5 Bird Watching Sites Around Kuala Lumpur
So you’re going to Malaysia and would like to see a bit of the bird life, perhaps bag away easy lifers* so you could concentrate on the harder ones in Sabah or Sepilok. Then you ask yourself – does Kuala Lumpur, the most populous Malaysian city have birds to begin with?
Well, yes. In fact, I can name 5 sites within KL and near the city:
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
The KL Bird Park is located at the Lake Gardens, a cluster of green parks, including Butterfly Park, Hibiscus Gardens, Deer Park, and Orchid Garden definitely for nature lovers. Yes, the birds here are not wild as it is a kind of zoo. Don’t despair. If it’s your first time in KL, visiting the Bird Park will amuse you as its walk-in aviaries are huge. It means you get to see the birds as if you’re in a forest where birds fly freely. Bring your camera gear with you if you’re into bird photography.
Templer’s Park
Birding isn’t the only nature activity to do at Templer’s Park, which is only 30 minutes from KL. You can also trek the lush jungle trails, go camping, and swim so it means it’s likely visited by many people. Despite this, you’ll still see the Blue-winged Leafbird, White-crowned Forktail, Forest Wagtail, and species of flycatchers, bulbuls, and woodpeckers among others. If you have a little time to spare, have a picnic lunch by the waterfalls. This also translates into watching birds while sitting on a comfortable picnic chair.
Selangor State Park
Another popular park near KL is the Selangor State Park that includes the Ampang Forest Reserve, an area that catches water to prevent flooding in KL, Selangor, and Putrajaya. What’s special about this park is it’s one of the largest parks in the country. This means that you wouldn’t only see birds, but also other delightful species of wildlife.
Kuala Selangor Nature Park
Take a break from watching forest birds and see water birds at a mangrove sanctuary near KL called the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. The park is equipped with elevated walkways and sheds specially for bird watchers. While you’re trying to spot all 150 species, you will also find colorful crabs and insects. And the best thing about it is it’s only an hour away from KL.
Krau Wildlife Reserve
About one and a half hours from KL is the Krau Wildlife Reserve, another lush green destination for nature lovers. It is divided into two sanctuaries – one for elephants and another for deers. Bird watchers visit this place because the habitat for the rescued animals is perfect for other animals to thrive. And of course, you don’t miss the sanctuaries when you go here.
Have fun watching birds in Malaysia!
Lifer is a term pertaining to a bird you see for the first time. But since you’re on this page, you’re probably a bird watcher and you already know what it means.
