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Cuisine in Melaka

RAPTOR WATCH 2012 (MARCH 10-11) IS BACK

23 February 2012 | last updated at 12:34am

Raptor Watch takes flight for 13th straight year

MALACCA: Raptor Watch, one of the region’s biggest bird-watching events, promises yet another exciting spectacle this year.
Organised by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) in partnership with the Malacca government, the event will take place for the 13th straight year at PNB Ilham Resort, near Tanjung Tuan, on March 10 and 11.

Every year, spectators get to see thousands of raptors, also known as birds of prey, migrate north to their breeding grounds in Siberia, China, the Korean peninsula and Japan from their winter refuge in the south.

Tanjung Tuan, which is gazetted as a forest reserve, is the nearest landfall across the Straits of Malacca from Indonesia and is an important site for the birds to rest or catch thermals before continuing on their journey.

Due to its importance to migratory birds, the 60ha site is designated as an important bird area by Birdlife International.

MNS conserves the forest reserve by promoting Raptor Watch, through which it raises awareness of raptors and the need to conserve their habitat.

Visitors come from Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines and Thailand. Last year, about 2,000 turned up.

This year, MNS hopes to get even more spectators to take part in activities, which include guided walks, eco-talks, games, arts and crafts, an obstacle course and a treasure hunt.

MNS head of communications Andrew Sebastian said last year’s raptor count went up to 57,000 birds over more than 40 days.

“This year, we have spotted 141 raptors, which may seem like a small number, but this is a good sign, as it means the birds will come in big numbers in March.”

For details, visit http://mnsrw2012.wordpress.com

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Tourism Malaysia

Festival of Wings 2011

October 15, 2011 at 2:00 pm

It is that time of the year again where our winged friends embark on their long journey from colder homes heading to warmer climates. This annual event is organised to promote the importance of the birds as a natural indicator of the planet Earth’s health. Bird lovers can expect to see dozens of species of our feathered friends stopping by en route to their destinations.

Festival of Wings 2011

The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KSNP) celebrates this yearly event by organising a two day Festival of Wings 2011 to be held at Kuala Selangor Nature Park from 22nd to 23rd October 2011. As a premier eco-tourism site in Selangor, the event also aims to create an awareness of the environment as this year is aptly declared as the International Year of Forests by the United Nations (UN). Lots of fun and exciting activities are in store for nature lovers and the public to participate and enjoy. There will be a FOW-BATA Run 2011 held on 22nd October at 7.00 am, bird watching sessions, mangrove river cruises and tours and a firefly tour. It is truly an exciting event not to be missed. For more information, please log on to MNS’ website here or call 03 3289 2294.

Photo (c) Malaysian Nature Society

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Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Nature Guide to Chenderoh Lake

September 22, 2011 at 2:00 pm

Some people may find that the best time to travel around Malaysia is during the off-peak season. There is certainly less people flocking to the tourist hot spots, hotel accommodations are way cheaper and the traffic jams are almost non-existent. Though these factors may be among the many that a person takes into consideration when planning a holiday, the one main factor that most people dread is the question of where to go for a holiday.

While many would opt for a quick getaway to places like Penang or Genting Highlands, others may want to enjoy some quiet time while connecting with Mother Nature. If idling on the beach is not your cup of tea, why not join the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) to Chenderoh Lake in Northern Perak? MNS is organising a 3D2N trip to Chenderoh Lake this coming 24th till 26th September 2011. The trip presents a good opportunity for many to explore the unique surroundings and ecosystem of Chenderoh Lake. There will be a local guide who will share his experiences and knowledge about the area with the group. Participants will also have the chance to learn about the variety of herbal and medicinal plants that are found in the area.

Chenderoh Lake

The serene and tranquil Chenderoh Lake makes it a good destination to head to for a relaxing holiday.

Some of the activities in the programme include a guided boat ride around the lake, a visit to the waterfall and a visit to the Lenggong Archaeological Museum. There is a charge of RM 290 for MNS adult members and RM 230 for children between the ages of 6-12 years old. An extra charge of RM 70 will be levied for non-members, which is the price for 1 year’s MNS membership. These charges covers accommodation in restored traditional Malay houses, boat rides, local guide fees and some meals. Transportation is by carpooling, with expenses to be borne by the passengers and payable directly to the drivers. As this trip is limited to only 16 persons, it is strongly advised to register and pay the fees early to avoid disappointment. Those who are interested in booking a place may contact Keong at 012 511 3690 or email contactkeong@gmail.com.

Photo (c) mohd fahmi

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Tourism Malaysia

MNS Visit to Berembun Forest Reserve

September 20, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Jungle trekking is not always about exploring the wild jungles like the Amazon. One does not need to go specifically go to a national park just to experience a connection with Mother Nature. There is another option that may be equally as challenging and exciting as the wild jungles, and that is the forest reserves located around Malaysia.

One such forest reserve that is worth exploring is the Berembun Forest Reserve which is located in Negeri Sembilan. Measuring about 4,000 acres in size, the Berembun Forest Reserve stretches from the outskirts of Seremban town right through Kuala Pilah. Although logging went on at the fringes of the reserve about four to six decades ago, regeneration measures has gone well throughout this area. The forest was gazetted as a protected area during the colonial times as it played an important role as a water catchment area that supplied half of Seremban’s water needs.

Berembun Forest Reserve

The Berembun Forest Reserve stretches from the outskirts of Seremban town right up to Kuala Pilah.

The Malaysian Nature Society will be organising a trip to Berembun Forest Reserve on 25th September 2011. They will start the trip with a visit to a show house that is constructed from interlocking bricks. This show house is located on the way to Pantai, near the Veterinary Department. The group will then proceed to the Berembun Forest Reserve. Participants can participate in some of the activities including bird watching/photography, walking through the forest reserve as well as a visit to the Orang Asli communities. Those who are interested in participating are required to bring packed lunch, insect repellent and leech socks. For more information, please contact Ms Yap Miow Yen at 016-2372887 or yen@gaia-oasis.com or Ms Lim Ming Hui at 012 276 0327 or limmel05@yahoo.com .

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Tourism Malaysia

Canoeing the Baram River

September 19, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Does the thought of canoeing down a mighty river ever catch your fancy? Ever wanted to try out a new type of outdoor activity, but never seem to be able to find the time for it? Well, if you are currently looking for something new to try or just a different way of spending your vacation, then do make a date with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) towards the end of September 2011. MNS will be organising a trip to the historic Baram Regatta and the Baram, which is Malaysia’s second longest river in Sarawak.

One of the activities that the participants will be doing is a visit to the Penan settlements and the Kenyah and Kayan longhouses. For those who have yet to experience staying in a longhouse, this is the perfect opportunity as members of this trip will be given a chance to do so now. The MNS Nature Guides will also be organising a visit to the native tribe’s animist longhouse and the spirit house before spending some quality time with their hosts through music, songs and dances.

Sunset by the Baram River

Sunset by the Baram River

This trip also presents the participants with an opportunity to familiarise themselves and discuss the impact of the proposed Baram Dam with the local communities. One result that is hopefully achieved is to give the locals a stronger voice that will be heard by more people. One of the threats that comes with the building of the dam is the destruction of the cultural sites and homes of these people, and in due time the disappearance of their culture as they migrate to towns and cities. It is feared that in a few years time, trips such as this will no longer be possible. So grab this chance and join the trip to the Baram regatta and the Baram river. The trip will cost RM 1,300 per person and it is recommended that one books early as arranging flights to the upper Baram requires advanced planning. The dates of the trip are scheduled on 24th – 25th and 27th September to 2nd October 2011. For more information, please drop an email to Ashleigh at a.kivilaakso@gmail.com or log on to Malaysian Nature Society’s website here.

Photo (c) Malaysian Nature Society

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