With over 600 species of birds; some of the most pristine forests in the tropics; and some of the best birding in Asia; this is what Malaysia has for the avid birder. Some of the better-known bird-watching sites attract Malaysians and foreign visitors who all rave about the rich birdlife. In a three-week trip, birders can expect to bag 350 species of birds - an impressive figure even for the tropics.

Malaysia's lowland forests are among the world's oldest, and the endlessly varied environment makes it a hot spot of world biodiversity. Fortunately, vast areas of undisturbed forest still remain, and they are home to some of the tropics' most exquisite birds. Peninsular Malaysia offers a rich blend of mainland Asian birds and specialities. The island of Borneo; the northern part of which contains the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak; is a centre of biological richness for the Indo-Malayan region.

In either geographic areas, however, the birding experience is excellent throughout, and Malaysia is also one of the safest and most comfortable places for birding the tropics. Many visiting birders start with Peninsular Malaysia, where excellent bird-watching sites are within easy reach of Kuala Lumpur. Most sites offer a variety of accommodation facilities, and have well-marked and easy-to-follow jungle trails.

• Bako National Park, Sarawak
• Bukit Larut, Perak
• Cameron Highlands, Pahang
• Danum Valley, Sabah
• Fraser's Hill, Pahang
• Genting Highlands, Pahang
• Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak
• Kinabalu National Park, Sabah
• Kota Kinabalu Bird Sanctuary, Sabah
• Kuala Gula, Perak
• Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Selangor
• Taman Negara, Pahang
• Tanjung Piai, Johor