On the 8th of February 2026, I had the pleasure of guiding Tahmina through the verdant landscapes of Hulu Langat and Kuala Lumpur. Our journey began under the cover of darkness with a traditional Malaysian breakfast of roti canai before we ventured into the rural heart of the valley.
The morning air was initially still, but the dawn silence was soon shattered by the arrival of the forest’s more charismatic residents. A trio of Malkohas—Chestnut-breasted, Black-bellied, and Raffles’s—emerged from the canopy alongside the flamboyant Greater Racket-tailed Drongo. The momentum continued at our first stake-out, where we were immediately greeted by the jewel-like Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher.
As we navigated the lush greenery, the day unfolded into a masterclass in avian diversity. We enjoyed remarkably intimate views of the Black-eared Barbet, the Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike, and the vibrant Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker. The drumbeat of the forest was provided by an impressive five species of woodpeckers, including the Grey-and-buff and the strikingly patterned Banded Woodpecker. From the mechanical calls of the Banded Broadbill to the delicate silhouettes of four different Spiderhunters, every moment felt like a discovery.
After a simple local lunch and a full day of exploration, we returned to the city just as dusk began to settle. It was more than just a birding trip; it was a profound immersion into the wild rhythms of Malaysia.
Some of the highlights: Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Black-bellied Malkoha, Raffles's Malkoha, Plaintive Cuckoo, Drongo Cuckoo, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Rufous-backed Dawrf-Kingfisher, Black-eared Barbet (at close range), Grey-and-buff Woodpecker, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Buff-rumped Woodpecker, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, Banded Woodpecker, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Banded Broadbill, Large Woodshrike, Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike (at close range), Pale Blue Flycatcher, Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker (at close range), Little Spiderhunter, Grey-breasted Spiderhunter, Spectacled Spiderhunter, Yellow-eared Spiderhunter and so much more
