web analytics

Bird Watching On The Hills of Genting Highlands

1. Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) President Henry Goh leads the way in search of birds
1. Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) President Henry Goh leads the way in search of birds

Although some people say that bird watching is a seasonal hobby and no doubt, watching migratory birds is a seasonal sport, bird watching is an all-year-round activity on the hills of Genting Highlands due to the area’s rich biodiversity.

2. an Important Bird Area (IBA) - one of the only 55 in Malaysia
2. an Important Bird Area (IBA) – one of the only 55 in Malaysia

From as early as 7am, particularly on Sundays, one could see many serious bird watching hobbyists set up their equipment after they have staked out a place. ‘Equipment’ here includes a powerful pair of binoculars and a long-lens DSLR camera as well as a comfortable chair and drinking water. Yes, they are ready for the unpredictable long wait if required. After all, this is the way the game is played.

3. birds are spotted, probably....
3. birds are spotted, probably….

I have been on numerous bird-watching trips before and while I had marvelled at the beauty of the larger birds as they take flight with open wings, I have never bothered to find out their species or remember their names after my trip was over.

4. there they are
4. there they are

Having no particular interest in bird-watching, it is not an activity that I would plan for my family should we take a vacation at Genting Highlands. But after my weekend nature exploration to the hills, I have changed my perception. This is exactly what every family should do when they are in Genting Highlands, or even elsewhere that is as rich as Genting in biodiversity.

5. Reiko gets a better look at the birds with a binoculars
5. Reiko gets a better look at the birds with a binoculars

Having the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) President, no less, lead our delegation was an eye-opening experience. I would have walked past birds calling and not realise it, thinking it is just part and parcel of the sounds of a forest, if not for Mr. Henry Goh.

6. a bird takes flight
6. a bird takes flight

But with the expertise of Henry, the birds were easily identified; first from their distinctive call, then the colours and features of their feathers. From just a short morning out, we managed to spot the Stripe-throated BulBul, Little Cuckoo Dove, Asian Glossy Starling, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Black-browed Barbet, Long-tailed Sibia, Bushy-crested Hornbill and Rhinoceros Hornbill. Besides these birds, we also found a Dusky Leaf monkey.

7. Singaporean Wilson Wong shoots the bird fast and furiously...with his camera
7. Singaporean Wilson Wong shoots the bird fast and furiously…with his camera

Birds, and in fact all animals, are very sensitive. Therefore, we have to keep our voices low and allow at least 30 metres of distance to view a bird. This is their comfort zone. Any closer than that and they would take flight.

8. Long-tailed Sibia
8. Long-tailed Sibia

There are many other bird species in this area. Previously spotted by other bird-watching enthusiasts were the Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Orange-breasted Trogon, Cutia, Snowy-browed Flycatcher and numerous others. If only we had more time to search.

9. close up shot of a Black-browed barbet
9. close up shot of a Black-browed barbet

When I think about it, I realise how important it is to conserve the area so that we can show the younger generations these very beautiful and colourful birds. I am just lost for words by the wonders of nature.

10. Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) President Henry Goh gives a recap of the birds that we spotted earlier in the morning
10. Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) President Henry Goh gives a recap of the birds that we spotted earlier in the morning

Bird watching is a special-interest eco-friendly family-oriented activity organised by Treks Nature Enterprise with Resorts World Genting. The price is RM250 per person.

For further information or to make a reservation, contact Treks Nature Enterprise at +6010-401 5262 (Eddie Chan or Pat Ang) during regular office hours. Or log on to treks.events. The company’s official Facebook is Treks.

Note: View larger images by clicking on an image once this page has completely loaded. Then navigate by clicking on the right or left side of image.
With love

7 thoughts on “Bird Watching On The Hills of Genting Highlands

  1. This is new to me! I didn’t know we can actually do bird watching in Genting Highlands! I can suggest this to my photography buddies now. Haha.

  2. Wow.. so wish to join you for bird watching.. I wanna learn on the photography skill^^

  3. What a great experience! I have seen people doing similar event near Fraser Hill too! :))

  4. That’s actually a nice outdoor activity (I am not an outdoor activity person, unless it’s the beach) I could even use my DSLR cam again…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *