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Malaysia & Borneo - Tour Destination
Click here for Trip Reports of previous tours
Malaysia is a very modern and efficient Asian country that makes a perfect birding destination. First class facilities exist within the extensive network of national parks and nature reserves, throughout the Malaysian Peninsula and the two Malaysian provinces of Borneo. Habitats range from vast lowland and montane rainforests to rich mangrove swamps and extensive coastal mudflats.
We will visit some of the world’s most famous birding sites including Fraser’s Hill, venue of the legendary annual Bird Race, the grand Taman Negara National Park, Danum Valley, which protects the largest pristine lowland rainforests in South East Asia and fabled Mt Kinabalu. A rich mix of typical South East Asian birds, peninsular Malaysian specialties and Bornean endemics combine to create superb birding. We expect to see several species of fabulous pittas, trogons, kingfishers, woodpeckers and broadbills, as well as leafbirds, ioras, pheasants and a plethora of babblers and bulbuls among many others.
The mammal-watching opportunities are surprisingly good and we have never failed to find the old man of the forest, the Orangutan, as well as the anomalous Proboscis Monkey and several species of Gibbons and Leaf-Monkeys. Other animals we are likely to encounter include several species of civets, Leopard Cat, the bizarre Colugo and some very impressive squirrels, including the nocturnal Giant Flying Squirrels. Chances exist for Asian Elephant and Clouded Leopard. Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Sun Bear and Malaysian Tapir also occur but are seldom observed.
Some of the star birds of this tour include the impressive Great Argus, huge Helmeted and Rhinoceros Hornbills, Masked Finfoot, Long-tailed Broadbill, Sultan Tit, Garnet, Banded, Blue-headed and seven other species of pitta, the Whitehead’s trio consisting of a Bornean endemic broadbill, trogon and spiderhunter, Crested Fireback, Black Baza, Great Slaty Woodpecker, and the highly sought-after Bornean Bristlehead (the latter is usually placed in its own monotypic family). Our 2007 tour even scored the mythical Bornean Ground Cuckoo!
We will bird along forest trails, from rainforest canopy walkways, boardwalks through mangrove forests and from boats as we cruise along jungle rivers. Join us for this memorable experience as we explore the fantastic riches of tropical Southeast Asia.
Please contact us for the detailed itinerary for this tour
| tour name & dates 2011 |
Malaysia & Borneo I: Rainforest Birds & Mammals: 18 Feb - 8 Mar (19 days)
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| tour cost for 2011 | TBA |
| max group size | 12 & 2 Rockjumper leaders |
| tour leaders | Frank Lambert & Dennis Yong |
| habitats covered | lowland and montane rainforests, mangroves, rivers, wetlands, coastal mudflats |
| climate | generally hot and humid, cooler in highlands, some rain expected |
| tour pace & walking | moderate pace, walking on forest trails mostly undemanding but some longer hikes |
| accommodation | comfortable to luxurious hotels and resorts |
| ease of birding | moderate with some challenging species |
| no. of species expected | 380 - 420 |
| top mammals | Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, Malaysian Colugo, Bornean Gibbon, Giant Flying Squirrels, chance of Clouded Leopard |
| other attractions | Giant Rafflesia (world’s largest flower), canopy walkways, river boat cruises, Mt. Kinabalu, pristine lowland forest |
| photographic opportunities | excellent |
