Tips for Thailand or Malaysia in January
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Hello,
firstly, thank you for this wonderful website, I drew much inspiration from the posts and reports.
We are planning a 30 days trip from Europe to South East Asia for January, allocating about 2 weeks for diving in the Philippines and the rest for land wildlife in another country, probably Thailand or peninsular Malaysia. We visited all these countries already in 2022-2023, spending a month in the Philippines, a month in Thailand. and just 9 days in Malaysia, for “general travel”, not purposely wildlife trip.
Now, in general, Thailand is a better place to visit than Malaysia to us. Simply more pleasant alltogether. Malaysia is good, but Thailand was one of the best trips we ever took. But this is a general-travel view. If we are focusing on wildlife, I feel like Malaysia has more to offer in terms of diversity, even though we would probably need to rent a car to get to Fraser Hill, Bukit Tingi – I have never seen a siamang, possibly even go north to Ulu Muda for agile gibbons, we would go to Taman Negara only if we had time left OR if the Kumbang hide was open – BUT maybe I am wrong. In Thailand I am thinking Kaeng Krachan, if possible Hala Bala, and Khao Yai (already been). We prefer places we can explore alone without guides (ideally including spotlighting, even if it were in a restricted/small area).
Our main interest would be mammals (not bats) and non-avian reptiles, possibly some interesting invertebrates. Not so much into birds: we like to see them, but I would not travel somewhere to see a new species of a cuckoo. I could longly list the species I would like to see, but mostly I am looking for diversity and good chances.
Of course, I would much more like to visit Borneo, ironically the only “country” in SE Asia except for Myanmar where I have not been, but January is not a good time and for us, going in January is a must. I am not even sure about the weather in peninsular Malaysia, but it seems fair from what I read. It is possible we would fly through Taipei, I was thinking to have a few days there (Taiwanese airlines often/sometimes? allow this without any charge) to look for pangolins, but I am not sure how realistic it is to see them there.
Could you please advise, which country and possibly sites would you recommend to visit considering wildlife watching opportunities?
Thank you.
Post Views: 126
Post Views: 126
Michael Johnson
I would recommend you allow a little time in Singapore. The wildlife there is surprisingly diverse and easy to see, and of course everything is convenient.
Otherwise, you mentioned Frazer Hill and yes, I would certainly go there. Spotlighting would be fine. When I was there, I walked everywhere but having a car would be more convenient. I would recommend an apartment (easily booked online) rather than the hotels, but you must bring food with you, as although there are inexpensive restaurants there is no shop.
Can’t comment otherwise.