Ornithology in Malaysia
12 Days 11 Nights in the heart of the Malaysian jungle
A Hidden Gem of Southeast Asia
Often overlooked in favor of its neighbors like Thailand, Indonesia, or Vietnam, Malaysia remains one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Bursting with authenticity and rich in natural wonders, it’s a destination full of surprises for curious travelers. From lush equatorial rainforests to idyllic beaches and misty mountain peaks, Malaysia offers a stunning diversity of landscapes.
Join us as we explore the country’s top birdwatching hotspots — carefully selected to maximize your chances of encountering rare and spectacular species in the wild!
Day 1 - Kuala Lumpur
(Dinner)
Reception at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Transfer to Kuala Lumpur. 1 hour car journey. Check-in at the hotel. At the end of the day, stroll through the gardens at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Day 2 - Kuala Selangor - Taman Negara
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Early departure for a morning of observation along the canals and mudflats of Kuala Selangor Nature Park. Break for a seafood lunch by the river. Transfer by van to Taman negara national park. Check-in at the park hotel, then stroll through the gardens. Evening meal at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 3 and 4 - Taman Negara
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
On foot and by canoe we explore the paths and rivers of the park in the company of local guides. On the program, short hikes in the jungle, swimming in the river, canopy walk, boat trip on the river. Meals are taken at the hotel’s restaurant
Day 5 - Taman Negara - Fraser Hill
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Last morning sightings along the park trails, then after lunch, transfer to Fraser Hill mountain station. Here we will target around 50 -70 mountain species such as Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush , Malayan Laughingthrush, Silver-eared Mesia, Large Niltava, Streaked Spiderhunter, Blue-winged Minla, Lesser racket-tailed Drongo, Mountain Fulvetta, Gray-chinned Minivet, Golden babbler, Little Pied Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Rufous-browed Flycatcher
Day 6 and 7 - Fraser Hill
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
We take advantage of the coolness of this region to stroll along the paths and small roads of the resort in search of some of the 270 listed species. We will make a night outing to try to observe the trapdoor spider. Meals are taken in the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 8 - Fraser Hill - Kuala Lumpur - Langkawi
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Last morning observations then transfer to Kuala Lumpur airport for our flight to Langkawi.
Day 9 - Langkawi
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Accompanied by a local guide, in the morning we walk the tracks of the tropical forest in search of mynahs, hornbills and other woodpeckers, then a forest of mangroves where we will look in particular for kingfishers and sea eagles. After lunch at the hotel, a short drive takes us to a local village pond frequented by Lesser whistling-ducks, little egrets, herons, moorhens, grebes, swifts and swallows. We then head to Langkawi's highest peak to see the Great Hornbills and Wreathed Hornbills. These amazing birds will be the highlight of the trip. The Great Hornbills, measuring 1.3 meters from tip of beak to tip of tail, are the largest birds in Langkawi. Return to the hotel around 7:30 p.m. for the evening meal.
Day 10 - Langkawi
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Still accompanied by our local guide, in the morning depending on the tide, we could start on the mudflat where we can see Pacific Golden-Plovers, Pacific Swallows, Sandpipers and Warblers. We then continue to the scrubland rainforest in search of Black-hooded Orioles and then to the plantations in the hope of seeing Chestnut-Breasted Malcohas and Blue-winged Pitta. After lunch at the hotel, we head to the rice fields in search of birds associated with this habitat. We may see sandpipers, plovers, lapwings, herons, egrets, bitterns, kingfishers. We will use this day as a last chance to get some target birds we haven't seen yet. Return to the hotel around 7:30 p.m. for the evening meal.
Day 11 - Langkawi
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
After breakfast we head to the marina to catch a boat that will take us south to Langkawi to explore some of the most beautiful seascapes Malaysia has to offer. Our first visit will be to Pulau Dayang Bunting where we can swim in a fresh water lake. Then we'll cruise slowly to Singa Besar Island and spot Brahminy kites and White-bellied Sea-eagles along the way. Depending on the tide, we will go to Teluk Cawi or Beras Basah Island to enjoy the beach. We then return to Pekan Rabu Jetty in Kuah town for lunch. Then return to the hotel for a free afternoon where you can enjoy the beach or explore the island at your leisure.
Day 12 - Langkawi
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
After breakfast we head to Langkawi airport for our flight to Kuala Lumpur. You can also extend the pleasure with an immersion in the jungle or in the urban jungle o Singapour!
Want to travel on different dates or customize your itinerary? We offer fully tailor-made and private trips — contact us to start planning!
Our prices include :
- The services of an English-speaking tour leader,
- Accommodation on the basis of a double or twin room in the hotels mentioned or equivalent,
- Full board meals,
- Transfers and transport on site,
- Domestic flights
- Entrance fees,
- Guide fees.
Our prices do not include :
- International flights,
- The single room option if desired and subject to availability. Price upon request,
- Non-meals drinks and alcoholic drinks,
-
- Tips and other personal expenses.
- In the case of air transport, air surcharges in the event of excess baggage or increased fuel.
- Multi-risk travel insurance (optional)
- Expenses related to force majeure (adverse weather conditions, geopolitical issues, etc.)
When to go?
From March to November: This period is generally considered the best time for birdwatching in Malaysia, as it includes both the dry season and the inter-monsoon period, which offer good visibility and drier conditions. We particularly recommend the months of March and April.
Kuala Selangor natural park:
Kuala Selangor Nature Park is made up of mangrove forest which forms a unique ecosystem influenced by the rising and falling of the tides. The park, made up of mangrove forests, secondary forests, mudflats, lakes and canals, is a paradise for more than 160 species of birds. Although birding is possible all year round, the best time to visit the area is during the migration season from September to April. Close to Kuala Selangor are large areas of rice paddies that are good for birding.
Taman Negara national park :
Taman Negara Park, which means "national park" in Malay, is a national nature park located in Peninsular Malaysia. It contains what scientists consider to be one of the oldest tropical forests in the world, existing for more than 130 million years. Extending over an area of 4,343 km², slightly bigger than Rhode island state, it is home to a rich and complex ecosystem that is home to more than 380 species of birds.
Fraser's Hill :
Fraser's Hill can be visited year-round, but expect thick fog and occasional rainfall. Humidity and coolness are the dominant characteristics of the climate in these regions. Ornithologists stroll along the paths and small roads of the station in search of some of the 270 listed species. Among them, the Long-tailed Sibia and the Malayan and Chestnut-Capped Laughingthrush are as common as pigeons in our big cities and promise beautiful photos!
Langkawi island :
Langkawi is home to the best site in Malaysia for Black-hooded Oriole, Brown-winged Kingfisher and Plain-backed Sparrow. And a guaranteed site for Pied Hornbills and Great Hornbills. Wreathed Hornbills are seasonal on this island paradise. Diversity of habitats, wading birds, birds of prey, hornbills, beautiful beach, comfortable hotel are the best way to end our tour.
Easy. The walks carried out throughout the tour do not present any difficulty. It is hot, between 30 and 34°C (86 to 94°F), and the percentage of humidity is high, between 80-95%.
We walk a few hours a day at the pace of leisurely walking with many breaks for observation. You are in good health and able to walk at a normal pace, with a small backpack containing hydration.
Accommodation throughout the trip varies between premium and standard.
We will travel by minibus with approved drivers. Road conditions in Malaysia are good.
Information concerning health and administrative formalities may constantly evolve. It is necessary to check for updates with official bodies.
Visa:
Most foreign nationals do not require a visa for a stay of less than three months in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. They must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of their stay and a return or onward ticket. A travel declaration must be made online within 72 hours of travel.
Health :
No vaccination is required unless you are arriving directly from Africa or South America, where in this case you will need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
You will find the list of countries requiring a yellow fever vaccination certificate and/or a visa on the official website of the Immigration department of Malaysia
Feel free to contact us for any clarification or special request.
- Registration: your request is made through the Booking form. We prepare a quote with all the information related to your trip that you will receive by e-mail within 2 to 5 days of your request.
- Confirmation : Your registration will be final and taken into account by the validation of the quote, our general conditions of sale and the payment of a deposit of 40%. The balance payment must reach us no later than 45 days before the departure date.