Birding in Malaysia

1. Birding Spots in Peninsular Malaysia

　Malaysia is geographically located in tropical climate zone and most of the territory is dominated by tropical rainforest (often called "jungle". However, it is believed that about 60% of the forest has been lost because of oil palm or rubber plantation, tin mining, industrialisation and urbanisation. In the Peninsular Malaysia, although a large scale forest is countable, there are still some good birding spots in the peninsular. In this page, I'm introducing some birding spots in the peninsular Malaysia.

１) Taman Pertanian（Agricultural Park)

　Located in outskirts of Sha Alam. Well-maintained park which holds lowland rainforest species. Particularly canopy or upper storey birds are well-observed. This park is opened after 9:00 a.m. Because of many visitors, avoid in the weekend. Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, malkohas, White-throated Kingfisher, barbets, woodpeckers, Ashy Minivet (October-April), Oriental Magpie Robin. Entrance fee 3RM.
　
２）Templer's Park

　Located in northeast of Kuala Lumpur. There are many waterfalls which attract visitors in the weekend. Trails in the forest are not maintained properly but may be good for looking for lower storey birds. Early in the morning (before tourists arrive) is the best timing for birding. The lowland rainforest is more likely secondary growth and the condition is not so good. However, Templer's Park is still a good birding spot for birdwatchers while the access is relatively easy and less walk is requested. Crested Serpent Eagle, Emerald Dove, malkohas, barbets, Whiskered Treeswift, woodpeckers, Scarlet Minivet, flycatcher-shrikes, Blue-winged Leafbird, bulbuls, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, babblers, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, sunbirds and spiderhunters. More rarities are White-crowned Forktail, Orange-backed Woodpecker, Straw-headed Bulbul, Rufous-chested Flycatcher, Japanese Paradise Flycatcher and Red-throated Sunbird.

３） Ulu Gombak/Gombak Valley

　Located in northeast of Kuala Lumpur, about 30km. Before Karak Highway was constructed, this road might be a main route to eastern Peninsular Malaysia. Nowadays, this road is used by only big trailers which avoid the steep slope highway. The forest is suitable for observing lowland to lower mountainous species. While birding is mainly from the road, canopy or middle-upper storey birds are more frequently seen. Common species are raptors, Thick-billed Pigeon, Little Cuckoo-dove, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Emerald Dove, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Indian Cuckoo, Drongo Cuckoo, malkohas (5 species!), treeswift (2 species), Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, barbets, woodpeckers, broadbills, flycatcher-shrikes, minivets, leafbirds, ioras, bulbuls (most of!!), Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Dark-throated Oriole, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Sultan Tit, White-rumped Shama, Chestnut-naped Forktail, warblers (mainly winter months), Rufescent Prinia, Asian Brown Flycatcher (October - April), Brown-streaked Flycatcher, Dark-sided Flycatcher (October - April), Verditer Flycatcher, Grey-headed Flycatcher, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch, Grey Wagtail (October - April), Tiger Shrike (October - April), Hill Myna, Red-throated Sunbird, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Plain Sunbird, Purple-naped Sunbird, Long-billed Spiderhunter, Grey-breasted Spiderhunter, Little Spiderhunter and flowerpeckers. Rarities are Black-thighed Falconnet, Violet Cuckoo,Scarlet-rumped Trogon, hornbills, Crested Jay, Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (October - April), Pale Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-winged Monarch and Forest Wagtail (October - April)

４） Sungai Tekala

　One of the best birding spot for searching lowland rainforest birds, especially ground or lower storey birds. About 50 km south of Kuala Lumpur and the area is protected as a forest reserve. Likely other forest reserves, many picnickers visit in the weekend. There are several walking trails which provide you birds in the forest. The forest is well-known among KL birders because of lots of records of rarities. Common birds are Emerald Dove, malkohas, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, barbets, woodpeckers, broadbills, leafbirds, bulbuls, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Asian Fairy-bluebird, babblers, Chestnut-naped Forktail, Grey-headed Flycatcher, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Tiger Shrike (October - April), Purple-naped Sunbird and Hill Myna. Highlights are probably more uncommon species, such as Red-naped, Diard's & Scarlet-rumped Trogons, Blue-banded, Banded & Rufous-collared Kingfishers, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Rufous Piculet, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Hooded Pitta, Black-capped Babbler, Orange-headed Thrush (October - April), Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (October - April), Ferruginous Flycatcher (October - April), Brown-chested Flycatcher, Blue-and-White Flycatcher (October - April), Maroon-breasted & Rufous-winged Monarch and Malaysian Rail-babbler.

５） Sungai Perdik

　Close to Sungai Tekala (about 30 minutes drive). This is another lowland rainforest but is slightly open. There is a nest of Bat Hawk. Along a stream, there is a flat walking trail. Main species are Bat Hawk, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, barbets, malkohas, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, woodpeckers, broadbills, minivets, leafbirds, babblers, Chestnut-naped Forktail, Grey-headed Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch and sunbirds. Rarities are Red-naped Trogon, White-bellied Woodpecker, hornbills, Green Broadbill, Finsch's Bulbul, Grey-chested Flycatcher, Brown-streaked Flycatcher, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Scarlet Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird and Thick-billed Flowerpecker.

６） Genting Highland

　This place is popular among KL birders because of the location (only 1-1.5 hours driving from KL). Birds seen here are mainly montaneous. For example, raptors, Collared Owlet (normally only heard), Little Cuckoo-dove, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Drongo Cuckoo, Black-and-Crimson Oriole, swiftlets, Red-headed Trogon, Bushy-crested Hornbill, Fire-tufted Barbet, Black-browed Barbets, woodpeckers, Grey-chinned Minivet, Orange-bellied Leafbird, drongos, Green Magpie, Sultan Tit, Blue Nuthatch, Grey-throated Babbler, Golden Babbler, Pygmy Wren-babbler, Streaked Wren-babbler, Chestnut-capped Laughing-thrush, Long-tailed Sibia, White-browed Shrike-babbler, Silver-eared Mesia, Mountain Fulvetta, Chestnut-naped Forktail, Slaty-backed Forktail, Siberian Ground-thrush (October - April), warblers (October - April), Verditer Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher (October - April), Little Pied Flycatcher, Grey-headed Flycatcher, White-throated Fantail, Black-throated Sunbird and Streaked Spiderhunter. More uncommon species are Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo, Large Hawk-cuckoo, Orange-breasted Trogon, Helmeted Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Black Laughing-thrush, White-bellied Yuhina, Orange-headed Thrush (October - April), Inornate Warbler (October - April), Blue-and-White Flycatcher (October - April), Pygmy Blue Flycatcher, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Asian Paradise Flycatcher and Pin-tailed Parrotfinch

７） Fraser's Hill

　Developed as a highland resort from the early colonial era. However, because of narrow road to the top and small area in the peak prevented a large scale development. Fraser's Hill is well-known as a famous birding place throughout the world and a bird race is annually held on June. Although one day trip is possible from KL (approx. 120 km, about 2.5 hours), it might be better to stay one night there. Major species of birds are Blyth's Hawk-eagle, Mountain Scops-owl, swiftlets, Red-headed Trogon, Fire-tufted Barbet, Gold-whiskered Barbet, Black-browed Barbet, Blue-eared Barbet, Greater Yellownape, Lesser Yellownape, Long-tailed Broadbill, Red-rumped (Striated) Swallow, minivets, leafbirds, Black-crested Bulbul, Mountain Bulbul, Ochraceous Bulbul, drongos, Black-and-Crimson Oriole, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Green Magpie, Sultan Tit, Blue Nuthatch, Golden Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, laughing-thrushs (3 species), Pygmy Wren-babbler, Long-tailed Sibia, White-browed Shrike-babbler, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, Silver-eared Mesia, Blue-winged Minla, Mountain Fulvetta, Oriental Magpie Robin, White-rumped Shama, Chestnut-naped Forktail, Slaty-backed Forktail, Siberian Ground-thrush (winter months), Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Mountain Leaf Warbler, Yellow-bellied Warbler, Mountain Tailorbird, Verditer, Mugimaki (winter months), Rufous-browed and Little Pied Flycatchers, Large Niltava, Hill Blue Flycatcher, Grey-headed Flycatcher, White-throated Fantail, Tiger Shrike (winter months), Black-throated Sunbird, Streaked Spiderhunter and White-rumped Munia. Although uncommon or rare, these are also recorded: Wallace's Hawk-eagle, , Malaysian Hill Partridge Long-billed Partridge, Mountain Peacock-pheasant, Yellow-vented Pigeon, Wedge-tailed Pigeon, Oriental Cuckoo, Brown Wood-owl, Collared Owlet, Malaysian Eared Nightjar, Brown Needletail, Orange-breasted Trogon, Red-bearded Bee-eater, Bushy-crested,  Wreathed, Rhinoceros &  Great Hornbills, Bamboo Woodpecker, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Rusty-naped Pitta, Hooded Pitta, Marbled Wren-babbler, Eye-browed Wren-babbler, Cutia, White-tailed Robin, Malaysian Whistling-thrush, Orange-headed Thrush (winter months), Inornate Warbler (winter months), Pale Blue Flycatcher, Blue-throated Flycatcher (winter months) and Scarlet Sunbird. For more detail about Fraser's Hill, check web site of　Fraser's Hill Nature Education Centre

８） Cameron Highland

There are several walking trails around Brinchang and Tanah Rata. Cameron Highland is more developed than Fraser's Hill but is a still good birding spot where you can see upper mountain forest birds. Particularly, a road to Gunung Brinchan (very steep!!) is one of few spots to see Rufous-vented Niltava and Chestnut-tailed Minla in Malaysia. Others are Fire-tufted Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Mountain Bulbul, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Golden Babbler, Chestnut-capped Laughing-thrush, Long-tailed Sibia, Silver-eared Mesia, Blue-winged Minla, Mountain Fulvetta, Mountain Leaf Warbler, Yellow-breasted Warbler, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Hill Blue Flycatcher, White-throated Fantail and Black-throated Sunbird.

９） Tasek Bera

　A peat swamp and lowland forest birding spot. Tasek Bera (Lake Bera) is located in the centre of Pahang state. From KL, you need to drive more than 4 hours via Temerloh or Selemban. The largest natural lake in Malaysia is dominated by pandanus shrub. In the forest, there are records of Asian Elephant, Tiger and Tapir. While the walking trails around the lake is not well-maintained, appropriate birding spots are limited around Persona Resort, eastern part of the lake. Birds recorded are, for example, Crested Wood Partridge, Brown Wood-owl, White-throated Kingfisher, Long-tailed Parakeet, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Black-and-Red Broadbill, leafbirds, Chestnut-winged Babbler, Fluffy-backed Tit-babbler, Malaysian Rail-babbler, White-rumped Shama and Pied Fantail.

１０） Taman Negara

　Taman Negara is known as the best birding spot in the Peninsular Malaysia for observing lowland rainforest. The primary forest holds rich fauna. However, it means that flora is also rich which makes difficult to search canopy or upper storey birds. Highlights here are Black Wood Partridge, Crested Wood Partridge, Crestless Fireback, Crested Fireback, Great Argus, Malaysian Peacock-pheasant, Masked Finfoot (mainly winter months), trogons, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Banded Kingfisher, hornbills, pittas (Blue-winged, Hooded, Garnet and Banded) and babblers.

１１） Pasoh Forest Reserve

Pasoh is located about 150 km southeast of KL. The forest reserve is maintained by FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia） for their institutional objectives. There are well-maintained paths but are placed in dense forest, it is not suitable for searching canopy birds. For looking for middle storey to canopy birds, you should walk along the road. The forest reserve is well-known by the wide variety of nocturnal birds. Main species are Oriental Bay Owl, White-fronted Scops-Owl, Reddish Scops-Owl, Barred Eagle-Owl, Buffy Fish-owl, Gould's Frogmouth, Javan Frogmouth and Malaysian Eared Nightjar. For day time birding, you might be able to see trogons, hornbills, barbets, woodpeckers, broadbills, Garnet Pitta and babblers.

１２）Kuala Selangor Nature Park

A small nature park, located in Kuala Selangor. The nature park consists of coastal forest, mangrove and mud flats and is the best point for observing mangrove birds in Malaysia. Check mangrove specialists at the mangrove boardwalk. Major species, which can be seen, are: Lesser Adjutant, Brahminy Kite, Black-shouldered Kite, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Red Junglefowl, Pink-necked Pigeon, Peaceful Dove, Malayan Bronze-cuckoo, Stork-billed Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Black-capped Kingfisher (winter months), Collared Kingfisher, Blue-throated Bee-eater (summer months), Blue-tailed Bee-eater (winter months) , Common Goldenback, Greater Goldenback, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Mangrove Blue Flycatcher, Pied Fantail, Brown Shrike, Jungle Myna, Brown-throated Sunbird and Olive-backed Sunbird. Rarities are Cinnamon-headed Pigeon, Orange-breasted Pigeon, Buffy Fish-owl, Mangrove Pitta and Copper-throated Sunbird.

１３） Sekinchan

　About 1 hour driving from Kuala Selangor. A large paddy field area where you are able to see open country birds. Particularly, winter months are worthwhile to visit. Shorebirds, Black-shouldered Kite, Eastern Marsh Harrier, Pied Harrier, Hen Harrier, Oriental Pratincole, Peaceful Dove, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Black Drongo, Stonchat, Brown Shrike and White-breasted Woodswallow.　

２．For visiting Malaysia

　For entering Malaysia, you need to fill up quarantine, customer's declaration and immigration form. Malaysia regulates taking out the currency to outside. So, you also need to declare how much you take into/out more than certain amount. Malaysian currency is called Ringgit Malaysia which has 100, 50, 20 (rarely seen), 10, 5 and 2RM in bank-note and 1RM, 50s (sen), 20s, 10s, 5s and １s in coins. Normally, you do not need 100RM. In other words, better to prepare less than 50RM if you catch a taxi or buy something in the shop. People often do not have small change for 100RM. Ringgit Malaysia is rarely exchangeable outside Malaysia. So, you should exchange all RM before leaving Malaysia.

　KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a modern airport, located about 50 km southwest of KL. Visitors normally use a limousine service to go into KL. There are two types of limousines. You need to pay about 55RM even for the budget one. If you buy a return ticket, they discount 30%.

　Traffic condition in Malaysia is not good. Although the road infrastructure is advanced in the region, connection between the roads are often ineffective. For example, a highway does not have junction with another highway which crosses vertically.
　Above all, driving manner in Malaysia is terrible. Without having any driving experience in Southeast Asia, I do not recommend you driving. Malaysian drivers often turn right from left lane while most of them do not show signal for changing their lane.
　In the wet season, you may need to estimate extra hours for driving. Particularly after or during heavy downpour, some of the roads are flooded and closed which cause terrible traffic jam.

3. Useful contacts in Malaysia

I'm introducing you some useful contacts for you to do birding in Malaysia.

Malaysian Nature Society

P.O. Box 10750
50724 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
Ph: +60-3-287-9422
Fax: +60-3-287-8773
e-mail: natsoc@po.jaring.my
web: http://www.mns.org.my/mns

MNS is the largest and nation-wide nature conservation organisation which also has the birding group inside. For basic information or your interests on nature conservation in Malaysia, they could give you the answer.

Oriental Bird Club

c/o The Lodge,
Sandy,
Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL,
United Kingdom
E-mail membership questions can be sent to mail@orientalbirdclub.org.

OBC is a more region-wide birding club which also cover some conservation issues.

Kalao Nature

4A, Jalan Pinggiran Satu,
Medan Damai Ukay
68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan
MALAYSIA
Ph: +60-3-453-3077
Fax: +60-3-453-3066
E-mail: Contact to Mr. Ooi Chin Hock birders@tm.net.my

For organising a birding trip in Malaysia.

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