Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest 2022

Good news for birders and nature lovers as the Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest 2022 will be held from 26 to 27 March at Pengkalan Gawi, Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu.

After Covid19 crippled all events and activities in Malaysia from 2020, the Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest was put on hold due to the pandemic. After moving into Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan, this nature activity is back on again.

Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest 2022

For those unfamiliar with this event, it is a much smaller scale birding event that revolves around Lake Kenyir or Tasik Kenyir, a man-made dam here in Terengganu.

For those who want to know, there are around 296 different bird species, including nine hornbills and resident and migratory birds recorded in Tasik Kenyir and these statistics are based on a 2018 bird count.

And the nine hornbill species at Tasik Kenyir are the Oriental Pied, Great, Rhinoceros, White-crowned, Wrinkled, Helmeted, Bushy-crested, Wreathed and Black Hornbill.

The event starts at 3.00 PM on the first day, where it ends by 7.30 PM, which is typical for the Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest. On the second day, which is a Sunday, the activities start at 9.00 AM and end around 4.00 PM.

And the Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest 2022 is also a limited participation event with a maximum of 50 people only with a commitment fee of RM50, which includes one refreshment, lunch and tea.

So, if you plan to go with a loved one or friend, you need to book two slots. Rooms are also on your own; therefore, you can also check some homestays or hotels around the area.

Your last alternative would be to book a room in Kuala Terengganu and self-drive to the Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest event at Tasik Kenyir daily. Last I remember, the Kenyir Lake Resort was shut or undergoing major renovations.

Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest Program

This year, the tentative program has been issued where there will be a VIP officiating the event followed by a series of talks and activities for the two days. About who is giving the talks, it is unknown at the moment.

The talks include;

• Birding in Terengganu and the new Kenyir State Park
• New Discoveries in Terengganu Avifauna

Activities include;

• Birdwatching Activities
• Boat Cruise to Taman Negara Kenyir
• Jungle Trekking to the Big Melunak Tree
• Visiting Bewah Caves

How to Register for Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest?

This event is not your regular birding event, as you need to pre-register yourself for this event, and you can register online via Ping Anchorage. Remember, you cannot simply show up at the event without registering first.

Where is Tasik Kenyir Lake?

Tasik Kenyir is located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is a five to six-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, depending on which route you take. For a better visual, look at the map above.

Most visitors will self-drive there, but it is advised to check on accommodations before blindly driving there. The reason is that there are limited homestays or guesthouses available in the area. There are no hotels except in Kuala Terengganu, a one-hour drive to Kenyir.

Conclusion

If you have never been to this part of Malaysia and is interested to find out more about the Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest 2022, this is your chance to do so. Otherwise, you can always go on your own after the event.