By Mat Wilson and John Wilson | 16 June 2007
As part of a recent trip to West Malaysia with my dad, I decided to return to Langkawi for four days. Having been in contact with JungleWalla about seeing some of the island's rarer species, we were hopeful but realistic. The team’s response was encouraging, targeting the Hooded Oriole, Blue-winged Pitta, and the recently discovered Mountain Hawk-Eagle.
THE SEARCH FOR THE HOODED ORIOLE
Our first day began at 07:30, led by guides Jimmy and Indra. Their expertise was immediate. Within minutes of arriving at a remote site, Indra heard the call. After a short search, we enjoyed superb, close-up views of an immaculate male Black-hooded Oriole and his mate. It was a remarkable start, complemented by sightings of Chestnut-breasted Malkoha and Crested Serpent Eagles.
A CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH A 'LEGEND'
While observing a Blue-winged Pitta calling from high in a rubber plantation—a surprising sight as I’d always imagined them as ground-dwellers—we were met by Irshad Mobarak, the 'Legendary Jungle Wallah of Langkawi.' He arrived with a Collared Scops Owl in a box, which had been injured at a local hotel and was being taken for care. This encounter added a unique layer to our experience, seeing the owner’s direct involvement in wildlife rescue.
OBSERVATIONS ON GUNUNG RAYA
On Gunung Raya, we witnessed one of the strangest sights in my birding career. A Wreathed Hornbill became wedged in an acutely forked branch 50 feet up a tree. We watched for 10 minutes as it struggled, and even saw a large male Hornbill try to knock it free, before a group of Great Hornbills arrived and began to attack the trapped bird. It was a sobering reminder of the harsh realities of the wild.
Despite the somber end to that sighting, we successfully located the Mountain Hawk-Eagle near the summit, completing our target list for the day.
REFLECTIONS ON JUNGLEWALLA
The expertise and local knowledge of Jimmy and Indra were invaluable. They didn't just find the birds; they shared the stories behind them. For anyone wanting a professional, nature-based experience in Langkawi, I would not hesitate to recommend JungleWalla. They know their birds, and they also know a mean roti cafe for breakfast!
Follow Mat and John’s Trail: Experience the same expert guiding that impressed the Wilson family. From rare orioles to the heights of Gunung Raya, our team is ready to show you the best of Langkawi’s avifauna. Visit our Langkawi Birdwatching Tours to book your expedition.