Birding at Lata Bukit Hijau - Kedah

Birding at Lata Bukit Hijau – Kedah

Post category:Trip Report
Post author:sri sari
Post published:April 22, 2008

Trip Report: Irshad Mobarak
Location: Lata Bukit Hijau, Kedah, Malaysia.
Date: 20.4.08

The team left Langkawi on the first ferry at 7.45am and arrived at Kuala Kedah jetty at 9.15am. At the jetty we had a great view of the White–winged Tern in adult breeding color, and in the distance views of the Whiskered Terns.

After some breakfast we drove to our destination Lata Bukit Hijau (LBH). LBH is a recreational forest at the base of the Bintang Mountain Range. At over 1860 meters, Gunung Bintang is the highest peak within the range. It encompasses two states with the western part in Kedah and the eastern part in Perak. Together it covers an area of about 94,400 hectare of some magnificent rainforest.

When we arrived at LBH we were met by the General Manager Mr. Jordan, our gracious host was very helpful in directing us to the better birding areas within LBH and we were not at all disappointed. We spent the afternoon birding session within the resort grounds and the following morning at the nearby canopy walkway. The canopy walk way is a mere 25 minutes drive from the LBH and it is considered to be the longest canopy walkway in the world. It is an incredible 925 meters long and about 30 meters up in most areas.

During the short overnight stay at Lata Bukit Hijau and 2 sessions of birding, we manage to see over 45 species with some lifers for a few in the group. This place truly deserves a return trip, so that we can develop a good bird list plus the fact there are many things to do for the family like ‘Flying fox’ and ‘White-water Rafting’ for the adrenalin junkies, some cool waterfalls to refresh in and some serious and not so serious trekking. Other animals that we saw were the Pygmy Squirrels and Taiping Squirrels, lots of monkeys including the Dusky-leaf Langurs, Pig-tailed and Long-tailed Macaques and easy views of the White-handed Gibbons whose whooping calls will break the dawn and its agile gymnastic between the trees will enthrall you. They are reports of elephants and for those who have got the time village guides can be arraigned and permission must be obtained from the Forestry and Wildlife department to view them but alas! we had time only for the monkeys and gibbons this time trip.

The JungleWalla