I really enjoyed the last week with you. Lots of great birds but also great company and very happy to get to know you better.
- Andrew, Singapore
This trip was a first for me—charting a birding route from the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia to the east, all the way from Kuala Selangor to Kuantan. And what made it even more special? It was a private, custom-made itinerary for Andrew, a returning guest I first guided three years ago during his very first overseas birding adventure.
Fast forward to today, and we were back at it—this time chasing some very specific feathered targets, with a few exciting bonus species added to the list thanks to recent sightings.
Day 1: Fraser’s Hill Rush & Hill Forest Gems
We wasted no time, zipping straight up to Fraser’s Hill—with a plate of wanton noodles at the foothills to fuel our morning. Our main targets: the uncommon Pin-tailed Parrotfinch, the elusive Rusty-naped Pitta, and the vibrant Silver-eared Mesia. While searching, we also photographed many of Fraser’s iconic highland species, making it a fantastic first day.
Day 2: Owls of the Highlands
Dawn broke with the haunting call of a Dusky Eagle-Owl pair, followed later by a special sighting of a Barred Eagle-Owl, complete with a young individual. A solid day for any owl lover.
Day 3: Kingfisher Surprises
Our quest for the Malaysian Blue-banded Kingfisher turned out to be a jackpot day. Not only did we get great views, but we were stunned by an early migrant—the dazzling Black-backed Kingfisher. And to top it off, a pair of Bamboo Woodpeckers added to the excitement.
Day 4: Peacock-Pheasant Posing Perfection
I asked Andrew if he’d be keen to try for the shy and “less colorful” Mountain Peacock-Pheasant, with a caveat: if the male displayed, it could be a spectacular show. We rolled the dice—and hit the jackpot! A pair of Ferruginous Partridge greeted us first, followed by the Peacock-Pheasants themselves, and yes—the male showed off in full display! Later, we shifted to a nearby lowland forest and wrapped up the day with two more target birds: the striking Scarlet-rumped Trogon and the dreamy Green Broadbill—just before the rain came pouring down.
Day 5: Broadbills and Woodpeckers Galore
A return visit to the lowland forest gifted us the Black-and-yellow Broadbill at eye level—a truly breathtaking sight—plus a bonus Banded Kingfisher pair. Near Kuantan before dusk, the woodpeckers stole the show: Buff-rumped, Buff-necked, and Crimson-winged, all appearing next to our car like they had RSVP’d to our trip.
Day 6: A Pitta Kind of Day
On our sixth day, Garnet Pitta topped the wishlist—and we didn’t get just one, but three! As if that wasn’t enough, the forest came alive with more gems: Red-bearded Bee-eater, Short-tailed Babbler, Black-throated Babbler, Grey-headed Babbler, Grey-cheeked Bulbul, and—believe it or not—two Crested Jayshrikes!
Day 7: Final Flurry of Feathers
We spent our final morning in a nearby forest in Kuantan, and it didn’t disappoint. We ticked off Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler, Rufous-collared Kingfisher, Banded Broadbill, and had eight Great Hornbills soaring above us. What a sendoff! The trip wrapped up with a fantastic sighting of Raffles's Malkoha before I dropped Andrew off at the airport.
Beyond the Birds: A Taste of Malaysia
Of course, birding wasn’t the only highlight. From bustling hawker stalls to cozy air-conditioned restaurants, we made sure to savour local dishes at every stop. From simple, hearty plates to signature local flavors, the food was an adventure of its own—every bite as memorable as the birds we came for.
This trip was a whirlwind of rare sightings, exciting surprises, and unforgettable moments—from misty highlands to coastal lowlands. Thank you, Andrew, for the trust and friendship. Here's to many more birding adventures across Malaysia!
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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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