SARAWAK
Sarawak
The culturally diverse state of Sarawak is the pride of the nation. This mystical state is full of ancient history and wondrous nature. This is the largest state in Malaysia, covering 124,000 square kilometres and has an 800 kilometres coastline, facing the South China Sea. It is on the north western coast of Borneo, the third largest island in the world.
Contact Info
- Sarawak Forestry Corporation
- Lot 218, KCLD, Jalan Tapang, Kota Sentosa, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak
- Tel: 082-610088
- Fax: 082-610099
- info@sarawakforestry.com
- https://sarawakforestry.com
Paya Maga Highlands
Habitat: Elevation ranges from 300m to 1,860m, spanning secondary lowland forests, mixed dipterocarp forests, and unique montane heath forests at the summit plateau. The variety of forest types supports a high diversity of resident and migratory birds.
Visitor Experience: Paya Maga Highlands is remote and challenging to access. From Lawas, visitors usually travel about three hours by 4WD followed by a three-to-four-hour trek to reach the highlands. Facilities are basic, with rustic camping shelters such as Black Oriole Camp. Local guides are strongly recommended.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Black Oriole, Bornean Frogmouth, Hose’s Broadbill, Whitehead’s Broadbill, Mountain Barbet, Bornean Barbet, Bornean Leafbird, and Bornean Bulbul.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Eyebrowed Thrush, Grey-streaked Flycatcher, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Arctic Warbler, and Eastern-crowned Warbler.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Habitat: Mulu National Park encompasses lowland rainforests, limestone caves, karst pinnacles, and montane forests. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its biodiversity and unique geological features.
Visitor Experience: Mulu is accessible via short flights from Miri or long overland trips. Facilities include eco-lodges and basic accommodation near the park headquarters. Guided tours are recommended for locating rare species.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Black Oriole, Mountain Barbet, Bornean Leafbird, Diard’s Trogon, and Golden-naped Barbet.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Eyebrowed Thrush, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Arctic Warbler, and Yellow-rumped Flycatcher.
Buntal Bay
Species Count: +120 bird species.
Habitat: Buntal Bay features extensive mudflats and mangrove forests. These habitats provide rich foraging grounds for shorebirds, herons, egrets, and kingfishers, while mangroves shelter resident passerines and raptors.
Visitor Experience: Buntal Bay is moderately accessible by road from Kuching, with birdwatching best done during low tide when mudflats are exposed. Visitors can walk along simple trails or hire local boat guides to explore channels and mangrove patches. The area is ideal for both casual birders and photographers.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Common Iora, Collared Kingfisher, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and Little Egret.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Nordmann’s Greenshank, Far Eastern Curlew, Chinese Egret, and Chinese Crested Tern.
Kubah National Park
Coordinate: 1°36’48.3”N 110°11’51.6”E
No. of species: +180 bird species.
Habitat: Kubah National Park consists of lowland dipterocarp forests, hill dipterocarp forests, and freshwater streams. The park is also known for its rich biodiversity of palms, ferns, and orchids, which creates a lush environment that supports a variety of bird species.
Visitor Experience: The park is a short drive from Kuching and offers well-marked birdwatching trails for all levels. Local guides are available, while facilities include picnic areas and basic amenities.
Potential Bird Sightings:
Resident Birds: Bornean Frogmouth, Bornean Black Magpie, Bornean Blue Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker, Red-naped Trogon, and Gold-whiskered Barbet.
Migratory Birds (August–March): Siberian Blue Robin, Tiger Shrike, Brown Shrike, and Blue-and-white Flycatcher.
