Perlis is Malaysia’s smallest state, and occupies the northernmost part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state is famous for scenic limestone hills and vast paddyfields. Bird-wise, due to its biogeographical position along the Kangar-Pattani Line, Perlis can boast of having bird species that are rare or absent elsewhere in the country. Despite this uniqueness, Perlis has in the past been generally overlooked as a birding destination. However, thanks to exposure from social media, birding in Perlis has taken off and the state is finally getting the birding attention it deserves. 

Birding in Perlis

The aim of this article is to highlight some of the birding locations within the state, as well as some of the main star birds to look out for. The information within comes mainly from my birding trip to Perlis in June 2026. Additional info came from the two bird guides that I met while I was there, Mr Ryan Jetty and Mr Huzairi.

Where to go birding in Perlis?

The locations detailed below are just the ones that present the best opportunities to see the star birds. Each entry has a google maps location (click the links), general description, any fees/permits and of course, the target birds.

1) Kampung Tasoh / Timah Tasoh Dam

Kampung Tasoh, a small village to the west of the dam, is a reliable location for two of Perlis’ most-wanted birds (see below). Thus, this is a must-visit spot for anyone birding in Perlis.

When visiting this location, please be courteous and mindful of the villagers living there. Do not block their homes or park your car in their driveways. Also, avoid making excessive loud noises (such as loud call playback).The people here are generally friendly but may wonder what you are doing. If anyone asks, just explain that you are searching for birds. 

Top targets:

1. Racket-tailed Treepie (Crypsirina temia). Resident in Perlis yet pretty much absent elsewhere in Malaysia. A black bird with a greenish sheen, a long racket-like tail and glowing blue eyes. They prefer open woodland areas, and thus avoid the dense forests of the Nakawan Range. They’re quite noisy but shy, and rarely stay in one spot for long, so you’ll need to be quick to photograph them.
2. Orange-breasted Green-Pigeon (Treron bicinctus). Very similar to the ubiquitous Pink-necked Green-Pigeon, especially the females. To make things worse, the two species often mix together! Pay attention to the head colours, as well as the tail patterning. Theoretically, they range throughout the northern half of the peninsula; however, most recent Malaysian records come from Perlis.

2) Perlis State Park

This is the main forest park of the state. The park is located within the forested limestone hills of the Nakawan Range, which run along the northwestern border of Perlis. The Park’s HQ area has the expected amenities such as jungle trails, chalets, camping sites, etc.

Unfortunately, the park’s HQ area was closed during my visit (has been closed since November 2025). According to the security guard there, this is due to a landslide somewhere within. Renovation works are underway, but it is unknown when the park will re-open to the public. 

Having said that, birding along the main road outside the park is still quite productive. 1 km from the park HQ, there is an abandoned commercial area with plenty of parking space. Park your vehicle there, then simply walk along the road towards the park HQ, and turn back. Just be mindful of the traffic. Thankfully, road traffic is relatively light here, as this is a less popular border crossing site.

Important: You’ll likely need a permit to access this location, even if just birding along the road. You can obtain a permit on the spot at the Wang Kelian viewpoint (RM 5) or if the HQ is open, at the office there.

Top targets:

1. Baker’s Bulbul (Iole viridescens cinnamomeoventris). Within Malaysia, this subspecies of the Olive Bulbul is only found in the forests of the Nakawan Range. They’re quite shy and skittish, so you may have to be a bit patient. They’re easier to observe if there are fruiting trees present.
2. Rufous-bellied Swallow (Cecropis badia). Beautiful swallow that is endemic to the Malay Peninsula 
3. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus ernesti). The resident subspecies of this cosmopolitan bird-of-prey has darker upperparts and belly than the visiting Peregrines. Look for them along the limestone cliffs near the park HQ.
4. Blue-eared Barbet (Psilopogon cyanotis). Perlis straddles the transition zone where the Blue-eared Barbet of Indochina stops and the Black-eared Barbet of Sundaland takes over. If you see a small barbet, look carefully at their ear coverts!
5. Once the park HQ has been reopened, the jungle trails should be a good place to try for pittas such as the Malayan Banded, Blue-winged and even the Giant Pitta!

3) Wang Kelian Viewpoint

A popular tourist hotspot, the viewpoint is famous for stunning views of the Nakawan Range and nearby limestone hills, as well as the surrounding paddyfields. The views are especially breathtaking during the early morning. An entrance fee of RM 2 (Malaysians) or RM 5 (non-Malaysians) applies. 

Birders can bird around the carpark area, or at the viewpoint itself. To go to the viewpoint, you can either walk up or take the buggy (extra charges). 

Top targets:

1. Dusky Eagle-Owl (Ketupa coromanda). The main star here. The owls are resident, so look for them around the viewpoint or the parking area. These birds are more diurnal than other owls, and are often seen loafing around in daylight. Sometimes, they even perch or nest in plain view!
2. Blue Rock-Thrush (Monticola solitarius madoci). The Malaysian subspecies of this wide-ranging bird lives near limestone cliffs, thus Wang Kelian is perfect for them. They are quite tame and easy to observe here.

4) Tasik Melati Recreational Park

This suburban lake garden/park is located about 11 km northeast of Kangar town centre. The park is a popular destination for locals to exercise and socialize thus can get quite crowded during holidays. 

Nevertheless, the park remains a good and easily accessible spot for birding in Perlis. The water bodies attract various waterbirds, while the trees provide food and nesting sites for barbets, drongos, bulbuls, mynas, flowerpeckers, etc. 

Top targets:

1. Bronze-winged Jacana (Metopidius indicus). Resident within Perlis, but rare or absent further south. Look for them on the lotus ponds within the park. These birds are famous for their extended foot digits, which they use to effortlessly stride on top of lotus leaves. They breed in the park, sometimes building their nests out in the open for all to observe.
2. Great-eared Nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis). These so-called ‘dragon birds’ are quite common in Perlis, and easy to see within the park. At dusk, the birds will fly in and hawk for insects above the lake. Listen out for their high-pitched call. If you’re lucky, the birds may even perch on one of the trees surrounding the lake. 
3. Streak-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus conradi). Very plain-coloured bulbul. While it is very common in Indochina, within Malaysia this bulbul is only found from Penang northwards. It is more common in Perlis than elsewhere in its Malaysian range. 

5) Bird hides

There are several bird hides run by a group of passionate nature lovers living in Perlis, which includes the aforementioned Mr Huzairi and Mr Ryan Jetty. These hides have been getting very popular with birders and photographers lately due the beautiful and rare birds that visit and nest nearby. 

I met with both Mr Ryan and Mr Huzairi during my recent trip to Perlis; however, I didn’t visit their hides. I will update this entry with more information when I hopefully visit the hides in the future.

Top targets:

1. Malayan Banded-Pitta (Hydrornis irena)
2. Banded Kingfisher (Lacedo pulchella)
3. Ruddy Kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda)
4. Blyth’s Frogmouth (Batrachostomus affinis)
5. Orange-breasted Trogon (Harpactes oreskios)
6. Blyth’s Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone affinis)
7. Puff-throated Babbler (Pellorneum ruficeps)

If you want to visit the hides, simply contact us, and we will put you in touch with the folks running it. 

How to go birding in Perlis?

Kangar is the capital of Perlis, and serves as a good central location for birding in Perlis. The town has all the expected amenities such as grocery stores, convenience shops, restaurants and plenty of accommodation choices.

Getting here

Kangar is:

• 475 km from Kuala Lumpur (6 – 7 hours drive)
• 160 km from Penang (2.5 – 3 hours drive)
• 810 km from Johor Bahru / Singapore (10+ hours drive)

Transport options:

• The nearest domestic airport is at Alor Setar, Kedah, 50 km away.
• Closest international airport is at Penang, 160 km away.
• Nearest train station is at Arau, 11 km away. There are multiple scheduled trains to Arau from Kuala Lumpur (KTM ETS services) each day. The train journey from KL takes about 5 hours.

For those unwilling to drive all the way to Perlis, I recommend taking the train to Arau, then renting a car there. Car rental companies servicing the Kangar area may be found online (such as Facebook).

Moving around

For birding, you will need a vehicle (owned or rental) to get around the state, as public transport is limited. The state is quite compact, thus all of the main birding locations are within an hour’s drive from Kangar. The main road conditions throughout the state are very good.

What time of the year?

Unlike the rest of Peninsular Malaysia, Perlis has a tropical monsoon climate. There’s a distinct dry season here, from January until March. September to November are the wettest months. On average, the state is drier and hotter than the rest of Peninsular Malaysia.

Birding in Perlis is possible year-round. However, for winter migrants you’ll need to visit during the northern winter season (September until May). This same period is also better if you want to visit the hides, as this is when the star birds and rarities tend to be present.

Further Afield

For those with time and budget to spare, why not combine birding in Perlis with other birdwatching destinations nearby?

• Pedu lake and Earth Lodge Ulu Muda – 1.5 hours drive away
• Langkawi Island. The ferry departs from Kuala Perlis, a few minutes drive from Kangar.
• Thailand. Just across the border from Wang Kelian is Thale Ban National Park, which is also part of the Nakawan Range and contiguous with Perlis State Park. 

Conclusion

Perlis may be Malaysia’s smallest state, but it sure packs a hefty birding punch! Birds that are rare or absent in the rest of the country may be seen here relatively easily. Plus, the compact state means easy and quick access to the various birding spots. And with continually improving transport infrastructure, the journey to Perlis need not be as tedious or as tiring as before. 

In summary, birding in Perlis should definitely be in the itinerary of any birder, especially those looking to fill out their Malaysia life lists.