Cambodia’s remote northern plains, the largest remaining block of deciduous dipterocarp forest, seasonal wetlands and grasslands in Southeast Asia, have been described as Southeast Asia’s answer to Africa’s savannahs. Covering much of northwestern Preah Vihear Province, Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the last places on earth where you can see Cambodia’s national bird, the critically endangered giant ibis. Trips here are run by the Siem Reap-based Sam Veasna Center .
The pioneering ecotourism project here, situated in the isolated village of Tmatboey , was set up by the Wildlife Conservation Society (www.wcs.org) in a last-ditch effort to ensure the survival of the giant ibis, protect the only confirmed breeding sites of the white-shouldered ibis and save the habitat of other globally endangered species, including the sarus crane and greater adjutant. The initiative provides local villagers with education, income and a concrete incentive to do everything possible to protect the ibis. All visitors make a conservation donation to the village conservation fund to help with maintenance and improvements to the project.
Other rare species that can be spotted here include the woolly-necked stork, white-rumped falcon, green peafowl, Alexandrine parakeet, grey-headed fish eagle and no fewer than 16 species of woodpecker, as well as owls and raptors. Birds are easiest to see from January to April.
Tmatboey village lies about 5km off the smooth new highway that links Preah Vihear City and Sra Em. The turnoff is 46km southeast of Sra Em and 39km northwest of Preah Vihear. The village is accessible year-round. Visitors sleep in wooden bungalows with bathrooms and solar hot water.
For those wanting to explore an even more remote corner of Cambodia, the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary's newest birding site is based out of the tiny outpost village of Prey Veng – about 60km from Tmatboey (as the giant ibis flies). Here the WCS and SVC aim to replicate the success of Tmatboey to ensure conservation of this habitat. Over 150 bird species have been spotted here, including the giant ibis, greater adjutant and white-winged duck.
As well as birding, Prey Veng offers great opportunities for hiking through the open dry forest to a hilltop Angkorian temple. Prey Veng's community-managed guesthouses provide simple accommodation.
Trips to both Tmatboey and Prey Veng can include visits to Beng Mealea, Koh Ker and Prasat Preah Vihear en route and are often combined with visits to the Veal Krous Vulture Feeding Station. Contact SVC for tour pricing details.
