Malaysia Tourism » Wildlife Watching Malaysia

Choosing the right time of day and year is very important for spotting wildlife. Like .mans, many animals avoid the heat of the day. so early morning (0600-0900) and ace afternoon (1700-1900) are the best times for diurnal animals. The main flowering and fruiting season from March to October is a good time for spotting animals feedrg. and this period also coincides with more favourable weather. Large areas of half eaten fruit along the tracks are an indication that something is in the upper storeys the rainforest. Droppings on the trail are another important sign.

Some animals, like lizards and snakes, like to bask in open sunny areas, but within rainforest these areas can be quite limited. Forest trails, especially those near riverbanks, are good locations to see such reptiles.

Animals are easily startled by noise so it is best to keep as quiet as possible. binoculars are always useful. Remember to use appropriate protection from the sun. lightweight and dull-coloured clothing are recommended for walking through. Since rain is one of the features of rainforesrs, a raincoat may come in handy!

Taman Negara is not the Plains of the Serengeti, nor are animals as visible as on open Savannah of Africa since the rainforest provides a wonderful habitat for animals to camouflage themselves. Sightings of large mammals are consequently rare. However, with luck, mammals may be seen at one of the several hides in the park, where patient visitors can sit and wait for the wildlife to be attracted to the mineral salt licks. A good torch is essential for night spotting as the first things most people will see are the eyes reflecting in the beam of light. Slow casting of the beam across the salt lick often reveals something, be it a Tapir, deer, or pig. Even Seladang have been sighted at Bumbun Kumbang where it is a little more open.

Another good way to see nocturnal animals is to go spotlighting with a guide who has a reasonably powerful spot.The most popular trail for guided walks from the TNR heads in the general direction of the Canopy Walk. While the trail is never really crowded, serious spot-lighters may want to set off in any other direction. Head mounted spotlights can bring the best results.

Butterflies are another beautiful romponent of the rainforest ecosystem. Lepiclopterists, have over 900 species to see in the forests. Leave these colourful specimens for others to see and appreciate. Do not catch or collect them.