Greetings Peter & Aus-birders,
Day trips around Kuala Lumpur (KL) and vicinity.
1. Ulu Gombak near the University of Malaya Field Studies Centre. A quiet
stretch of road bordered with good secondary forest. Park on road side
anywhere suitable after the FSC and bird along the road. A visit of 5.5 hrs
in Jan 93 produced 20 species including Crested Serpent-Eagle, Scarlet
Minivets, 4 species of bulbuls, babblers, sunbirds, leafbirds, woodpeckers.
2. Old Genting Sempah road and the area below the Genting Highlands Casino
Resort for sub-montane birds. Species likely here are Tiger Shrikes
(tail-end of year sees migrant species coming to Malaysia), flycatchers,
bulbuls, flowerpeckers, barbets etc. Stay away from Gentings itself as it
is full of hordes of tourists!
3. Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (or FRIM ) grounds at Kepong.
Lowland forest species as well as open country birds. Just enjoying the
very well-kept and labelled arboretum and experiencing the canopy walk is
worth a visit. When I last visited, the grounds were open all day and there
was accomodation available but it is a good idea to check again.
4. The Lake Gardens, right in the city, might be worth a couple of hours
for common birds if you don't have your own transport.
Further Afield.
1. Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KSNP), a mangrove area with accommodation
and nearby food outlets. This park is managed by Malaysian Nature Society
(MNS) and is well known for good facilities including trails, bird-hides,
boardwalks. It is situated on the coast at Kuala Selangor, about 80 or so
km from KL. Last Dec I saw 32 species here including Common Redshank,
Chinese Pond-Heron, Grey Heron, Watercock, etc. A must at KSNP is to go on
the Fireflies boat trip in the evening - a truly memorable experience which
was featured in one of Attenborough's docos. Bookings for the fireflies
thru MNS is advisable
2. Fraser's Hill is one of the top birding destinations in Malaysia.
Sub-montane and montane birds. Accomodation available and advanced booking
essential as week-ends can be busy. The 8km road that winds up from the Gap
to Fraser's Hill is good for hornbills, barbets, bulbuls, babblers,
woodpeckers, trogons, doves and migrant thrushes, flycatchers and wagtails.
Spend at least 2 nights here and I recommend staying at the Gap Rest House
which is economical and has a charming, old world atmosphere. The food is
also fantastic! Booking is through the Kuala Kubu Bharu District Office
(tel. no. in phone book) or you can book into one of the more up-market
lodgings on Fraser's Hill itself. Try staying in one of the Government
bungalows as they have gardens which attract birds esp in the mornings. A
good plan is to walk up the Gap Road in the early morning as it can be too
misty for birding up at Fraser's hill. Good spots at the top are the Loop
route, Bishop's Trail and the rubbish tip (quite difficult to stomach for
some but fantastic birds have been seen here). Also check the 2 fig-trees
at the Gap to see if they're fruiting because if they are, you're in for a
birding orgy with barbets, fruit-doves, bulbuls, fairy bluebirds, hornbills
coming in to feed. One tree is across the road in front of the Gap Rest
House and the other about 100m past the "up gate" at the first bend in the
road.
For all the above areas, a good place for birding info is the MNS at:
Malaysian Nature Society
17 Jalan Tanjung SD 13/2
Sri Damansara
52200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6329422/6329325/6357917
If you're short on time and prefer a registered bird-guide a very
knowledgable one is:
Mike Chong
Meranti Nature Tours Sdn Bhd
233C Jalan Bandar 13
Taman Melawati Metro
53100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4056492
DISCLAIMER: I have no financial interest in any of the organisations or
businesses mentioned above.
Good birding,
Kim
--------------------------------------------------------------
Kim-Chye Lim (Mr)
1/117 Hubert Street
East Vic Park WA 6101
AUSTRALIA
Tel: (09) 472 3392 (H)
(09) 387 0745 (W)
Email:
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