This morning we depart the hotel at around 8am by car and drive through the suburbs of Siem Reap and out into the Countryside. Our first stop is at a small village - the first wetlands area on the outskirts of the Pearaing protected area. Here we take the opportunity to stretch our legs and wander through a small village observing the local way of life, and of course we have the first chance to see some of the remarkably diverse array of birds in the area. 

Just 45 minutes from Siem Reap town, the Pearaing conservation area is home to 175 rare species of countryside, mountain and waterbirds including Milky Storks, Spot-billed Pelicans, Purple & Grey Herons, Greater Adjutants, Black-headed Ibis and many others. The bird sanctuary used to be a hunting place where birds were killed for food or smuggled to be sold on the world’s growing black market. Due to the initiative of the local community to preserve the avian habitat, the sanctuary has been developed with the goal to serve as a bird reserve.  The people residing in the nearby village are educated on the importance of wildlife and they now act as guides and bird rangers that protect the sanctuary from poaching. 

Peariang Bird Sanctuary is a year-round avian habitat where visitors are able to get a sight and experience a rich variety of wild waterbird species in their natural surroundings. Our visit provides an opportunity to learn more about the different species of birds, nestling, breeding, ecosystems and how the community works closely to reserve the bird sanctuary. 

After our first glimpse of some of the birdlife, we continue by car deeper into the protected area, the road starts to become a little boggy – we may have to get out and walk a little while the car navigates the road, and we then arrive at the (very) rustic pier, and board our local boat for a trip through the mangrove. 

For around 1 hour we cruise around the Pearaing protected area and observe a truly staggering amount of wildlife. As well as the above listed species, Kingfishers and Bee-eaters are very common here and you may even be lucky enough to spot the Black-shouldered Kite for the bird-of-prey lovers. We may also see other water-based wildlife such as watersnakes. After our boat trip, we return to the car and head back towards Siem Reap. On the way we stop at an organic farm and see (and taste) the local produce and learn about the local community project. We then continue to a local Home Stay Residence and enjoy a local lunch with wonderful views of the sacred Phnom Krom Mountain. After taking a stroll through the farm and attractive village, we then head back to the hotel to enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

PROGRAM CONCLUDES