Malaysia index Johor Kedah Kelantan Kuala Lumpur Langkawi Malacca Negeri Sembilan Pahang Perlis Penang Perak Sabah Sarawak Selangor Terengganu   **THAILAND **MALAYSIA **SINGAPORE **VIETNAM **INDONESIA

Malaysia index   Malaysia information   Malaysia History   Festivals   Weather forecast   Weather overview   Weather Satellite   Transportation   Guide to all States   Visa   Tourist line   Maps   Golf   Diving   Adventure with Nature

other destinations THAILAND MALAYSIA SINGAPORE VIETNAM INDONESIA

From moss covered mountain ranges to muddy mangroves, the Malaysian landscape teems with hundreds of birds which thrive in the tropical environment. With over 600 species inhabiting the peninsula and some 580 species in Borneo, it is easy to understand why bird watches are drawn to Malaysia. Due to the diversity of habitats, there are many places with abundant birdlife to choose from. An activity for the family or small groups, bird watching is made more interactive with more eyes to peer into thick bush or scan the skies as well as by sharing the different markings of the birds seen by fellow participants.

   Habitats  
Malaysia is separated into two main birding regions - Peninsula Malaysia, and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Many birds are common to both geographic areas through some species, known as endemics, are unique to a certain location, such as the Malayan Whistling Thrush in the peninsula and the Borneo Blue Flycatcher and Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker in Sabah.

Underscoring the importance of forests, birding activities are concentrated in three distinctive habitat types - mountain forests, lowland rainforests and mangroves. Mountain forests generally occur above an elevation of 900 meters, where species such as the Mountain peacock-Pheasent and Mountain Blackeye thrive, in the cool damp climates and stunted trees of these high altitude regions.

Lowland rainforests, including freshwater swamp, peat and hill dipterocarp forests, remain the most extensive habitat for over 200 birds and are crucial to Storm's Stock and Green Imperial Pigeon.

Other birds such as the Common Kingfisher depend on the mangrove forest ecosystems where salt and freshwater environs meet on the coastline fringe. While each habitat provides an excellent birding experience, try to visit several sites in different ecological zones to enjoy the variation in birdlife.

   Easy Access Sites  
For the first-time bird watcher or the avid amateur, there are three excellent bird watching sites within a few hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. These sites are easily accessible by bus or car and are equipped with a variety of accommodation for those who wish to spend time away from the city.

Fraser's Hill and Cameron Highlands both offer lush green surroundings with panoramic views and walkable hiking trails where bird life abound. For a pleasant day trip, check out the Kuala Selangor Nature Park, a mangrove swamp along the west coast that supports 130 bird species and some seasonal migrants including the rare Spoonbilled Sandpiper.

In addition, those with more time may want to travel further inland into Malaysia's premier national park, Taman Negara where dense lowland forests are home to over 200 bird species.

The Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, a refuge and feeding ground for many species of resident birds and several migratory species from Northern Asia is easily accessible to visitors to the capital of Sabah on the island of Borneo.

   Seasons  
The tropical climate of Malaysia allows bird watching to be a year-round activity. Of course, visitors will have to keep the rainy season in mind when planning excursions and take along rain gear or a poncho. Rain usually falls heaviest from September to December in the west coast and from October to February in the east coast and in Sabah and Sarawak. Migratory birds use Malaysia's west coast flyway to travel to Sumatra and beyond with peak movements in April and October.

As with all wildlife, all possible care and respect is to be given to the birds and their habitats. It is illegal to harass, disturb, shoot or capture any bird in a gazetted bird sanctuary and trafficking in protected species is prohibited under the Protection of Wilf Life Act 1972 in Peninsula Malaysia, with separate acts enforced in Sabah and Sarawak.

Permits from the Forestry Department of the various states may be needed at some bird sanctuaries. Bird watchers are advised to check with their guides or tour agent.