PENANG & PERLIS STATE BIRDWATCHING EXPEDITION
This 4-Day expedition focuses on the unique avifauna of the northern Malaysian peninsula, spanning the diverse habitats of Penang’s coastal wetlands and the unique semi-deciduous forests of the Nakawan Range in Perlis. Guided by professional naturalists, this tour targets regional endemics and migratory specialists found nowhere else in the country.
DAY 1: PENANG COASTAL WETLANDS & MANGROVES
The expedition begins with an exploration of Penang’s critical coastal habitats, focusing on waterbirds, shorebirds, and mangrove specialists.
- Session 1: Air Itam Dalam Educational Forest
Habitat: Freshwater swamp and secondary forest.
Target Species: Spotted Wood Owl, Ruddy Kingfisher, Black-capped Kingfisher, and various woodpeckers including the Common Flameback.
- Session 2: Teluk Ayer Tawar-Kuala Muda Coast
Habitat: Intertidal mudflats and mangrove fringes (Important Bird Area).
Target Species: Migratory shorebirds such as the Bar-tailed Godwit, Great Knot, Nordmann’s Greenshank (seasonal), and the iconic Lesser Adjutant.
DAY 2: TRANSITION TO THE KARST FRONTIER (PERLIS)
Travel north to Perlis, Malaysia’s smallest state, where the climate and vegetation shift towards a semi-arid, deciduous ecosystem.
- Session 1: Timah Tasoh Lake
Habitat: Large freshwater reservoir and surrounding marshlands.
Target Species: Bronze-winged Jacana, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Cotton Pygmy-goose, and Purple Heron.
- Session 2: Chuping Limestone Outcrops
Habitat: Open plains and limestone karst fringes.
Target Species: Raptor watching (seasonal), Blue-throated Bee-eater, and the Indochinese Roller.
DAY 3: THE NAKAWAN RANGE & PERLIS STATE PARK
A full day dedicated to the rugged limestone forests along the Thailand-Malaysia border, targeting specialists of the Setul formation.
- Session 1: Wang Kelian & Perlis State Park
Habitat: Semi-deciduous forest and limestone ridges.
Target Species: Plain-pouched Hornbill (seasonal mass flights), Sultan Tit, White-rumped Shama, and the rare Stump-tailed Macaque (mammal).
- Session 2: Gua Kelam & Forest Fringes
Habitat: Riverine forest and karst valleys.
Target Species: Blue-winged Pitta (seasonal), Banded Kingfisher, and various Sunbird species.
DAY 4: FINAL BIRDING & DEPARTURE
Concluding the expedition with a final session in the northern paddy plains before departure via Padang Besar or Alor Setar.
- Morning Session: Alor Setar Paddy Fields (Kedah)
Habitat: Alluvial rice plains and irrigation canals.
Target Species: Black-winged Kite, Eastern Marsh Harrier, and various Bitterns and Snipes.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Group Size: Minimum 2 pax, maximum 6 pax for optimal viewing.
- Best Season: October to March (Migratory season and Plain-pouched Hornbill sightings).
- Inclusions: Professional birding guide, 4WD transfers in Perlis, spotting scope usage, and field checklist.
For bookings and detailed logistics, contact our operations desk at
irshad@junglewalla.com or visit our
Penang Operations page.