With the increase in nature and environmental awareness, more and more sites have been identified where birds can be observed and there are also bird sanctuaries designated around the country.

For the serious enthusiast, a comprehensive itinerary spanning the Peninsular and Borneo could include: Kuala Selangor, Fraser's Hill, Taman Negara, Bako National Park in Sarawak, Kinabalu Park and Danum Valley in Sabah.

For beginners or those who are limited to around Kuala Lumpur, there are several excellent bird watching sites within a few hours drive from the city. One new area that has made a name for itself in birding circles is Putrajaya Wetlands, a human-enhanced wetland environment that has begun to attract both birds and bird-watchers, less than an hour south of Kuala Lumpur. For a pleasant day trip, check out the Kuala Selangor Nature Park, a mangrove swamp along the west coast that supports 130 bird species and some seasonal migrants including the rare Spoonbilled Sandpiper. Fraser's Hill and Cameron Highlands both offer lush green hill surroundings with panoramic views and hiking trails where bird life abounds.

Those with more time may want to travel further inland into Malaysia's premier national park, Taman Negara, where dense ancient lowland forests are home to over 300 bird species. Another popular site is Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary on the Perak coast, where endangered Milky Storks congregate.

Over in Borneo, the Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, a feeding ground for many species of resident birds and several migratory species from Northern Asia is easily accessible from the capital of Sabah. Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage Site with its own endemics such as the Kinabalu Warbler, is just two hours away from the city. Many good birding sites can be found in Sarawak, such as Gunung Mulu National Park. Sarawak endemics can also be found, such as Hose's Broadbill in the Kelabit Highlands.