The Panti Bird Race, held on the southern peninsula of Malaysia, took place in early November 2023. The event was closed, with only guests and participants in attendance. This is part of Kota Tinggi in the state of Johor.
The Panti Bird Sanctuary is also located along the Kota Tinggi to Mersing Road, which is Highway 3 or AH18, connecting Johor Bahru and taking approximately 50 minutes to drive. This bird sanctuary in Johor is also part of the Gunung Panti Recreational Forest, or Hutan Lipur Gunung Panti in Malay.
Panti Bird Race
This Johor bird race is a trial project from the NEST group in Malaysia. They appear to be collaborating with various forestry, state, and tourism departments to promote birdwatching through multiple programs.
Well, this is what I gathered, as we are not invited to participate in or cover the events as a media outlet. Only specially invited participants from agencies throughout Johor were invited, while photographers participating in the Panti Photo Race event were also invited.
It looks like this test project was a pre-run and is in line with preparing to organise the International Panti Bird Race 2024, in which the organisers hope to see participation from other countries from around Southeast Asia.
During the Panti Bird Race 2023, there were two additional categories in the Bird Photo Race event: the Most Unique Bird Photo and the Most Beautiful Bird Photo. Technically, this is one method to promote bird photography. For now, this is all I know; therefore, there is not much information available.
In another news article, it was stated that the Johor State Forestry Department (JPNJ) had organised the Southern Peninsular Panti Bird Race 2023 program, which successfully attracted a total of 36 participants, assisted by 20 bird experts, as an initial step to empower ‘birding’ activities in the state.
The inaugural birding program aims to provide early exposure to department staff, especially the Managers of the Panti Bird Sanctuary, agencies related to eco-tourism and ‘avitourism’, and Higher Education Institutions regarding the activity.
Panti Bird Race
- Date: 3-5 November 2023
- Venue: Panti, Kota Tinggi Johor
Panti Birdwatching Application Permit
1. Apply thru WhatsApp via NANA: Tel +60 11 1197 2257
2. Apply at the Panti Ranger Office (open 8.00 am Monday to Friday)
Conclusion
I believe the Panti Bird Race in Johor was jointly organised by the Johor State Forestry Department, the Johor State Forest Service, the Malaysia Nature Society Johor branch (MNSJ), the Malaysia Rainforest Station (MRS) and Tourism Johor.
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