Perlis State Park, which is also known as the ‘Pearl of Perlis’, is the northernmost bird watching location in Peninsular Malaysia. Covering an area of 5,075ha, it consists of the Mata Air as well as the Wang Mu forest reserves. The peninsula’s first trans-frontier park, it has a unique limestone-dominated ecosystem with pockets of lowland dipterocarp forest and harbours the only deciduous forest in the country. The Thaleban National Park in Thailand borders the park.

More than 200 bird species exist in the Perlis State Park. Among the unique birds found here, which are confined to northern Peninsular Malaysia, are the Streaked-breasted Woodpecker and Puff-throated Babbler. Four species of hornbills are found here, with the Great and Rhinoceros Hornbills being two of the most spectacular. Other colourful and sought after birds include three species of pittas- the Banded, Blue-winged and Hooded Pittas. Bird watchers might also spot the elusive, resident Peregrine Falcon when trekking up the limestone hills.

During the bird migration season between October and November, you may observe thousands of raptors flying across the park. Among the raptors found here include the Japanese Sparrowhawk, Chinese Sparrowhawk, Black Baza, Oriental Honey-buzzard and the Grey-faced Buzzard. An excellent place to watch raptor migration is the watchtower situated in the park.

The park offers numerous trails that require varying levels of fitness. Try the Tok Jaafar Heritage Trail that starts at Kampung Wang Kelian and ends at Kaki Bukit town or the paved path of the Rainforest Trail. This trail starts from the back of the Visitor’s Centre and ends at the park’s accommodation area. In the late evenings, you might spot birds such as hornbills while relaxing on the verandah of the park’s chalets.