A Hornbill Quest in the Malaysian Rainforest
They're back in Peninsular Malaysia, and this time, the mission was hornbills.
After a brief time in Taman Negara, we (Andrew and Jenny) pointed our car north toward the Belum-Temenggor Forest, home to a spectacular concentration of these majestic birds. The drive was a journey in itself, a five-hour stretch from the heart of the national park to the stunning, expansive man-made lake within the forest of Belum-Temenggor.
Once there, our adventure began on the water. With the expert guidance of our navigator, Azizan, we set out on a boat excursion focused purely on spotting avian giants. The dense jungle and tranquil waters didn't disappoint. While our main targets—the incredible Rhinoceros Hornbill, the critically endangered Helmeted Hornbill, the social Bushy-crested Hornbill, and the nomadic Plain-pouched Hornbill—were the true stars of the show, the trip offered so much more. We were also thrilled to photograph formidable raptors like the Lesser Fish-Eagle, Grey-headed Fish-Eagle, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, and the soaring Oriental Honey Buzzard.
Join us as we recount our incredible birding journey, the unforgettable sightings, and the sheer effort it took to track down some of Asia's most magnificent creatures deep within the Malaysian wilderness.
*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.*
