What Can YOU do for World Environment Day

MY Garden Birdwatch
What are the species of birds living within your vicinity? In conjunction with World Environment Day, Malaysia Nature Society Selangor Branch Bird Group invites you to participate in “MY Garden Birdwatch”, the first survey of its kind in Malaysia.

"MY Garden Birdwatch” aims to collect data on birds that are found in residential areas, cities, parks, gardens and the kampung. The information you contribute will be used to protect garden birds and their environment.
The Big Garden Birdwatch in United Kingdom has over the past 30 years proven to be a great success. It has been an effective mode to collect data on the dramatic decline of populations of certain common birds. Thanks to survey results, several conservation efforts on the House Sparrow, starlings and song thrushes has been initiated.
MY Garden Birdwatch kicks off this year -- all you need to do is set aside 30 minutes on either 5th or 6th June 2010. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SURVEY. ALL IT TAKES IS THE SKILL TO IDENTIFY THE COMMON BIRDS AROUND YOU. IF YOU CANNOT IDENTIFY THEM, SIMPLY TAKE NOTE OF THE BIRD FEATURES OR CAPTURE AN IMAGE OF THE BIRD ON THE CAMERA, AND EMAIL IT TO wcmsusan@gmail.com. I WILL DO MY BEST TO ASSIST YOU. THIS SURVEY GIVES YOU A CHANCE TO BE A CONSERVATIONIST!

How the survey is done
Your survey site should be somewhere accessible -- your garden, playground, or any green area near your house or apartment. Just a 30-minute survey will do -- anytime in the morning 7am – 11am or late afternoon 4pm – 6pm, when the birds are most active. For every bird you see, identify it and take note of how many you saw. DO NOT INCLUDE birds that can be heard but not seen.

If you don't see any birds during your survey duration, your report should indicate zero, plus the condition of the surrounding areas and the weather condition.

With that precious data in hand, email the Count Sheet to chirp@mygardenbirdwatch.com by 20th JUNE 2010 or if preferred, key in your data directly onto the online database BIRD I-Witness www.worldbirds.org/malaysia.
For further details, please email chirp@mygardenbirdwatch.com, or sign up as a counter right away at http://www.mygardenbirdwatch.com/

Tanjung Tuan/Rachado Cape - Important Bird Area

Tanjung Tuan or Rachado Cape as it was formally known. It is with the cor-ordinate of N 02 24 468 E 101 51 130 is the site of the oldest lighthouse in Malaysia.

After Portugal conquered Malacca, Cape Rachado this strategic place was chosen to build a lighthouse facing straits of Malacca to guide it's ships. Sometimes between 1528 and 1529 a lighthouse was built. Till to date this lighthouse is still functioning and it is use to guide the heavy sea traffic at straits of Malacca. Straits of Malacca is a narrow stretch of sea that divide West Malaysia and Indonesia.

Besides being a historical place it is also of the last remaining coastal forest on west coat of Peninsular of Malaysia. It was first gazetted in 1921 with the areas of 80.97. However by year 2002 re gazetted has been made and the actual area were 75.92 hectares.Due to it is situated in the East Asian-Australia flyway for Raptors migrations. This very small remaining patch it is being recognized as an Important Bird Areas (IBAs). The IBA Programme of BirdLife International is a worldwide initiative aimed at identifying and protecting a network of sites, critical for the conservation of the world's birds.
An Important Bird Area (IBA) is an area recognized as being globally important habitat for the conservation of bird populations. Currently there are about 10,000 IBAs worldwide. The program was developed by Bird Life International. IBA sites are determined by an internationally-agreed set of criteria.

Every year around February till early April on an average each day there are about 1,000 to 2,600 raptors fly past Tanjung Tuan as a seasonal movements from Pulau Rupat (Indonesia).
The reasons they migrate are due to escape from the cold winter where their food sources disappear. Some will wintering along their fly path and the furthest place they choose will be Indonesia. When spring are approaching these Raptors will make their annual migration back to their breeding ground in Japan, Northern China, Siberia, Korea and Mongolia due to the food source to raise their young.

Due to their huge and heavy body is quite a cumbersome task for this annual event that they must undertake, they will choose the easier and most flapping economical methods. Tanjung Tuan facing Pulau Rupat Indonesia is the shortest distance to the next mainland. It is also a small green lung that can provide a brief rest for them if the situation arise.

Importance to Conserve Raptors.
Raptors are good indicators of the health of our ecosystem environment. For example the decline of Brahminy Kite will linked to the disappearance of mangrove forest. The disappearance of mangrove forest will also resulted harm to mankind as there is no protection from the strong tidal waves such as Tsunami. Many raptors diets are rats and snakes therefore they are our natural pest control.

Realising the importance of raptors with the uniqueness migration phenomena at Tanjung Tuan, Malaysia Nature Society Bird conservation council held the first raptor watch week in 2000 to create public awareness and educate the importance of raptors. This annual event that normally held on the 2nd weekend of March since then is also aimed to highlight the importance of conserving Tanjung Tuan as a migration site. The annual Raptor Watch event is also a eco-tourism event and it has attracted foreign and local naturalist and bird watchers to congregate together to witness the beauty and awesome Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black Baza, Grey Faced Buzzard, Chinese Sparrowhawk and Japanese Sparrowhawk as they journey thousand of miles back to their breeding ground.

In line with the other raptor watch sites throughout the world, we also do raptors migrations census at Tanjung tuan to contribute to the study and behaviours of migratory raptors.

As of 4th of April 2010 the final figure is 73,152 raptors
As of 31st of March the total number of raptors 71,000
As of 25th of March the total number of raptors 67,593
As of 19th of March the total number of raptors 55,629
As of 16th of March the total number of raptors 40,656
As of 14th of March the total number of raptors 33,883
As of 13th of March the total number of raptors 31,405
As of 8th of March the total number of raptors 27,210
http://www.raptorwatch.org/raptor_count.htm

My field trip reports
I utilised part of my 7 days brought forward last year annual leave as a raptor counter at Tanjung Tuan from 23rd of March till 29th of March. This past 7 days at the lighthouse is indeed a total switch from the busy schedule at office to the relaxing duties of look out for raptors fly past. Some days where the weather are not favourable there would be no Raptors fly past. Below are some of my photos that I managed to take. I miss a lot of golden photography opportunities cause I discovered that the Auto Focus from my lens is not functioning.

This particular fruiting tree attracted Plantain Squirrels, Black Banded Squirrels, Olive Winged Bulbul, Yellow Vented Bulbul.
During the time of my volunteering for raptor counting is actually near to the tailed end of raptors migratory, therefore we noticed less Oriental Honey Buzzard. We have a few flocks of Black Baza. I do recall we got a surprise as we look through our binoculars cause in one of the flock it is actually a mixture of a few Oriental Honey Buzzard, majorities of Black Baza and a few Chinese Sparrowhawk. Lucky on that particular day we have a few Raptors Counters cause some of us can count on different species.
Oriental Honey Buzzard comes in variant of colours eg Pale morph, Dark Morph.


Occasionally we have a few fly past within a zoom lens reach. We even can noticed the colours of it's eyes as well eg red eyes or yellow eyes. This bird have yellow eyes.
OOps ... AAARgh a long big snake ????While we looking out for raptors in the sky one of our teammates spotted a “long big snake” Look through the binoculars OOOOh My is a crocodile. Sungei Linggi is where crocodile can be found., this being stray one could have cause by disturbance that make it wonder out from it’s cozy home. Have we ever ponder why a wild crocodile need to escape out from it's comfort zone ?


The list of birds I heard and saw at Tg Tuan.
Black Naped Oriole, Purple Throated Sunbird, Olive Backed Sunbird, Black Baza, Chinese Sparrowhawk, Grey-Faced Buzzard, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Frigatebird, Common Tailorbird, Banded Kingfisher, Olive-Winged Bulbul, Yellow-Vented Bulbul, Brahminy Kite, White Bellied Sea Eagle (Adult and Juvenile), Common Myna, Javan Myna, Changeable Hawk Eagle (dark & pale morph), Common Iora, Black Headed Munia, Blue Throated Bee eater, Blue Tailed Bee eater, Red Eyed Bulbul.

My lifer is the Lanceloted Warbler sighted on 24/3/2010 @ 10:16am –field mark

Grey in colour (maybe due it is perched under the shade of leaves), scally back, frontal straight stripe like juvenile asian glossy starling, white eye browed. Call is a cat-cat -cat-cat (continuously), There is no photograph opportunities at that moments.

Fraser's Hill, Malaysia Atrractions for Naturelist

Fraser's Hill

Fraser’s Hill is a cool retreat hill station established by the British Colonial in the early 1900’s. It is about 1,300m above sea level on Titiwangsa mountain range of Peninsular Malaysia. It lays on seven hills straddle in the Selangor and Pahang border. This hill station was named after a Scottish tin miner James Louis Fraser who explored and discovered it as a prospect tin mining site. He stayed on employed Chinese miners to help him to work on the mine. However he mysteriously disappeared without any trace some years later. In 1917, Reverend C.J Ferguson-Davie while he was on holiday at the Gap, he trekked up to looked for the bungalow’s of James Loius Fraser. He could not found Fraser but instead he was being compelled to write to Singapore High Commission suggesting that the area be turn to hill station.

Unlike the others two hill stations namely Genting Highlands and Camerron Highlands in Peninsular Malaysia, till to date Fraser’s Hill is lack of commercial development. Due to this fact Fraser’s Hill remains as a popular spot for nature enthusiast namely the bird watchers.

Throughout the year Fraser’s Hill temperature are between 17°C-25°C. With this comfortable ideal range of temperature one can walked a few KM a day without feeling lethargic. For birdwatching is ideally to arrange your visit between Monday to Friday and try to avoid public holiday as Fraser’s Hill is also popular spot for city folks to escape the heat and stress. No doubt in the mid October to December we are experiencing more rains it is also worth to visit Fraser’s Hill cause it is a bird migratory period.

How to get there
Car- self drive

As of to date Fraser’s Hill is best reached by self-drive vehicle, taxi or engage a license tour agent/guide. From Kuala Lumpur head north towards Rawang. From Rawang follow the direction to Kuala Kubu Bahru . Kuala Kubu Town is last destination that you need to fill up the car fuel tank before heading up to Fraser’s Hill.

Kuala Kubu Bahru is about 40km from Fraser’s Hill and there is no petrol station along the way after that or at Fraser’s Hill. Alternatively Fraser’s Hill can be reached via Karak highway. Turn left at Bentong junction proceed to Teranum. At Teranum take left turn towards GAP.

Keep in mind that if the new road from the Gap to Fraser’s Hill is close for renovation then the 8km narrow and winding old road is put to full used. Vehicles are only allow to go up on this one way road between 7am till 7pm (odd hour). The down traffic is from 6am till 6pm (even hour). The gate keeper would allow the last traffic to pass the gate at 40 minutes eg 6:40pm as the journey might takes 15 minutes. At 7:40pm till 5:40am this stretch of road will open for both way traffic. One need to be fully alert cause the road is very narrow and winding only at certain stretch is wide enough for 2 vehicles. If need to travel during this hour do remember to switch on the head lights and look out for on-comming vehicles.

Public Transport
Unlike a few years back for those who prefer to travel economically they can take the option to reached Fraser’s Hill by public transport. I do recalled taking this small rickety bus that ply from Kuala Kubu Bahru bus terminal to Raub that would drop you off to the clock tower of Fraser’s at 12:30noon. To date if you take the option of public transport, from Bangkok Bank Kuala Lumpur take metro Bus no 43 that head to Rawang. The frequency of this bus is every 20 minutes. At rawang bus terminal take bus no 36 to Kuala Kubu Bahru. The frequency of this bus is every 30 minutes. At Kuala Kubu Bahru hire a taxi to Fraser’s Hill do recall inform him/her the date and time to you off from fraser because there is no taxi at fraser’s.

Accommodation
Old style colonial bungalow, apartment, hotel and Inn are the range that one can choose from. Price is range per night from Rm70 per room to RM1, 000 for a bungalow.
At of present the famous GAP resthouse that is situated at the foothill is close for renovation. Puncak Inn at Fraser’s Hill that is newly renovated have a few range of rooms tailored to meet the needs of visitors. Being the cheapest a standard room is price at RM70 weekdays at weekend the same room is at Rm91.

It would be wise to make your reservations before hand, as during long weekends the accommodation there might be fully booked. Enquiries and Reservations can call to Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation on 609-3622201 (information), 609-3622007 (room reservation).

Share with you all some of flora and fauna that can be found at Fraser's Hill. This photo below is Sonerila the uniqueness of this species is endemic and only can be found at Fraser's Hill. Therefore this will give us all the reasons more to conserver and preserver Fraser's Hill.

For the photo below I do know what is the name of the species, but I doubt I have seen this.
This glittering leaves below was being notice by Irene. It was not raindrops.

After along hot spell and the sudden wheather change to rainy season will cause fungi or in common terms refer as mushroom to burst. Fungi perform an essential role in the decomposition of organic matter and have fundamental roles in nutrient cyclung and exchange. Actually there are many forms of fungi that I notice inside the trails.
This Moth was resting for many hours inside the apartment since I notice it. This white beattle flew in while we were at the waterfall road waiting for the appearance of the Green Magpie.

A common shrub plants that I notice there. There are alot of nice plants as well of small living beings there. It is advisable to takes nothing back but only photograph. All these will not survive well in urban city.

Below is a fig plants. The fruits just branch out from the branches, both photos are the same species but with different lightings.

Short Cut/Trails
My colleague Asmah who use to spend her early childhood there told me this “ Fraser’s is really quiet during weekdays … off and on there are foreigner walking around hanging around there neck with a pair of binoculars … Super peak period is the Bird Race event that normally happens in June…. Best lar staying there so many short cut to go here and there…” She means the Trails are the short cut.

There are many well-marked trails are worth to explore to avoid the heat from the sun in the afternoon. All of these trails are started/used for a purpose. All of them have been exist since in the early 1900’s except Rompin trail in the late 1980’s.

To name a few :-

Pine Tree Trail
Pine Tree trail being the toughest that demand physically challenge to complete the 5000m long trail takes 7 hours per journey. It was open by the British to walked to the mountain peak to enjoyed the view of the surrounding of Fraser’s Hill. It is wise to inform the hotel/at the local police station and engage a licensed local guide if intend to explore the whole of this trail.

Maxwell Trail
Maxwell trail is 1800m long is named after Sir George Maxwell the Chief Secretary of the Federated Malay States who took keen interest to developed Fraser’s Hill. In 1919 this trail is used for the workers who stayed at the Labour Lines now the present Pine Hill resort to gain access to the only radio at Fraser at Whittington bungalow the present Guthrie House who owned by an English miner to listen to news of World War 1.

Kindersley Trail
Kindersley trail is 750m long is a few minor obstacles are created in 1928 used by the British official to attend church service at Methodist House.

Rompin Trail
Rompin Trail being the shortest is only 500m. It was created in the late 1980. It is being used by the residents of Taman Sungai Hijau to commute daily to the town centre.

This could be a barbet or a woodpecker home once.

A millipede that we noticed.

To discovered more get the detail map and full illustration of all the trails of Fraser’s Hill at the tourism counter located at Puncak Inn lobby. Pick up a proper walking shoes preferable suitable for trekking, pack along some drinking water and some snack and I'm sure you would notice alot of more wonders that I do.

My November Bird Watching Field Trip to Fraser's Hill, Malaysia

My field Trip.
In this one field trip report consist sightings of my 2 field trips that I make in the same month. My first trip is in the 1st week of November it was a long time then since my last visit. The news sightings of tiger place a great curiosity that I can’t wait for work assignment to be lighten a bit so that I could takes some time off. It was so happen that Dr Fong called me up to inquired some info about birding at Doi Inthanon. In the midst of conversation I lamented that I need a break from office and since new road is close therefore it may be a good idea to take our chance to bump into tigers. :-)

Since I managed to booked my company’s holiday apartment for this. My younger brother voluntary offer to drive and we packed along our father. Our mum decided to give it a miss cause she could not handle the curvy and winding road. My other immediate families have other commitment therefore I could have a spare room to host Dr Foong and his lovely wife. It is indeed an ideals plan cause it allow me to spend more time with my immediate family members and in the mean time able to squeeze up a birding trip with my birding friends.

Due to I did not drive up therefore it also free up my brain to think of what is the next destination of birding spot. Since we have been birding for quiet sometimes we decided to spend more times at the promising spot for a few species that are in our wish list. Dr Foong, his wife and me seems to be diligently patron at a few spots to give ourselves a great windows to have a glimpse of what is in our wish list.

The days in the 1st week of November during our visit at Fraser’s it seems that most of the days are either drizzling or raining. The leech of 3 sizes there are highly active inside the trails.

Many parts of the days are misty as this during my 1st week of november visit.

No doubt after some years of birding sightings of Long Tailed Sibia would not get one excited. Well have to remind ourselves that there are each different individual and not found at Thailand.

Beside our common wish list of the Mountain Peacock Pheasant, Cutia and Rusty-Naped Pitta. I also secretly wish to see the Malayan Hill Partridge. On the last day of our trip before we head down from this famous montane bird watching hill station in Peninsular Malaysia we are blessed to have a glimpse of Mountain Peacock Pheasant and Malayan Hill Partridge. I also have a small glimpse of a very unique looking pheasant that until today I yet to ID it. It was fogy then. Due to I’m more incline to be a birder rather than to be a bird photographer therefore I tense to look at the bird first. If they allow me more time to look at them and if they permit I would then take their photos. Therefore the above mentioned lifer I have to planned for another trips to record it in the CF card. The next trip I have to negotiate all the curvy and winding road myself as I need to drive.. ALL because of YOU - the Mountain Peacock Pheasant one of the 3 endemic birds species of Peninsular Malaysia. I wish that you give me a better glimpse.. :-)


Some part of the days are better during the 1st week of november therefore able to get a decent photos of Fire-Breasted of Flowerpecker. Due to I wish to clear a few more days of my annual leave, I head off to Fraser’s Hill again on the 4th long weekend. This time I hosted Irene and Chan. This time during our visit, the raining spelt seems to be a totally reverse. We are experiencing more hot sunny day compare to my 1st visit.

Hah.. this red fruiting trees was fruiting to it's glory during the 1st week of november. It attracted Black Crested Bulbul, Scally Breasted Bull, Black Browed Barbet, White Eye..

However on my second trip during the 4th weekend the fruits are all gone. This lone Feruginious Flycatcher winter visitors have found this place to be secure and comfy for wintering.. It was still there on my second trip.

One would not consider to complete your Fraser's birding trip if you did not notice this common montane species. We nicknamed them CCLT.

We tried to lookout for Trogon and as we drive past this area Dr Foong notice a pair of Little Cuckoo Dove.

A sudden burst of bird wave at the telekom loop. We have Chestnut Capped Laughingthrush, Cuckoo Shrike, Silvered-Eared Mesia, Minivet, Golden Warbler, Lesser Racket Tailed Drongo, Blue Nuthatch.

I must have too long since I go out to the field, until a common grassland habitat bird also takes me awhile to identify it as Rufescent Prinia.

The mission that I have set on my second trip however has failed... Hahh.. where are you Pheasant.... ?? I heard your friend the Hill Partridge calls in a very far distance. Well all I could conclude It is still consider a fruitful and blessed trip cause I managed to look at Red-Giant Flying Squirrel and Colougo. I could not believe my eyes when I saw how the Red-Giant Flying Squirrel fly across ... WOW..

Colugos are shy, noctural and they are restricted to the tropical rainforest of Southeast Asia. Colugos also known as Flying Lemur. This is a gliding mammals. They are using flaps of extra skin between their legs to glide from higher to lower locations.

The Red Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista, it feeds primarily on leaves and branches. It is able to glide for long distances.

Birds heard of seen.
Fire Tuffted Barbet, Black Browed Barbet, Brown Barbet, Red Headed Trogon, Red Bearded Bee Eater, Collared Owlet – heard (definitely not from the playback tape), Little Cuckoo Dove, Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Blyth’s Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Rusty Naped Pitta (h), Lesser Racket Tailed Drongo, Green Magpie, Oriental Magpie Robin, Large Billed Crow, Black and Crimson Oriole, Malaysian Cuckoo-Shrike, Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, Grey-Chinned Minivet ,White Throated Fantail, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Rufous Browed Flycatcher, Feruginous Flycatcher, Slaty-Backed Forktail, Blue Nuthatch, Sultan Tit, Siberian Thrush, Verditer Flycatcher, Canary Flycatcher, Yellow Vented Bulbul, Ochraceous Bulbul, Ashy Bulbul, Mountain Bulbul, Scally-Breasted Bulbul, Black Crested Bulbul, Mountain Tailorbird, Dark Necked Tailorbird, White-Eye, Chestnut-Backed Scimitar Babbler, Golden Babbler, Black-Eared Shrike Babbler, White Browed Shrike Babbler, Blue Winged Minla, Mountain Fulvetta, Fire-Breasted Flowepecker, Streaked Spiderhunter, Black-Throated Sunbird, Grey Wagtail, White-Rumped Munia, Silver-Eared Mesia, Mountain Peacock Pheasant, Malayan Hill Partridge, Chestnut Capped Laughingthrush, Chestnut-Crowed Laughingthrush.

Endau Rompin National Park - Kuala Jasin Could Be Better

In my humble opinion Kuala Jasin could be better, below is a copy of suggestion letter I have written to them.

Dear Sir,

During my visit to Endau Rompin Kampung Peta last year, I first saw Kuala Jasin and thought it was a marvelous place for a holiday to escape from the city. At that time, the chalets were in the midst of renovation and I was unable to experience an overnight stay. The surroundings were well shaded by tall trees and looking around I saw many gingers, fungi and other herbs on the forest floor around the visitor area. The air was cool and the closeness of the surrounding vegetation made it feel like you were really in a tropical rainforest . Many trees were labeled and I learnt the names of so many trees.

I made up my mind to visit again in August this year to my disappointment I found out that a new VIP bungalow has been built, new toilets have been constructed and a small hall is being built. In additional many trees had been cut down, including those that had been labeled and the surrounding greenery had been cleared. I was dismayed that this development was accompanied by such wholesale clearing of the original vegetation. Now, the trees which have not been cut down do not offer enough shade to keep the area cool and it is hot and bare. Previously green areas around the kitchen are now gone and the gingers, herbs and other plants on the forest floor are missing too. When I stood near the kitchen, I could see all the way to the new toilet block and almost to the last family chalet 100 metres away. There was no natural greenery in between the buildings to give the area the feel of being close to natural forest or to offer some privacy to guests. Even the surrounding natural vegetation has been cleared drastically. In my view it is done too excessively. With the loss of its cool green atmosphere, this beautiful place has lost its unique and tranquil appearance and is on the way to becoming just another ordinary spot.
The trend of clearing away the natural vegetation cause total expose has also taken place at the NERC, around the family chalets and the dormitories. I’m sure most visitors to a National Park are there to experience and get a feel of our rainforest. What a let down for them to stay in a chalet which is totally exposed to every vehicles or persons that comes down from the NERC road! Sadly, the natural riverside vegetation next to the jetty has also been cleared and many of the beautiful overhanging trees have been chopped down. These trees gave the shady pool its attractive quality, sheltered the aquatic life and kept the pool cool. What was once a cool, green and refreshing scene has lost its natural beauty. It appears there is an obsessive need to clear away vegetation which occurs naturally so as to make everything look neat and tidy or to give an unobstructed view.

It seems the Park authority may have overstepped a fundamental line in the concept of what it means to conserve a natural forest – instead, it is attempting to “tame” the forest when it is more appropriate and in line with conservation to adjust oneself to the natural environment. I appeal to the Park authority, please give us the visitor from the city the experience of what a natural rainforest looks and feels like, rather than attempting to make nature neat and tidy to mirror any parks in the city. Endau-Rompin should proudly display its forest in its natural form, and not provide an unnatural, modified version of the real thing.

regards,

Wong Chor Mun

My Visit to Endau Rompin National Park 27/8/2009 - 1/9/2009 (Part 1)

Having a thought to take a break just like me ? A place to recharge and escape from the city ? A place that is far off from the city with limited mobile phone coverage? No accessibility to newspapers, television, radio and Internet ? A tropical rainforest that need not one to trek with at least 10kg weight of backpack to reach it’s destination ? To me the only place that met those criteria is Endau Rompin National Park.

Where is Endau Rompin National Park ?
In google map Endau Rompin National Park is situated with the co-ordinate 2.541866, 103.417196 . This park lies from the southern state of Pahang to the northern state of Johor. This protected rainforest is approximately 870 km². It is named after both Endau and Rompin rivers that flow through the park.

How Does This Park Comes About.
In 1985 to 1986 without the support from the members of Malaysia Nature Society (MNS) that makes up from enthusiastic nature lovers, scientists, the co-operations of others individuals with the same like minded channel in through our local universities and from some big corporate companies, Endau Rompin National Park would not be exist. It would not be reality too if not from the generous peoples from Denmark who compelled the need to save and to conserve a natural forest. It is also would not be possible too without the generous donations from a long list of individual and cooperation in Malaysia. To all these peoples who lend your helping hands in donations or any forms of scientific expedition volunteer service whether big or small , a salute to you.

Your service has cause the magnificent tualang trees, rare fan palm Livistona endauensis, other rare interesting plant species that are yet to discover by the botanists continue to reign. Has given a chance trees and plants continue to grow naturally, function in it’s manner as one of the supporting component to others living animals and insects in the forest. We human may able to grown trees, fashion them marvelously however we fail to design it with such micro-architecture beauty that what nature has provide.

Indirectly secure a place for the Hornbills who need tall solid big trees for their survival in terms of food supply from the fig trees and cavity nest to raise their next generations. Your service have also indirectly ensure Elephants, Tigers, Panther, Sumatra Rhinoceros, Malaysian Peacock Pheasant continues their generation lineage, as they need big forest to roam around

In 1993, the Endau Rompin National Park was finally created. Since then the administration of the park is being lay upon the shoulder of Johor National Park Corporation (PTNJ) and our Johor local govement. Kampung Peta and Kampung Selai are the two entry points to the park administer by Johor National Park Corporation.

How To Get There
If you want to access Endau Rompin Kg Peta

by own vehicle
Use the North South Highway exit at Ayer Hitam, proceed and follow the road direction to Kluang/Mersing. That would leads you to Kahang town which is the midway to Mersing. The Endau Rompin National Sign Board would leads you to the Park office at 11, Jln Bawal 1. Tmn Kahang Baru. 86700 Kahang, Kluang. Johor Tel: 07-7882812 Fax 07-7882813 which is on the ground floor of a two storey shop lot. Entry permit and registration need to done at this park office.

The journey from UPM toll to Ayer Hitam head to Kluang and then to Kahang took me 4 hrs with 2 pit stops with my driving speed of 90/110 kmph. As this National Park is established recently the road access to it (about 56Km) would be too rough stretch to be bear by a normal car. 4WD transfer can be pre-arranged from the Park office. The 4WD would travel along the dirt tracks that is used to be the old logging track pass by rubber, oil palm plantations, orang asli settlement. This rough journey on the road takes 2 hrs.

If you have booked the 4WD transfer from Kahang office that will normally wait for you at 12noon, therefore do work backward the time you need to start your journey.

Public transport
Proceed to Kluang using express bus or train. Then proceed to Kahang Park Office by taxi or the local bus. Do make the prior arrangement as they need to pre-arrange the 4WD transfer.

Accommodation
If your visit to this park is not booked through the eco-tourism agent. Do make your booking by phone at 07-788 2812, or email them at peta_er@yahoo.com. There is no other accommodation beside the park’s accommodation. The park provide a few choice of accommodation to suit it’s visitors on how they wish to experience the rainforest. Accommodation range from camping , dormitories, standard chalet to family chalet.

If your choice of accommodation is at sungai marung or kuala Jasin then boat transfer need to be arrange from kampung peta. Guest vehicles are not allowed to goes beyond Visitor Complex as this national park beside being an eco-tourism spot it also serve an important conservation area. Beside the reason being for guest safety sake by curd guest vehicles this will ensure less disturbance to the wildlife there.

Fees
A to and fro 4WD transfer cost RM350 per vehicle. Entrance fees to the park for Malaysia is RM5 per pax, RM10 per pax for Non Malaysian. Visitor need to take up the Insurance coverage of RM2 per pax . For more details refer to http://johorparks.com.my/your-visit/accomodations/ For better comfort call the park office for latest rates.

What are the Attractions ?
What are the Attractions of Endau Rompin National ParkThis national park is one of the spot for eco-tourism. At this national park you would have an ideas of it’s local communities culture aborigines being refer as Orang Hulu or Jakun. Activities that can be pursued here are such as jungle trekking, photography and others nature appreciation. Due to the fact of it’s rich biodiversity this park is also constantly visited by researchers.

Share with you all some of the photos that I managed to took during my trip there from 27/8/2009 - 1/9/2009.

Purple- Naped Sunbird attracted to Setawar

Notice the bird stuck it's beak inside.



It will draw out the the nectar in a glue form

The melodious called from the White-Rumped Sharma could not stop me to look out where the sound originate.

Trogon.. Trogon... no matter how many times I have seen them yet I will never be bored.

A Male Crimson Winged Woodpecker. I traced it by it's pecking sound.

As I was treking down to complex this Yellow-Bellied Bulbul came and stop for awhile not too far from me. No doubt it was near however I find it hard to work on this subject as I depend on the natural lighting.

OOh.. Tiger Shrike have reach Johor so early ?
During this field trip this is the only migrant. The rest is yet to arrived.

A Grey Headed Canary Flycatcher was hawking for insect when I notice it.

I aim for a better photo next time for this spp.

This Asian Paradise Flycatcher was hawking for insect too.

Endau Rompin National Park is the site you can easily sight Brown Fulvetta.

I notice it swallow in a berry instead of press, suck it juice and discard the skin.

This is how it's juvenile looks like

Endau Rompin is the best place to look out for Jungle Babbler.

As I trek down from Kuala Jasin, halfway I notice a solitary Banded Kingfisher.

This bird is very patient with me.

The Park's staff told me that this bird was raise up at this trees. Nearly everyday it will come back here.

A Greater Racket Tailed Drongo that I notice came to perched nearby.

tee dee ...dee.. where ? OOps I found you friend.. Spectacled Bulbul.

Notice a flock of White Rumped Munia always mingle in this "certain spot"

It was nearly dusk, time for birds active again before they retire for the day.

HHhmm.. a flock of black bird with a crest.. OOOh it has being long I have encountered Crested Jay.

Well their are threated by habitat loss.

Musa gracillis the smallest Malaysis banana plant that grow wild here, provide a good source of nectar for the little spiderhunter.

The Little Spiderhunter will fly in and perched nearby , look out for any possiblilites of predator before it comes down to the banana flower.

Quite caution of the surrounding, before it draws nectar out from the banana flower.

Fell the surounding is safe it will come down to another perched.

Start to draw out the nectar.

BIRDS Sighted and Heard during this field trip
Great Argus - male,Checkered- Throated Woodpecker,Crimson-Winged Woodpecker,Rufous Piculet,Olive-Backed Woodpecker,Orange-Backed Woodpecker,Buff-Necked Woodpecker,Blue-Eared Barbet,Gold Whiskered Barbet,Black Hornbill,Rhinocerous Hornbill,Scarlet Rumped Trogon,Banded Kingfisher,Rufous-Backed Kingfisher,Indian Cuckoo,Rafles's Malkoha,Silver Rumped Swiftlet,Redish Scops Owl,Malaysian Eared Nightjar,Emerald Dove,Crested Serpent Eagle,Banded Pitta,Blue Winged Leafbird,Greater Green Leafbird,Black and Yellow Broadbill,Greater Racket Tailed Drongo,Lesser Racket Tailed Drongo,Bronzed Drongo,Tiger Shrike (Juvenile),Crested Jay,Black Magpie,Large Billed Crow,Dark-Throated Oriole,Great Iora,Green Iora,Lesser Cuckooshrike,Bar-Bellied Cuckooshrike,Scarlet Minivet,Spotted Fantail,Black Naped Monarch,Asian Paradise Flycatcher,Rufous Winged Philentoma,Tickell's Blue Flycatcher,Grey-Headed Flycatcher,Verditer Flycatcher,Oriental Magpie Robin, Chestnut-Naped Forktail,White-Crowned Forktail,Hill Myna,Red-Eyed Bulbul,Spectacled Bulbul,Cream Vented Bulbul,Yellow Bellied Bulbul,Grey-Cheeked Bulbul,Hairy Backed Bulbul,Finch's Bulbul,Buff-Vented Bulbul,Common Tailorbird,Dark-Necked Tailorbird,Rufous-Tailed Tailorbird,White-Chested Babbler,Ferruginous Babbler,Abbott's Babbler,Moustached Babbler,Scooty Capped Babbler,Scally Crowned Babbler,Rufous Crowned Babbler,Horsefield's Babbler,Marbled Wren Babbler,Grey Headed Babbler,Grey Throated Babbler,Black-Throated Babbler,Chestnut-Rumped Babbler,Chestnut-Winged Babbler,Rufous Fronted Babbler,Striped Tit Babbler,Brown Fulvetta,Fuffy Tit Babbler,Yellow Bellied Yuhina,Yellow Breasted Flowepecker,Plain Flowerpecker,Purple Naped SunbirdLittle Spiderhunter,Thick-Billed Spiderhunter,Long Billed Spiderhunter,White Rumped Munia

Will followed up with a write up on others things sighted beside birds soon.