Over the years, Fraser’s Hill has built up an enviable reputation as one of the best birdwatching destinations in Malaysia. A combination of astonishing biodiversity and cool climate means birding here is both easy and rewarding. Indeed, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more beloved birdwatching destination in the country than Fraser’s Hill. It’s certainly possible to bird almost anywhere at Fraser’s Hill; nevertheless, there are several birdwatching locations at Fraser’s Hill that deserve special mention.

This article series aims to provide useful information on these birding hotspots for birders, especially first-time visitors to Fraser’s Hill. 

Birdwatching Locations at Fraser’s Hill – Part 4

Part 4 of this article series focuses on two typically less-visited birdwatching locations at Fraser’s Hill, namely Jalan High Pines and the abandoned Jelai Resort area. Despite not being as popular as other hotspots, birding here may ultimately prove to be quite rewarding.

1) Jalan High Pines

In English, Jalan High Pines translates as High Pines Road. This road is about 800m long and is relatively flat. There’s a nice viewpoint of the Titiwangsa Range mountains near the start of the road (see title image).

Birding here

Simply walk along the road and look for birds. There are several laybys wide enough to park a car, but please take care not to block resident’s houses. Also, don’t park inside the camping ground – this area is reserved for campers only.

Alternatively, you can park at the Food Court area and walk from there.

Target species:

Many of the common Fraser’s Hill birds may be seen here. Additionally, Jalan High Pines is notable for being a reliable spot for the following species:

1. Speckled Piculet. This beautiful and diminutive woodpecker is an uncommonly seen resident at the Hill. Jalan High Pines seems to be one of the best spots to see this bird, as I have personally encountered it here on at least 4 separate occasions. They’re quite unobtrusive, thus easily missed. Look for them within ‘bird waves’.
2. Silver-eared Mesia. One of Fraser’s Hill must-see avian attractions. These gorgeous birds are no longer common elsewhere around the hill, but thankfully can still be reliably seen along this road.

Rare species that have been seen along this road includes:

1. Himalayan Cutia. A pair and their offspring were seen along this road in May/June 2023. Unfortunately, they haven’t been seen here (or anywhere else at Fraser’s Hill) since. But who knows, you might get lucky!
2. Brown Bullfinch. A long time ago, the bungalow at the end of this road was the place to see this enigmatic species. Unfortunately, they’re probably no longer present at Fraser’s Hill now, having moved on to higher elevation locales.

Photos of birds seen at Jalan High Pines

Getting here:

Jalan High Pines is only 850 metres from the Clock Tower (3 minutes drive or a 15 minute walk). Look for signs to the Pine Tree Trail, or use navigation apps.

Public facilities:

The nearest public toilets and food stalls are at the Food Court area, only a few minutes walk/drive away.

Be aware:

• The Pine Tree Trail (at the far end of the road) is only suitable for the fit and adventurous. To walk this trail, a permit and a guide are compulsory.
• There are residents and a public camping ground along this road. Please refrain from making incessant loud noise (such as using call playback loudly).

2) Abandoned Jelai Resort area

Years ago, Jelai Resort was the best place to stay for birdwatchers visiting Fraser’s Hill. The resort went out of their way to cater to birders and bird photographers, including setting up bird feeding stations as well as planting various flowering trees, which in turn attracted a plethora of birds to the hotel grounds. This made Jelai one of the most famous birdwatching locations at Fraser’s Hill.

Somehow, the resort fell into debt due to mismanagement, and was subsequently abandoned. Even so, for years after that, the area surrounding the abandoned resort was still accessible, and birds continued to flock to the feeding station there.

Several years back, there were plans to construct a multi-story hotel in this area (this has since been postponed indefinitely). As a result, the resort area was barricaded and closed indefinitely. Unfortunately, this meant the loss of arguably the most popular birding/bird photography spot on the Hill.

Birding here:

Simply walk along the road from Allan’s Water until you reach the end, and backtrack. Don’t forget to check out the bird feeding/photography station at the exit of Abu Suradi trail. On weekends and public holidays, this feeding station may get quite popular.

You can park at some of the laybys along the road. There’s some space to park right at the former entrance to the Jelai Resort.

If you’re feeling up for it, go on and continue birding at one or both of the jungle trails near the area (the Abu Suradi and Mager trails).

Target species:

Many common birds are attracted to the feeding station, especially if there’s food present. You can often get some close-up views and excellent photos of the following species:

1. Long-tailed Sibia. Normally a canopy-dwelling bird. They will descend down to the feeding station if there’s food present.
2. Silver-eared Mesia. This bird is quite reliably seen here as well.
3. Buff-breasted Babbler 
4. Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush. A very common bird, but normally difficult to photograph due to its active behaviour.
5. Grey-throated Babbler
6. Streaked Spiderhunter

Uncommon species seen here include:

1. Malayan Laughingthrush. Unlike the Chestnut-capped, this species is far less common. Indeed, many visitors to the hill often end up missing this Malay Peninsula endemic. The abandoned Jelai resort area seems to be a semi-reliable location for this increasingly elusive species.
2. Bay Woodpecker. One of the rarer woodpeckers of Malaysia. I encountered a pair of these birds near the feeding station in 2023. 

Photos of birds seen near the abandoned Jelai Resort Area

Getting here:

• The abandoned Jelai Resort is 1.2 km by road from the Clock Tower (5 minutes drive or 20 minutes walk). You can use the landmark ‘good old bottlebrush tree‘ on google maps.
• Alternatively, you can also take a shortcut via the Abu Suradi Trail. This trail starts opposite the town mosque, and ends just outside the Jelai Resort. This trail is only about 500m long, but is steep in parts.
• Another trail is the Mager Trail, which starts at the town not far from the ‘Selamat Datang ke Bukit Fraser’ sign. The entrance is behind the (currently closed) public toilet, and ends at the same spot as the Abu Suradi trail above.

Public facilities:

There are public toilets at the Food Court area and near Allan’s Water. The nearest food stalls are located at the Food Court area.

Allan’s Water is a small lake (water reservoir) near the former Jelai Resort area that is popular with families bringing children. Activities here include:

• Feeding the fish and ducks (domestic, hybrid ducks)
• Paddle boats 

Best birding time?

Similar to other spots around the Hill, birding at these two locations are best done during early morning or late afternoon. Having said that, visiting at other times may prove to be rewarding as well. For example, two of my Speckled Piculet encounters at Jalan High Pines actually happened during early afternoon (about 2 pm), when it was still relatively hot. Feel free to explore!

More Information:

For more information on birding at Fraser’s Hill, visit the links below:

1. Birdwatching at Fraser’s Hill – a more complete overview of birding at Fraser’s Hill. The article includes practical information for visitors, such as restaurant and hotel options and other birding hotspots.
2. Birds of Fraser’s Hill – an article series that highlights some of the birds that can be seen here.

Conclusion

These two birdwatching locations at Fraser’s Hill are typically less visited, but are well-worth exploring. They offer a chance to see some uncommon and highly-desired species, such as the Speckled Piculet and Malayan Laughingthrush. Additionally, photographers will enjoy taking photos of the colourful common birds at the Jelai feeding station. 

Don’t miss out on exploring these two locations. Who knows, you might strike lucky and see a truly rare bird on your visit!

Do you have any questions or inquiries about this article or birdwatching at Fraser’s Hill? Feel free to comment below or contact us directly.