Join us for a chance to record all 10 species of Malaysian hornbills on this Exciting tour. Covering 3 fantastic birding sites to maximize our target to complete the Hornbill list with our expert guides, this expedition will also see us venture into some of Malaysia’s lush tropical rainforests and see the other 200 or more birds.
Pick up point: Penang International Airport
Target Birds 10 Hornbills + 200 Species
Destinations: Penang – Sedim – Ulu Muda – Merapoh (Taman Negara) – Kenyir Lake
Best Months: July to November (Plain-pouch Hornbill, migration season)
Duration : 8 days and 7 nights
Minimum 2 persons on twin sharing room
Accommodation: Sedim: Sedim Rainforest Resort ** , Ulu Muda: Earth Lodge**, Merapoh Home Stay, Kuala Terengganu: Sutera Beach Resort**
Package Inclusive of : Accommodation in twin sharing room, breakfast, bird guide, all land transportation.
Not Included in Price: Domestic airfare, Lunch, Dinner, Beverages, Camera fees where applicable, Tips and porter
Target Hornbills:
Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros)
Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil)
Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)
Bushy-Crested Hornbill (Anorrhinus galeritus)
Plain-Pouched Hornbill (Aceros subruficollis)
Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus)
White-Crowned Hornbill (Aceros comatus)
Black Hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus)
Buffed-Crested Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)
**Sedim Canopy Walkway**
The initial destination is the Sedim Nature Reserve, which boasts Malaysia’s longest canopy walkway. Nestled within primary and secondary lowland rainforest, as well as waterfalls, this site offers a rare opportunity to observe Hornbills, including the Rhinoceros and Great Hornbill. An extensive variety of species may also be encountered, such as the White-crowned Forktail, Blue Whistling Thrush, and Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, alongside various Broadbills. Additional noteworthy sightings include Greater and Bluewinged Leafbirds, Sunbirds, Spiderhunters, and Bulbuls.
**Ulu Muda**
A highlight of this tour is Ulu Muda, celebrated as the world’s oldest rainforest, with origins dating back 130 million years. From July to October, this remarkable forest complex witnesses the migration of globally threatened Plain-pouched Hornbills, with flocks that can exceed 2,000 individuals—an unparalleled phenomenon. The diverse wildlife, including Asian Elephants and unique indigenous communities, enhances the site’s significance for bird enthusiasts. Frequent observations of Ospreys, Lesser Fish Eagles, and Crested Serpent Eagles occur, alongside encounters with otters and monitor lizards. Exploration of forest edges reveals species such as the White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Grey-headed Fish-Eagle, Whiskered Treeswift, and various kingfishers and bee-eaters. A visit to an island allows for birding along forest trails in search of Woodpeckers, Leaf Birds, Forest Babblers, and Malkohas.
**Merapoh Taman Negara**
Taman Negara is Peninsular Malaysia’s oldest and largest protected area is one of the country’s Important Bird Areas. Gazetted as a national park in 1938, it is also an ASEAN Heritage Site. Its 4,343 square kilometres of primary lowland and montane forest lie mostly below 305 metres altitude.
The large swathe of primary forest is shared by three states: Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. The southernmost of its four entrances, used by trekkers heading to Gunung Tahan, is via Merapoh town. The best time to visit is in the dry season from February to September (March is the driest month) – the breeding season for resident species, so a good time for birdwatchers. Forest birds make frequent calls that make them easy to locate, and when chicks fledge, parents are busy foraging for food. Avoid the rainy season from October/November to January, when flooding is common.
Anticipated sightings include: Bushy-crested Hornbills, Black Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Wrinkled Horbill, Rhinoceros Horbill, White-crowned Horbill, Crested Fireback, Bathawk, Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, White-brested Waterhen, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Blue-rumped Parrot, Indian Cuckoo, Hogdson’s Cuckoo, Plantive Cuckoo, Drongo Cuckoo, Raffles Malkoha, Chestnut-rested Malkoha, Black-bellied Malkoha, Large Frogmouth, Malaysia Eared Nightjar, Silver-backed Needletail Swift, Brown-backed Needletail Swift, Grey-rumped Treeswift, Wisked Treeswift, Scaly-rumped Trogon, Red-bearded Bee-eater, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Blue-throated Bee-eater, Yellow-crowned Barbet, yellow-bellied Woodpecker, Banded Woodpecker, Orange-winged Woodpecker, Crimson-winged Woodpecker, Green Broadbill, Black and Red Broadbill, Black and Black and Yellow Broadbill, Green Iora, Dark-throated Oriole, Black-naped Oriole, Bronze Drongo, Racket-tailed Drongo, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Jay and many species of Bulbul and Babblers.
**Kenyir Lake**
The concluding segment of the tour leads to the tranquil Kenyir Lake, an ideal gateway to Peninsular Malaysia’s National Park. Guides have recorded nine hornbill species in this area. The birding prospects at Kenyir Lake are exceptional, featuring species such as the Wreathed Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Black Hornbill, and Helmeted Hornbill.
This tour guarantees an unforgettable experience for avid birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Day 1: Pick up from Penang International Airport or hotel in Penang to Sedim Canopy Walk Way, stopping along the way for opportunistic birding. This is home Malaysia’s longest canopy Walkway and a good site to tick off the Rhinoceros hornbill. Overnight at Sedim
Day 2: Travel to Ulu Muda by Boat. Birding in Ulu Muda in hope to see the Hornbill migration and opportunity ticking off other targets as go along including woodpeckers and raptors.
Day 3: Full day birding in Ulu Muda.
Day 4: Check Out and Final boat ride in the morning and dive to Taman Negara Merapoh. Check into Merapoh Homestay. Birding around the park’s entrance for more lowland species. Overnight Taman Negara Merapoh.
Day 5: Morning Birding at Merapoh. Check out at noon, drive to Tasik Kenyir stopping for opportunistic birding along the way. Check into Kenyir resort and late afternoon birding along the quite trails nearby.
Day 6 : All day birding at Kenyir. Overnight Kenyir
Day 7: All day birding at Kenyir. Overnight Kenyir
Day 8 : Kenyir Lake – Departing Flight
