PERLIS
Perlis
At the north-western tip of Peninsular Malaysia, bordering Thailand, lies the smallest state in Malaysia, Perlis. This state is famed for its old-world charm with fascinating picturesque villages, undulating green fields of paddy fields and charming old tradition. It is a perfect destination for a quiet and leisurely unhurried pace of life with a calm naturally fresh and crisp environment.
- Contact Info
- Perlis Forestry Department (Wang Kelian) PERHILITAN Perlis
- perlis@wildlife.gov.my
- www.wildlife.gov.my
Perlis has an IBA site (MY01) that covers the Perlis State Park and Wang Pinang Wildlife Reserve. In addition to that, there are several hotspots in the state that would attract birdwatchers.
The fastest option to get to Perlis is by flight arrival at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (Alor Setar, Kedah) or Penang International Airport located on Penang Island. Alternatively, you can drive all the way from Kuala Lumpur and cover the journey in 5 hours!
It has an impressive bird list mainly due to its unspoilt environment and suitable habitats that support various species including residents and migrants despite the small land coverage. To date, the species counted by birdwatchers is 419 but potential another 100 species can be added to the bird list for the state.
Perlis State Park
Coordinate: 6°41’52.0”N 100°11’28.5”E
No. of species: 266
Perlis State Park is located on the western border of Perlis, along the Thai border. It sits on the Nakawan Range, the longest continuous limestone hills in Malaysia at 36 kilometres long. The whole area spans 5,075 hectares.
This location is surrounded by beautiful, thick lush forest, sheer cliff faces and an extensive cave system. This beautiful park is believed to house more than 600 species of flora, 70 species of mammals, more than 260 species of birds and 35 species of reptile.
Some of the birds seen here are unique to north Peninsular Malaysia. These include Streaked-breasted Woodpecker, Puff-throated Babbler, Peregrine Falcon and 4 different hornbills including the Great Hornbill and Rhinoceros Hornbill. Other colourful and sought-after birds include three species of pittas – the Malay Banded Pitta, Blue-winged Pitta and Chestnut- crowned Pitta (Hooded Pitta) while during the annual bird migration season, one may observe Japanese Sparrowhawks, Chinese Sparrowhawks, Black Bazas, Eastern Honey- buzzards (Oriental Honey-buzzard) and Grey-faced Buzzards.
Interesting trails including the Prince of Denmark, Rainforest and the Tok Jaafar Heritage trails are well developed and popular amongst nature lovers.
Bukit Kubu Recreation Forest
Coordinate: 6°26’66”N 100°53’33”E
No. of species: N/A
Bukit Kubu Recreation Forest is just about 15 kilometres from the town of capital; city of Kangar. It is also known as “Hutan Lipur Bukit Kubu”. This is a recreational park consisting of a limestone cave within the hill and surrounded by the Wang Pinang Wildlife Reserve and covers an area of around 12 hectares. Bukit Kubu Recreational Forest has several natural caves such as Gua Ikan and Gua Harimau.
Part of an IBAs area, this little-known forest reserve boasts of interesting birds Pale-legged Warbler, Yellow-billed Whistling- thrush (Blue Whistling-Thrush), Red-rumped Swallow, Blue-crowned Hanging-parrot, Blue-eared Barbet, Sultan Tit, and Grey- headed Canary-flycatcher.
There is an interesting lookout tower that offer birders not only a view of the surrounding limestone and landscapes but chances to catch birds of prey soaring around the area.
Lake Timah Tasoh
Coordinate: 6°35’45.2”N 100°13’08.5”E
No. of species: 145
Lake Timah Tasoh is a 1,300 hectares manmade, located about halfway between the Perlis State Park and Kangar. It got its name from two rivers, namely Sungai Timah and Sungai Tasoh, which feed water into the lake. It holds about 35.3 million litres of water and was created when a dam was built on Sungai Korok.
The lake acts as a sanctuary for migratory birds and is home to about 145 species of resident and migrant birds.
The months of October and March are the best times to visit. Among the rarer birds found here are the Common Coot (Eurasian Coot), Grey-headed Lapwing and Cotton Pygmy-goose. Birdwatchers can opt for the short trail near the main visitor area along Federal Route 7. Access to the lake shoreline is possible via several roads branching from the main road. Lake Timah Tasoh also draws local visitors who come to enjoy the spectacular views of sunrise and sunset and for excited birdwatchers itching to add owls and nightjars to their list.
