Butterflies in Malaysia - when?

[andyjackson]

Hi,

I am expecting to be in Malaysia around May - September 2007 and would very much like to fulfill an ambition to see some of the more spectacular butterflies, particularly Raja Brookes Birdwing. I'd greatly appreciate any advice anyone here has on places and timings to see these and some of the other spectacular butterflies out there!

Many thanks in anticipation,

Andy (drandyjackson AT gmail.com)

[Common Mime]

Hi Andy,

Which part of Malaysia are you visiting? State, city, town...?

Regards
CM

[andyjackson]

Hi,

I am flying in to Singapore and have between a week and a month (schedule to be arranged) to visit anywhere really. I would like to stay on the mainland if possible - I was thinking of getting to Ipoh or the Cameron Highlands but will arrange to go wherever is recommended if there is a good chance of seeing birdwings. It has been a life-long ambition so I am prepared to travel if necessary!

All recommendations would be really welcome!


Thanks

[Commander]

Andy,

It will depend on your luck as well. From my experience, the best butterfly season is during the months of Apr to May. That's when I've observed them in greater numbers than any time of the year, although the haze has somewhat changed this pattern over the past years. But as a general rule of thumb, those are the best months.

Various locations in the nature reserves, ranging from Taman Negara and Endau Rompin, to the well-known hill station resorts like Cameron Highlands and Fraser's Hill are all known for their biodiversity. If the Rajah Brooke's Birdwing is your main target, you may want to consider looking at some of the more popular local picnic spots like Templar Park (near KL) or you may want to get yourself a nature guide.

If you miss them in the wild, both the Butterfly Farms in KL as well as Penang have successfully bred this species and you will quite often see them if you visit these two well-known butterfly parks in Malaysia.

Good luck and happy hunting!