The tropical climate of Malaysia allows bird watching to be a year round activity. Of course, visitors will have to keep the rainy season in mind when planning excursions and take along rain gear or a poncho. Rain usually fails heaviest from September to December in the west coast and from October to February in the east coast and in Sabah and Sarawak. Migratory birds use Malaysia's west coast flyway to travel to Sumatra and beyond with peak movements in April and October.

As with all wildlife, all possible care and respect is to be given to the birds and their habitats. It is illegal to harass, disturb, shoot or capture any bird in a gazetted bird sanctuary and trafficking in protected species is prohibited under the Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 in Peninsular Malaysia, with separate acts enforced in Sabah and Sarawak.

Permits from the Forestry Department of the various states may be needed at some bird sanctuaries. Bird watchers are advised to check with their guides or Protonique Travel and Tours.