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Tourism Malaysia

UNIQUE BIRDS IN MALAYSIA

According to the Lonely Planet alone, there are over 750 bird species in Malaysia, and some of which are amongst the “coolest” of species.

If you love nature, and are fond of travelling to the many nature parks and reserves of Malaysia, chances are, you would have come across at least one of these precious feathered creatures.

The popular birding sites in Peninsula Malaysia such as Taman Negara Pahang, Fraser’s Hill, Royal Belum Forest in Perak, Kinabatangan River and Kinabatangan Park, both located in Sabah, and Bako National Park in Sarawak are also home to some unique and endemic birds, specific to Malaysia.

Read on, and perhaps on your next trip, you can keep your eyes peeled for any one of the species listed here.

The Rhinocerous Hornbill

 

While any hornbill is worth watching out for, the rhinoceros hornbill is probably the most majestic-looking of them all, with its horn-like crown and mighty stature. Because hornbills generally require larger trees for building nests in, they are most commonly found in the forests of Temenggor Lake, Perak and Kenyir Lake, Terengganu.

Mountain Peacock Pheasant

This medium-sized, elusive, endemic bird to the Peninsula Malaysia can be found in the mountainous region of Pahang namely Fraser’s Hill and Cameron Highlands. The male and female have the same colour, and as the name would suggest, they do have a rather impressive tail plumage as well!

Malaysian Hill Partridge

Another bird endemic to Malaysia is the ground-dwelling Malaysian Hill Partridge, which can be spotted in the rain forest of Fraser’s Hill, Pahang as well as other highlands forests in Peninsula Malaysia.

Black Crimson Pitta

This brightly-coloured, ground-dweller is endemic to Borneo, and can be found in the Danum Valley in Sabah. The black crimson pitta prefers dark and damp places, which is prime condition to feast on its diet which includes spiders, ants, cockroaches, beetles and snails.

Malayan Laughingthrush

 

 And finally, the Malayan Laughingthrush which can be sighted in Taman Negara National Park and the forest of Fraser’s Hill, and is recognisable from its maroon-chestnut head. It prefers shrubs, and its diet of choice is mainly insectivorous.

 

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Tourism Malaysia

Exploring Taman Negara

Taman Negara is the crown jewel of tropical rainforests in Asia. Reputed as the oldest of its kind in the world (130 million years old), it has evolved amid natural disasters and been generally unmolested by human civilisation — creating an epicentre for the most diverse distribution of flora and fauna on the planet. There’s 150 mammal species ranging from tiny rodents to magnificent Indian elephants, 479 species of birds and a host of native animals unique to Malaysia.

 

Established in 1939 under British rule, Taman Negara is a whopping 4343 square kilometres spanning three states. The expanse is covered in a criss-cross of meandering rivers, rapids and waterfalls; a mountain range and lush valleys with 30 to 40 metre canopies that obscure the sunlight.

Banyan buttressed roots in Taman Negara

Banyan buttressed roots in Taman Negara

 

As the forest reserve is so big — it would literally take years or even decades to fully explore with scientists discovering new species all the time — we have condensed the itinerary to focus on the

must-see sights and must-do activities for first time visitors.

 Jungle Trekking

You can’t go to Taman Negara and not trek into the depths of the jungle. During the day you can see rare jungle flowers and take amazing photos at the base of 40m tall trees with gargantuan banyan buttressed roots. Also keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the gorgeous pitcher plant species. There are various trails to choose from, all for different levels of ability. For the more adventurous, check out the 53km long distance trail from Kuala Tahan to Gunung Tahan. It takes seven days and six nights and is one of the most challenging trails and seldom explored in the park.

Night Jungle Walk

The fun begins when the sun sets. Most fauna here are generally crepuscular (active between dusk and dawn) or nocturnal so the best time to catch a glimpse of native wild animals is after dark. Some trails run along rivers that are known to be feeding grounds for seladang (Malaysian gaurs), deers, monkeys and wild boars. If you are really lucky, you may spot a well-camouflaged black panther stalking in the trees or a herd of elephants dipping their trunks into the stream. If you fail to spot any wildlife, head to the salt licks and the animal observatories at Tahan Hide or Kumbang Hide, where there is ample deers, wild boars and Malayan tapir to see.

The Canopy Walkway at Taman Negara is a must!

The Canopy Walkway at Taman Negara is a must!

Canopy Walkway

Taman Negara’s canopy walkway is arguably one of the longest in the world at 530m and is 40m above the ground. The dense canopy is home to a myriad of bird species and arboreal animals that have formed complex ecosystems at such altitude. It is also common to see certain trees towering above the walkway and these giants are estimated to by thousands of years old. Interestingly, the walkway was initially built for research purposes, but is now the most common attraction at the park and can be reached by boat or trekking, just 1.2km from Park HQ.

 

Orang Asli Villages

Although Taman Negara is relatively pristine and untouched, the tribal people have coexisted here for thousands of years. The Batek and Semokberi aborigines have beautiful rustic settlements where they use blowpipes and spears to hunt game. They are very approachable and friendly people but are extremely superstitious as well so visitors are advised to respect their traditions and cultures. If you want to take a photo of them, make sure you ask for permission first.

Batek people have been living in Taman Negara for centuries — nationalgeographic.com

Batek people have been living in Taman Negara for centuries — nationalgeographic.com

Adventure Exploration

If you are an adrenaline junkie, jump on a wooden boat that will rip through the seven river rapids of Sungai Tembeling. The rapids are highly rated and you will definitely be drenched by the end of the journey. Alternatively, you can cruise upstream to Late Berkoh, one of the most photographed areas of Taman Negara. There’s also finishing adventures for the serious angler, with popular spots including Kuala Perkai, Rincing, Rawa and Lata Said. The best fishing months are during drier months in February to September of the year.

A journey to Late Berkoh will be one to remember — www.tamannegara.asia

A journey to Late Berkoh will be one to remember — www.tamannegara.asia

Gunung Tahan

Gunung Tahan is the tallest peak in Peninsula Malaysia at 2,187m and takes four days to reach the top with camping needed each night. Depending on your fitness levels, you can traverse the old trail which usually take six to seven days of trekking through valleys.hilly areas and rivers and is 32km longer. You will need to register and pay a small fee for access and be sure to have water proof flash lights with back up batteries as well as a custom built first aid kit. To learn more about Gunung Tahan hiking, click here: http://www.tamannegara.asia/packages/other-packages/gunung-tahan-expedition/

For more information about your ultimate Taman Negara experience go to: http://www.tamannegara.asia/

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Tourism Malaysia

Travel To Malaysia

Travel To Malaysia – Truly Asia

If you are planning to take a trip to the Asian region then make sure that you include Malaysia in your travel plans. In fact the country is one of the most pleasant and hassle-free countries compared to the other nations in this region. The centuries of vibrant mix between the Malays, Chinese, and Indians well as the indigenous cultures have created a truly unique and exciting experience not to be missed.

The country is divided into two distinct parts, namely Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia. Peninsula Malaysia is basically the long fringe of land that extends down from Asia and is located between the neighbouring countries of Singapore and Thailand. East Malaysia on the other hand is separated from Peninsula Malaysia by the South China Sea and is less populated. However the dense jungle of Sabah and Sarawak supports a variety of flora and fauna. Here you will be able to find the world’s largest flower as well as Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah which is the highest peak in the South East Asian region.

This interesting mix of cultures have also turned Malaysia into a paradise for food lovers as you will be able to try dishes not just from the respective races but also a fusion of flavours, truly a gastronomically experience for all to enjoy. From fine dining at world class restaurants to the local mamak stalls there is definitely something for everybody.

The nation without a doubt is moving towards the future but at the same time Malaysia still embraces its past. Throughout the year, the calendar is marked by various festivals and celebrations from the vast culture that make up this beautiful country. So make sure that you plan your visit well if you want to witness first hand some of the most festive and colourful celebrations ever.

While most of the visitors tend to visit the peninsular, east Malaysia is no slouch when it comes to the travel industry. There are variety of activities each unique to that particular destination, so if you want to truly experience Malaysia as it is then make it a point to visit the whole nation. For example if you want to escape the humidity of the mainland then you can visit the highlands, two of the most popular ones are Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands. Genting Highlands is not only where you can get fresh and cool air but it is also the only legal casino in Malaysia, while in Cameron Highlands you can see how farming is done on the highlands.

If you are here for the sun and beach then do not worry as Malaysia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, in fact some of them are located on islands such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Pangkor and many more. For those that want to experience the lifestyles of the traditional Malays then make a stop at the northern Kelantan province where you can witness the culture and enjoy the dishes unique to that area. The point is you will not get bored no matter where you visit in Malaysia.

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