A Malaysian Birder

Escape to Bukit Tinggi - 2 Feb 2026

Escape to Bukit Tinggi

"Weng Chun was my bird guide for a day trip from Klang to Bukit Tinggi. I had been to Malaysia twice before and had seen 116 Malaysian species previously. He and I chatted back and forth over WhatsApp and was able to plan our trip based on the species I had not seen. He was not only knowledgeable about all the birds we saw and heard, but he really helped me identifying the birds I described for him as having been seen around my hotel. He picked me up at 6:05, having left his house at 5:00 or so. We traveled up to the access road to Bukit Tinggi, and pointed out the birds we were seeing around the breakfast place. He was even able to identify the swiftlets that were flying above us. He then took us to several pullouts next to the road, at each of which we saw a good number of birds. Inside Bukit Tinggi he took me down a very unused path where we saw several unusual species, including Ferruginous Partridge and Tiger Shrike. After that we went down to a couple parks in Kuala Lumpur and finally to a mangrove area, where we saw maybe the best species, the Mangrove Pitta. In all we saw 90 species for the day, including 32 lifers, bringing my world total to 1380. Weng Chun is quite personable, an easy conversationalist, and very informative about Malaysia as well. I enjoyed him as a person and as a birding guide. His price was reasonable, and he quoted it to me as including picking me up, gas, food, and tolls and entry fees. He dropped me off at 6:05 pm. I recommend him without hesitation." - Jeff, USA

If you’re a birder in Kuala Lumpur and the clock is ticking, you don't always have the luxury of the long drive up to Fraser’s Hill. Luckily, we have a place to go with a short drive away: Bukit Tinggi.

Yesterday, I met up with Jeff early in the morning for a guided session. The mission was clear: find Jeff as many lifers (new species for his personal list) as possible. While Bukit Tinggi doesn't mirror the exact species count of Fraser’s Hill, it occupies a sweet spot in terms of elevation. It offers a unique mix of birds that you simply won't find in the steaming lowland forests surrounding the city.

We spent the entire morning birding the hill, checking spots where the activity is usually high. The forest was vocal, and it wasn't long before we started ticking off some solid residents. We had a great run with several species of Bulbuls, Flycatchers and Cuckoos. We even managed to spot some bird of prey circling above us, adding a bit of grandeur to the morning.

In birding, patience is usually the name of the game, but sometimes the birds decide to play along.

The undisputed highlight of the trip happened almost as soon as we sat down. We had just settled in, gotten our gear ready, and barely had time to get comfortable when a pair of Ferruginous Partridges decided to make an appearance. These guys can be incredibly shy, so seeing a pair out in the open was a massive win and an instant lifer for Jeff.

The hits kept coming:

Plaintive Cuckoo: We managed to get one at incredibly close range. Usually, you hear their mournful call long before you see them, but this one stayed put for a fantastic view.
Mangrove Pitta: After a bit of a quiet wait, this beauty decided to sneak out. Pittas are the "jewels" and this species is the jewel of the mangrove, and seeing that flash of color after a period of silence is exactly why we do this.

Bukit Tinggi is a good option for a morning birding session. You get a taste of montane birding without spending too much time driving. You get diversity, you get views of the landscape, and if you’re lucky like we were yesterday, you get a handful of lifers that make the early wake-up call totally worth it.

Jeff walked away with a long list and some great memories. As for me? I’m just happy the birds decided to show up for the party.

Species seen: Ferruginous Partridge, Plaintive Cuckoo, Violet Cuckoo, Spectacled Bulbul, Cinereous Bulbul, Ochraceous Bulbul, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Stripe-throated Bulbul, Red-eyed Bulbul, Grey-bellied Bulbul, Scaly-breasted Bulbul, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, Brown-throated Sunbird, Spectacled Spiderhunter, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Green Iora, Common Iora, Emerald Dove, White-bellied Erpornis, Blyth's Hawk-Eagle, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Brahminy Kite, Black-thighed Falconet, Pin-striped Tit-babbler, Common Tailorbird, Dark-necked Tailorbird, Ashy Tailorbird, and many more

Other Wildlife: Long-tailed Macaque, Himalayan Stripped Squirrel, Short-tailed Gymnure

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As I continue to immerse myself in the world of birds and nature, I am constantly inspired by the beauty and diversity of the natural world. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work with others and to educate and inspire through my images. Your support and patience are truly appreciated as I strive to showcase the wonders of wildlife in the most authentic and impactful way possible. Together, we can raise awareness and appreciation for the importance of conservation and preservation of our planet's precious ecosystems. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

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Birds of Year 2026

Compiling my annual birds checklist for Malaysia. There are 2 separate checklist, the first will be just a checklist of birds seen while another checklist is for the birds with photographs taken this year.

Birds seen this year:

1. Lesser Whistling-Duck

2. Spotted Dove

3. Zebra Dove

4. Asian Koel

5. White-nest Swiftlet

6. Grey-headed Swamphen

7. Watercock

8. White-breasted Waterhen

9. Black-winged Stilt

10. Red-wattled Lapwing

11. Common Snipe

12. Whiskered Tern

13. White-winged Tern

14. Asian Openbill

15. Lesser Adjutant

16. Cinnamon Bittern

17. Yellow Bittern

18. Little Egret

19. Little Heron

20 Eastern Cattle Egret

21. Purple Heron

22. Blue-tailed Bee-eater

23. White-throated Kingfisher

24. House Crow

25. Zitting Cisticola

26. Pacific Swallow

27. Barn Swallow

28. Eastern Red-rumped Swallow

29. Yellow-vented Bulbul

30. Asian Glossy Starling

31. Common Myna

32. Javan Myna

33. Baya Weaver

34. Scaly-breasted Munia

35. Eurasian Tree Sparrow

36. Grey Wagtail

37. Cotton Pygmy Goose

38. Garganey

39. Red Collared Dove

40. Pink-necked Green Pigeon

41. Lesser Coucal

42. Eurasian Moorhen

43. Pacific Golden Plover

44. Pheasant-tailed Jacana

45. Common Sandpiper

46. Common Greenshank

47. Ruff

48. Oriental Pratincole

49. Black Bittern

50. Medium Egret

51. Black-winged Kite

52. Eastern Marsh Harrier

53. Brahminy Kite

54. Brown Shrike

55. Eastern Yellow Wagtail

56. Rock Pigeon (Feral)

57. Marsh Sandpiper

58. Wood Sandpiper

59. Chinese Pond Heron

60. Common Kingfisher

61. Black-naped Oriole

62. Black-browed Reed Warbler

63. Bank Swallow

64. Asian House-Martin

65. White-rumped Munia

66. Chestnut Munia

67. White-headed Munia

68. Osprey

69. Malayan Partridge

70. Brown Wood-Owl

71. Wreathed Hornbill

72. Greater Yellownape

73. Long-tailed Broadbill

74. Grey-chinned Minivet

75. Black-eared Shrike-babbler

76. White-bellied Erpornis

77. Black-and-Crimson Oriole

78. Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike

79. Sultan Tit

80. Pygmy Cupwing

81. Grey-throated Babbler

82. Buff-breasted Babbler

83. Mountain Fulvetta

84. Long-tailed Sibia

85. Silver-eared Mesia

86. Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush

87. Blue Nuthatch

88. Oriental Magpie Robin

89. Large Niltava

90. Verditer Flycatcher

91. Rufous-browed Flycatcher

92. Hill Blue Flycatcher

93. Little Pied Flycatcher

94. Black-throated Sunbird

95. Streaked Spiderhunter

96. Orange-bellied Leafbird

97. Little Cuckoo-Dove

98. Mountain Imperial Pigeon

99. Green-billed Malkoha

100. Plume-toed Swiftlet

101. Pacific Swift

102. Collared Owlet

103. Black-browed Barbet

104. Malayan Cuckooshrike

105. White-browed Shrike-babbler

106. White-throated Fantail

107. Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo

108. Common Green-Magpie

109. Large-billed Crow

110. Golden Babbler

111. Malayan Laughingthrush

112. Lesser Shortwing

113. White-tailed Robin

114. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker

115. Bronzed Drongo

116. Rufous-bellied Swallow

117. Ochraceous Bulbul

118. Cinereous Bulbul

119. Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo

120. Rufous-collared Kingfisher

121. Grey-and-buff Woodpecker

122. Crimson-winged Woodpecker

123. Black-and-red Broadbill

124. Rufescent Prinia

125. Yellow-bellied Prinia

126. Indochinese Blue Flycatcher

127. Barred Eagle-Owl

128. Black-crowned Night Heron

129. Grey Heron

130. Painted Stork

131. Coppersmith Barbet

132. Thick-billed Green-Pigeon

133. Crested Serpent-Eagle

134. Blue-throated Bee-eater

135. Common Flameback

136. Banded Woodpecker

137. Long-tailed Parakeet

138. Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot

139. Blue-winged Pitta

140. Western Hooded Pitta

141. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

142. Pin-striped Tit-Babbler

143. Short-tailed Babbler

144. Common Hill Myna

145. Lanceolated Warbler

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Birds photographed this year:

1. Lesser Whistling-Duck / Dendrocygna javanica

7 Jan 2026 / Melaka

2. Grey-headed Swamphen / Porphyrio poliocephalus

7 Jan 2026 / Johor

3. White-breasted Waterhen / Amaurornis phoenicurus

7 Jan 2026 / Melaka

4. Common Snipe / Gallinago gallinago

7 Jan 2026 / Melaka

* the white trailing edges on secondaries is a key identification feature for Common Snipe in flight.

5. White-winged Tern / Chlidonias leucopterus

7 Jan 2026 / Melaka

* during non-breeding plumage, White-winged Tern lose their solid black head and body, becoming mostly white and grey. The key identification feature include the earmuff (headphone) marking stand out against its white head

6. Lesser Adjutant / Leptoptilos javanicus

7 Jan 2026 / Johor

8 Jan 2026 / Johor

7. Cinnamon Bittern / Botaurus cinnamomeus

7 Jan 2026 / Johor

8. Eastern Red-rumped Swallow / Cecropis daurica

7 Jan 2026 / Johor

9. Cotton Pygmy-Goose / Nettapus coromandelianus

7 Jan 2026 / Johor

10. Garganey / Spatula querquedula

7 Jan 2026 / Johor

11. Lesser Coucal / Centropus bengalensis

7 Jan 2026 / Johor

12. Eurasian Moorhen

7 Jan 2026 / Melaka

13. Pacific Golden Plover

8 Jan 2026 / Johor

14. Ruff

7 Jan 2026 / Johor

15. Black-crowned Night Heron

27 Jan 2026 / Putrajaya

16. Black Bittern

8 Jan 2026 / Johor

17. Grey Heron / Ardea cinerea jouyi

27 Jan 2026 / Putrajaya

Oriental Pratincole

Eastern Marsh Harrier

Brahminy Kite

Eastern Yellow Wagtail

Marsh Sandpiper

Chinese Pond Heron

Common Kingfisher

Bank Swallow

Asian House-Martin

Osprey

Malayan Partridge

Pygmy Cupwing

Buff-breasted Babbler

Long-tailed Sibia

Silver-eared Mesia

Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush

Large Niltava

Rufous-browed Flycatcher

Hill Blue Flycatcher

Streaked Spiderhunter

Malayan Laughingthrush

Lesser Shortwing

White-tailed Robin

Rufous-collared Kingfisher

Barred Eagle-Owl

Painted Stork

Coppersmith Barbet

Mist, Magic and Masterful Sightings - 13-16 Jan 2026

First trip of 2026

There is a unique magic to Fraser’s Hill that stays with you long after you descend. For Anders and Margareta, our three-day stay was a deep dive into the "cool side" of Malaysian birding. Each morning began wrapped in a thick, ethereal mist. While the fog added a layer of challenge, it only made the rewards sweeter. Anders, a master behind the lens, managed to capture stunning, close-range portraits of the hill’s most iconic residents. The Silver-eared Mesias and Long-tailed Sibias provided splashes of color against the grey, while the Malayan Partridge and Lesser Shortwing showed themselves beautifully. One of our most thrilling moments happened right above our heads—literally! We spent a fun, focused few minutes tracking a sound in the canopy until we spotted a Collared Owlet perched directly over us. As we prepared to leave, Margareta perfectly summed up the hill’s charm: “Even if the birds are not around, it is so nice to sit and enjoy the tranquility.” The Lowland Shift Descending back to the heat of Kuala Lumpur was a shock to the system, but the birds of Hulu Langat quickly made us forget the humidity. We started with a game of hide-and-seek with a Rufous-collared Kingfisher. It teased us from the thickets before finally flying out to an open branch for a breathtaking, close-range view. The forest continued to deliver, with the rhythmic drumming of Grey-and-buff and Crimson-winged Woodpeckers echoing through the trees. But the real "grand finale" was waiting for us in a park near the city. We found a family of Barred Eagle-Owls—a rare and magnificent sight that left us all in awe. It was the perfect bookend to a trip that started with a tiny owlet in the mountains and ended with these lowland giants. We capped off the day with a final stop to see the Herons (Black-crowned Night, Purple, and Grey), a serene conclusion to an unforgettable four-day journey. Anders and Margareta left with full memory cards, but I suspect they left a piece of their hearts back in the misty quiet of the hills.

Species seen: Malayan Partridge, Little Cuckoo-Dove, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon, Green-billed Malkoha, Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo, Plume-toed Swiftlet, Pacific Swift, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Barred Eagle-Owl, Collared Owlet, Brown Wood-Owl, Wreathed Hornbill, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, White-throated Kingfisher, Rufous-collared Kingfisher, Black-browed Barbet, Grey-and-buff Woodpecker, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Long-tailed Broadbill, Black-and-red Broadbill, Grey-chinned Minivet, Malayan Cuckooshrike, White-browed Shrike-babbler, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, White-bellied Erpornis, Black-and-Crimson Oriole, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, White-throated Fantail, Bronzed Drongo, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Common Green-Magpie, House Crow, Large-billed Crow, Sultan Tit, Rufescent Prinia, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Pygmy Cupwing, Pacific Swallow, Rufous-bellied Swallow, Ochraceous Bulbul, Cinereous Bulbul, Golden Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, Buff-breasted Babbler, Mountain Fulvetta, Malayan Laughingthrush, Long-tailed Sibia, Silver-eared Mesia, Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush, Blue Nuthatch, Oriental Magpie Robin, Large Niltava, Verditer Flycatcher, Rufous-browed Flycatcher, Hill Blue Flycatcher, Indochinese Blue Flycatcher, Lesser Shortwing, White-tailed Robin, Little Pied Flycatcher, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Black-throated Sunbird, Streaked Spiderhunter, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Grey Wagtail

Other Wildlife: Long-tailed Macaque, Pig-tailed Macaque, Dusky Langur, White-thighed Surili, Grey-bellied Squirrel, Himalayan Stripped Squirrel

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The Christmas Quest - 23-25 Dec 2025

Thanks for your effort and professional guiding! We are very satisfied with the trip! - Tom, Hong Kong

While most were unwrapping gifts, Tom, Meie, and I were unwrapping the biodiversity of Selangor and Pahang. This was a high-stakes trip with a specific hit list: Pittas, Kingfishers, Owls, and Tom’s primary focus—Flycatchers.

Day 1: From Roti Canai to Mangrove Jewels

We fueled up the Malaysian way—Roti Canai and Teh Tarik—before diving into the shadows of Shah Alam. The forest floor gave up its treasure early: a stunning Hooded Pitta. There’s something about the vibrant green and black of a Pitta that challenges a photographer to find that perfect low-key balance. While the Blue-winged Pitta eluded us, the morning was far from empty, gifting us views of the Drongo Cuckoo, Black-and-red Broadbill, and a dainty Green-backed Flycatcher.

After leaving the area, a quick detour to a local park proved fruitful. Almost effortlessly, they spotted a Barred Eagle-Owl perched not far from the car—a majestic start to our owl tally.

By afternoon, we transitioned to the salty air of the mangroves. The Mangrove Pitta was our prize here, accompanied by the Yellow-rumped Flycatcher and the specialized Mangrove Blue Flycatcher. As dusk fell in Kuala Selangor, the "ghost of the night" appeared: the Dusky Eagle-Owl. It gave us a brilliant 10-minute audience before we headed off for a well-deserved seafood feast.

Day 2: The Highlands and the Frogmouth’s Secret

We started in the pre-dawn chill of Bukit Tinggi. The canopy was alive with color: Red-bearded Bee-eaters, Black-and-yellow Broadbills, and a chorus of Barbets (Black-eared and Red-throated). The Banded Kingfisher taunted us with its call twice, but stayed hidden—a reason to return.

By late afternoon, we were back in the humid depths of Hulu Langat. The highlight? A Rufous-collared Kingfisher glowing in the fading light. But the real magic happened after dinner. We ventured back into the dark forest specifically for the Blyth’s Frogmouth. Within 10 minutes, we found an incredibly cooperative subject.

Day 3: The Grand Finale in Hulu Langat

With many targets already "in the bag," we spent our final day soaking in the diversity of Hulu Langat and Kuala Lumpur. The list grew rapidly:

The Rare & Beautiful: Malayan Black Magpie, Rhinoceros Hornbill, and the Rufous-winged Philentoma.
The Flycatcher Feast: Rufous-chested, Grey-headed Canary, and Ferruginous Flycatchers.
The Fringe Dwellers: As we moved to the forest fringe, we added a flurry of Woodpeckers (Crimson-winged, Rufous, and Common Flameback) and the striking Ashy Minivet.

As the tropical clouds gathered and lightning began to streak the sky, we took it as nature’s way of saying "mission accomplished." I dropped Tom and Meie back in KL, exhausted but satisfied.

Final Thoughts

Three days, multiple habitats, and a list of birds that reminds me why Malaysia is a world-class birding destination. For me, the highlights weren't just the rarities, but the challenge of finding these species.

“Which of these is your 'dream' bird to photograph? The Mangrove Pitta or the Blyth’s Frogmouth?”

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*UPDATE: After a series of consultations, the issue affecting my mobility has been identified. As a result, I will need to attend therapy. My travel plans must be tailored to minimize the amount of time spent walking, trekking on uneven terrain, and to avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting.*

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Hi, thank you so much for the guided birding tour yesterday. Cheers! - Hasitha, Australia

In bird photography, we are often at the mercy of the sky. On the 22nd of December, I met up with Hasitha in Petaling Jaya for a trip into the lush pockets of Hulu Langat. Being primarily a photographer, Hasitha knows as well as I do that the "golden hour" is a fleeting gift. When we arrived after our hour-long drive, the light wasn't quite playing along.

So, we did what any sensible Malaysian birder does: we went for breakfast.

Once the light began to improve, we set out. We spent several hours covering the open areas on the forest fringe. This transition zone is often overlooked, but it’s where the light hits the foliage in ways that allow for beautiful subject isolation. We moved slowly, listening to the calls echoing from the canopy, waiting for that one bird to perch exactly where the shadows could swallow the background.

After a late lunch to recharge, we pushed deeper into the forest. The atmosphere changed immediately—the air grew cooler, and the light became more selective.

As the afternoon progressed and the forest began to dim, the window of opportunity started to close, we knew it was time to pack up.

We left Hulu Langat feeling deeply satisfied. We didn't just come back with memory cards full of images; we came back with a few right images. It was a reminder that birding isn't always about the quantity of the list, but the quality of the moment and the company you keep.

Trip sightings: Rock Pigeon (Feral), Spotted Dove, Zebra Dove, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Raffles’s Malkoha, Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Black-bellied Malkoha, White-throated Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Rufous-collared Kingfisher, Gold-whiskered Barbet, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, Checker-throated Woodpecker, Dusky Broadbill, Black-and-yellow Broadbill, Black-and-red Broadbill, Dark-throated Oriole, Malayan Black Magpie, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher, Common Tailorbird, Dark-necked Tailorbird, Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, Spectacled Bulbul, Red-eyed Bulbul, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Grey-cheeked Bulbul, Stripe-throated Bulbul, Pin-striped Tit-Babbler, Common Myna, Javan Myna, Long-billed Spiderhunter, Little Spiderhunter, Grey-breasted Spiderhunter, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Grey Wagtail, Blue-tailed Bee-eater

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“Yesterday was a real highlight of our cruise. Tanya and I thoroughly enjoyed our birding with you. Thank you for your patience with us and determination to wait for the Mangrove Pitta to finally come out and greet us in the open. What a thrill it was! ….. one among many during the day. Thank you for the book. I look forward to studying it, reviewing our notes from yesterday and seeing what possible trips / itineraries would be of interest for a future trip with you. Thanks again for a fabulous day! “

- Blanche, USA

The final weeks of 2025 brought a special highlight today as I met Blanche and Tanya at the cruise terminal. The morning started with a soft tropical drizzle at 8:30 AM—a reminder that nature doesn't always provide perfect weather, but it often provides perfect birds. We didn't let the rain stop us, beginning our checklist right there in the car park before heading toward Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam.

We spent three hours wandering through the botanical gardens. The park felt alive and fresh after the rain. It was a joy to witness their first real introduction to Malaysia’s avian diversity; there is something uniquely rewarding about guiding "first-timers" and seeing the forest through their eyes.

After a relaxing lunch to escape the humidity, we set our sights on the day's main target: the Mangrove Pitta. This is a bird that requires patience, and I was determined to find it for them. We headed to a quiet patch of mangroves, the air thick with the scent of salt and mud.

The wait wasn't long, but the payoff was spectacular. Not one, but two Mangrove Pittas showed themselves in the open. For Blanche and Tanya’s first-ever Pitta species, the "Jewel of the Mangroves" truly performed. Seeing their excitement as the birds emerged from the shadows was the absolute peak of the trip.

We ended the day with a gentle drive through the local village area, soaking in the rural scenery before I dropped them back at the terminal. I left them with a birding book to help them study their sightings. Based on Blanche’s kind words, I think we’ve planted the seed for a return trip to Malaysia.

Today’s sighting include: Ornate Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Zebra Dove, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Lineated Barbet, Oriental Magpie Robin, Javan Myna, Common Myna, Great Myna, White-headed Munia, Medium Egret, Great Egret, Spotted Dove, White-throated Kingfisher, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Black-and-red Broadbill, Drongo Cuckoo, Olive-winged Bulbul, Stripe-throated Bulbul, Dark-necked Tailorbird, Pin-striped Tit-babbler, Pacific Swallow, Long-tailed Parakeet, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, Little Green Pigeon, Green-backed Flycatcher, Rock Pigeon, Ashy Tailorbird, Malaysian Pied Fantail, Mangrove Pitta, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Dollarbird, Brown Shrike

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