Now that we have returned from our two birding tours, I thought I might relate to you some comments on various aspects of our adventure.  On arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, we were met by your representative, Mr. Mano Tharmalingam, who not only delivered us competently from venue to venue, provided expert birding identification along the drives and advice on where to find birds at each location.  There was some surprise that we were staying at the Corona Inn in KL rather that the Stanford Hotel, however, we had no complaints about the change.  Our stay at Taman Negara provided everything expected (we knew to expect leeches, but the heat and humidity was more trying than we expected coming from the droughts of Australia).  We were allocated a chalet with adjoining interconnected suites for Mrs. McPherson and ourselves, which was a little “extra” that was appreciated.  The included breakfasts and dinners were varied and plentiful.  While the increased altitude at Fraser’s Hill provided outdoor conditions, which were more pleasant than in the lowlands of Taman Negara, the Shahzan Hotel, however, was a little “tired and worn”, and the breakfasts provided were little more than awful.  Our allocated small chalets in the Kuala Salangor Nature Park were very simple, but as expected, except that patrons should be notified that towels are not provided.  Fortunately, the receptionist took pity on us and procured some towels for us.

The Birds of Borneo Tour  was better value for the money compared to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia tour option, in my opinion.  The continuous presence of a birding guide, Mr. Hamit Suban in our case, was a major plus and the quality of each accommodation venue was superior.  Our Nepenthes Lodge accommodation at Kinabalu National Park was especially nice and our stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge was exceptional.  The boat-based birding at Sukau was very memorable.

Overall, we were well pleased with our record of the observation of 210 bird species and enjoyed our two tours in Malaysia.  Thank you for your efforts on our behalf.