From misty mountain ranges to muddy mangroves, Malaysia’s tropical landscape swarms with hundreds of different bird species. The country’s location on the Australasian cross-migratory paths also makes it a host to approximately 120 migratory birds. With over 600 species in the Peninsula and about 580 species in Malaysian Borneo, all at easily accessible parks and reserves, it is no wonder Malaysia has emerged as a bird watching haven.

Half of Malaysia’s land mass is covered in plantations or rainforests. With this diversity of habitats, there are tons of places for the abundant birdlife to choose from. Malaysian rainforests are generally divided into three distinctive habitat types – coastal mangroves, mountain forests and lowland rainforests.
Swampy mangrove forest eco-systems are home to birds like the Common Kingfisher. Lowland rainforests, including freshwater swamps, peat and hill dipterocarp forest, remain the most extensive habitat for over 200 birds, among them are the Green Imperial Pigeon and the Storm’s Stork.

Mountain forests generally occur above an elevation of 900m, where species such as the Mountain Blackeye and the Mountain Peacock-Pheasant thrive in the cool, damp climates and stunted trees of these high altitude regions. While each habitat provides a fabulous, concentrated birding experience, it is not difficult to visit several sites in different ecological zones to enjoy the variation of birdlife.

Key Tips
A pair of binoculars helps locate and identify distant and high flying birds. Most birds are active in the morning and late afternoon when the temperature is cooler. Consult your guide book as to the best times to spot a particular species. Entry permits from the Forestry Department of the various states may be needed at some bird sanctuaries.
Bird Watching Attractions

		Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary Matang Mangrove Forest is the largest stand of mangrove ecosystems in Peninsular Malaysia. These ecologically abundant mangrove habitats stretch along the west coast tidal mudflats of northern Perak for almost 50km plus another 40km along the shorelines of the sheltered river systems within the reserve's five estuaries. During the migration season between August and April every year, more than 200,000 migratory birds representing some 50 species are estimated to stop over here.
		Fraser's Hill Sitting pretty amidst the Pahang rainforest is the little hamlet of Fraser's Hill. At 1,524 metres above sea level, this highlands resort is a naturalist's paradise that boasts innumerable plant, bird and animal species. Considered one of Malaysia's premier locations for bird-watching, this hill resort hosts the annual Fraser's Hill International Bird Race. This bird-watching competition requires watchers to race against time in spotting as many bird species as possible within the resort's routes.
		Langkawi Beautiful scenery, great adventures, five-star conveniences and an international airport make Langkawi a great place for a holiday. You can also visit the Field of Burnt Rice, the Hot Springs, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and the Beach of Black Sand. Boat tours are organised to Tasik Dayang Bunting, (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and the Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave).
		Matang Wildlife Centre The Matang Wildlife Centre is about 35km from Kuching. Located in Kubah National Park, this large enclosed area of rainforest is home to endangered wildlife. There is a training programme here that teaches Orang Utans, who have been orphaned or rescued from captivity, how to survive in the wild. Visitors will be able to see lots of Orang Utans here, especially during feeding time. Besides these adorable primates, there are also Sun Bears, Sambar Deer, Civet cats as well as three large aviaries that house Sea Eagles, Hornbills and other birds in Sarawak.
		Tree Top Walk, Kedah The 950m-long Tree Top Walk in the Sedim River Recreation Park is the longest canopy walk in the world. The Tree Top Walk Sedim River was built within the low land of dipterocarp compartment 15 of Gunung Inas Forest Reserve. The spectacular view you get when you stroll through the jungle canopy is the main draw for visitors from far and wide to this quiet, all-natural corner of Kedah. Strolling high above the ground of this primeval rainforest affords visitors an unexpected and exciting perspective.
		Lake Gardens Taman Tasik Perdana, better known as the Lake Gardens, is the oldest and most popular park in Kuala Lumpur. It lies just on the edge of the city and used to be where the British elite built their fine homes in the colonial times. Roam through the aviaries at the Bird Park and Butterfly Park. Or take a stroll through the beautiful Deer Park and Orchid Garden, which are all reachable either by foot or by regular shuttle buses. From the gardens, you can also visit other attractions such as the National Monument, the Planetarium and the Islamic Museum.

 

For a complete listing of birdwatching attractions, please click here.