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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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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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A Day in the Shadows of Hulu Langat - 22 Dec 2025

 



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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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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A Pitta Perfect Day - 21 Dec 2025





 

“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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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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A Day in Hulu Langat with Lee - 7 Dec 2025



Today was one of those days that reminds me why birding is a marathon, not a sprint. I was out with Lee, who flew in from the UK, and we hit the ground running in Hulu Langat just as the sun was peeking over the ridges. 

The roadside warm-up was decent—Spotted Doves and starlings—but the real test started once we went deep into the forest. We did my usual routine: drive, stop, listen, repeat. For about five hours, the forest was holding its breath. It was quiet. But if you look close enough, the forest always gives you something. We managed to spot both the migratory Yellow-rumped Flycatcher and Asian Brown Flycatcher. 

By lunch, we were still missing the Broadbill on our checklist. I hate to let a guest go without seeing the common broadbill from Hulu Langat, so I made a call to switch spots. Sometimes you have to trust your gut. We sat in silence, testing our patience against the humidity. Finally, two calls and a pair drifted closer and that make the wait worthwhile.

We closed out the day with an incredible owl. We’d already spotted the Buffy Fish-Owl in the forest, but a quick detour to a park near the city gifted us a Barred Eagle-Owl right at its usual roost. We spent the drive back counting our lucky stars; the weather had been perfect for birding, though the sky finally broke as we neared the hotel. With lightning flashing in front of us and a light drizzle starting to fall, we felt the satisfaction of a mission accomplished. It was a fantastic trip, a solid list of lifers and some great shots.




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A Hornbill Triple-Crown at Fraser’s Hill - 25-26 Nov 2025

 


"After 2 weeks birding through Thailand, we decided to stop for a few days birding in Malaysia and hired Cheong Weng Chung for our guide.  He picked us up promptly at our hotel and we headed for an overnight at Fraser Hill.  Weng had us birding as soon as we reached the community.  He was able to ID birds from sound and we went to many places to find as many birds as we could.  He was patient, helpful and very pleasant to be around.  Even though we found great birds on the mountain, including two sightings of the Red-Headed Trogon, the highlight of the trip was on our way down the mountain when Weng stopped to look for swifts.  He said he heard a hornbill.  We scoped the hillside and found a Rhinoceros Hornbill!  That was not what he heard, and moments later, 5 Wreathed Hornbills flew in front of us, but that was still not what he heard, and finally we saw a male and female Helmeted Hornbill fly by and perch.  We were all very excited, and it was great to see that even a guide gets excited at such a great sighting. It was a wonderful two days, and I would highly recommend Weng to anyone coming to Malaysia to bird for either a short or longer trip.  He is an excellent guide, and we enjoyed his company." - Ted & Marcia (Massachusetts, USA)


There is a specific kind of satisfaction that comes when guest expectations meet the raw unpredictability of the Malaysian highlands. After two weeks of birding through Thailand, my latest guests decided to cross into Malaysia to see what our mountains could offer.

We headed straight to Fraser’s Hill. The air was cool, the mist was low, and the birds were waiting. We spent our time moving through the montane forest, where I focused on identifying the layers of sound that define this ecosystem. We were rewarded with beautiful resident sightings, including two distinct encounters with the Red-headed Trogon—a bird that always demands a "low-key" approach to truly appreciate its vibrant plumage against the dark moss.

However, the true magic of this trip happened on the descent. While stopping to scan for swifts, I heard a call that didn't match the background noise. It was the heavy, rhythmic beat and vocalization of a hornbill.

What followed was a moment of pure birding adrenaline:

  1. The Rhinoceros Hornbill: Scoped on the hillside while searching for the source of the sound.

  2. The Wreathed Hornbills: Five individuals glided directly in front of us, massive and prehistoric.

  3. The Prize: Finally, the birds I had actually heard made their appearance. A male and female Helmeted Hornbill—the holy grail for many—flew by and perched in full view.

My guests noted that they were surprised to see me get so excited. But that is the secret of this profession: even as a guide, when the forest grants you a triple-crown of hornbills in a single afternoon, the professional mask slips. I become a student of the wild again, the world still has the power to leave me breathless. 
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The Northern Route: From Dusky Eagle-Owl to Malayan Banded-Pitta - 7-10 Nov 2025

 

7-10 November 2025 | A 4-Day Expedition with Sudip

There is a specific rhythm to a multi-day birding trip: the early starts, the quiet anticipation in the hides, and that sudden jolt of adrenaline when a target bird finally reveals itself. This November, Sudip and I hit the road from KL, heading north on a mission to settle some "unfinished business" from previous years.


We kicked things off at dawn with a lifer for Sudip: the Dusky Eagle-Owl. It’s a bird that never fails to impress, and we didn't have to wait long. Seeing this massive raptor in the early light was the perfect "appetizer" for the long drive ahead to Sungai Petani.


Day 2 was all about the Perlis-Thailand border. Last year in Pahang, we successfully found the female Malayan Banded-Pitta, but the male had eluded us. Today, we went into the hide with one goal in mind.

The morning was a masterclass in biodiversity. Before the main event, we were treated to:


Black-backed Kingfisher & Ruddy Kingfisher (A double-header of brilliant colors!)

Indochinese Blue Flycatcher


Then, the moment arrived. The male Malayan Banded-Pitta stepped out. With its barred underparts and fiery crown, it was worth every kilometer driven.


On Day 3, we moved into the forests of Kedah to track the Chestnut-necklaced Partridge. This bird is a notorious "ghost"—it played hide-and-seek with us for a while, calling from the shadows but staying just out of sight. When it finally emerged, the forest went quiet, and we had several breathtaking moments before a rival's call drew it away. Later that day, we were treated to a "dance performance" by 3 Forest Wagtails—their rhythmic swaying making for a fantastic photo session. We ended the day in the Penang swamps, chasing the silhouette of the Great Eared Nightjar. While they hovered nearby, they stayed just out of "perfect photo" range—a reminder that nature always keeps us wanting more! 


Our final morning was a return to the nightjar site. Even though the "Great Eared" remained elusive, we enjoyed the peaceful expanse of the Penang paddy fields, soaking in the last few sightings of the trip. As the journey ended, Sudip headed off to Penang Island for work, and I began the long drive back to KL. It was a trip defined by patience, technical skill, and the satisfaction of finally checking off that male Banded-Pitta. 


The Trip Tally 

• Lifer of the Trip: Dusky Eagle-Owl and Malayan Banded-Pitta (Male) 

• Most "Difficult" Bird: Chestnut-necklaced Partridge 

• Surprise Highlight: The trio of dancing Forest Wagtails


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A Quiet Day in Hulu Langat - 6 Nov 2025



Some birding days begin with the promise of bright colours and constant movement. Others start slowly, almost quietly, as if the forest is still deciding what it wants to share. Our recent birding trip to Hulu Langat felt a little like the latter—a gentle day in the forest, full of subtle moments, good company, and the kind of encounters that remind me why guiding is always rewarding, no matter the conditions.

Maggie and I left Kuala Lumpur early in the morning, just as the sun began touching the skyline. The traffic was kind, and within an hour the city noise faded behind us, replaced by the cool, earthy scent of Hulu Langat’s lowland forest. Even after countless visits, that first breath of forest air always feels refreshing—like a reset button.

A Soft Start to the Morning

Our first stop of the day was at a small clearing along the road, a reliable warm-up spot for beginning a checklist. It didn’t take long for the forest to wake up. A Black-naped Oriole appeared first, its yellow plumage catching the morning light as it hopped across the canopy. Soon after, a pair of Little Green Pigeons swooped in quietly and settled on a fruiting branch, offering us gentle, unhurried views.

Encouraged by the start, we drove deeper into the forest and continued birding slowly along the winding road. This section is always fascinating—part roadside, part forest, and sometimes full of surprises. Here we caught a glimpse of the ever-striking Asian Fairy Bluebird, its electric blue shine unmistakable even in the dim forest light. A bold White-throated Kingfisher called from a telephone wire, while the Pin-striped Babbler skulked through the undergrowth, announcing its presence long before showing itself. Flowerpeckers of several species flitted around us, darting between fruiting trees with their usual bursts of energy.

Walking the Forest Road

But the true rhythm of Hulu Langat emerged during our next stop—a long, quiet walk along one of the forest roads. This trail is a staple in my guiding routine here, not because it guarantees rare species, but because it always promises activity, variation, and the simple pleasure of slow birding.

The forest was not at its busiest today, but there was still plenty to enjoy. Babblers moved through the understory in loose parties, offering brief, satisfying views. A few flycatchers sat patiently on their favourite perches, making quick sallies after insects. Several species of woodpeckers announced themselves with soft tapping—never loud, but always rhythmic, always grounding. Bulbuls passed through in mixed groups, their calls adding layers to the morning soundscape. At one point we paused simply to listen, letting the forest fill the quiet gaps between sightings.

A Final Stop Near the City

After a late lunch, we headed back toward Kuala Lumpur but made one last stop at a forest edge on the outskirts of the city. This spot is often overlooked, but I’ve learned that even small patches of habitat can surprise you at the end of the day. And they did—the area gave us a final handful of species, helping round out our list and giving Maggie a satisfying end to her trip.

Reflections on a Gentle Birding Day

Although the bird activity wasn’t at its peak, the day felt meaningful in its own way. Not every outing delivers rare sightings or dramatic encounters, but even a moderate birding day can be rich, steady, and deeply enjoyable. Maggie was delighted with the number of species we managed to see—and her excitement, curiosity, and appreciation for every bird we encountered made guiding a pleasure.

Some forests don’t show off. Some days aren’t loud. But the quiet ones remind us to slow down, to observe, and to enjoy the journey just as much as the birds themselves. Our day in Hulu Langat was exactly that—a calm, rewarding reminder of why we keep returning to the forest.




Distance covered: 150 km

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Some of the highlights during this trip are: 
Rock Pigeon, Little Green Pigeon, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Zebra Dove, Spotted Dove, Rufescent Prinia, Pacific Swallow, Black-naped Oriole, White-throated Kingfisher, Black-winged Flycatcher-Shrike, Banded Woodpecker, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker, Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker, Grey-breasted Spiderhunter, Long-billed Spiderhunter, Little Spiderhunter, Common Tailorbird, Raffles's Malkoha, Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher, Black-thighed Falconet, White-bellied Erpornis, Green Iora, Malaysian Pied Fantail, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Asian Glossy Starling, Javan Myna, Common Myna, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Pin-striped Tit-babbler, Crested Serpent Eagle, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Red-eyed Bulbul, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Brown Shrike, Brown-throated Sunbird

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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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Birding Adventure with Bryon & Diane - 30 Oct - 3 Nov 2025

 

 
Together with Bryon and Diane, we went out for a five-day birding adventure that would weave through misty mountains, lowland forests, and coastal mangroves. From the cool highlands of Fraser’s Hill to the humid green of Hulu Langat and the mangrove edges of Klang, our journey revealed the extraordinary diversity packed within Peninsular Malaysia’s compact geography — a living symphony of color, sound, and movement.
For Bryon and Diane, this was their first encounter with the Peninsula’s iconic species, and each day became a cascade of new discoveries.

Day 1 – Ascent to the Highlands

We met early in Kuala Lumpur and began our drive northward toward Fraser’s Hill, pausing for breakfast at Kuala Kubu Bharu, a small town that marks the threshold between lowland and montane forest. The winding road that snakes upward proved productive: we made several opportunistic birding stops, adding a handful of new species for Bryon and Diane even before reaching the summit.
By midday, we arrived at the hill station, and the birding momentum continued immediately. The air was alive with movement — the common birds flitting through the canopy, bulbuls calling from forest canopy, and drongos cutting sleek silhouettes across the sky. As dusk approached, we lingered near the forest edge in search of a Brown Wood Owl. Though the owl remained elusive, the night hummed with the deep resonance of forest life.

Day 2 – The Enchanted Slopes of Fraser’s Hill


The following morning, cool mist rolled through the ridges, and the forest came alive with song. We spent the entire day exploring the hill station, rewarded with a dazzling array of montane species: the striking Silver-eared Mesia, the noisy flock of Bushy-crested Hornbill, the elusive Bay Woodpecker, and the elusive Mountain Scops-Owl, among many others.
Each bend in the road offered something new. Bryon and Diane, both keen observers, quickly learned to adapt to the surrounding.

Day 3 – Owlets and Malkohas


Our final morning at Fraser’s Hill began with a quest for the Collared Owlet, one of the region’s most endearing forest raptors. The first attempt brought only tantalizing calls from the dense canopy, but patience — as always in birding — was rewarded. Later in the morning, we found Green-billed and Red-billed Malkohas, both moving gracefully through the mid-canopy. Then, as if on cue, the forest filled with the distinctive trilling of an owlet once again. We followed the sound to an open branch where a Collared Owlet perched in full view — and moments later, a second individual appeared on the same tree.
It was a moment of quiet triumph: two owlets (almost) side by side, their tiny forms dwarfed by towering trees. After lunch, we descended toward the foothill, birding the Gap and new road along the way, soaking in the last of the highland charm before moving to the lowlands.

Day 4 – From Mountains to the City



Before dawn, we were already on the road to Bukit Tinggi, hoping for a glimpse of the elusive Mountain Peacock-Pheasant. Luck, however, was not on our side that morning — the pheasant did not show up. Yet, the forest was generous in other ways. We recorded Ferruginous Partridge, Siberian Blue Robin, and several other rewarding species that brightened the morning.
By afternoon, we returned to Kuala Lumpur under darkening skies. Despite the approaching rain, we made the most of our time in a city park where herons and egrets gathered. Painted Stork stood solemnly in the shallows, and as thunder rolled in, we caught sight of a magnificent Barred Eagle-Owl — a thrilling encounter made even more dramatic by the onset of heavy rain.

Day 5 – Forest Jewels and the Farewell Pitta



Our final day began in the lush forests of Hulu Langat, where lowland specialties added another layer of richness to Bryon and Diane’s growing list. The morning’s highlights included Rufous-collared Kingfisher, Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, Raffles’s Malkoha, Black-and-red Broadbill, and Checker-throated Woodpecker — a striking array of colors and calls that perfectly captured the spirit of Malaysia’s tropical birdlife.
The night before, Bryon and Diane had mentioned their wish to see another pitta species before the trip ended. So, with a few hours left before their flight, we made a spontaneous detour to the mangrove forests near Klang. The gamble paid off almost immediately: the Mangrove Pitta appeared not too long after we arrived.
With that final sighting — a spectacular finale to five days of adventure — we made our way to the airport. As we said our farewells, the echoes of the forest and the calls of the pitta lingered in memory, marking the end of another unforgettable journey through Peninsular Malaysia’s living wild.

In just five days, Bryon and Diane’s birding odyssey traversed mountains, lowlands, and mangrove, highlighting a remarkable ecological diversity — every landscape unveiled its own rhythm and color. More than 100 species were observed, including hornbills, owls, pittas, and kingfishers — each encounter deepening the appreciation for Malaysia’s avian wealth. Their journey was a testament to the country’s enduring wildness, where even in the shadow of cities, nature continues to sing.

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Some of the highlights during this trip are: 

Grouse, Quails and Allies: Ferruginous Partridge, Malayan Partridge, Red Junglefowl
Pigeons and Doves: Rock Pigeon, Spotted Dove, Little Cuckoo-Dove, Pink-necked Green-Pigeon, Mountain Imperial-Pigeon
Cuckoos: Raffles's Malkoha, Red-billed Malkoha, Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Black-bellied Malkoha, Green-billed Malkoha
Nightjars: Large-tailed Nightjar
Swifts: Silver-rumped Spinetail, Silver-backed Needletail, Plume-toed Swiftlet, House Swift
Treeswifts: Grey-rumped Treeswift, Whiskered Treeswift
  Rails, Gallinules, and Allies: -
Shorebirds: -
Storks: Painted Stork
Herons, Ibis, and Allies: Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Egret, Little Heron, Medium Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron 
Vultures, Hawks, and Allies: Blyth's Hawk-Eagle, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Brahminy Kite
Owls: Mountain Scops-Owl, Barred Eagle-Owl, Collared Owlet 
Trogons and Quetzals: Orange-breasted Trogon, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Red-headed Trogon
Hornbills: Rhinoceros Hornbill, Bushy-crested Hornbill
Bee-eaters: Red-bearded Bee-eater, Blue-throated Bee-eater, Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Kingfishers: Banded Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Rufous-collared Kingfisher, Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher
Rollers and Allies: Dollarbird
Barbets and Toucans: Sooty Barbet, Black-eared Barbet, Fire-tufted Barbet, Red-throated Barbet, Gold-whiskered Barbet, Black-browed Barbet
Woodpeckers: Speckled Piculet, Bay Woodpecker, Buff-rumped Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Checker-throated Woodpecker
Falcons and Caracaras: Black-thighed Falconet 
Parrots, Parakeets, and Allies: Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot
African and Green Broadbills: -
Asian and Grauer's Broadbills: Long-tailed Broadbill, Black-and-red Broadbill, Black-and-yellow Broadbill 
Old World Pittas: Rusty-naped Pitta, Mangrove Pitta 
Thornbills and Allies: -
Cuckooshrikes: Grey-chinned Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Malayan Cuckooshrike
Shrike-Babblers and Erpornis: White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, White-bellied Erpornis
Whistlers and Allies: -
Old World Orioles: Black-naped Oriole, Black-and-Crimson Oriole
Woodswallows: -
Vangas, Helmetshrikes and Allies: Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Maroon-breasted Philentoma
Ioras: Common Iora, Green Iora
Fantails: Malaysian Pied-Fantail, White-throated Fantail
Drongos: Crow-billed Drongo, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
Monarch Flycatchers: Blyth's Paradise-Flycatcher
Crested Jayshrike: -
Shrikes: Brown Shrike
Jays, Magpies, Crows and Ravens: House Crow, Large-billed Crow
Rail-babbler: -
Fairy Flycatchers: Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
Tits, Chickadees and Titmice: Sultan Tit
Larks: -
Cisticolas and Allies: Common Tailorbird, Dark-necked Tailorbird, Ashy Tailorbird
Reed Warblers and Allies: -
Grassbirds and Allies: -
Cupwings: Pygmy Cupwing
Martins and Swallows: Pacific Swallow, Barn Swallow, Rufous-bellied Swallow
Bulbuls: Ochraceous Bulbul, Buff-vented Bulbul, Cinereous Bulbul, Mountain Bulbul, Black-headed Bulbul, Spectacled Bulbul, Scaly-breasted Bulbul, Black-crested Bulbul, Red-eyed Bulbul, Stripe-throated Bulbul, Yellow-vented Bulbul 
Leaf Warblers: Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Eastern Crowned Warbler
Bush Warblers and Allies: Yellow-bellied Warbler, Mountain Tailorbird
White-eyes, Yuhinas and Allies: Hume's White-eye
Tree-Babblers, Scimitar-Babblers, and Allies: Pin-striped Tit-Babbler, Golden Babbler, Chestnut-winged Babbler, Black Laughingthrush, Grey-throated Babbler 
Ground Babblers and Allies: Buff-breasted Babbler, Abbott's Babbler, Streaked Wren-Babbler
Laughingthrushes and Allies: Mountain Fulvetta, Malayan Laughingthrush, Long-tailed Sibia, Blue-winged Minla, Silver-eared Mesia, Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush
Nuthatches: Blue Nuthatch, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch
Starlings and Mynas: Asian Glossy Starling, Common Hill Myna, Common Myna, Javan Myna
Old World Flycatchers: Asian Brown Flycatcher, Oriental Magpie Robin, White-rumped Shama, Large Niltava, Verditer Flycatcher, Rufous-browed Flycatcher, Hill Blue Flycatcher, Lesser Shortwing, Slaty-backed Forktail, White-tailed Robin, Little Pied Flycatcher, Indochinese Blue Flycatcher, Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher, Siberian Blue Robin , Yellow-rumped Flycatcher
Flowerpeckers: Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker, Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker
Sunbirds and Spiderhunters: Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Black-throated Sunbird, Copper-throated Sunbird, Yellow-eared Spiderhunter, Long-billed Spiderhunter, Little Spiderhunter, Streaked Spiderhunter, Grey-breasted Spiderhunter
Fairy-bluebirds: Asian Fairy-bluebird
Leafbirds: Lesser Green Leafbird, Blue-winged Leafbird, Orange-bellied Leafbird
Weavers and Allies: -
Estrildids: White-rumped Munia, Pin-tailed Parrotfinch
Old World Sparrows: Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Wagtails and Pipits: Grey Wagtail

Other Wildlife: Long-tailed Macaque, Pig-tailed Macaque, White-thighed Surili, Dusky Langur, Himalayan Striped Squirrel, Red-cheeked Squirrel, Grey-bellied Squirrel, Plantain 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.

*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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Birds of Peninsular Malaysia

Birds of Peninsular Malaysia
Birds of Peninsular Malaysia

Wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia

Wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia
A collection of wildlife photographs in Peninsular Malaysia that includes mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Some photographs are taken with camera while some are taken with mobile phone whenever I get the opportunities to shoot while on a guiding assignment.

Insects

Insects
You will see other interesting insects during your birding adventure with me. Here are some of the photos I have extracted from my hard drives..

Butterflies of Peninsular Malaysia

Butterflies of Peninsular Malaysia
Collection of photographs for reference.

Notable Plants While Birding

Notable Plants While Birding
There will be some interesting flora that will definitely catch your attention while going out on a birdwatching trip with me. I am in the midst of compiling all the plants, please return to this website for updates. Thank you.

Southeast Asia Birding

Southeast Asia Birding
Sometimes I accompany my regular guests for birding trips out of Peninsular Malaysia. Check out what we found.
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About Me

Hi! I love watching birds, taking photographs (and video), and guiding people through nature. Welcome to my blog, A Malaysian Birder. I'll be sharing all the great birds I see and the photos I take right here on this blog. I got into bird watching when I was in university studying parks and recreation management. I used to work in parks and gardens, teaching people about the environment and organizing birding walks. Whenever I go out to look for birds, I always bring my binoculars and spotting scope to help me see them up close. Sometimes, I even bring a microphone to record their calls. It's always an adventure out in the field!

In the past, I will have my Kowa BDXD 8x32 binocular, Zoom H2N recorder, Kowa TSN-501 and my favorite Nikon1 V1 with a 70-300mm lens. This is the lightest setup I have tried and owned. From then onwards, I have used Omicron 8x26 binocular (and i bought 4 units), Leica Ultravid 8x32 binocular, Kowa Spotting Scope TSN773 with 20-60x eyepiece, Panasonic Lumix G7, Panasonic Lumix G9 with a 100-300mm lens and currently experimenting with Sony ILCE-A6700 and Sony SEL 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens.

Bird Watching Tours

There are quite a number of birding groups from Australia, United States and United Kingdom that come over to Malaysia annually visiting the traditional key sites that include Kuala Selangor, Fraser's Hill and Taman Negara. There is not doubt that the 3 sites are the preferred birding sites in Peninsular Malaysia. So if you are coming over for birding and intend to hire a guide, you can send me an email at nature2pixel@gmail.com and go over to posting section to view photos and summary of trip reports with testimonials from past clients.

Besides following the traditional route, I also customized trip according to clients needs, preference and interests. So there are some local patches that I can introduce to all bird watchers, digiscopers and photographers.

Here are a few of my favorite birding spots around Kuala Lumpur.

• Kuala Selangor - the habitats include mangrove forest. Good for woodpecker and kingfisher. Some amount of walking is required on flat terrain.

• Fraser's Hill - one of the traditional key sites for birding in Peninsular Malaysia and still the best place to visit. Elevation between 900 - 1200m above sea level. The species found here are different from the city of Kuala Lumpur. Targets may include Trogon, Woodpecker, Partridge, Laughingthrush, Leafbird, Spiderhunter and Sunbird.

• Hulu Langat - one of the most visited birding spot due to its proximity from the city centre. Walking is required but on easy terrain in this lowland forest. Sometimes need to wait at fruiting trees. Generally a good spot for Broadbill, Kingfisher, and Babbler.

• Bukit Tinggi - An alternative spot if you do not want to spend too long hours travelling to Fraser's Hill. It's about 900m to 1,000m above sea level and you get a combination of lowland and highland species at this elevation. Walking is required but just a short distance. Traditional known for Broadbill, Hornbill, Partridge and Pheasant.

• Gombak-Ampang - Generally recommended for photographers targeting Blue-eared Kingfisher and at times during fruiting season, it attracts many species of Bulbul and Barbet. Located in urban area.

Putrajaya - If you are staying in any hotel in Putrajaya, it's a good place to look for herons, egrets, bittern and storks.

Bird Families

Check the bird families and the taxonomy updates HERE.

My Artwork Products

Bird Video

I am also interested to take video of birds. Here are some of my favorite videos for your viewing. Video taken with Nikon1 V1 attached to a Sigma 500mm f4.5 and most of the time iPhone SE through the spotting scope. Editing is done on smartphone Power Director for Android device and I also like the iMovie on iPhone. Enjoy.

Recommended Field Guides & Books

If you are interested to get a copy of field guides to assist you to learn and identify birds in Malaysia. Click the followings to find out more.

March 2024. Fortunate enough to meet 1 of the authors before it was launched in Kuala Lumpur. Another great field guide for all birders who want to get the most updated information about birds of Malaysia.