Crocker Range National Park is one of the must-visit birding locations in the Sabah region. Beyond the park itself, Mount Trusmadi is also a very interesting place to observe many iconic species such as the Bulwer’s Pheasant (Lophura bulweri) and the Bornean Banded Pitta (Hydrornis schwaneri). Two paid bird hides are located along the road leading up to the summit.
Read More
Located southwest of Melbourne, this wetland covering more than 10,000 hectares is a true treasure for birdwatching. During my trip around Melbourne, I met several Australian birders who told me that the Western Treatment Plant is one of the best places (if not the best) for birdwatching in Victoria, and even in Australia. Also known locally as “Werribee”, it is in fact a wastewater treatment facility managed by Victoria’s water authority. The ponds are environmentally friendly lagoons, and this biological treatment method is internationally recognized.
Read More
Fraser’s Hill is simply the best place for birding in Peninsular Malaysia. If you are doing a tour of the country specifically focused on ornithology, this is a must-visit stop. It’s no coincidence that many birdwatching events are organized here every year.
Read More
Morakot Resort is a lodge located one kilometer from the Khao Nor Chu Chi Wildlife Sanctuary in Krabi Province, southern Thailand. It is the only lodge in the area, making it the go-to accommodation for birders visiting the sanctuary. The large restaurant on-site is a natural gathering spot where visitors exchange information about the species they have seen.
Read More
Lung Cha Homestay is the only lodge located inside Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, in Kiri Chan Province, Thailand. The homestay sits on the edge of the Thung Sam Roi Yot marsh, giving direct access to the many bird species that frequent the area. It is not strictly a birding lodge, since it was not specifically designed for birders. However, it fully deserves a place on our list of Thailand’s birding lodges, as birdwatching is a key activity here.
Read More
If you are passing through the Malaysian capital, the small coastal town of Kuala Selangor is well worth a detour. Most tourists come here for a nocturnal boat trip to see the hundreds of fireflies that light up the mangroves. But this town has other attractions, and it would be a shame to focus only on the fireflies—especially if you are passionate about birdwatching. The avifauna in Kuala Selangor’s reserve is very rich, as is the coastline of the neighboring villages, which host thousands of waders.
Read More
Taman Negara is the most famous national park in Malaysia. It attracts thousands of tourists every year. Most visitors do not come here specifically for birds but for multi-day explorations in the jungle. Despite its high visitor numbers, the park remains an excellent place for birdwatching. I recommend spending at least two or three days here to make the most of the different trails.
Read More
On the way between Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Taiping is an interesting stop for birdwtaching. The town itself is not the most remarkable, but the mountain that borders it is truly fascinating. Bukit Larut (also known as Maxwell Hill) is a very popular hike among Malaysians. It takes almost 8 hours to reach the summit. But no worries, it is not necessary to climb all the way to the top to observe birds.
Read More
Sri Phang Nga National Park (sometimes written Si Phang Nga) is located in Phang Nga Province. Only a very small part of the park is accessible to the public, with the majority dedicated to the protection and conservation of local species. The accessible area is nevertheless extremely interesting in terms of birdlife.
Read More
Krabi is a very popular tourist destination in southern Thailand. It is an almost unavoidable stop for any traveller exploring the south of the country. But if you are passionate about birds, this city is also an excellent stopover. With its extensive mangrove areas and coastal habitats, Krabi offers a nice diversity of birdlife. In addition, Krabi is only one hour away from another outstanding birdwatching location: Khao Pra Bang Khram.
Read More
