A Malaysian Birder

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Finding the right guide is the most important decision you'll make when planning a birding expedition. If you are currently researching the best local expertise for your Malaysian adventure, you are likely already familiar with the legendary hotspots of Peninsular Malaysia—from the montane magic of Fraser’s Hill and Bukit Tinggi to the ancient rainforests of Taman Negara, the coastal riches of Kuala Selangor, and the accessible birding of Hulu Langat.

For those looking to extend their journey into the wilds of Borneo, I provide specialized guiding to iconic locations including Kinabalu Park, the world-renowned Sepilok and Kinabatangan river, and the high-altitude wonders of Crocker Range.

To help you visualize your next big year or photography trip, I have curated several detailed itineraries. Click the links below to explore my proposed birding adventures and find the route that best matches your target list.

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Successful Day of Lifers - 24 Feb 2026

"I had an amazing time birding with Weng Chun. He has a keen eye for birds and a deep understanding of their behaviour and habitats, which meant I saw far more species than I expected. I’m already looking forward to birding with Weng Chun again on my next trip to Malaysia. Thanks for such a memorable experience!" - Chris (Australia)

On February 24th, 2026, I had the pleasure of hosting Chris from Australia for his very first birding excursion in Malaysia. Since Chris is relatively new to the hobby and specifically keen on seeing Kingfishers and Woodpeckers, I knew exactly where to take him: the coastal bounty of Kuala Selangor and its surrounding patches.

The Morning Harvest

We kicked off the day in true Malaysian fashion with a simple breakfast of roti canai before heading into the field. The birds didn’t keep us waiting! Our list started strong with a Collared Kingfisher, followed by a steady stream of sightings:

Kingfishers: Common, White-throated, and eventually the magnificent Stork-billed Kingfisher.
Woodpeckers: Laced Woodpecker, Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker, and a Common Flameback. We even caught a glimpse of a Greater Flameback flying by!
Raptors & Others: A lone Black Baza, several Crested Serpent Eagles, a Crested Goshawk, and two vibrant Dollarbirds.

We also encountered a variety of Sunbirds—Crimson, Ornate, and Brown-throated—which provided a wonderful splash of color to our morning. Sadly, we did come across a Barn Owl that had fallen victim to a roadkill, a somber reminder of the challenges wildlife face.

Lunch with a View

At midday, we retreated to a local restaurant for some flavorful Chinese dishes. Even during our break, the birding didn't stop—a Lesser Adjutant made a surprise appearance when we were about to finish our lunch. It was the perfect "side dish" to a great meal!

The Mangrove Specialty

In the afternoon, we headed to Port Klang with one target in mind: the Mangrove Pitta. Nature smiled upon us, and it took less than 10 minutes for the bird to appear. It hopped closer and paused just long enough for us to capture some photographs before retreating into the shadows. Despite the heat and the relentless sandflies, seeing such a localized beauty was well worth the itch!

The Final Search

We ended our trip at a local patch known for the Barred Eagle-Owl. As we arrived, a drizzle began to fall, but I was determined to find it for Chris. After a patient search, I finally spotted those unmistakable head patterns and one large eye peering back at us through the foliage. While the owl stayed (almost entirely) hidden and the rain eventually forced us to pack up, the sighting was a thrilling way to cap off the day.

Though we left with a tiny bit of "rain-induced" disappointment for not getting a clearer view of the owl, it couldn't dampen the spirit of the day. With a long list of species and several "lifers" for Chris, it was a productive, memorable, and successful birding trip!

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Check out the following bird families:

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On the 8th of February 2026, I had the pleasure of guiding Tahmina through the verdant landscapes of Hulu Langat and Kuala Lumpur. Our journey began under the cover of darkness with a traditional Malaysian breakfast of roti canai before we ventured into the rural heart of the valley.

The morning air was initially still, but the dawn silence was soon shattered by the arrival of the forest’s more charismatic residents. A trio of Malkohas—Chestnut-breasted, Black-bellied, and Raffles’s—emerged from the canopy alongside the flamboyant Greater Racket-tailed Drongo. The momentum continued at our first stake-out, where we were immediately greeted by the jewel-like Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher.

As we navigated the lush greenery, the day unfolded into a masterclass in avian diversity. We enjoyed remarkably intimate views of the Black-eared Barbet, the Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike, and the vibrant Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker. The drumbeat of the forest was provided by an impressive five species of woodpeckers, including the Grey-and-buff and the strikingly patterned Banded Woodpecker. From the mechanical calls of the Banded Broadbill to the delicate silhouettes of four different Spiderhunters, every moment felt like a discovery.

After a simple local lunch and a full day of exploration, we returned to the city just as dusk began to settle. It was more than just a birding trip; it was a profound immersion into the wild rhythms of Malaysia.

Some of the highlights: Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Black-bellied Malkoha, Raffles's Malkoha, Plaintive Cuckoo, Drongo Cuckoo, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Rufous-backed Dawrf-Kingfisher, Black-eared Barbet (at close range), Grey-and-buff Woodpecker, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Buff-rumped Woodpecker, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, Banded Woodpecker, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Banded Broadbill, Large Woodshrike, Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike (at close range), Pale Blue Flycatcher, Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker (at close range), Little Spiderhunter, Grey-breasted Spiderhunter, Spectacled Spiderhunter, Yellow-eared Spiderhunter and so much more

Other Wildlife: Long-tailed Macaque, Pig-tailed Macaque, Dusky Langur

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Check out the following bird families:

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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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Check out the following bird families:

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