Bornean Banded Pitta [Male] @ Mount Trusmadi, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia

Bornean Banded Pitta (Hydrornis schwaneri) [Male] is a colorful, active and attractive bird can be found in Mount Trusmadi, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia.

Bornean Banded Pitta is endemic to mountain range of Borneo. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1250, F 6.3, EV -1.3. 

Mount Trumadi is the second highest mountain in Malaysia after Mount Kinabalu. The place needs no introduction to the world, especially well-known to the nature lovers, hikers and jungle trekkers. It is "a less travelled place" as compared to Mount Kinabalu. Located in the district of Tambunan, South-east of Sabah, island of Borneo, East Malaysia, some 80 km from the capital city, Kota Kinabalu. It can be reached in approximately 2 hours by car from Kota Kinabalu International Airport through winding mountainous road. Due to it high elevation, weather in the area is very unpredictable. It can be very chilling and foggy hence, prepare for suitable clothing. 

At the time of this writing, the main access road to Mount Trusmadi main gate is under major improvement, which makes the access to the said place only possible by four-wheel drive. The major road improvement for a distance of approximately 8 km is expected to complete by middle of 2024. For those who are interested to explore Mount Trusmadi for any purposes, Tambunan is the nearest town which only takes half an hour to the main gate by car. Although Tambunan is a small town, to cater for both local and foreign tourists, there are some basic rest-house for rent and budget hotels. Some local restaurants, cafeterias and convenience shops are also available.

Mount Trusmadi has the most diversified and unique treasures, both flora and fauna, including more than 350 species of bird and 100 species of mammal. 

For bird lovers, Mount Trusmadi certainly is the place to test your passion and perseverance in getting the best from the rain forest of Borneo. Some target birds include many species of Sunbirds, Pittas, Trogons, Pheasants, Babblers, Warblers, Barbets, Flowerpeckers, Flycatchers, Drongos, Owls, Partridges, Whitehead's Broadbill, Bornean Treepie just to name a few.