Siberian Blue Robin [Male] @ Mount Trusmadi, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia

Siberian Blue Robin (Larvivora cyane) [Male] is a colorful, active and attractive bird can be found in Mount Trusmadi, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia.

Siberian Blue Robin is a winter migrant to mountain range of Borneo. The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 3200, 1/100, F 5.6, EV -0.7.  

Mount Trumadi is the second highest mountain in Malaysia after Mount Kinabalu. The place needs no introduction to the world, especially well-known to the nature lovers, hikers and jungle trekkers. It is "a less travelled place" as compared to Mount Kinabalu. Located in the district of Tambunan, South-east of Sabah, island of Borneo, East Malaysia, some 80 km from the capital city, Kota Kinabalu. It can be reached in approximately 2 hours by car from Kota Kinabalu International Airport through winding mountainous road. Due to it high elevation, weather in the area is very unpredictable. It can be very chilling and foggy hence, prepare for suitable clothing. 

At the time of this writing, the main access road to Mount Trusmadi main gate is under major improvement, which makes the access to the said place only possible by four-wheel drive. The major road improvement for a distance of approximately 8 km is expected to complete by middle of 2024. For those who are interested to explore Mount Trusmadi for any purposes, Tambunan is the nearest town which only takes half an hour to the main gate by car. Although Tambunan is a small town, to cater for both local and foreign tourists, there are some basic rest-house for rent and budget hotels. Some local restaurants, cafeterias and convenience shops are also available.

Mount Trusmadi has the most diversified and unique treasures, both flora and fauna, including more than 350 species of bird and 100 species of mammal. 

For bird lovers, Mount Trusmadi 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, Pittas, Trogons, Pheasants, Babblers, Warblers, Barbets, Flowerpeckers, Flycatchers, Drongos, Owls, Partridges, Whitehead's Broadbill, Bornean Treepie just to name a few.

Oriental Magpie-Robin [Male] @ Mount Trusmadi, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia

Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis) [Male] is a colorful, active and attractive bird can be found in Mount Trusmadi, Tambunan, Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia.

The photos were taken using Nikon D500 paired with Nikkor 500 PF lens, ISO 2500, 1/400, F 5.6, EV -0.7 

Mount Trusmadi is the second highest mountain in Malaysia after Mount Kinabalu. The place needs no introduction to the world, especially well-known to the nature lovers, hikers and jungle trekkers. It is "a less travelled place" as compared to Mount Kinabalu. Located in the district of Tambunan, South-east of Sabah, island of Borneo, East Malaysia, some 80 km from the capital city, Kota Kinabalu. It can be reached in approximately 2 hours by car from Kota Kinabalu International Airport through winding mountainous road. Due to it high elevation, weather in the area is very unpredictable. It can be very chilling and foggy hence, prepare for suitable clothing. 

For those who are interested to explore Mount Trusmadi for any purposes, Tambunan is the nearest town which only takes half an hour to the main gate by car. Although Tambunan is a small town, to cater for both local and foreign tourists, there are some basic rest-house for rent and budget hotels. Some local restaurants, cafeterias and convenience shops are also available.

Mount Trusmadi has the most diversified and unique treasures, both flora and fauna, including more than 350 species of bird and 100 species of mammal. 

For bird lovers, Mount Trusmadi 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, Pittas, Trogons, Pheasants, Babblers, Warblers, Barbets, Flowerpeckers, Flycatchers, Drongos, Owls, Partridges, Whitehead's Broadbill, Bornean Treepie just to name a few.

Siberian Blue Robin [Female] @ Da Lat, Southern Part of Central Highland, Vietnam

Siberian Blue Robin (Larvivora cyane) [Female] is a colorful, 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 1600, F 5.6, 1/320, 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.

While-tailed Blue Robin Juvenile [Male] @ Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia

White-tailed Blue Robin (Myiomela leucura) juvenile [Male] is yet 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 5.6, 1/640, EV -0.7.

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.