birds malaysia

Perlis State Park is also known as the “Pearl of Perlis”. It is located on the western border of Perlis, along the Thai border. It is sitting on the longest continuous limestone hills in Malaysia. The limestone range is 36 km long and is called the Nakawan Range. The park consists of two forest reserve area, Mata Ayer Forest Reserve and Wang Mu Forest Reserve. The whole area spans 5,075 ha. This northernmost birdwatching location in Peninsular Malaysia is surrounded by beautiful, thick lush forest, sheer cliff faces and an extensive cave system. This beautiful park harbours one of the few deciduous forests in this country. It is believed to house more than 600 species of flora, 70 species of mammals, 200 species of birds and 35 species of reptile. Some of the birds seen here are unique to north Peninsular Malaysia.

Streak-breasted Woodpecker, Puff-throated Babbler, Great Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Banded Pitta, Blue-winged Pitta, Hooded Pitta, Peregrine Falcon.

Just a few minutes’ drive or 15km from the town of Kangar, you will find Bukit Kubu Recreation Forest. It is also known as “Hutan Lipur Bukit Kubu”. This is a recreational park consisting of a limestone cave within the hill and surrounded by the Wang Pinang Wildlife Reserve. Set up in 1992, this recreation forest covers an area of around 12 ha and part of its uniqueness is its limestone hill that reaches a height of between 150 and 200 meters above sea level, Bukit Kubu Recreational Park has several natural caves such as Gua Ikan and Gua Harimau. The entrance to the cave is surrounded by a natural lake known as Tasik Puteri Kayangan (Puteri Kayangan Lake) which encompasses two hectares. An interesting point is the lookout tower. One can have a nice view of Kuala Perlis from here while trying to catch glimpses of perched birds.

Pale-legged Warbler, Blue Whistling-thrush, Red-rumped Swallow, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Blue-eared Barbet, Sultan Tit, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher.

Located about halfway between the Perlis State Park and Kangar, Lake Timah Tasoh is a 1,300ha man-made and state-owned reservoir. It got its name from two rivers, Sungai Timah and Sungai Tasoh, which feed water into the lake. Lake Timah Tasoh supplies water to the population of Perlis. It also acts as a flood prevention mechanism in the state. It holds 35.3 million liters of water. It was created when a dam was built on Sungai Korok, about 2.5km below the confluence of Sungai Timah and Sungai Tasoh. The lake is also a sanctuary for migratory birds especially from the cold countries as this freshwater lake, with its natural surroundings provides much needed food and shelter for these birds. The lake area also provides wetlands habitats for birds and is home to more than 140 species of resident and migrant birds. The bird migration season (between October and March) is one of the best times for birdwatching, when many migratory birds make stopovers at this area. Apart from the usual waterbirds, forest birds can also be spotted in patches of lowland forest and around the lake area. Bird watchers can opt for the short trail near the main visitor area along Federal Route 7. Access to the lake shoreline is possible is possible via several roads branching from the main road. Lake Timah Tasoh also draws locals who come to enjoy the spectacular views of sunrise and sunset.

Eurasian Coot, Grey-headed Lapwing, Cotton Pygmy Goose.