Kedah Bird Watching

	Overview
	Beyond Bird Watching
	Birding Tips

	Peninsular Malaysia Map
	East Malaysia / Borneo Map

	*Peninsular Malaysia:*
	Johor
	Kedah
	Kelantan
	Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
	Malacca / Melaka
	Negeri Sembilan / The Nine State
	Pahang
	Penang / Pulau Pinang
	Perak
	Perlis
	Terengganu

	*East Malaysia / Borneo:*
	Sabah
	Sarawak

Exotic Equestrian Escape

Great Fishing

Sailing, Yachting & Boating

Scuba Diving

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Capital)

Negeri Sembilan (Nine State)

Kedah - Langkawi

Penang / Pulau Pinang

MALAYSIA MY DESTINATION - SOUTH EAST ASIA

BIRD WATCHING

BIRDING IN KEDAH

WEST COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

LAKE PEDU

Lake Pedu is situated in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia and is surrounded mainly by lowland forests. The area has great bird diversity, with more than 200 bird species observed here. One of the good bird watching spots is the last few kilometres of tree-lined road leading to the accommodation area. The forest and trails around the lake are excellent for bird watching especially in the early mornings and late afternoons.

During the fruit season, birds often come to feed on fruits of trees around the lake. Occasionally, a number of bird species can be seen in a single fig or berry tree.

They include the Gold-whiskered Barbet, Black Horn bill, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Scarlet-rumped Trogon. The more adventurous can choose from several trails near the resorts.

One of the trails leads to a ridge top where one can have a scenic view of the surrounding lake area. During the migration season from October to November, one might even spot migrating raptors, such as honey buzzards and sparrow hawks. You can organise day trips to Lake Pedu from the Muda Resort. Bring packed lunch and bottled water if you plan to stay for the whole day.

ULU MUDA FOREST RESERVE

The Ulu Muda Forest Reserve comprises over 115km2 of lowland and hill dipterocarp forests with parts of the lowland forest fringing the Ulu Muda Dam. Among the diverse wildlife found in this sprawling forest are 195 species of birds. They include ten hornbill species such as the Great Horn bill, Helmeted Horn bill, Rhinoceros Horn bill and Wreathed Horn bill as well as nine species of woodpeckers and five species of kingfishers.

The elusive Masked Fin foot has been seen around the lake area while the extremely rare Dusky Eagle Owl, along the upper reaches of the Muda River. Other popular bird watching spots include Lake Ulu Muda as well as trails and paths at Pengkalan Labua (Labua Camp).

You might even spot these elegant creatures while taking a

cruise up the Muda River.

Apart from bird watching, you can make a detour to Sira Air Hangat, a natural hot spring saltlick. Situated along the Muda River, it attracts a host of wildlife, particularly large mammals. Due to its remote location, prior arrangements are required before visiting the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve. Your tour guide can arrange for camping permits and boat services. Alternatively, you can stay at the Muda Resort.

CONTACT:

Kedah Forestry Department

Tel: +604 - 733 3844

Fax: +604 - 731 0610

LANGKAWI

The Langkawi archipelago is a cluster of 99 islands just off the coast of Kedah. The main island, Pulau Langkawi, is the most developed in the group and is known for its natural beauty as well as duty-free shopping. This island paradise is one of the few places with habitats ranging from coastal areas, wetlands, mangrove swamps to mountains, and is home to more than 220 bird species.

Among the beautiful coastal habitats are Tanjung Rhu, Burau Bay, Datai Bay, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah. Here, you might find the Red-wattled Lapwing, Malaysian Plover, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Oriental Pied Horn bill, Pink-necked Pigeon, Pied Fantail, Greater Racket-tailed Drango, Copper-throated Sunbird as well as the White-throated and Collared King fishers. In the mangrove swamps, you might spot the rare Brown -winged Kingfisher and Mangrove Pitta. Most of the coastal areas and beaches on the island are well developed and is easily accessible.

During winter, many migratory birds make the Langkawi islands their homes. They include the Grey-faced Buzzard, Cattle Egret, Intermediate Egret, Common Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Black-capped Kingfisher and the Ashy Drongo. One of the best places for forest birds is Gunung Raya, which is accessible by road right until the peak. Here, you will be mesmerised by the magnificent sight of Great Horn bills, which sometimes congregate in large numbers on a fruiting tree.

Other forest birds include the Mountain Hawk Eagle, Large Green Pigeon, Rhinoceros Horn bill, Wreathed Harnbill and the Blue-winged Pitta.

CONTACT:

Langkawi Tourist Information Centre

Tel: +604 - 966 7789

Fax: +604 - 966 7889

BIRD WATCHING

MALAYSIA MY DESTINATION - SOUTH EAST ASIA