Originally published in the New Straits Times – 30 March 2007 | By Sean Augustin
While established destinations like Taman Negara and Fraser’s Hill have long been the pillars of Malaysian birdwatching, the northern states—including Kedah, Perak, and Terengganu—possess immense untapped potential. In this 2007 feature, conservationists and naturalists advocate for a strategic shift to promote these regions as world-class birding hubs.
THE NORTHERN BIRDING CORRIDOR
According to the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), areas such as Ulu Muda, Pedu, and the Langkawi archipelago offer a unique range of avian species not easily found elsewhere. Key highlights include:
- Belum-Temenggor (Perak): A critical habitat for the globally threatened Plain-pouched Hornbill, known for its spectacular mass flights.
- Kenyir Lake (Terengganu): A biodiversity hotspot where over 200 species can be identified, including rare hornbills and forest specialists.
- Langkawi (Kedah): A primary gateway for international birders, offering a mix of mangrove, rainforest, and coastal species.
A GLOBAL MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
The success of the Zululand Birding Route in South Africa serves as a blueprint for Malaysia. By training local guides and marketing regional birding routes internationally, it demonstrated that birdwatching is a powerful engine for both conservation and community development.
IRSHAD MOBARAK: EXPANDING THE VISION
Irshad Mobarak, founder of JungleWalla, has long championed the expansion of birding tourism beyond traditional sites. During his expeditions, he documented that while a short excursion can yield nearly 90 species, a longer circuit across the northern states could easily exceed 250 types.
“The potential in our own backyard is extraordinary,” Irshad noted, highlighting the interest from international travel agents in these less-explored territories.
BIRDING EXPEDITIONS WITH JUNGLEWALLA
Building on the vision established in 2007, JungleWalla provides specialized birding itineraries across Langkawi and the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia. Whether you are a dedicated twitcher or a casual nature enthusiast, we offer tailored experiences:
For Serious Birders (Multi-Day Expeditions):
Explore our comprehensive, multi-regional circuits designed for those targeting rare endemics and high species counts across Malaysia’s premier birding hotspots.
Visit: Bird Malaysia
For Daily Excursions (Langkawi):
If you are looking for a focused half-day session, our local experts will guide you through the island’s best habitats.
Book: Langkawi Birdwatching Half-Day Tour