KELANTAN
Kelantan
At the northeast tip of Peninsular Malaysia and bordering Thailand to the south, lies the state of Kelantan. This is a state with a strong local culture and exotic crafts. The capital of Kota Bharu is serviced by Sultan Ismail Petra Airport.
Contact Info
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Department of Wildlife & National Parks
(PERHILITAN) - Kota Bharu - kelantan@wildlife.gov.my
- www.wildlife.gov.my
- Pejabat PERHILITAN
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Jajahan Gua Musang Wisma Persekutuan,
18300 Gua Musang, Kelantan
Taman Negara – Kuala Koh
No. of species: > 300
Taman Negara, literally translated to ‘National Park’ has 3 main entry points. Kuala Koh is the gateway to the northern section of Taman Negara. Located about 90 kilometres from the town of Gua Musang, it is about 290 kilometres drive from Kuala Lumpur and 185 kilometres from the state capital Kota Bharu. This pristine hill and lowland forest cover an area of 835 square kilometres, offering birdwatchers glimpses of over 300 bird species.
There are a series of good trails within this site such as the Ficus and Rafflesia Trails that have provided some exciting records such as the Banded Kingfisher, Great Argus, Large Wren-babbler, Crested Fireback, Garnet Pitta, Scarlet-rumped Trogon and many more.
Public transport is available here via express and normal coaches or you can opt for the speedier and recommended mode of transport i.e., rental car. The site also offers visitors interesting facilities such as an observation hide and a canopy walkway.
Being a quiet and lesser visited site, birding in the area will surely be interesting, new and rare records can also be expected.
Kuala Koh National Park
Species Count : +250 bird species.
Habitat : This 835 km² area of lowland and hill forests provides birdwatchers with beautiful views and a rich natural habitat.
Visitor Experience : Visitors can explore forest trails and riverine habitats where a rich diversity of lowland forest birds can be observed, often accompanied by the natural sounds of the jungle. The peaceful setting allows for close observation, photography, and learning about rainforest biodiversity. Kuala Koh provides an ideal destination for birding, nature education, and low-impact ecotourism, highlighting the importance of rainforest conservation.
Potential Bird Sightings :
Resident Birds: Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Black-and-yellow Broadbill, Green Broadbill, and Garnet Pitta.
Migratory Birds (August–March) : Oriental Honey Buzzard, Amur Paradise Flycatcher, Arctic Warbler, and Tiger Shrike.
Bukit Bakar Forest Eco Par
Species Count : +100 bird species
Habitat : Bukit Bakar Forest Eco Park spans 3.14 hectares of hill and lowland dipterocarp forests, with streams, slopes, and trails in a cool, natural setting.
Visitor Experience : The site offers visitors a calm and immersive birdwatching experience within a natural forest setting. Early mornings reveal active birdlife along forest trails and streams, where a variety of forest birds can be observed through sight and sound. The accessible trails allow quiet exploration and nature appreciation while minimising disturbance to wildlife.
Potential Bird Sightings :
Resident Birds: Red-bearded Bee-eater, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Chestnut-winged Babbler, Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle, and Changeable Hawk-Eagle.
Migratory Birds (August–March) : Arctic Warbler, Yellow rumped Flycatcher, Eyebrowed Thrush, and Mugimaki Flycatcher.
