4 Top Bird Watching Holidays in South-East Asia

The varied landscapes of South-East Asia are immensely rewarding regions for bird watching holidays. Top destinations include the Sabah province of Borneo, peninsular Malaysia, Thailand and Burma. From coastal mangroves to endemic-rich uplands and dry eco-regions – and much more – South-East Asia has a lot to offer.

Borneo

The northern province of Sabah is renowned for its lush landscapes, from the Kinabatangan River to the Danum Valley rainforests and the slopes of Mount Kinabalu. It is a region rich in bird life so is ideal for bird watching holidays. Birders can expect to see hundreds of bird species on an expert-led tour in Sabah, including endemics on the Mount Kinabalu. The caves of Gomantang provide another memorable landmark: here, the nests of swiftlets are harvested for soup. At dusk, bats emerge in uncountable numbers. Groups will also look for Wild Orang-utans and Proboscis Monkeys, and have a chance to see the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia.

Malaysia

A trip to peninsular Malaysia takes birders to the steamy rainforests of Taman Negara National Park, the cooler uplands of the Genting Highlands and the unique mangroves of Kuala Selangor. Local naturalist guidance ensures unforgettable sightings throughout the country’s diverse habitats, with sightings likely to include ten species of woodpecker and seven species of hornbill. Other highlights include Mangrove Whistler, Siberian Thrush, Great Argus Pheasant and Yellow Bittern, as well as a chance of some elusive mammal sightings, including Smooth Otter, Tapir and gibbons.

Thailand

Bird watching holidays to Thailand encompass a variety of habitats, ensuring a rewarding array of bird species. In the forests and grasslands of Khao Yai National Park, birders can look for typical South-East Asian broadbills and hornbills. Venturing to the hills of the north, in the forests of Doi Inthenon, tour groups will see the influence of the Himalayas on the avian inhabitants: laughing-thrushes, sibias, minlas and babblers live alongside visiting Eye-browed Thrush, Radde’s Warbler and Red-flanked Bluetail. In the wetlands of Samut Sakhon, to the south, wintering shorebirds make a stunning display – including the likelihood of a sighting of the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper.

Burma

Burma welcomes tour operators that support the local economy and treat Burmese cultures with respect. Bird watching holidays with such high-quality operators are especially rewarding for birders who want to see the country’s finest avian species and learn a little about the people who live alongside them.

At Inle Lake, birders can look for Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Collared Myna and Jerdon’s Bushchat and visit villages in the hills to meet members of the indigenous hill tribes. Along the Irrawaddy River, a leisurely pace sees groups observing pratincoles, herons, egrets, whistling-ducks and other wetland birds. Around the temple complex of Bagan, a dry eco-region is home to endemics and other species, including Burmese Shrike, Barred Buttonquail, Red-collared Dove, Pied Bushchat, White-throated Babbler and Jerdon’s Minivet.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for bird watching holidays, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

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