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

Little Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula westermanni) [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, F 6.3, EV -2.0. 

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.

Black-browed Barbet in Action @ Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia

Black-browed Barbet (Psilopogon oorti) is another colorful, attractive and very fast bird among few hundred species of birds can be found in Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia. The bird can be found on the tree branches along the roads at the Hill. 

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 2500, F 6.3, EV -1.3.

Fraser's Hill is definitely one of the best birding destinations in Malaysia and in Asia as it is a residence to many exotic birds. The hill covers a large area of tropical rain forest, waterfalls, trekking and streams. There are abundant accommodations, food and recreational activities provided at the Hill. It can be reached in approximately two hours from Kuala Lumpur by car.

Fraser's Hill has the largest bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders from all over the world to be there. The main target birds in Fraser's Hill include different types laughingthrush, broadbills, cuckoos, flycathers, woodpackers, barbets, babblers, Niltavas, Minivets and Trogons just to name a few. 

As part of it's promotion and global recognition, Fraser's Hill holds Fraser's Hill International Bird Race annually. The hill is truly a heaven for bird and nature lovers.

Chinese Blue Flycatcher [Female] @ Bukit Wang, Jitra, Kedah, Malaysia

Chinese Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis glaucicomans) [Female] is a very colorful, attractive and active bird among many hundreds of birds can be found at Bukit Wang recreational forest, Jitra, Kedah. It can be found along the road in the recreational forest. 

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 2500, F 6.3, EV -1.3.  

About Bukit Wang Recreational Forest and How to Get There

Bukit Wang recreational forest, Jitra is one of the most popular birding destination in the state of Kedah, Malaysia. Jitra is a small town located in Kubang Pasu district, some 450 km from the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. It can be reached in approximately five hours by car via North-South highway. It can also be reached from Penang International Airport in approximately 2 hours via the same highway for a distance of 140 km. Other mode of transportation include buses and trains from major cities. 

Although Jitra is a small town, to cater for both local and foreign tourists, there are some homestay for rent and budget hotels. Some local restaurants, medical clinics and convenience shops are also available. 

Important Notes

To enter Bukit Wang recreational forest, an entry permit is required to be obtained from local forestry department office located in Jitra town for a small fee. An application for the permit is required to be submitted to the office and the permit may be issued within seven working days. Kindly be reminded, DO NOT enter the forest for bird watching and bird photography without valid permit. 

What to Expect

 

Bukit Wang recreational forest certainly another wonderful bird watching and bird photography destinations in Malaysia as it is a residence to many exotic birds and migratory birds too.  The main target birds in Bukit Wang recreational forest include Malkoha, Malayan Banded Pitta, Hornbills, different types of Babblers, Kingfishers, Flycatchers and Trogons just to name a few.