After checking in, we took a rest. Some of us were a bit annoyed to discover that the tap
ran dry soon after we turned it on. We guessed that this may be due to silting of the pipes
to the chalets which were quite far from the storage tank. We hope that the problem could
be solved to minimize inconvenience to the guests. Anyway, the taps started running again
later at night and there were also adequate water in the common bathroom.

In the evening, we went round the lake area to bird. We were glad to find at least five
Lesser Adjutant storks resting on tall platforms. Lifers for me! Various types of  kingfishers were also found, again adding some lifers for me. We had to hurry back to the chalets because it started drizzling and was getting dark fast. At night, some of use went to Pasir Penampang while others cooked and ate in the park canteen.

The following morning, we went to Penampang again for breakfast. We birded round the
lake again but in the opposite direction as we did not have a good look at the Milky Storks
in their enclosure the previous day due to the rain. We also went to the mangrove  boardwalk where two Germans (apparently father and son team) were also birding. I saw the Grey-capped Woodpecker here which was another lifer. Near the end of the walk where we rested for quite some time. We were rewarded as a pair of Great Tits came. One of them repeatedly peeped into a hole in a dead tree so we thought we found its nest. But  after observing them for some time, we decided it was not a nest. Anyway, it was already late noon and so we went to Pasir Penampang for lunch. On the way back, we went up Bukit Melawati and had a good view of the park as well as the river estuary. We could see the seafood village from the hill, and of course the lighthouse at the top of the hill.

On our return to the park we birded at the lake and saw the Lesser Adjutants again, but this time on tree tops rather than the platforms. On closer look, we were sure that one pair was nesting. In the evening, we took Rajan out for dinner. When we returned to the park, he gave us a slide show on KSNP. He talked about the various flora and fauna in the park, mentioning in particular the Silver Leaf Monkey which is found on the emblem of the park. Of course, he also talked about the Milky Stork project. Our sighting of nesting by the Lesser Adjutant storks was confirmed by him and we learnt that there were indeed eight of them around, apparently resident at the park. This is the second consecutive years the pair is attempting to nest. However, based on observations of the nest, he was of the opinion that the bird will again fail to nurse this year. After the talk, the group still had enough enthusiasm to go up Bukit Melawati, this time in our own vehicles. The night view of the park and surrounding village was of course very different.

The following morning, each individual group had their own breakfast. Following that, I learnt that Liew and his family saw the otters near the lake which I had been hoping to find. I immediately went there but was disappointed not to find them. Later, Rajan came and took us round the lake again, giving us another good account, particularly on the unique flora of the park.

Then, it was time for seafood and home. Most of us agreed that the trip was a very educational one besides the lifers that we managed to add to my birding notes." (Report by Dr. Chan Kai Soon)