"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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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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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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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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