Crested Partridge [Male] @ Mount Trusmadi, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia

Crested Partridge (Rollulus rouloul) [Male] is a colorful, active and attractive bird can be found in Mount Trusmadi, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia.

Male Crested Partridge is featured by chestnut-maroon crest, wire like forehead plumes and glossy blue-black plumage. The Female counterpart has completely different features; greyish head and grass green plumage. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 2500, 1/80, F 5.6, EV -0.7 

Mount Trumadi is the second highest mountain in Malaysia after Mount Kinabalu. The place needs no introduction to the world, especially well-known to the nature lovers, hikers and jungle trekkers. It is "a less travelled place" as compared to Mount Kinabalu. Located in the district of Tambunan, South-east of Sabah, island of Borneo, East Malaysia, some 80 km from the capital city, Kota Kinabalu. It can be reached in approximately 2 hours by car from Kota Kinabalu International Airport through winding mountainous road. Due to it high elevation, weather in the area is very unpredictable. It can be very chilling and foggy hence, prepare for suitable clothing. 

At the time of this writing, the main access road to Mount Trusmadi main gate is under major improvement, which makes the access to the said place only possible by four-wheel drive. The major road improvement for a distance of approximately 8 km is expected to complete by middle of 2024. For those who are interested to explore Mount Trusmadi for any purposes, Tambunan is the nearest town which only takes half an hour to the main gate by car. Although Tambunan is a small town, to cater for both local and foreign tourists, there are some basic rest-house for rent and budget hotels. Some local restaurants, cafeterias and convenience shops are also available.

Mount Trusmadi has the most diversified and unique treasures, both flora and fauna, including more than 350 species of bird and 100 species of mammal. 

For bird lovers, Mount Trusmadi certainly is the place to test your passion and perseverance in getting the best from the rain forest of Borneo. Some target birds include many species of Sunbirds, Pittas, Trogons, Pheasants, Babblers, Warblers, Barbets, Flowerpeckers, Flycatchers, Drongos, Owls, Partridges, Whitehead's Broadbill, Bornean Treepie just to name a few.

Little Pied Flycatcher Juvenile [Male] @ Gunung Alab Substation, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia

Little Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula westermanni) Juvenile [Male] is a cute, active and attractive bird can be found in Gunung Alab Substation, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia.

In terms of color, size and other features there is no significant differences between Little Pied Flycatcher found in East and West Malaysia. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, 1/1250, F 5.6, EV -0.7. 

Gunung (Mount) Alab Substation is part of Crocker Range National Park. The place needs no introduction to the world, especially well-known to the nature lovers, hikers and jungle trekkers. Located in the district of Tambunan, South-east of Sabah, island of Borneo, East Malaysia, some 60 km from the capital city, Kota Kinabalu. It can be reached in approximately 1.5 hours by car from Kota Kinabalu International Airport through winding mountainous road. Due to it high elevation, weather in the Substation is very unpredictable. It can be very chilling and foggy hence, prepare for suitable clothing. 

The Substation has the most diversified treasures, both flora and fauna, including more than 350 species of bird and 100 species of mammal. Although the place is small, to cater for both local and foreign tourists, there are some basic rest-house, chalets and camping ground for rent. Some local restaurants and convenience shops are also available.

For bird lovers, Gunung Alab Substation certainly is the place to test your passion and perseverance in getting the best from the rain forest of Borneo. Some target birds include many species of Sunbirds, Trogons, Borneon Whistling Thrush, Babblers, Warblers, Barbets, Flowerpeckers, Flycatchers, Drongos, Owls, Partridges, Whitehead's Broadbill, Bornean Treepie just to name a few.

Indigo Flycatcher Juvenile @ Gunung Alab Substation, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia

Indigo Flycatcher (Eumyias indigo) Juvenile is a colorful, active and attractive bird can be found in Gunung Alab Substation, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia.

In terms of color, size and other features there is no significant differences between Indigo Flycatcher found in East and West Malaysia. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, 1/640, F 5.6, EV -0.7. 

Gunung (Mount) Alab Substation is part of Crocker Range National Park. The place needs no introduction to the world, especially well-known to the nature lovers, hikers and jungle trekkers. Located in the district of Tambunan, South-east of Sabah, island of Borneo, East Malaysia, some 60 km from the capital city, Kota Kinabalu. It can be reached in approximately 1.5 hours by car from Kota Kinabalu International Airport through winding mountainous road. Due to it high elevation, weather in the Substation is very unpredictable. It can be very chilling and foggy hence, prepare for suitable clothing. 

The Substation has the most diversified treasures, both flora and fauna, including more than 350 species of bird and 100 species of mammal. Although the place is small, to cater for both local and foreign tourists, there are some basic rest-house, chalets and camping ground for rent. Some local restaurants and convenience shops are also available.

For bird lovers, Gunung Alab Substation certainly is the place to test your passion and perseverance in getting the best from the rain forest of Borneo. Some target birds include many species of Sunbirds, Trogons, Borneon Whistling Thrush, Babblers, Warblers, Barbets, Flowerpeckers, Flycatchers, Drongos, Owls, Partridges, Whitehead's Broadbill, Bornean Treepie just to name a few.

White-browed Scimitar Babbler @ Da Lat, Southern Part of Central Highland, Vietnam

White-browed Scimitar Babbler (Pomatorhinus schisticeps) is a colorful, fast and attractive resident bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Da Lat, southern part of central highland, Vietnam.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 2000, F 5.6, 1/100, EV -1.0.

Bird Photography Trip to Tan Phu and Da Lat in Southern Part of Central Highland, Vietnam

It was the first bird photography trip to southern part of central highland, Vietnam during spring. The locations include Tan Phu and Da Lat. The two places are considered the most exciting bird photography and bird watching locations in Dong Nai and Lam Dong provinces respectively, where each place offers completely different species of birds and wildlife with its endemic species.  

Tan Phu

Tan Phu can be reached in approximately two and a half hours drive from Ho Chi Minh international Airport for a distance of 150 km. Tan Phu is located in Dong Nai province where Cat Thien national park and many forest reserves are located. Together with lakes and rivers they attract many endemic and migratory birds to the areas. It is home to colorful Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pittas. Other interesting species include Germain's Peacock-pheasant and partridges.

Da Lat

Da Lat is 340 km from Tan Phu which can be reached in approximately 4 hours drive. Alternatively, it can be reached by international flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Lien Khuong international airport. Domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are also available. Da Lat the capital of Lam Dong province and the largest city in the central highland region in Vietnam. It is home to the famous Lang Biang mountain, Bidoup Nui Ba National Park and Datania waterfall. Da Lat is known as paradise for bird lovers and home to colorful Blue and Rusty-naped Pittas, Collared Laughingthrush, Annam Sunbird, Vietnamese Cutia and Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler to name a few. 

Best time to visit Central Highland Region in Vietnam

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the region is during spring; from October to April. During this period, temperature is between 15 - 22 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 5 - 10 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in Vietnam

Bird photography and bird watching in Vietnam have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from both the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, small hotels built in the districts, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers.

 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to the central highland region and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.

Silver Pheasant [Male] @ Da Lat, Southern Part of Central Highland, Vietnam

Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera) [Male] is a colorful, large and attractive resident bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Da Lat, southern part of central highland, Vietnam.

The photos were taken using Nikon D850 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 2000, F 5.6, 1/100, EV -0.7.

Bird Photography Trip to Tan Phu and Da Lat in Southern Part of Central Highland, Vietnam

It was the first bird photography trip to southern part of central highland, Vietnam during spring. The locations include Tan Phu and Da Lat. The two places are considered the most exciting bird photography and bird watching locations in Dong Nai and Lam Dong provinces respectively, where each place offers completely different species of birds and wildlife with its endemic species.  

Tan Phu

Tan Phu can be reached in approximately two and a half hours drive from Ho Chi Minh international Airport for a distance of 150 km. Tan Phu is located in Dong Nai province where Cat Thien national park and many forest reserves are located. Together with lakes and rivers they attract many endemic and migratory birds to the areas. It is home to colorful Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pittas. Other interesting species include Germain's Peacock-pheasant and partridges.

Da Lat

Da Lat is 340 km from Tan Phu which can be reached in approximately 4 hours drive. Alternatively, it can be reached by international flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Lien Khuong international airport. Domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are also available. Da Lat the capital of Lam Dong province and the largest city in the central highland region in Vietnam. It is home to the famous Lang Biang mountain, Bidoup Nui Ba National Park and Datania waterfall. Da Lat is known as paradise for bird lovers and home to colorful Blue and Rusty-naped Pittas, Collared Laughingthrush, Annam Sunbird, Vietnamese Cutia and Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler to name a few. 

Best time to visit Central Highland Region in Vietnam

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the region is during spring; from October to April. During this period, temperature is between 15 - 22 degree centigrade during day time and it goes down to between 5 - 10 degree centigrade during night time and early morning. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in Vietnam

Bird photography and bird watching in Vietnam have been getting very good attention and have captured overwhelming response from both the local and foreigners alike. This can be witnessed by number of professional, enthusiast, serious hobbyist and beginners, men and women bird photographers and bird watchers at any birding location in the country.

Bird photography and bird watching business ecosystem have been mushroomed throughout the country. That includes, small hotels built in the districts, hides, birding tours and bird guides. It has become one of the upcoming lucrative businesses in the country which attracts both local and foreign bird photographers and bird watchers.

 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to the central highland region and foreign bird photograpers and bird watchers, prior arrangement with local bird guide is highly recommended as transportation to go places and knowledge on locations of specific species of birds are needed to ensure satisfactory result.