Birdwatching Keysites

North Malaya Keysites

We have designed our itinerary so as the travel time between most sites will not exceed 3 to 4 hours. We usually keep to the most scenic route so as you may enjoy the countryside. At times along the way we will stop for birding breaks. Our groups will be small and vehicle-comfortable.

KEDAH

Langkawi Island

Langkawi is truly an ecological gem. Langkawi is geologically varied; within its confines it offers the oldest rock (sandstone) formations in Malaysia to the stunningly beautiful limestone formations and sea stacks of the east coast that majestically rise like ancient temples out of the ocean. Equally varied are its many flora types. Langkawi offers lowland rainforest, mangrove forest and forest on limestone. The varying soil substrates contain numerous specialized and endemic floras that can be found nowhere else in the world. it is also home to 200 species of birds and over 340 species of butterflies. There are a full range of natural history tours to keep your interest, we offer general ecological tours to the rainforest, mangrove forest, limestone, snorkeling, birdwatching and butterfly tours.

Tukun Perak.

This small rocky outcrop in the middle of the straits of Malacca is home to some excellent deep sea fishing and to over 20 species of seabirds. The journey by speed boat is approx 3 hours but you may be rewarded with whales, whale sharks, giant Manta rays and dolphins.

Sungai Merbok Forest Reserve

This area consists of a stretch of coastal tidal mud flats, mangroves forest, rice fields and fruit orchards. This habitat is rich with aquatic life and migratory water birds. The most dominating feature is the Jerai peak that offers some common lowland bird species. Located at the base of Gunung Jerai is Malaysia’s most ancient civilization. Here was once a thriving center of Hindu and Buddhist culture from the 4th century AD to 14th century AD. Scattered Throughout this valley are remnants and artifacts of Hindu and Buddhist temple.

Ulu Muda Forest Reserve

Covering more than 115,000 hectares the Ulu Muda forest reserve ranks among the best of the unspoilt wilderness to be found in Malaysia. Scattered areas of intrusive granite rocks are the source of several hot springs and salt licks, including Sira Hangat, regarded as probably the largest mineral spring in the country. The abundance of wildlife that roams the area regularly visits these springs and salt licks which are an important source of vitamins and mineral supplements. Large mammals recorded include elephants, tigers, rhinoceros, seladang, sun bears, tapirs, and three species of deer. Small animals include gibbons, civets, and otters, black and red giant squirrels. There are also over 230 species of birds that have been recorded here among them are nine species of hornbills including the rare and endangered Plain-pouched Hornbill, Hooded Pita, Straw-headed Bubbul and Malay Peacock Pheasants. Between the months of June and July we can observe the daily spectacle of over 1200 plain pouched hornbills travelling between food tree and roost.

Sedim Forest Reserve

Sungai Sedim is located at the base of the Bintang Range and here are the highest peaks in the state. Gunung Inas is the highest peak and it rises to over 4000 feet. This forest reserve has some interesting highlights including the longest canopy walkway in the world. It is almost a kilometre in length. This walkway takes you up to about 30 meters and brings you at eyeball to eyeball level with the many birds up there. There are many other hiking and mountain biking jungle trails that are ideal for the energetic and adventurers. For the adrenalin junkies there is white water rafting.

PERAK

Maxwell Hill Forest Reserve

Bukit Larut is renowned as Malaysia’s first and least developed hill-station resort. There are walking trails, guesthouses and unspoilt forest and gardens. There are many species of mountain birds and wildlife to observe here.Bukit Larut’s habitats include lowland dipterocarp forest through to lower montane forest. Some 25 species of mammals and more than 200 bird species have been recorded at Bukit Larut and around its foothills in Taiping’s Lake Gardens. Notable mammal sightings include the dark handed gibbon, clouded leopard, serow, flat-headed cat, white-bellied rat and the lawas round leaf horseshoe bat. Some of the rarer bird species sighted includes black eagles, mountain peacock pheasants, cutias, and peregrine falcons.

Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary

Kuala Gula covers an area of over 40,000 hectares of mangrove forest, mudflats and estuaries and it is a sanctuary for nearly 200 species of birds. It is particularly important for more than 60 species of water birds including egrets, herons, storks, rails, shore birds terns and gulls, as well as some wetland dependent raptors and kingfishers.The flagship species of Kuala Gula is the globally threatened Milky Stork. Another Vulnerable stork species, the Lesser Adjutant can be found here easily. About 28 species of shorebirds over winter here or stop over while on passage. The most common ones are the Common Redshank, Terek Sandpiper, Eurasian Curlew, Whimbrel, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint and Bar Tailed Godwit. The most common terns and gulls are the Brown headed Gull; White¬ winged Tern and Common Tern. Besides these, the common wetland dependent birds occurring here are the White bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, and White throated, Stork billed and Collared Kingfisher.

Royal Belum Park

Royal Belum covers a total area of approximately 290,000 hectares of mostly virgin rainforest. There are an estimated 60-70 tigers roaming around in Belum, it is also home to Seladangs,the Sumatran Rhinos,Elephants, Binturongs, Malayan Sun Bears, Serows, Leopard cats, Clouded Leopards, flying foxes, 200 species of colorful birds, otters, porcupines, reptiles, dholes – these are only a small number of animals species that share the space. There are 18 Orang Asli or indigenous tribes in Peninsular Malaysia. About 5,600 Orang Asli live at Temenggor, made up of the Temiar, the Jahai and the Kinchu tribes. They lead a semi-nomadic life, engaging in a little bit of hunting, a little bit of gathering, a little bit of fishing and a little bit of cultivation.

TRENGGANU

Situated along the east coast of the peninsular Malaysia, Trenggnu boast the longest coastline in the country, exotic tropical islands, lush jungles, quaint fishing villages and dazzling waterfalls. Trengganu is indeed a great mix of natural beauty tropical charm and friendly Malay culture.

Setiu

The Setiu Wetlands is located in the lower reaches of the Setiu river basin within the Setiu district of Terengganu on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The wetlands lie within the Peninsular Malaysian lowland and montane forests eco-region. It comprises primarily estuarine and coastal wetland types and is included within a larger wetland complex known as the Setiu-Chalok-Bari-Merang basin wetlands.
Among the significant features of the Setiu Wetlands are its roles as important breeding ground for freshwater and marine fishes, and in providing nesting grounds for Malaysia’s largest breeding population of the critically endangered Painted terrapin (Callagur borneoensis). The sandy riverbanks, sand islands and the coastal sandy beaches in Setiu are important nesting areas for the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and critically endangered painted terrapin (Callagur borneoensis).

Redang island

Pulau Redang, located 45 km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of a group of islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: The H.M.S Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse, which sank here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.This paradise island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing.The adjacent islands of Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Bidong, Pulau Lang Tengah and Pulau Lima are excellent snorkelling spots. The island offers crystal-clear waters and numerous dive sites. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life.At mid-day when sunrays penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and clams can be seen.The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: The H.M.S Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse, which sank here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya. This paradise island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing.

Tasek Kenyir

Tasek Kenyir is one of South East Asia largest man made lakes. Spreading over 369 sq km and set within a lush rainforest. a breath taking place . it is best for nature retreats, fishing, swimming, trekking, canoeing and birding. It is blessed with fresh air, great flora and fauna, streams and rapids or just simply a relaxing time.

THAILAND

Butang Islands Group – Tarutao National Park

This is Thailand’s very first marine national park and is set within a group of over 30 islands. Koh Adang has many secluded and fine beaches and it offers some good snorkeling and diving sites, there a rich diversity of flora types including lowland forest, coastal forest and mangrove forest. The waters off Koh Adang are visited by Whale Sharks, indo-Pacific Hump-backed Dolphins and several species of tropical and migratory whales.

Talae Sap Lagoons

Located in the south of Thailand it is a group of four linked lagoons or lakes. It extends for 80 km along the coastal lowlands of Songkhla and Phatalung. Together the lake forms a vast inland sea that is one of the natural wonders of Thailand. Thale Songkhla is salty while has fresh water and the lakes in between are brackish. It is a sophisticated ecosystem that mixes mangroves, Irrawaddy Dolphins, sea fish and mollusks with woodlands, lotus lilies, river terrapins and waterfowl. It offers a riot of jacanas, swamphens, herons, and terns with hoards of egrets, Lesser Whistling Ducks, Garganey and Cotton Pygmy Geese. You may even see Black-winged Stilts and Painted Stork as this is the only place in Thailand where it is known to breed.

Talae Ban National Park

Tucked away in the southern corner of Thailand is a Gem of a park. Its undulating hills and deep valleys feature rugged limestone landscapes, and are home to unique plants and rare animals. It is a protected area of international importance.