Siberian Rubythroat @ Da Lat, Southen Part of Central Highland, Vietnam

Siberian Rubythroat (Calliope calliope) is a colorful, very fast and attractive migratory 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 5000, F 5.6, 1/100, EV -0,7.

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

It was the first bird photography trip to southern part of cental highland, Viertnam 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. It is the capital of Lam Dong province and the largest city in the cental highland region in Vietnam. Da Lat is home to the famous Lang Biang mountain and Datania waterfall. For bird lovers, it is home to colorful Blue Pitta and Rusty-naped Pittas, Collared Laughingthrush 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.

White-throated Kingfisher @ Chui Chak Langkap, Perak, Malaysia

White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is a colorful, attractive and fast action bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Chui Chak, Langkap, Perak, Malaysia. The bird is a resident to Chui Chak, Langkap. It can be found around the paddy field area and surrounding plantation.

Chui Chak is a small district just 5 kilometres from Langkap town. It is yet another wonderful birding destinations in Perak, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds, bird watching and has become migratory birds' destination too. The place has huge area of paddy field and oil palm plantation. The name Chui Chak means water gate in local Chinese language. The water gate which is used to control paddy field irrigation system for the area. Langkap is a popular weekend destination to the local for family get away. Adequate accommodations, restaurants and local food stalls are provided in the area.

Chui Chak can be reached in approximately one and half hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car via North South highway. The place has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Chui Chak includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds, ducks, rails, stilts, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets and herons just to name a few.

White-headed Munia @ Chui Chak Langkap, Perak, Malaysia

White-headed Munia (Lonchura maja) is a fast, active and attractive bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Chui Chak, Langkap, Perak, Malaysia. The bird is a resident to Chui Chak, Langkap. It can be found around the paddy field area and surrounding plantation.

Chui Chak is a small district just 5 kilometres from Langkap town. It is yet another wonderful birding destinations in Perak, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds, bird watching and has become migratory birds' destination too. The place has huge area of paddy field and oil palm plantation. The name Chui Chak means water gate in local Chinese language. The water gate which is used to control paddy field irrigation system for the area. Langkap is a popular weekend destination to the local for family get away. Adequate accommodations, restaurants and local food stalls are provided in the area.

Chui Chak can be reached in approximately one and half hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car via North South highway. The place has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Chui Chak includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds, ducks, rails, stilts, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets and herons just to name a few.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater @ Chui Chak Langkap, Perak, Malaysia

Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is a super fast, active and attractive bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Chui Chak, Langkap, Perak, Malaysia. The bird is a migrant to Chui Chak, Langkap. It can be found around the paddy field area and surrounding plantation.

Chui Chak is a small district just 5 kilometres from Langkap town. It is yet another wonderful birding destinations in Perak, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds, bird watching and has become migratory birds' destination too. The place has huge area of paddy field and oil palm plantation. The name Chui Chak means water gate in local Chinese language. The water gate which is used to control paddy field irrigation system for the area. Langkap is a popular weekend destination to the local for family get away. Adequate accommodations, restaurants and local food stalls are provided in the area.

Chui Chak can be reached in approximately one and half hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car via North South highway. The place has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Chui Chak includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds, ducks, rails, stilts, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets and herons just to name a few.

Mangrove Pitta @ Pulau Indah Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

Mangrove Pitta (Pitta megarhyncha)  is a colorful, attractive and very fast action bird among hundred species of birds can be found in Pulau Indah Klang, Selangor, Malaysia. Mangrove Pitta is a resident bird to Pulau Indah. The bird can be found at the forest edges a long the main roads in the island.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, F 5.6, 1/160, EV -0.7.

Pulau Indah Klang is yet another wonderful birding destinations in Selangor, Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds and has become migratory birds' destination too. The island has large area of mangrove forest, seashore, streams and lowland forest. Pulau Indah Klang is a popular weekend destination to the local for family get away, fishing, sailing, kite flying and even drone flying. Small number of accommodations, local food and recreational activities are provided along the seashore of the island.

Other nearby wonderful birding destinations to Pulau Indah are Mangrove Point, Kelanang, Morib, Carey Island and Jugra hill, which can be reached just half an hour from Pulau Indah.  

Pulau Indah Klang can be reached in approximately one hour from Kuala Lumpur city center by car, passing through the bridge connecting the mainland and the island. The island has a large bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds in Pulau Indah includes different types of kingfisher, woodpeckers, land birds, shrikes, kites, pigeons, egrets and herons just to name a few.