Slaty-breasted Rail @ Pulau Indah Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

Slaty-breasted Rail (Lewinia striata)  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.

Slaty-breasted Rail @ Pulau Indah Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

Slaty-breasted Rail (Lewinia striata)  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.

Barred Rail @ Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Batu Putih, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Barred Rail (Hypotaenidia torquata) is a fast, attractive and active bird among many hundred of bird species can be found in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Batu Putih , North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Barred Rail is an endemic to the island of Sulawesi and the Philippines. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 1250, F 6.3, EV -0.3     

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.

Buff-banded Rail @ Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia

Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis) is a colorful, very active and attractive resident bird can be found in Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 640, F 6.3, EV -1.0. 

Penampang is a district located in the West Cost of Kota Kinabalu, just few km away from the capital city. Penampang has a large area of paddy field which attracts a lot of birds both residents and migratory birds.

Kota Kinabalu can be considered as a transit place for many bird watchers and birders to Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia as it is a gateway to other more exciting bird watching and bird photography destinations in the island, such as Mount Alab, Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC) and Mount Trusmadi. 

Due to its geography, Kota Kinabalu has a large bird population and varieties with a recorded more than 30 species of birds. It certainly entices many birders to be there. The main target birds include different types of kites, eagles, parrots, bee-eaters, swallows, kingfishers, shrikes, weavers, flycatchers, bulbuls, pigeons just to name a few. It has become a destination for migratory birds too. Other excellent nearby birding locations are Kampung Sembulan and Tanjung Aru.