Birdwatching at Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest

Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest birdwatching
Spread the love

Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest birdwatchingFor residents and visitors to Kuala Lumpur, birdwatching at Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest offers an escape from the city. Nestled at the foothills of the Titiwangsa Mountain Range, Gunung Nuang RF is relatively pristine yet is located only 1 hour from the city centre.

Birdwatching here provides visitors with an opportunity to observe a variety of delightful lowland rainforest species. Gunung Nuang RF is also a fantastic alternative to Sungai Congkak, especially for birders wishing for more peace and quiet.

Birdwatching at Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest

Gunung Nuang RF used to be quite busy with hikers, especially on weekends. Since 2022, however, a guide has become mandatory for hikers going to the summit, leading to a significant reduction in hiker traffic. This means that Gunung Nuang RF is quiet, even on weekends—good news for birders! 

How is the birdwatching experience at Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest?

Birding here is straightforward. Simply follow the trails and enjoy what the rainforest has to offer! Take note that, unlike Sungai Congkak, there’s no bird-feeding port here. 

Birdwatching at Gunung Nuang recreational forest map
The recommended birding paths to take at Gunung Nuang RF.

There are three birdwatching paths within the area, which are all interconnected:

Main path

The main path runs from the entrance gate all the way to Gunung Nuang summit. For birding purposes, the first 1 to 2 km is sufficient. This path is gently upsloping, and is paved with concrete for about 1 km. About 700m in, the path passes through a bamboo grove, which is good for bamboo-loving species.

An entrance fee is applicable for entrance to this path (see entrance fees section below).

Gunung Nuang main path
The main path at Gunung Nuang
Gunung Nuang recreational forest bamboo grove
The bamboo grove along the main path is a good place to search for bamboo-loving species. Examples include the Bamboo Woodpecker, Pin-tailed Parrotfinch and Yellow-bellied Warbler.
Entrance road and car park area

The car park area is surrounded by forest and ornamental trees. Some trees produce fruits that attract frugivores, such as bulbuls and barbets. The road leading up to the entrance may also yield interesting birds, so don’t forget to check it out.

Gravel path

This path runs parallel to the main path and is used by the local Orang Asli (indigenous people). Since the path runs along the open forest edge, birds might be a little easier to see. A short forest trail connects This gravel path to the main path. Note that the gravel path is still technically within the forest reserve, thus the entrance fee is still applicable. Birdwatching Asia highly recommends birders pay the small entrance fee, as this helps with the park’s maintenance costs.

Gunung Nuang gravel path
The gravel path at Gunung Nuang

What birds to look for when birdwatching at Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest?

Gunung Nuang RF is located at the foot of Nuang Mountain, at about 100 to 200m elevation. The birds found here are typically lowland forest species; additionally, some hill-slope species are present.

Look out for the following species (the list below is not exhaustive):

  1. Forest-dwelling kingfishers, including the Rufous-backed Dwarf-Kingfisher, Banded Kingfisher and Rufous-collared Kingfisher.
  2. A good spot for the generally uncommon Bamboo Woodpecker. Also, look out for the diminutive Rufous Piculet, the smallest woodpecker in Malaysia.
  3. Listen for the Gold-whiskered, Black-eared, Yellow-crowned and Red-throated Barbets. 
  4. Scarlet-rumped Trogon
  5. Hornbills are occasionally seen. These include the Black, White-crowned, Wreathed, Great and Rhinoceros Hornbills.
  6. Blue-winged and Western Hooded Pittas during the northern winter season.
  7. Black-and-Yellow, Banded, Black-and-Red and Dusky Broadbills.
  8. A variety of Babblers frequents the forest understory. Look for the Malayan Black-capped, Rufous-fronted, Grey-throated and Short-tailed Babblers, among others.
  9. Bulbuls, including the beautiful Grey-bellied and Scaly-breasted Bulbuls.
  10. Resident flycatchers include the Verditer, Pale-blue, Indochinese Blue and Rufous-chested Flycatchers. Migrant ones include the Asian Brown, Ferruginous and Yellow-rumped Flycatchers.
  11. Sunbirds and Spiderhunters like the Red-throated Sunbird, Plain Sunbird, Spectacled Spiderhunter and Purple-naped Spiderhunter.
  12. The gorgeous and uncommonly seen Pin-tailed Parrotfinch may be seen if seeding bamboo is present.

Photos of birds seen at Gunung Nuang RF

Gunung Nuang recreational forest Red-throated Barbet
This male Red-throated Barbet was spotted foraging close to the ground.
Gunung Nuang Hairy-backed Bulbuls
A pair of Hairy-backed Bulbuls.
Gunung Nuang Pin-tailed Parrotfinch
The Pin-tailed Parrotfinch is closely associated with seeding bamboo.
Gunung Nuang Bamboo Woodpecker
Gunung Nuang RF is a good place to spot the uncommon Bamboo Woodpecker.

How to go birdwatching at Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest:

Gunung Nuang RF is located within the Hulu Langat district of Selangor, not far from the ever-popular Sungai Congkak. Distance is about 40 km from Kuala Lumpur city centre. The forest is easily accessible by road.

Directions

  • Simply search for ‘Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest’ on Google Maps or other navigation apps.
  • Drive time is roughly 1 hour from KL city centre.
  • The road just before reaching the forest is quite rough (narrow, potholes, etc.), but it is still traversable with regular cars. 
  • Driving back to the city might take longer, as the city-bound traffic can be atrocious on weekends.
  • There is actually a bus service (Rapid KL T406) that stops at the village near the forest entrance. Unfortunately, the frequencies are poor and thus are totally impractical for birders.
KL city to Gunung Nuang RF
Gunung Nuang RF from KL city centre

Entrance fees & opening times

  • RM 2 per person.
  • RM 3 car park fee (free of charge for motorcycles)
  • Hikers at the Gunung Nuang summit require a guide and permits. This is not necessary if just going birdwatching. Therefore, don’t forget to mention to the staff in charge that you’re simply going birdwatching.
  • There is usually a park staff at the gazebo near the entrance. If not, look for them at the ranger’s office.
  • Opening times: 8 am – 6 pm; however, the entrance gate is usually already open by 7 am, especially on weekends.
Gunung Nuang entrance gate
Entrance gate to Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest

Public amenities available at the entrance:

  • Car park
  • Public toilets (not clean – avoid, unless desperate)
  • Muslim prayer rooms
  • Ranger office
  • No food vendors are present at the entrance. However, there are ample convenience stores, food stalls and restaurants along the road back to the city.

Timing for birdwatching at Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest

  • The recreational forest is closed during the rainy season (November to February) for public safety reasons.
  • Resident birds are present year-round, although some species are more visible during the breeding season (middle of the year).
  • Migrant birds are typically present from late August until early May.
  • Mornings are preferable, as afternoons frequently bring rain showers
Gunung Nuang birders
A group of birdwatchers looking at the Pin-tailed Parrotfinch along the entrance road.

Safety consideration

  • It’s essential to stick to the paths and not wander off.
  • Don’t go too far in—only hikers with a guide and permit are allowed to do this. Stick to within 1 to 2 km of the entrance.
  • Be aware that hikers to/from the summit have previously lost their way, requiring search and rescue.
  • It’s a good idea to bring along the following items:
    1. Insect protection – long-sleeve shirts, mosquito repellant.
    2. Waterproof gear in case it rains.
    3. Plenty of water and/or snacks.

Conclusion

Birdwatching at Gunung Nuang Recreational Forest is a great way to encounter a variety of lowland rainforest species. Moreover, unlike the ever-popular Sungai Congkak, this site has fewer visitors. Therefore, at Gunung Nuang RF, birders can truly enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest. With a wide selection of birds ranging from pittas to parrotfinches, a birding trip here is certainly worthwhile!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You cannot copy content of this page