Taman Negara is a birdwatcher's paradise with more than 380 species recorded  and Unesco estimated 479 in the park including 80 threatened or endangered species and 140 species endemic to the Malay Archepeligo. It has been classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International, a global partnership of conservation organisations. The dry season runs from February to September and bird watching is possible throughout this time. March is breeding season and so birds can be more easily located from their calls, followed by a period of high activity from parenting birds, this is the optimum time for brid watching in Taman Negara.

 

The Malaysian Nature Society has created a extensive list of birds found in Taman Negara and encourages visitors to submit their sightings using the form.

 

Some of the most well known include 7 different species of Hornbill, perhaps the most impressive being the Rhinoceros Hornbill which can regulalry be seen flying both in the park and close to the village, numerous forest pheasants including Crested Firebacks and the Great Argus whose males' impressive mating display has made this species a must for birders, numerous species of colourful Pittas, Barbets, Bulbuls Kingfishers and Parakeets. During Migration season the Masked Finfoot visits the park, their population is down to 2500 individuals worldwide but is protected in Malaysia.  Keep an eye out too for the attractive Black and Red Broadbill, and other Southeast Asian forest birds including Leafbirds, Flycatchers, Trogons, the Asian Fairy Bluebird, Minivets and Woodpeckers. Many specieis of Raptor can be seen flying overhead and the Lesser Fish Eagle can most easily be observed at Kuala Juram, a 7km 4x4 drive into the park and the furtherest point by road within Taman Negara and location of the Kelah Sanctuary. Rare montane birds such as the Hill Prinia and Crested Argus can be found around the summit of Gunung Tahan.

 

Gunung Tahan expeditions - this is best way to observe the full diversity of bird life in Taman Negara and our specific Bird Watching Expeditions allow birders to take their time on the trails, stopping to make observations. The package also includes porters to allow focus on birding and a stop over at Kuala Juram another important birding site. 

 

Self Guided Bird Watching - it is possible to observe many lowland forest species close to the gates of  Taman Negara at Sungai and close to the road which runs to Kuala Juram. Here guests can choose whether they would like to use a guide or not, as self-guiding is possible on the trails. If you would like to take the self-guiding option please contact us to arrange accommodation, food and other arrangements. 

 

Request Birding Treks and Itineraries - Please contact us if you would like to arrange bird watching itineraries to other areas of the park or the surrounding areas.