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