Here is a list of birdwatching locations around Taman Negara for those planning to visit one of Malaysia’s oldest national parks in Pahang. Based on the last count done in 2018, a total of 479 species of birds have been recorded in the entire Taman Negara area.
Birdwatching Locations Around Taman Negara
Taman Negara can be visited for one or two days, allowing quick birding, especially for those who are short on time. But if you have booked a Malaysia birding tour, the tour company usually includes spending one or two nights here.
For solo birders who plan to make a more relaxed birdwatching trip, I recommend staying here for at least 3-5 days to visit more places and take your time. Also, October to February is the rainy season here, so that could be an issue.
Birding Locations Around Taman Negara
Taman Negara Forest Loop Trail – This is the most accessible birding trail, looping around the back of the Mutiara Resort. The walkway is boarded, so walking without worrying about leeches or bugs on the ground is easy.
Taman Negara Swamp Loop Trail – This is another easy trail at the other end of the resort, which is also boarded. Walking here requires silence to spot the birds in the bush or canopy. A swampy area where birds are often spotted is seen in one section, but you must be silent and slow here.
Tahan Hide Trail – This trail connects to the Forest Loop Trail and takes you to the Tahan Hide, a wildlife lookout point. Along the way, birds are spotted in the canopy and mid-canopy levels.
Jenut Muda Trail – This is one of the most popular and best trails and is relatively easy. The Great Argus Pheasant is often spotted here along with other star birds like the Banded Pitta, Gould’s Frogmouth, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, and many others. Watch for the leeches here, though.
Canopy Walk Trail – This is one of the active trails from the park to the canopy walk. However, more birds are spotted along the walk than on the canopy walk, as sometimes, many people on the canopy walk distract the birds.
Bukit Teresek Trail – This is the further trail, 2.5 km away from the park quarters. However, the journey here will bear fruit, as many birds have been spotted in the first part of the trail. The unique Crestless Fireback is also spotted on this trail.
Beyond the Batek Orang Asli Village – This requires a boat ride upriver, passing the famous ethnic Batek Orang Asli tribe village. The ride will take about 20 to 30 minutes through mild rapids to a spot upriver. Hornbills, among other birds, are often sighted around here. But to be honest, I have yet to explore this part. Therefore, I will update this once I have visited this spot.
Lata Berkoh (Berkoh Waterfalls) – This is one of the good places to go in the mornings or afternoons. The journey there will allow you to spot many birds. It is a short ride from the central area of Taman Negara.
Around the Mutiara Resort – This is the best area for beginners, as you can do some casual birding around the resort grounds. A resident Great Hornbill named Abu is frequently seen in the trees around the resort reception area or the park headquarters area.
Hornbill Valley (Lembah Enggang) – One of the exciting areas where you can spot hornbills, barbets and many other birds. This location is along a road out of Taman Negara, and you need to ask a local about this place or read my article on the Hornbill Valley.
Along the Tembeling River – Usually, when you depart Taman Negara, you will take a two-hour boat ride down the Tembeling River to Kuala Tembeling, where your van transfer will be waiting to take you back to KL.
Taman Negara Bird Photos
Below are two star birds I saw when I visited Taman Negars for birdwatching.
Conclusion
Those planning to go birdwatching in Taman Negara may contact a guide who will make your trip much more accessible. But if you choose to do it yourself, it is still possible, and I hope this list of birdwatching locations around Taman Negara will be handy for you.
If you need a bird guide for Taman Negara, contact us, and we can arrange someone for your birding trip. We are in this industry, so we have met many of the bird guides in Malaysia and know who the reputable and professional ones are.