RFI – Peninsular Malaysia
Hi,
A bit unexpectedly we will have time in March to visit Peninsular Malaysia for
some 3 weeks to do some bird- and mammalwatching.
The following mammals I hope/expect are somewhat
doable: slow loris, western tarsier, colugo, tapir (Kumbang), a flying squirrel species and the occasional
civet, palm civet, mongoose, or binturong. Poachers seem to have exclusive
viewing rights to exciting macromammals/larger cats, but any tips would be most
welcome.
Taman Negara, Panti Forest, Bukit Fraser, Kuala Selangor and Cameron Highlands
are well covered by trip reports and I will visit several of these places, but I
would also be interested in trying less visited areas (either guided or
unguided).If anyone could provide practical and/or birding/mammal information on
the following areas that would be great:
Krau Reserve – it looks like this is open to researchers only?? Can tourists
visit this area and if yes, what are the options?
Endau Rompin – is 4WD always necessary to access it. Is there a good trail
network? Are night drives/walks possible/allowed? Are there local guides and are
they any good?
Royal Belum/Tememgor Reserve – the lodges in the area here seem a bit too
focused on the eco/adventure tourist. Are there any places here that cater for
the hobby naturalist and offer (or allow) night drives/walks or boat trips at
night?
Ula Muda Reserve (Earth Lodge) – from the little I could find, this appears to
be a very interesting place (much more than Temenggor/Belum). Has anyone been
here?
Taman Negara
The main entrance at Kuala Tahan is well covered in reports, but what about the others.
The Merapoh entrance seems a bit limited in what you can do. How many trails are
there? Is spotlighting along the entrance road worth a try (I was told that spotlighting in the park is not allowed). Does this area have
interesting species that are difficult to find in Kuala Tahan?
North Entrance: Kuala Koh: this area supposedly has a hide with a salt lick and a canopy walkway. Anyone been here??
If I have overlooked any other forest reserves/parks with good
mammal/birdwatching, I would be happy to know.
Cheers,
Sjef
9 Comments
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tomeslice
I was just going to say the same thing.. I was under the impression that no tarsier species occur on the main land, but only on the Indonesian and Philippine islands
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Maurice Tijm
Colugos were particularly easy to see on Perhentian Besar (there is one main trail from the main village in the west to a place in the east on which I saw Colugo during day and night within 20 minutes). I also saw Dusky Langurs there. Looking forward to your report, there should be a lot more mammals around than the reports currently cover!
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White1985
I am visiting the region in May. If I come across any interesting information during the preparation of the trip, I’ll share it.
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Jon Hall
Hi Sjef, I am looking forward to hearing what you see. I stayed at Nusa Camp in the main bit of the park (or just outside) and the guys there reckoned the road to Kuala Tembelling was good for stuff. I reckon you could see a bit if you had a car there and took some lengthy spotlighting trips. I don’t know much else about the area but you could post some RFIs on any Malaysian birding email groups you can find.. I imagine there will be quite a few good local naturalists who might be able to give you some good advice.- it would be great if you can share what you learn. cheers Jon
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Ben
Hi Sjef,
How did your trip turn out? Any interesting sightings of birds or mammals? I’m planning to go to peninsular Malaysia for a few weeks in August.
Best,
Ben
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Scary Israel
you might have some trouble finding tarsier in Peninsular Malaysia…