BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!

Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="James Eaton" data-source="post: 3219578" data-attributes="member: 12638">Gunung Leuser - fabulous, fabulous area. You will see wild Sumatran Orang-utan quite easily around Ketambe (Johan's place is good for these), accommodation is simple but stunning forest in the surroundings. There are various treks you can do to get into the forest - a short one with camping is to Gunung Kemiri, but it's quite a hike up - I've seen Orang-utans here also. The lowland forest around Ketambe has Malayan Banded and Hooded Pittas, and the whole area is good for Rail-babbler also.To get to Leuser you drive from Medan (10 hours), as flights are no longer available as of last year - check Susi Air to see if they have restarted into Kutacane.Sabah - Rail-babbler is very uncommon in here and unlikely to be encountered (they are present but in 30-40 visits, I've never one!). They are quite numerous in Sarawak and the rest of Borneo however.Kinabatangan is a good place for Orang-utan and given 2-3 days you should see them. As others say, it's a great place for non-birding spouse. Bristlehead is possible too. Actually, better chance here than Sepilok now - they are rarely encountered here now since they extended the canopy walkway 2 years ago.Mount Kinabalu should be visited anyway, wonderful place.Sepilok is also great for non-birding spouse and you will get great views of the Orang-utans.Cebu - no confirmed sightings of the flowerpecker for a few years now. As others mention, Palawan is the obvious chance, and is fabulous.Snorkelling - Sabah is great (though better for diving than snorkelling), though is an expensive place by Asian terms due to how wonderful it is. Mantanani is quite poor for snorkelling though but good for beaching.As Temmie states Pulau Weh, off Banda Aceh is great diving - not as good as 10 years ago as it's suffered with bleaching and a change of currents but still some brilliant diving and snorkelling to be had - I was there last year. Birding is very poor here though. To get here from Medan is easy - fly direct to Banda Aceh then there are regular boats across to Weh, and several places to stay for various budgets. Aceh is a wonderful area to visit.</blockquote>

Verification