Fraser’s Hill Bird Photography Contest 2025 Winners
One of the standout highlights this year was the Bird Photography Contest at Fraser’s Hill, which drew an impressive 71 registered participants — a new record for the event. This overwhelming response reaffirmed the contest’s popularity as one of the most engaging and visually compelling segments of the Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race.
Based on interviews and judges’ insights from previous years, it is evident that many top entries in the Fraser’s Hill bird photography contest rely on telephoto zoom lenses in the 200–600mm range, paired with full-frame mirrorless camera bodies. This winning combination provides the flexibility and precision needed to capture fast-moving subjects from a distance while maintaining sharpness and clarity, especially important in the dense, shaded forests of Fraser’s Hill.
Although the exact gear used by the 2025 winners hasn’t been disclosed, similar high-performance setups were likely favoured: fast glass for better light gathering, high burst shooting modes to catch fleeting moments, and advanced image stabilisation to handle handheld shots deep in the terrain. And not forgetting the minimal editing skills to give the photo an epic finish.
Raising the Bar
The 2025 Bird Photography Contest showcased an exceptional variety of submissions—from striking shots of birds in mid-flight to intimate, artfully composed portraits of species at rest. This year’s entries didn’t just demonstrate technical expertise; they also reflected a deeper, more thoughtful connection to the natural world of Fraser’s Hill. Many photographers moved beyond the pursuit of rare species, focusing instead on storytelling through simplicity and mood. This subtle shift marked a growing maturity within the regional bird photography community, where emotion, composition, and respect for wildlife now stand alongside sharpness and species lists.
Regional Flair
The 2025 edition of the Fraser’s Hill Bird Photography Contest once again underscored the international appeal of the event, with winners from Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines showcasing the diversity of talent across Southeast Asia. Their work highlights the region’s rich birdlife and reinforces the Fraser’s Hill Bird Photography Contest as a key meeting point for nature photographers from different backgrounds, cultures, and ecosystems. This cross-border representation helps strengthen community ties and encourages more collaborative conservation efforts in the region.
Inspiration & Education
Beyond the awards, the contest also serves as a powerful educational platform for bird and nature photography, particularly through the talks given by the camera ambassadors and brands. Visit the camera vendor booths, where you’ll find someone who can provide practical advice on settings and recommend the best equipment for you, from beginners to casual users. For many, the vendor booths are not there just for show, but an eye-opener into the world of bird and wildlife photography.
Looking Ahead to the Fraser’s Hill Bird Photography Contest 2026
With the bar set even higher in 2025, next year’s contest is already generating excitement. The 2026 edition promises more diverse entries and deeper community engagement. With a very affordable entrance fee of RM100 for three photos, more bird photographers will be enticed to join this contest. However, from an outsider’s point of view, we hope that more prizes will be added, and perhaps even a special trophy for bird photography will be awarded to the winner. This would create a buzz in the bird photography world.
Expect to see interactive booths hosted by local and international photography brands, live demonstrations, field workshops, and expanded opportunities for knowledge sharing and exchange. As the photography contest continues to grow, it not only strengthens artistic expression but also fosters a collective commitment to bird conservation through the powerful lens of storytelling.
Fraser’s Hill Bird Photography Contest Winners and Their Winning Photos:
1st Place – Ng Choy Loi (Malaysia)
2nd Place – Junaidi Ismail (Malaysia)
3rd Place – Le Hoang Men (Vietnam)
4th Place – Alain Pascua (Philippines)
5th Place – Hoang The Nhiem (Vietnam)
To see the other contest winners, please read this article on the Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race 2025 Winners List, which shares information on the winners from three categories of the bird race.
Conclusion
What a weekend it’s been at the 36th Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race! A big thank you to Pahang Tourism for having us — their warm welcome and incredible support made the whole experience special. It’s amazing to see how this iconic event continues to bring birders together and put Malaysia on the map for birdwatching.
We’re already looking forward to the Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race 2026 and can’t wait to see everyone again at Fraser’s Hill. Until then, happy birding — and may your next lifer be just around the corner!
