TRIP REPORT - SABAH, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA & S.THAILAND
28 MARCH - 8 MAY 2001
Annotated Bird Species List (part two) plus travel and accommodation costings
562. White-chested Babbler (Trichastoma rostratum)
Only recorded at PHS on 2 out of the 3 days we were there.
563. Ferruginous Babbler (Trichastoma bicolor)
Recorded only once where seen just beyond U0.22 at KNC.
564. Short-tailed Babbler (Malacocincla malaccense)
Single birds seen on 3 dates; PHS, SEP and KNC.
565. Horsefield's Babbler (Malacocincla sepiarium)
Single birds seen on 2 dates at SEP and KNC.
566. Abbot's Babbler (Malacocincla abbotti)
Heard only at KNC.
569. Moustached Babbler (Malacopteron magnirostre)
Seen PHS and on the U Trail at KNC.
570. Sooty-capped Babbler (Malacopteron affine)
Seen only once at DVFC.
571. Scaly-crowned Babbler (Malacopteron cinereum)
Seen only once at DVFC.
574. Chestnut-backed Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus montanus)
Only seen once along the Kiau View Trail near to where it intersects with the Pandanus Trail which rises steeply from the Power Station Road at the Visitor Centre.
576. Bornean Wren-Babbler [E] (Ptilocichla leucogrammica)
Heard only. Another "must see" endemic.2 birds on separate days at W7 and W5 responded to the tape and came in but stayed hidden from our view. They were very close but we were unable to see them. Very frustrating.
577. Striped Wren-Babbler (Kenopia striata)
Heard only. As with the previous species we heard the bird on successive days - one on the entrance road and the other on the Sapa Bandabil Trail. Both appeared to respond initially to the tape but failed to show.
580. Large Wren-Babbler (Napothera macrodactyla)
At last a Wren Babbler! well seen on 2 dates along the U Trail betwee U0.0 and U0.22.
586. Golden Babbler (Stachyris chrysaea)
Regularly seen along the Bishop and Hemmant Trails at FH either on its own or with small feeding flocks.
588. Grey-throated Babbler (Stachyris nigriceps)
Seen daily at MKNP.
595. Chestnut-winged Babbler (Stachyris erythroptera)
Small party seen well at PHS in the scrub beyond the clearing on the way to the Kipungit Waterfall. Initially skulking they responded well to "pishing".
598. Striped Tit-Babbler (Macronous gularis)
Seen regularly at R.Kinabatangan, and once at SEP and DVFC.
599. Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler (Macronous ptilosus)
Seen first at PHS halfway up the Langanan Waterfall Trail and also at BRL along the entrance road 1km from the Lodge.
601. Sunda Laughingthrush (Garrulax palliatus)
Seen on 2 dates only along the upper end of the Silau Silau Trail at MKNP where they moved through the forest in mixed parties that included the next 2 species.
604. Black Laughingthrush (Garrulax lugubris)
Seen on 2 dates at MKNP once on the Silau Silau Trail and on the Pandanus Trail. The Bornean form G.l.calvus with its bald head and throat which has a yellowish cast, it looks completely different from its Peninsular Malaysian counterpart.
605. Chestnut-capped Laughingthrush (Garrulax mitratus)
Very common at MKNP where seen daily.
M483.Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush (Garrulax erythrocephalus)
Very common at FH where seen daily.
606. Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris)
This beautifully plumaged bird is very common and can be seen anywhere at FH.
607. White-browed Shrike-Babbler (Pteruthius flaviscapis)
Not uncommon at MKNP with single males being seen on the Kiau View and Bukit Tupai Trails and a female on the Summit Trail.
M489.Blue-winged Minla (Minla cyanouroptera)
Relatively common at FH where confusingly this form has no blue on the wings.
M493.Mountain Fulvetta (Alcippe peracensis)
Very common at FH.
612. Long-tailed Sibia (Heterophasia picaoides)
Very common at FH.
613. Chestnut-crested Yuhina [E] (Yuhina everetti)
This endemic seen daily at MKNP where flocks were common. Only seen in its own flock never associating with other birds in mixed flocks.
616. Lesser Shortwing (Brachypteryx leucophrys)
Heard by the little stream at the landslip on the Bishop Trail at FH.
617. White-browed Shortwing (Brachypteryx montana)
A male seen only once around the first stream that crosses the Silau Silau Trail from the upper end of the trail.
621. Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis)
Seen daily at PHS, SEP and almost daily at DVFC and BRL.
622. White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus)
Seen only once on Borneo at DVFC and on two dates at KNC.
623. White-browed Shama [E] (Copsychus stricklandi)
Seen daily at PHS, SEP and regularly at DVFC and BRL.
624. Rufous-tailed Shama (Trichixos pyrrhopygus)
Male seen on 2 dates once at DVFC and the other at BRL
627. Chestnut-naped Forktail (Enicurus ruficapillus)
This stylish forktail seen on two dates, possibly the same bird, at the stream just beyond W5.
628. White-crowned Forktail (Enicurus leschenaulti)
Recorded on a couple of occasions at MKNP and once at PHS.
M506.Slaty-backed Forktail (Enicurus schistaceus)
A pair are regular along the stream just above the Upper Gate on the road in to FH.
629. Black-breasted Fruit-Hunter [E] (Chlamydochaera jefferyi)
The first brief sighting of a female along the Silau Silau Trail was a cause for some celebration. This however was significantly surpassed by daily views of male and female at the nest on the right at the lower end of the Silau Silau Trail 50 metres beyond the junction with the Bukit Tupai Trail as it descends to the Silau Silau River where the trail ends. Thanks to Phil Benstead.
637. Sunda Whistling-Thrush (Myiophoneus glaucinus)
Seen only at MKNP and then only once. Seen in the wooded area on the right beyond the Menggilan Hostel and before the garden area also on the right before the Administration block.
638. Blue Whistling-Thrush (Myiophoneus caeruleus)
Seen once, at Krabi, around the limestone outcrops on the main channel to the mangroves.
645. Eye-browed Thrush (Turdus obscurus)
One bird seen on the Summit Trail.
647. Golden-bellied Gerygone (Gerygone sulphurea)
Seen only once from the trail on the bund on the way to the mangroves at KS.
648. Chestnut-crowned Warbler (Seicercus castaniceps)
Seen only once at FH in a mixed flock along the J.Lady Maxwell
650. Yellow-breasted Warbler (Seicercus montis)
Common at MKNP where it was seen daily.
651. Yellow-bellied Warbler (Abroscopus superciliaris)
Singles seen on 3 occasions at MKNP always on the Kiau View Trail.
655. Mountain Leaf-Warbler (Phylloscopus trivirgatus)
Seen daily at MKNP. As Mackinnon et al.and other trip reports have commented the race found at MKNP is much duller than other forms.
664. Dark-necked Tailorbird (Orthotomus atrogularis)
Seen on 2 dates only; once at PHS and at DVFC.
665. Ashy Tailorbird (Orthotomus ruficeps)
Also only seen on 2 dates; once at LB and at SEP.
667. Rufous-tailed Tailorbird (Orthotomus sericeus)
This is a super looking tailorbird which we saw once at PHS in the scrub around the hot springs and regularly at SEP and along the R.Kinabatangan.
668. Mountain Tailorbird (Orthotomus cuculatus)
Regularly seen at MKNP.
671. Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris)
Seen once in the scrub at LB and in similar habitat around SEP.
677. Bornean Stubtail (Urosphena whiteheadi)
Heard only and a major source of frustration. We heard 7 separate birds making their exceptionally high pitched calls along the trails at MKNP, particularly the Kiau View Trail, but were unable to obtain views of any of them.We may have seen one bird briefly on the trail but utv. as they say.
678. Sunda Bush Warbler (Cettia vulcania)
Several birds seen on the day we walked up the Summit Trail above the Power Station. Mackinnon et al. describe a race found at MKNP C.v.oreophila which is "darker with black blotching on throat and breast." None of the birds we saw fitted this description; they were all as C.vulcania "nondescript,brown warbler with a pale whitish supercilium". However we saw one other bird at the 1km marker on the Power Station Road that did fit the C.v.oreophila description in Mackinnon et al.
680. Friendly Bush-Warbler (Bradypterus accentor)
Heard only - something of a disappointment.Other trip reports indicate that the bird can be seen from 1.8km up the Summit Trail although the higher the better. We hiked up to 3.5km but only heard the bird far away. Depite playing the tape it failed to live up to its reputation for zipping in and sitting on your bins.
683. Grey-chested Jungle-Flycatcher (Rhinomyias umbratilis)
Single birds seen daily at BRL.
688. Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica)
Singles seen on 2 dates, first at DVFC and then BRL.
T773.Brown-streaked Flycatcher (Muscicapa williamsoni)
A nesting bird seen at KNC.
690. Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassima)
Recorded only once, a pair seen from the verandah of the dining room at DVFC.
691. Indigo Flycatcher (Eumyias indigo)
Seen daily at MKNP.
694. Mugimaki Flycatcher (Ficedula mugimaki)
Singles seen on 2 dates first at MKNP on the Kiau View Trail and then at PHS.
696. Rufous-browed Flycatcher (Ficedula solitaris)
Seen regularly at FH but particularly along the Hemmant Trail.
697. Snowy-browed Flycatcher (Ficedula hyperythra)
Seen daily on the trails at MKNP but particularly alon the Kiau View Trail.
699. Little Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula westermanni)
Seen almost daily at MKNP and at FH.
701. Large Niltava (Niltava grandis)
Only seen at FH at the landslip on the Bishop Trail and in the forest edge by the Nature Centre.
708. Bornean Blue-Flycatcher (Cyornis superbus)
Seen once at DVFC and 2 or 3 singles on two successive dates at BRL.
709. Malaysian Blue-Flycatcher (Cyornis turcosus)
Seen on successive days on the R Kinabatangan and once at BRL.
713. Grey-headed Flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis)
Seen only once at PHS.
716. White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis)
Common at MKNP where recorded daily. Also at PHS and R. Kinabatangan.
717. Spotted Fantail (Rhipidura perlata)
Seen only on 2 dates at Sepilok and DVFC.
719. Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea)
Seen on 2 successive days at SEP on the Waterfall Trail and once at DVFC and KNC.
720. Maroon-breasted Philentoma (Philentoma velatum)
A pair along the entrance road at BRL and a male at DVFC were th only sightings.
721. Rufous-winged Flycatcher (Philentoma pyrhopterum)
Seen on one occasion at DVFC, BRL and KNC.
723. Asian Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi)
First seen on the road in to Gomantong caves and subsequently at DVFC and KNC. All were white phase birds with the exception of one chestnut phase at KNC.
724. Bornean Whistler (Pachycephala hypoxantha)
Common and conspicuous; seen daily at MKNP often in mixed flocks.
733. Common Pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae)
The only pipit seen on the trip was at Krabi Airport. Mackinnon et al lump Richard's Pipit (A.richardi) and Paddyfield Pipit (A.rufulus) into a superspecies Common Pipit (A.novaeseelandiae). The species seen at Krabi was almost certainly have been either Paddyfield which is a common resident, whereas Robson describes Richard's as rare in S Thailand.
736. White-breasted Wood-Swallow (Artanus leucorhynchus)
Seen on successive days at LB and also at SEP and R.Kinabatangan.
737. Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus)
Seen at KL airport while waiting for our flight to KK.
742. Asian (Philippine) Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis)
Recorded at LB and SEP.
749. Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)
Recorded only at LB.
751. Crested Myna (Acridotheres cristatellus)
Seen by the beach at Tanjung Aru. Assumed to be introduced.
752. Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa)
This most attractive of mynahs was seen at SEP, DVFC and from the canopy walkway at BRL where a pair were bathing in a dead tree.
754. Plain Sunbird (Anthreptes simplex)
This apparently common, though inconspicuous, bird seen only at PHS and at DVFC.
755. Plain-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis)
Only recorded once in the scrub and open land along the road leading to SEP.
757. Ruby-cheeked Sunbird (Anthreptes singalensis)
Recorded on successive dates at SEP, again in the forest and scrub that fringe the road and also at PHS.
758. Purple-naped Sunbird (Hypogramma hypogrammicum)
Seen once only in the forest and scrub that fringe the road to SEP.
M612.Black-throated Sunbird (Aethopyga saturata)
Seen daily at FH and TG.
761. Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis)
2 males in breeding plumage seen at PHS.
763. Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja)
Recorded almost daily at MKNP.
765. Temminck's Sunbird (Aethopyga temminckii)
Several males seen at PHS.
766. Little Spiderhunter (Arachnothera longirostra)
Seen regularly at PHS, SEP and DVFC.
767. Thick-billed Spiderhunter (Arachnothera crassirostris)
Seen only once on our last day at PHS.
769. Spectacled Spiderhunter (Arachnothera flavigaster)
Seen on a couple of occasions at DVFC.
770. Yellow-eared Spiderhunter (Arachnothera chrysogenys)
Seen only once at PHS.
771. Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera affinis)
Seen twice at PHS and on two other dates at DVFC. We could find no trace of it's close relative the endemic Bornean Spiderhunter at PHS which historically has been the place to see that species.
773. Whitehead's Spiderhunter [E] (Arachnothera juliae)
Heard only, and then only once, meaning we failed to complete the 'Whiteheads hat-trick'. This one was always going to be tricky and a comment from Kalan Ickes who had visited MKNP on a number of occasions seems to sum it up. "Its totally random who gets to see this bird". Previous trip reports identify the area behind Rajah Lodge as a good spot, others the Prayer Huts and yet others the Kiau View Trail. One of the park staff told us that the most regular spot was along the short trail between the Bukit Tupai Shelter and the Bukit Burung Shelter by an old landslip. We hung out there without success but on our second last day others did see it at that spot. We went there on our last morning heard it call once but that was it.
M621.Streaked Spiderhunter (Arachnothera magna)
Common and conspicuous at FH where we saw 2-3 birds daily.
775. Scarlet-breasted Flowerpecker (Prionochilus thoracius)
This cracking bird only seen once in the forest and scrub that fringe the road leading to SEP.
776. Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker (Prionochilus maculatus)
Seen only once at KNC.
777. Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker [E] (Prinochilus xanthopygius)
Also seen only once at PHS.
778. Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker (Prinochilus percussus)
Seen once in the forest and scrub that fringe the road leading to SEP.
781. Yellow-vented Flowerpecker (Dicaeum chrysorrheum)
Seen once at KNC.
782. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma)
Seen regularly throughout Borneo except at MKNP.
784. Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum)
Seen daily at PHS.
787. Black-sided Flowerpecker [E] (Dicaeum monticolum)
Always at the top of the highest trees nevertheless this species was common and conspicuous at MKNP.
790. Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus)
Seen only once at KNC.
792 Black-capped White-eye (Zosterops atricapilla)
Seen regularly at MKNP and PHS.
793. Everett's White-eye (Zosterops everetti)
Seen once at MKNP and at FH and TG. It was particularly common at TG.
798. Pygmy White-eye [E] (Oculocinta squamifrons)
A small flock of 8-10 birds seen in the garden area by the chalet boardwalk at BRL. This seems to be the best site as the same flock seen on different dates by 2 other birders who were there before and after us.
799. Mountain Black-eye [E] (Chlorocharis emiliae)
Several birds seen on the one day we walked up the Summit Trail at MKNP.
800. Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
Seen at LB and around PHS.
808 White-rumped Munia (Lonchura striata)
A small flock seen in the bamboo in the clearing just before the Crystal Pool at KNC.
809 White-bellied Munia (Lonchuria leucogastra)
A few of this species mixed in with the White-rumped Munias at KNC.
811. Dusky Munia (Lonchura fuscans)
Seen in the grassy scrub by the entrance to SEP.
813 Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata)
A few of these birds seen in the park at Tanjung Aru are presumably a feral population.
814. Black-headed Munia (Lonchura malacca)
Regular at PHS.
LIST OF MAMMALS
Malayan Flying Lemur or Colugo (Cynocephalus variegatus)
Good views of one in the day time clinging to a tree at SEP. This is one of only 2 species in an order of their own, Dermoptera,. They are in fact not lemurs nor do they fly rather they glide.
Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fasicularis)
Seen on a number of occasions at SEP, R.Kinabatangan, DVFC and KS.
Pigtail Macacque (Macaca nemestrina)
Quite common at SEP.
Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus)
Several troops of these splendid monkeys seen at close quarters on the R.Kinabatangan.
Silvered Leaf Monkey (Presbytis cristata)
This most attractive langur is common around the chalets at KS.
Maroon Leaf Monkey (Presbytis rubicunda)
A couple seen on the R. Kinabatangan and several more seen on the Nature Trail and from the Hurrell platform at DVFC.
Dusky Leaf Monkey (Presbytis obscura)
Seen at FH.
Bornean Gibbon (Hylobates muelleri)
One small troop seen on the fruiting tree at BRL and from the Hurrell platform at DVFC. Also heard every other day from the W trail in the grid at DVFC.
Siamang (Hylobates syndactylus)
2 seen and others heard at FH particularly from the J.Lady Maxwell near Muar Cottage.
Orang-utan (Pongo pygmaeus)
A bearded male from the R.Kinabatangan, a female in the fruiting tree at BRL and then another female at close quarters on the Hornbill Trail were highlights of the trip.
Giant Squirrel (Ratufa affinis)
Seen on 2 occasions from the verandah of the Field Centre at Danum Valley
Kinabalu Squirrel (Callosciurus baluensis)
Seen only once a Mt Kinabalu on the Kiau View Trail.
Prevost's Squirrel (Callosicurus prevostii)
Common Porcupine (Hystrix brachyura)
We found the half eaten remains of one of these on the canopy walkway at BRL. Our guide thought it had been consumed by a clouded leopard - so watch out on the walkway!
Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula)
A pair seen crossing the entrance road at BRL
Malay Civet (Vierra tangulunga)
One seen in the early morning on the road from DVFC to BRL.
Banded Palm Civet (Hemigalus derbyanus)
One in the lodge grounds at BRL, in the pouring rain, at the conclusion of a night drive.
Bearded Pig (Sus barbatus)
A couple of apparently tame animals at BRL.
Greater Mouse Deer (Tragulus napu)
A couple seen on the night drives at BRL.
Travel, Accommodation Arrangements and Costs
At the time of our travel currency rates were 5.25Maysian Ringgit/£1 and 58Thai Baht/£1. All cost shown are stated in the currency in which we paid for them.
Travel - Flights
All our flight arrangements were made by Wildwings (Tel. 0117 9658 333) who were efficient and responsive. Return flights with KLM/Malaysian from Edinburgh to Kota Kinabalu via Amsterdam and Kulau Lumpur cost £613 per person. The single leg flight from Tawau to KK cost £20per person and the return flight from Kualu Lumpur to Phuket £121per person
Travel-Car Hire
Through Wildwings we hired a 4WD Suzuki jeep for 7 days from Budget at Phuket Airport. This cost £155 including insurance.
Travel-Other
Listed below in chronological order are the other principal travel modes and costs.
Taxi from KK airport to Trekkers Lodge RM13
Taxi from KK to LB (2 trips @ RM6 per trip)
Bus from LB to KK (2 trips at RM0.50per person per trip)
Taxi from KK toTanjung Aru RM20 return
Aircon bus KK to MKNP RM 9.35 per person (pre-booked through Trekkers Lodge)
Minibus MKNP-PHS RM40
Minibus PHS-Ranau RM15
Aircon bus Ranau- Sepilok RM25 per person
Minibus Sukau Rd Junction-Lahad Datu RM10 per person
Minivan Lahad Datu-DVFC RM200
Minivan DVFC-BRL RM60 return (day visit)
Minivan DVFC-BRL RM30
Minivan BRL-Lahad Datu RM200
Taxi Lahad Datu-Semporna RM120
Taxi KK-Trekkers Lodge RM13
Taxi KL Domestic Airport (Subang)-FH RM130
Bus FH-TG RM0.90
Taxi TG-KLIA RM180
Taxi KLIA-Hotel Istana RM66 (Budget taxi at Gate 3)
Taxi Hotel Istana-KS RM150 return
Taxi hotel Istana-KLIA RM66
Accommodation
KK Trekkers Lodge aircon double room RM43 per night inc. breakfast
Trekkers Lodge fan cooled double room RM37 per night inc. breakfast.
MKNP Twin bed cabin RM92 per night
PHS Twin bed cabin (Tempua cabin) RM92 per night
SEP Sepilok Resthouse fan double room RM45 per night
R.Kinabatangan All in cost of 3 day trip with R Chong RM740 per person
DVFC DVFC Resthouse twin bed room RM80 per person per night
DVFC Bunk bed in Hostel RM43 per person per night
BRL Twin bed chalet RM450 per person per day inc. all meals
SEM Dragon Inn aircon double RM66.
Sipadan All in cost of 2day/1night trip
FH Quest Resort aircon double RM99 per night inc.breakfast
TG The Gap Resthouse fan cooled twin RM45 per night inc.breakfast
Phuket Crown Nai Yang aircon twin bedroom suite 2300 Thai Baht inc. breakfast
KNC Morakot resort two bed tent 120 Thai baht per night
Morakot resort fan cooled twin bed cabin 400 Thai baht per night inc. breakfast
Krabi Krabi Meretime Hotel suite 3148 Thai baht per night inc. breakfast
KL Hotel Istana deluxe aircon double RM235 per night.
Food Drinks and Sundries
Cost of meals and beers generally inexpensive but with some variation. Very cheap in Thailand, inexpensive in KK and Semporna and a bit pricier at MKNP, PHS and DVFC. On average about £6 per person per day will provide for food and a couple of beers.
The services of MrYothin Meekao cost $75 per half day.
The services of Mr Dai when hired through Chan Pen Cafe cost 500 Baht per hour.
Negotiated directly Mr Dai seemed happy with 400 Baht per hour. Other fishermen charge 150 Baht per hour.
end of report
