed that there is no significant differences between male Crimson Sunbird found in East and West Malaysia. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1250, F 6.3, EV -0.7. 

Rainforest Discovery Center or in short RDC is the most famous and accessible natural rainforest in Sabah. It overs a total area of 4,300 hectar of Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve. The center is located just 23 km from Sandakan town, Sabah, Malaysia. It can be reached in approximately just half hour drive from Sandakan town. The center offers many attractions to visitors, including jungle trekking, night walk, canopy walk, plants discovery garden and exhibition hall. Rainforest Discovery Center opens from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily. The entrance fee is RM7.00 for Malaysian and RM15.00 for foreigner respectively. For night walk with guide will be charged seperately. Detail information can be obtained at the ticketing counter located at the entance of the center. Other nearby attractions to Rainforest Discovery Center include Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.

Although Sepilok and Sandakan are relatively small towns, to cater for both local and foreign tourists visiting those attractions, there are abundant hotels, resorts, villas and guesthouses of different standards and prices. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards.  

Rainforest Discovery Center has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 300 species of birds. It certainly entices birders around the world to be there. The main target birds include different types of pittas, Bornean Bristlehead, eagles, doves, hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, weavers, flycatchers, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too.