Migratory Birds @ Jeram Beach Selangor, Malaysia

Jeram beach located along Kuala Selangor coastal road is one of destinations of million migratory shorebirds to Peninsular Malaysia every year. The number of migratory shorebirds increases to reach the peak between March to April. 

There are few different types of stints come to Jeram beach, including red-necked stints and little stints. The birds are active in the morning, from 8.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. during low tide. 

Jeram beach aka. pantai Jeram is a popular beach destination for Malaysian for weekend family get-away. There are abundant seafood restaurants along the beach which operates from afternoon to evening especially during weekend. It can be reached in approximately one hour from Kuala Lumpur by car. The main target birds include different types of stints, sandpipers, eagles, doves, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, herons, egrets, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few.

Olive-backed Sunbird [Male] @ Tomohon Hill Station, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) [Male] is a colorful, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Tomohon Hill Station, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1000, F 6.3, EV -0.7.     

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in Indonesia

Bird photography and bird watching in Indonesia has been getting very good attention and has captured overwhelming response from the local and foreigners alike. It has been long well known to the birding community worldwide, primarily due to its uniqueness of endemic species. 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, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, 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. 

Why North Sulawesi

Sulawesi formally known as Celebes is an island located on the eastern part of Indonesia archipelago. Well known for one of the best diving destination in the world. It is the eleventh largest island in the world. Geographically, the island is surrounded by Borneo island to the west, Maluku to the east, the Philippine to the north and Flores and Timor to the south. Due to its location, climate and geography the island is home for many unique and exotic birds, both endemic and migratory species. 

Best time to visit North Sulawesi

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the island is during dry season; from June to September. During this period, temperature is between 20 - 32 degree centigrade with tropical humid climate on the lowland and 16 - 24 degree centigrade with subtropical rainforest climate on the highland. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

During the dry season, it is a peak season for tourists arrival, both local and foreign tourists. Expect more expensive accommodation and transporation during this period. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Tomohon Hill Station which can be reached in approximately two hours and one hour drive from Sam Ratulangi international airport respectively. The two locations are having different altitute and weather. Tangkoko Nature Reserve is located next to the beach whilst Tomohon is a highland.

How to go to North Sulawesi

Manado is the capital city of North Sulawesi. It is also the biggest city, can be reached in approximately four hours by plane from Singapore. It can also be reached from Bali in approximately three and half hours and four hours from the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta respectively.  

At the point of this writing, there is no direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Manado. 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Sulawesi 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.

Sulawesi Myna @ Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Batu Putih, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Sulawesi Myna (Basilornis celebensis) is a colorful, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Batu Putih, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Sulawesi Myna is an endemic to the island of Sulawesi. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 800, F 6.3, EV -0.7.     

Bird Photography and Bird Watching in Indonesia

Bird photography and bird watching in Indonesia has been getting very good attention and has captured overwhelming response from the local and foreigners alike. It has been long well known to the birding community worldwide, primarily due to its uniqueness of endemic species. 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, lodges built in the middle of the jungle, 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. 

Why North Sulawesi

Sulawesi formally known as Celebes is an island located on the eastern part of Indonesia archipelago. Well known for one of the best diving destination in the world. It is the eleventh largest island in the world. Geographically, the island is surrounded by Borneo island to the west, Maluku to the east, the Philippine to the north and Flores and Timor to the south. Due to its location, climate and geography the island is home for many unique and exotic birds, both endemic and migratory species. 

Best time to visit North Sulawesi

For purpose of bird photography and bird watching, the best time to visit the island is during dry season; from June to September. During this period, temperature is between 20 - 32 degree centigrade with tropical humid climate on the lowland and 16 - 24 degree centigrade with subtropical rainforest climate on the highland. Hence, prepare for suitable clothing. No rain is expected during this period hence, outdoor activities can be carried out whole day long.

During the dry season, it is a peak season for tourists arrival, both local and foreign tourists. Expect more expensive accommodation and transporation during this period. 

Exciting Bird Photography and Bird Watching Locations

Exciting bird photography and bird watching locations include Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Tomohon Hill Station which can be reached in approximately two hours and one hour drive from Sam Ratulangi international airport respectively. The two locations are having different altitute and weather. Tangkoko Nature Reserve is located next to the beach whilst Tomohon is a highland.

How to go to North Sulawesi

Manado is the capital city of North Sulawesi. It is also the biggest city, can be reached in approximately four hours by plane from Singapore. It can also be reached from Bali in approximately three and half hours and four hours from the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta respectively.  

At the point of this writing, there is no direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Manado. 

Best Way to Go

Both local but non-native to Sulawesi 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.

Eurasian Curlew @ Jeram Beach Selangor, Malaysia

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) is one of the active, attractive and fast action migratory birds can be found in Jeram Beach Selangor. It can be found along the beach.

Jeram beach located along Kuala Selangor coastal road is one of destinations of million migratory shorebirds to Peninsular Malaysia every year. The number of migratory shorebirds increases to reach the peak between March to April. 

There are few different types of stints come to Jeram beach, including red-necked stints and little stints. The birds are active in the morning, from 8.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. during low tide. 

Jeram beach aka. pantai Jeram is a popular beach destination for Malaysian for weekend family get-away. There are abundant seafood restaurants along the beach which operates from afternoon to evening especially during weekend. It can be reached in approximately one hour from Kuala Lumpur by car. The main target birds include different types of stints, sandpipers, eagles, doves, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, herons, egrets, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few.

Oriental Darter @ Rainforest Discovery Center, Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, East Malaysia

Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) is colorful, attractive and very active resident bird can be found in Rainforest Discovery Center, Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, East Malaysia. They can be found on the mature tree along the road around the center.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1600, F 5.6, EV -1.0. 

Rainforest Discovery Center or in short RDC is the most famous and accessible natural rainforest in Sabah. It overs a total area of 4,300 hectar of Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve. The center is located just 23 km from Sandakan town, Sabah, Malaysia. It can be reached in approximately just half hour drive from Sandakan town. The center offers many attractions to visitors, including jungle trekking, night walk, canopy walk, plants discovery garden and exhibition hall. Rainforest Discovery Center opens from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily. The entrance fee is RM7.00 for Malaysian and RM15.00 for foreigner respectively. For night walk with guide will be charged seperately. Detail information can be obtained at the ticketing counter located at the entance of the center. Other nearby attractions to Rainforest Discovery Center include Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.

Although Sepilok and Sandakan are relatively small towns, to cater for both local and foreign tourists visiting those attractions, there are abundant hotels, resorts, villas and guesthouses of different standards and prices. Not forgetting restaurants, cafe, convenience shops of all kinds and standards.  

Rainforest Discovery Center has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 300 species of birds. It certainly entices birders around the world to be there. The main target birds include different types of pittas, Bornean Bristlehead, eagles, doves, hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers, shrikes, weavers, flycatchers, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too.