Malaysia is a bird watcher’s paradise with its great diversity of landscapes such as montane forests, lowland forests, wetlands and mangrove.

The mountain ranges, plains and wetlands of Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo are home to over 600 species of birds which thrive in the tropical environment.

There are two main regions for bird watching, peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Many birds are common to both geographic areas though some species are endemic to certain areas.

These include the Malayan Whistling Thrush is found in the peninsula and the Bornean Blue Flycatcher and Yellow-rumped Flower-pecker inSabah.

Bird activities are concentrated in three distinctive habitats the montane forests, lowland rainforests and mangrove. In the cool montane forests which are above an elevation of 900m, species such as the Mountain Peacock-Pheasant and Mountain Blackeye thrive.

Lowland rainforests , which include freshwater swamp, peat and hill dipterocarp forests are the most extensive habitat for over 200 species of birds.

There are three good bird watching sites a few hours drive away from Kuala Lumpur. These sites are easily accessible by bus or car and have all categories of accommodation.

The nearest is the Kuala Selangor Nature Park, a mangrove swamp along the west coast that supports some 130 bird species and migratory birds.

Two other favorite places away from Kuala Lumpur and requiring at least two to three days stay are Fraser’s Hill and Cameron Highlands which have lush green surroundings and good hiking trails to catch sight of the birds.

Further inland and requiring more than a three-day excursion is Taman Negara National Park which has dense lowland forests that support over 200 bird species.

Most tour operators will make special arrangements for those who wish to include bird watching in their itinerary.

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