A Malaysian Birder: 2025

Peninsular Malaysia — a lush tapestry of mist-veiled highlands, ancient rainforests, and sunlit mangrove coasts — is one of Southeast Asia’s most evocative birding frontiers. Over nine days, I had the privilege of guiding Margaret, an avid birder, through a journey that stitched together the country’s most enchanting birding sanctuaries: Fraser’s Hill, Taman Negara, Bukit Rengit, Bukit Tinggi, and the local birding patches near Kuala Lumpur. Each location unveiled a new layer of biodiversity.

Days 1–3: The Whispering Forests of Fraser’s Hill

After meeting Margaret in Kuala Lumpur, we began our ascent toward the cool embrace of Fraser’s Hill, a colonial-era hill station nestled amid montane forest. Even before we reached our destination, the road offered early triumphs: Banded Bay Cuckoo, Orange-breasted Trogon, Red-bearded Bee-eater, Hume’s White-eye, Sunda Scimitar-Babbler, and the ever-charming Verditer Flycatcher — all among Margaret’s key targets.

For the next two full days, we explored both the hill station and the Gap area, reveling in the cool mists and the birds call echoing through the valleys. Fraser’s Hill rewarded us generously; Margaret’s list grew swiftly with montane specialties that make this site one of Malaysia’s crown jewels for birdwatchers.

Day 4–6: Taman Negara — Heart of the Ancient Rainforest

By the fourth day, we left the highlands behind and descended into the sweltering lowlands of Taman Negara, Malaysia’s oldest national park and one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Our goals here were ambitious — Garnet Pitta, Great Argus, and Malayan Peacock-Pheasant, among other elusive denizens of the jungle floor.

The weather, however, proved temperamental. Rains curtailed some of our hours in the field, yet perseverance paid off. Amid the dripping foliage, we recorded Rufous Piculet, Black-and-red Broadbill, and Moustached Babbler, among others. On the following morning, as sunlight pierced through the mist for our final session in the park, bird activity remained modest but rewarding — adding Purple-naped Spiderhunter, Grey-breasted Spiderhunter, and Chestnut-breasted Malkoha to our growing list.

From here, we journeyed to Bukit Rengit, a lesser-known gem. Our efforts were richly rewarded with Black Hornbill, Chestnut-winged Babbler, Chestnut-rumped Babbler, and Sooty-capped Babbler, each encounter reaffirming Malaysia’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Days 7–8: Hornbills and Highlands — Bukit Rengit to Bukit Tinggi

At dawn the next day, Bukit Rengit once again delivered surprises. The forest canopy stirred with color and sound as we spotted Violet Cuckoo, Buff-rumped Woodpecker, Wreathed Hornbill, Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike, Dark-throated Oriole, and Green Iora. By afternoon, we pressed on toward Bukit Tinggi, a highland resort famed for its pocket of forest still alive with rare species.

That evening, the forest resounded with the wingbeats of Great Hornbill, while Rufous Woodpecker and Drongo Cuckoo graced our list. The next morning brought a cascade of highlights: Rufous Piculet, Siberian Blue Robin, Long-tailed Broadbill, Crow-billed Drongo, Grey-bellied Bulbul, and Hill Blue Flycatcher — an impressive lineup for any birder.

After lunch, we returned toward Kuala Lumpur, where urban greenery offered unexpected rewards. Within city limits, we added Lineated Barbet, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, and Spectacled Spiderhunter — proof that even near the metropolis, avian life thrives.

Day 9: From City to Coast — The Final Quest

Our final day began with high hopes of finding the Barred Eagle-Owl, but the species eluded us. Undeterred, we drove to the coastal mangroves for one of Malaysia’s most charismatic birds — the Mangrove Pitta. Despite heavy traffic, we arrived just as the morning sun began to blaze, and almost miraculously, the pitta appeared almost instantly, glowing with color against the tangle of roots.

The morning also brought Ashy Tailorbird and Slaty-breasted Rail, before we made our way to a wetland near the airport — a fitting finale for a journey that began in the mountains. Here, we added Baya Weaver, Lesser Coucal, and Ashy Minivet, rounding off an exceptional list before we said our goodbyes and headed to the airport.

Summary: A Journey Through Malaysia’s Living Tapestry

In nine days, Margaret’s birding adventure through Peninsular Malaysia spanned every ecological layer — from misty montane forests to lowland dipterocarps, mangroves, and open wetlands. More than a checklist of sightings, it was a story of discovery, patience, and the quiet thrill that only the wild can offer.

From the electric flash of a Red-bearded Bee-eater in flight to the shy appearance of a Mangrove Pitta among coastal roots, each moment reinforced Malaysia’s standing as one of Southeast Asia’s premier birding destinations. For Margaret, and for any birder, Peninsular Malaysia remains a living, breathing sanctuary where every dawn brings the promise of wings yet unseen.

The group focusing on Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker

Wings Across Malaysia & Borneo (6–27 September 2025)

A Journey Through the Heart of Southeast Asia’s Birdlife

September 2025 marked an unforgettable journey across Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo — twenty-two extraordinary days of birding that revealed some of Southeast Asia’s most dazzling avian treasures. From the mangroves of Klang to the montane forests of Fraser’s Hill and the deep rainforests of Sabah, the group experienced an odyssey that celebrated both diversity and discovery.

Day 1 – 6 September: Arrival and the First Calls of the Wild

Our adventure began in Kuala Lumpur, where I met the group and set off for Shah Alam. Here, among paddyfields and forest edges, we had our first introduction to Malaysia’s birds. The walk produced a lively mix before we continued toward Klang in search of the Mangrove Pitta.

As we joined two fellow birders, anticipation hung in the air — and before long, the mangrove came alive. We were rewarded with close views of Slaty-breasted Rail, Ashy Tailorbird, and the star at the site, Mangrove Pitta. After farewells, we pushed on to Kuala Selangor.

Following a short rest at our hotel, the evening paddyfield session revealed Dusky Eagle-Owl and a good supporting cast. Dinner was followed by a rewarding nocturnal outing where we added Barn Owl and Large-tailed Nightjar — a perfect close to our first day.

Day 2 – 7 September: Migrants Arrive and the Climb to Fraser’s Hill

After breakfast, we ventured into Kuala Selangor’s mangrove park. Migration was clearly underway — the season’s first Forest Wagtail greeted us, along with two Mangrove Flycatchers, Brown-streaked Flycatcher, Golden-bellied Gerygone, and Little Bronze-Cuckoo.

By noon, the tropical heat sent us retreating to a seafood lunch before we began our ascent to Fraser’s Hill, our base for the next two nights.

An afternoon session at the hill station introduced montane delights such as Little Cuckoo-Dove, Fire-tufted Barbet, Black-browed Barbet, Long-tailed Broadbill, Silver-breasted Broadbill (seen by Judy), Malayan Cuckooshrike, Black-and-Crimson Oriole, Sultan Tit, Mountain Bulbul, and more.

A post-dinner night walk with Piming brought the unexpected — Mountain Scops-Owl, rarer than our target Brown Wood-Owl.

Day 3 – 8 September: A Day Among the Clouds

The full day’s birding at Fraser’s Hill was rich and rewarding. Highlights included Malayan Partridge, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Mountain Tailorbird, Hume’s White-eye, Grey-throated Babbler, Mountain Fulvetta, Silver-eared Mesia, Large Niltava, Buff-breasted Babbler, Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Minla, Rufous-browed Flycatcher, Lesser Shortwing, Little Pied Flycatcher, Little Spiderhunter, Streaked Spiderhunter, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Green-billed Malkoha, Black-crested Bulbul, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Black-throated Sunbird, and Grey Wagtail — a good list of sub-montane specialties.

Day 4 – 9 September: Broadbills, Woodpeckers, and the Road to Bukit Tinggi

After breakfast, our morning birding at Fraser’s Hill produced Red-headed Trogon, Red-bearded Bee-eater, Maroon Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, White-bellied Erpornis, White-throated Fantail, Pygmy Cupwing, Golden Babbler, and Hill Blue Flycatcher.

After lunch, we checked out and descended towards Bukit Tinggi, noting Black-and-Yellow Broadbill, Streaked Bulbul, and Lesser Green Leafbird en route. The day ended quietly with well-deserved rest.

Day 5 – 10 September: The Mountain Peacock-Pheasant Steals the Show

After a hearty breakfast, we ascended to the stake-out for the elusive Mountain Peacock-Pheasant — which, to everyone’s delight, appeared swiftly. The same area yielded Yellow-crowned Barbet, Raffles’s Malkoha, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, Black-and-Yellow Broadbill, Large Woodshrike, Dark-necked Tailorbird, Hairy-backed Bulbul, Ochraceous Bulbul, Cinereous Bulbul, Black-crested Bulbul, Stripe-throated Bulbul, White-rumped Shama, and Blue-winged Leafbird.

In the afternoon, a session at Lanchang added a treasure trove: Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Banded Kingfisher, Rufous-collared Kingfisher, Buff-necked Woodpecker, Buff-rumped Woodpecker, Black-and-Red Broadbill, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Yellow-bellied Bulbul, Black-throated Babbler, Malayan Black-capped Babbler, Short-tailed Babbler, and White-crowned Forktail before rain ended the day.

Day 6 – 11 September: Back to the City

The group opted for another productive morning at Bukit Tinggi, rewarded with Banded Kingfisher (again), Black-eared Barbet, Red-throated Barbet, Gold-whiskered Barbet, Rufous Piculet, Banded Woodpecker, Dusky Broadbill, Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrike, Scaly-breasted Bulbul, Stripe-throated Bulbul, Pin-striped Tit-Babbler, Yellow-bellied Warbler, Verditer Flycatcher, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, Grey-breasted Spiderhunter, and White-rumped Munia.

A stop on the way back to Kuala Lumpur added Thick-billed Green Pigeon, Grey-rumped Treeswift, Black-thighed Falconet, Black-winged Flycatcher-Shrike, Red-eyed Bulbul, and Arctic Warbler.

Day 7 – 12 September: Owls, Pelicans, and Forest Jewels

Rain greeted us at dawn, so we swapped the birding for dim sum. When skies cleared, we explored the city park where Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Little Egret, and an unexpected Pink-backed Pelican entertained us.

At Hulu Langat, we added Malaysian Blue-banded Kingfisher, Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Sooty Barbet, Dark-throated Oriole, Purple-naped Spiderhunter, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Black-bellied Malkoha, Grey-and-Buff Woodpecker, Spectacled Bulbul, and Spectacled Spiderhunter.

A pre-dinner stop yielded a juvenile and an adult of Barred Eagle-Owl, a satisfying end to our Peninsular Malaysia circuit.

Day 8 – 13 September: Crossing to Borneo

After breakfast, we took a relaxed stroll near our hotel, recording Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Asian Koel, Little Bronze-Cuckoo, Black-winged Kite, White-breasted Waterhen, Dollarbird, Coppersmith Barbet, Black-naped Oriole, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, Ornate Sunbird, and White-headed Munia.

Our driver Vincent saw us off at the airport. A short flight brought us to Kota Kinabalu, where Andy, our driver for Sabah circuit, awaited. At Tanjung Aru, we immediately began with Green Imperial Pigeon, Collared Kingfisher, Sunda Pygmy Woodpecker, Long-tailed Parakeet, Blue-naped Parrot, Pied Triller, White-breasted Woodswallow, and Chestnut Munia.

Days 9–14: The Highlands and Kinabalu

From Kota Belud’s paddyfields to the misty slopes of Mount Kinabalu, the birding was spectacular. We encountered Java Sparrow, Striated Grassbird, Sunda Laughingthrush, Chestnut-hooded Laughingthrush, Indigo Flycatcher, Chestnut-crested Yuhina, Golden-naped Barbet, and a host of mountain specialties. Despite persistent rain, the numbers climbed each day.

At Trusmadi, highlights included Crested Partridge, Bulwer’s Pheasant, Bornean Banded Pitta, Dayak Blue Flycatcher, Bornean Forktail, and Whitehead’s Spiderhunter.

At Kinabalu Park, we were thrilled with Whitehead’s Trogon, Bornean Whistler, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Indigo Flycatcher, Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher, Temminck’s Sunbird, and the elusive calls of Whitehead’s Broadbill.

Days 15–18: Into the Lowlands – RDC, Kinabatangan, and Beyond

In Sandakan and the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), we encountered Sabah Partridge, Violet Cuckoo, Diard’s Trogon, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Black Hornbill, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Bornean Bristlehead, and Western Hooded Pitta.

At Kinabatangan River, wildlife sightings reached a crescendo: Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Proboscis Monkey, Orangutan, Oriental Darter, Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Wrinkled Hornbill, Stork-billed Kingfisher, and Large Frogmouth on our night walk.

Days 19–21: Lahad Datu, Silam, and Utan Rainforest

Our journey deeper into Sabah led to Utan Rainforest Lodge via Silam and Gomantong Cave. Here, with Wang Kong guiding, we secured views of Bornean Crested Fireback, Bornean Ground-Cuckoo, Blue-headed Pitta, Chestnut-capped Thrush, Hooded Pitta, Helmeted Hornbill, Large Frogmouth, and Oriental Bay Owl (heard).

Subsequent days produced Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon, Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Shama, Horsfield’s Babbler, and Brown Fulvetta, culminating in an exhausting but bird-rich drive to Tawau.

Day 22 – 27 September: Farewell at Tawau

Our final morning in Tawau began with hornbill calls — Rhinoceros and White-crowned — teasing us from the canopy. Though unseen, the forest offered a fitting farewell through Crimson Sunbird, Black-winged Flycatcher-Shrike, Violet Cuckoo, Yellow-crowned Barbet, Charlotte’s Bulbul, Spectacled Bulbul, Wreathed Hornbill, Red-bearded Bee-eater, and finally Lesser Cuckooshrike.

At the airport, we bid farewell to Andy, whose dedication had carried us through Borneo’s every landscape.

Epilogue – The Spirit of the Journey

From the quiet mangroves of Klang to the cloud forests of Kinabalu and the river of Kinabatangan, this 22-day expedition revealed over 300 bird species and countless memories. Each call, flash of color, and shared moment deepened our appreciation of the region’s unparalleled biodiversity. This expedition was not merely a checklist exercise — it was a journey of patience, camaraderie, and awe. The rhythm of rain, the play of light on feathers, and the pulse of wild Malaysia and Borneo will continue to echo long after the final flight home.

Author’s Note

This expedition was privately guided and meticulously tailored for dedicated birders seeking intimate encounters with Southeast Asia’s most captivating avifauna. Each itinerary is designed to balance comfort, discovery, and authentic field experience — ensuring that every journey is not just about birds, but about connecting deeply with nature.

My trusted Leica Ultravid 10x32

Aiming at their first woodpecker (Common Flameback) of the trip

The view of the small plot of paddy field

Still aiming at a Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker

The tower in Kuala Selangor Nature Park

Super close encounter with Mangrove Pitta

A walk around the paddyfield in the late afternoon

Everyone got down from the van to look at House Swift

Water level at the reservoir was extremely low

A snake among the leaf litter in Fraser's Hill

A walk along the road in Fraser's Hill

One of the stakeouts in Fraser's Hill

Durian break while on our way to Bukit Tinggi

Jason smiled after a short durian break

A beautiful morning in Bukit Tinggi

Target achieved! Mountain Peacock-Pheasant

Afternoon session in Lanchang

We did make a brief stop at an urban park

Hulu Langat is one of the popular birding stops around Kuala Lumpur

Lots of fun spotting the kingfisher

Malkoha and other stuff nearby

Just a brief stop before dinner

We took our flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Sabah

Judy and Karl were behind me

Watch out for the poop from the tree above

It rained heavily on the first day when we arrived in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Belud paddyfield

Everyone in the van

The bird station next to Alab Motel

Patience while waiting for the Shortwing

Aim and press the shutter button!

Birding in Trusmadi

Dinner with beer

More birding

Walk and listen for the birds calling

Kinabalu Park is a great place to have a relaxing birding (but can be stressful too)

Continue to search for Whitehead's Trogon

.....and still searching

It is considered a quiet morning although we heard the broadbill nearby

Having breakfast while waiting for Whitehead's Broadbill

Karl helped to take photo of Piming and Judy with the Rafflesia

They were aiming at the Brown Barbet

You need to know the name of the trails

It can get really busy in RDC

Found the Sabah Partridge!

Just too friendly

It rained when we were cruising along the river looking for hornbills

The lovely sunset over Kinabatangan River

A sunrise view from the lodge in Kinabatangan River

To save time, we had our simple breakfast on the boat

This is the restaurant where we had our meals during our stay in Kinabatangan

Sunrise while cruising along the river

Sunrise from the river

Another view along the river

View of our lodge in Kinabatangan

This is after the rain and we just started our afternoon river cruise

Sunset

Afternoon river cruise

Everyone so excited to shoot from the boat

A brief stop in Gomantong

Quite convenient for photographers. There are gimbal heads on 1 of the bird hide.

Yes! I finally got a lifer on this trip. Chestnut-capped Thrush

Rock Pigeon on the road while we stopped to have toilet break

Buying fruits from roadside stall

Rufous-tailed Shama

Karl was very glad that the staff of URL have found his "missing" wallet

Always on the look out for birds

A view from The Peaks

Another view from Tawau hill

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A Journey Through Malaysia’s Wild Side 🦜🌿

It’s been an unforgettable birding adventure — a long and rewarding journey that took me across the rich landscapes of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, Borneo. From misty highlands to dense rainforests and coastal mangroves, every stop offered a new experience, a new song, and a new feathered gem waiting to be discovered.

Yes, it was tiring — early mornings, long drives, and countless hours in the field — but every moment was filled with excitement and discovery. Along the way, I encountered a stunning variety of birds and wildlife, each sighting adding to the thrill and wonder of exploring one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

More than just a birdwatching trip, it became a journey of learning — understanding habitats, observing behaviors, and appreciating the fragile balance of nature that makes Malaysia such a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

If you’re ever dreaming of an adventure that awakens your senses and fills your memory cards with color and life, this is the journey to take. 🌏✨

#BirdingMalaysia #SabahBorneo #PeninsularMalaysia #WildlifeAdventure #Birdwatching #NaturePhotography #BorneoBirding #ExploreMalaysia #BirdsOfMalaysia #JungleAdventure

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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.

*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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