Orange-bellied Leafbird [Female] @ Da Lat, Southern Part of Central Highland, Vietnam

Orange-bellied Leafbird (Chloropsis hardwickii) [Female] 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, 1/500, 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.

Greater Green Leafbird [Female] @ National Botanical Garden Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Greater Green Leafbird (Chloropsis sonnerati) [Female] is a colorful, attractive and very cute resident bird can be found in National Botanical Garden Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. It can be found in the vegetation along small paths around the park.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 2000, F 5.6, 1/500, EV -0.3.

National Botanical Garden Shah Alam or Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam in Malay is one a few parks located in the center of Shah Alam city. It is a public park that serves as green lung for city folks. It is located at Taman Pertanian Malaysia, just less than an hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur City Center. 

Covering an area of 817 hectares, the park is an important place for family get way, children activities, gathering, jogging and even wedding. At the same time, it attracts wildlife and it has become a bird sanctuary. A small entrance fee of RM3 per person is collected at the entrance to the park. The Park opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 7.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. It closes on Monday. 

National Botanical Garden Shah Alam has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 60 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of pittas, 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.

Other neighboring areas to National Botanical Garden Shah Alam for birding destinations include Shah Alam Lake Garden and Bukit Jelutong Eco Community Park.

Greater Green Leafbird [Male] @ National Botanical Garden Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Greater Green Leafbird (Chloropsis sonnerati) [Male] is a colorful, attractive and very cute resident bird can be found in National Botanical Garden Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. It can be found in the vegetation along small paths around the park.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 2000, F 5.6, 1/500, EV -0.3.

National Botanical Garden Shah Alam or Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam in Malay is one a few parks located in the center of Shah Alam city. It is a public park that serves as green lung for city folks. It is located at Taman Pertanian Malaysia, just less than an hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur City Center. 

Covering an area of 817 hectares, the park is an important place for family get way, children activities, gathering, jogging and even wedding. At the same time, it attracts wildlife and it has become a bird sanctuary. A small entrance fee of RM3 per person is collected at the entrance to the park. The Park opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 7.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. It closes on Monday. 

National Botanical Garden Shah Alam has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 60 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of pittas, 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.

Other neighboring areas to National Botanical Garden Shah Alam for birding destinations include Shah Alam Lake Garden and Bukit Jelutong Eco Community Park.

Lesser Green Leafbird [Male] @ Rainforest Discovery Center, Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, East Malaysia

Lesser Green Leafbird (Chloropsis cyanopogon) [Male] 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 2500, F 6.3, EV -0.7. 

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.