Birdwatching at the Tonle Sap: an ecological sanctuary and endangered biodiversity
The Tonle Sap, located in the heart of Cambodia, is an ecological marvel and the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. As a passionate ornithologist and expert on this region, I would like to share with you the beauty and richness of the birdlife that inhabits this unique place and invite you to discover the Prek Toal bird sanctuary.
A lake like no other
Among these birds are aquatic species that come to breed on the banks of the lake during the dry season. The Tonle Sap therefore plays a crucial role as a breeding ground for the region’s birds.
The Prek Toal bird sanctuary
The Prek Toal bird sanctuary is undoubtedly the best place to observe the Tonle Sap’s birdlife. Located on a floating island in the middle of the lake, this protection centre is home to a large number of threatened or near-threatened species such as the great marabou, the black-necked stork and the spotted-billed pelican.
The sanctuary also provides an ideal setting for birdwatching, whether in flight or perched in the floodplain trees that line the shores of the lake.
The Tonle Sap is home to a wide variety of bird species. They include
The Great Marabou: This large wading bird is characterised by its long beak and impressive size, which can reach 150 cm. It feeds mainly on fish, reptiles and amphibians.
The anhinga: Also known as the “snake bird” because of its long neck, this aquatic bird can dive underwater to catch its prey.
Black-necked stork: This endangered species is easily recognised by its contrasting black and white plumage and long, glowing beak.
/more- The spotted-billed pelican: This majestic bird has a huge beak that can hold up to 13 litres of water! The black-headed ibis: Threatened with extinction, this species is characterised by its large size (up to 102 cm) and its immaculate white colour contrasting with its black head.
When and where to watch
The best time for birdwatching on the Tonle Sap is between December and March, during the dry season. This is when the water birds come to nest on the banks of the lake.
To maximise your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures, I recommend a visit to the Prek Toal bird sanctuary, located just a few kilometres from the famous Angkor site. Day trips are available from Siem Reap, usually including a boat trip on the lake and a guided tour of the sanctuary.
The role of birds in the Tonle Sap ecosystem
Birds play an essential role in the ecological balance of the Tonle Sap. As predators, they help to regulate fish and insect populations. In addition, certain species, such as the great marabou and the anhinga, play an active role in dispersing seeds, thereby encouraging the growth of vegetation.
Bird conservation in the Tonle Sap
Faced with the threats to the Tonle Sap’s biodiversity (construction of dams, pollution), a number of local and international initiatives are working to protect the birds and their habitat. These include the joint action of the NGO Osmose and the villagers living around the Prek Toal sanctuary. These local players carry out regular patrols to combat poaching and the destruction of nests.
As a visitor, you can also contribute to the preservation of this biodiversity by supporting community projects and respecting the rules set in place by the local authorities during your observations.
The Tonlé Sap and its bird sanctuary at Prek Toal offer a unique experience for nature and bird lovers. As you wade through its life-rich waters, you’ll discover an exceptional and fragile ecosystem that it’s essential to preserve. So don’t hesitate any longer and come and experience this unforgettable adventure in the heart of Cambodia!
Distribution of costs
%
Transport, food, qualified guides
%
Income for environmental education
%
Direct income for villagers (local development)
%
Entrance fee to the bird sanctuary and Environmental responsible contribution cost
Tours
According to your desires and the period of your visit, you will find here the panel of our itineraries. There is something for everyone. For more information, contact us.
The full package
in a day
This tour gives you the opportunity to go birding in the sanctuary and have an experience of the village itself.
Full day tour
From 6am to 5pm
Birding with a
Certified Osmose guide
September to March
Immersion
into tradition
Get ready to dig into Prek Toal’s deepest customs and live the very unique “life on water” experience.
Overnight stay
Cooking class
All year round
A glimpse of life on water
This day tour will give you an insight of the floating village life from a boat to another, understanding the local customs.
Full day tour
from 8am to 5pm
Weaving class
All year round
A Ranger’s Life
This overnight stay tour is made for the ones passionate about birding, who wouldn’t miss the opportunity of digging into Prek Toal’s mind-blowing customs.
Overnight stay
Birding with a
Certified Osmose guide
September to March
Hello, I’m Osmi, the super bottle that will accompany you during the tour.
In an eco-friendly approach, Osmose no longer uses plastic bottles.
To ensure my hygiene, I am boiled at high temperature and cleaned after each visit.
My water is as good as bottled water, clean and fresh.
Thank you for your support, you help us protect the environment!
Sincerely, Osmi
Price grid
Up to 30 pax, fixed price. Above, please ask for a quotation.
French Guide : 15$ supp. Free for children < 5. From 6 to 12 years -25%.
The full package in a day
Full day tour
From 6am to 5pm
Birding with a
Certified Osmose guide
September to March
It’s 6.00 am…
We’ll be at your hotel to pick you up and transport you to Meichrey’s port, where you’ll embark on a journey to Prek Toal’s Village. After a brief change of boats, we’ll head off to the bird sanctuary!
8.30am, birdwatching
Accompanied by your Osmose guide, you’ll embark on a captivating birdwatching adventure through the protected sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of species including Pelicans, Asian open bills, Greater Adjutant, etc,.
12.00 pm,
Take a break:
Upon returning to our Community platforms, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our professionally trained cooking team!
1.00 pm,
Meet the locals:
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the environmental education class and the water hyacinth workshop. Experience the village firsthand by boarding a traditional Khmer paddle boat, exploring floating family homes, gardens, fish farms, and shops. Witness the ingenious adaptations of local communities to life on water
2.00 pm,
Return home
It’s time to bid farewell to the community and head back to your hotel, carrying wonderful memories by around 4:00 pm!
Immersion into tradition
Overnight stay
Cooking class
All year round
It’s 1.30 pm…
We’ll be at your hotel to pick you up and transport you to Meichrey’s port, where you’ll embark on a journey to Prek Toal’s Village
3.00 pm,
Local projects,
Upon arriving at our platforms, delve into local community projects like the environmental education class and the water hyacinth workshop. Engage in a weaving class to craft your own souvenir of the trip.
4.00 pm,
Culinary goodness for a beautiful break:
Get ready for a cooking adventure! Learn how to cook Khmer food in a fun class and enjoy what you make for dinner while watching the sunset.
Day two, immerse yourself in village life!
7.30 am…
Rise and shine!
8.00 am,
In-depth discovery,
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, embark on an authentic village experience. Navigate the waterways aboard a local’s traditional paddle boat, gaining insights into life from floating family homes to gardens, fish farms, and shops. Witness the remarkable adaptations of local communities to living on water. Gain a panoramic view of the village from the Environmental Research Station.
9.00 am,
Return home
It’s time to bid farewell to the community and head back to your hotel, carrying wonderful memories by around 11:00 am!
A glimpse of life on water
Full day tour
from 8am to 5pm
Weaving class
All year round
It’s 8.00 am…
We’ll be at your hotel to pick you up and transport you to Meichrey’s port, where you’ll embark on a journey to Prek Toal’s Village.
10.00 am,
Paddle through the village
Accompanied by your Osmose guide, embark on an authentic journey through the village aboard a traditional Khmer paddle boat. Explore floating family homes, gardens, fish farms, and shops, witnessing firsthand how local communities have ingeniously adapted to life on the water.
Gain a panoramic view of the village from the Environmental Research Station.
11.30 pm,
Take a break:
Upon returning to our Community-Based Tourism (CBT) platforms, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our professionally trained cooking team!
1.00 pm,
Visit the local community projects:
Visit the heart of the local community projects, the environmental education class, and the water hyacinth workshop, where you’ll even have the opportunity to participate in a weaving class with the girls and take home your own souvenir of the day.
2.00 pm,
Return home
It’s time to bid farewell to the community and head back to your hotel, carrying wonderful memories by around 4:00 pm!
A Ranger’s Life
Overnight stay
Birding with a
Certified Osmose guide
September to March
It’s 1.30 pm…
We’ll be at your hotel to pick you up and transport you to Meichrey’s port, where you’ll embark on a journey to Prek Toal’s Village.
Upon your arrival, hop on the next boat for an authentic experience aboard a traditional Khmer paddle boat. Explore the village, from floating family homes to gardens, fish farms, and shops, and marvel at the remarkable adaptations of local communities to life on the water.
4.30 pm,
Culinary goodness for a beautiful break:
Get ready for a cooking adventure! Learn how to cook Khmer food in a fun class and enjoy what you make for dinner while watching the sunset
Day two, It’s time to go bird watching!
6.30 am,
The conservation
Embark on a conservation journey accompanied by your Osmose guide. Cruising through the protected bird sanctuary to explore its captivating wonders firsthand.
12.00 pm,
Take a break:
Take a well-deserved break and enjoy lunch on our floating platform.
1.00 pm,
Return home
It’s time to bid farewell to the community and head back to your hotel, carrying wonderful memories by around 3:30 pm!
Tour Guides
Our Osmose guides receive a certification after a training of 3 months, renewed every 2 years.
Conscious of the contribution of this training, the guides are voluntary to participate and acquire new knowledge.
For 3 months they are taught all the secrets of Tonle Sap Lake and its biodiversity (fauna, flora, ecosystem etc.) Not to mention an indispensable chapter on threats to the lake. It is an active training with bird watching days to acquire specific knowledge and skills in ornithology. Finally, a chapter on Osmose and its various projects is given to them so that they can spread information about our actions to visitors.
Here is the portrait of 4 of our most active guides,
anglophone and francophone.
SOVANN
(English speaker)
“My name is Sovann. I was born in Kompong Chhnang province and moved to Siem Reap province in 2005. At that time, I had heard about Osmose’s work to protect the Tonle Sap lake environment and its integrated projects of environmental education, ecotourism and local livelihood development. I was very interested in the conservation and protection of wildlife and environment and wished to be a part of the movement. I’m very grateful to Osmose that in 2011 they allowed me to join the team after successfully completing my training as a certified guide.
During my time with OSMOSE, I have learned more and more about Tonle Sap’s complex ecosystem, the local’s daily lives and their uncommon culture.
I like my job so much because I love wildlife and we support Prek Toal’s local economy by providing alternative income through eco-tourism. I am happy to share my knowledge and experience to the ones curious to discover more about Tonle Sap’s lake conservation and local life.“
BUNCHANG
(English speaker)
“My name is Bunchang, I am 38 years old and come from a small village down by the lake in the south of Siem Reap city. I’ve been working for Osmose NGO for 8 years now. I’ve been having a beautiful experience and learning a lot about local peoples lives, birding and nature.
I’ve understood much more about conservation work. I feel useful as I can work to prevent the endangerment of Cambodian wildlife. One day, if I have the opportunity, I would like to build up the capacity of nature and conservation resources and contribute the best I can to the local’s education to ensure a better future for the people in the community.
What I love the most about working for Osmose NGO is that I can help people all around the world to know and understand my country’s natural resources. The Tonle Sap lake’s local peoples livelihoods, birding and culture. It is so beautiful and attractive to me!“
DARA
(English and French speaker)
“Je m’appelle KHIM Dara, je suis née dans la province de Battambang, située à environ 90 km au sud-ouest de la province de Siem Reap. Je suis à Siem Reap depuis 15 ans. Après avoir obtenu mon diplôme universitaire, j’ai expérimenté de nombreux travails au cours de cette période.
Enfin, j’ai été recruté comme éco-guide par Osmose en 2011, j’ai suivi une formation de trois mois sur l’écotourisme : Système Tonle Sap, Education à l’environnement, communauté Osmose et spécialiste de l’observation des oiseaux, etc.
J’ai travaillé pendant 7 ans dans les bureaux d’Osmose, en tant que responsable de la réservation francophone mais aussi en tant qu’éco-guide. Je ne travaille plus dans les bureaux depuis 2018 mais je continue d’offrir mes services de guide. J’ai vraiment apprécié ces expériences exceptionnelles et ce travail pour la communauté et l’environnement.“
Mr SUM
(French speaker)
“Je m’appelle Sum , j’ai 65 ans et je vis non loin du village Veal. Cela fait depuis 2013 que j’ai était certifié comme guide Osmose et suis très heureux de participer aux projets de cette organisation car je trouve qu’il y a un réel impact et de belles valeurs.
Je suis reconnaissant d’être cambodgien, état aussi connu sous le nom “d’Etat d’or regorgeant de richesses naturelles.”
Le grand lac qu’est le Tonle Sap, chef d’œuvre de la nature, dans lequel l’eau du Mékong se déverse et se retire, régule la nature à travers les saisons et protège ses proches habitants d’inondations et de sècheresse.
A l’intérieur de cette communauté, Osmose a créé des emplois pour les plus démunis, de nouveaux revenus pour les villageois. Une influence positive pour la communauté sur des aspects pressants : celles de la conservation nécessaire des oiseaux, de l’environnement et de la pollution.
Le Tonle est le cœur du Cambodge, Angkor Wat le porteur de notre héritage culturel. Un visiteur au Cambodge devrait toujours au moins visiter ces deux merveilles.“
Photo Gallery
Your reviews
Florian L
Reviewed March 22, 2024
Amazing experience with Osmose
We had an incredible experience with our French guide, who accompanied us throughout the two days. He showed us around the floating villages, the lake and the bird sanctuary, and answered all our questions. I’d definitely recommend it!
Date of experience: March 2024
Explore50528177392
Reviewed February 19, 2024
Great birds and social development
Excellent day tour of bird reserve and village. Lake absolutely teeming with different species of birds. Our knowledgeable guide was a great help. On the lake, it’s not as hot as you’d expect. The ecology is fascinating as are the floating villages.
Date of experience: February 2024
Asher B
Reviewed December 21, 2023
Most do in Cambodia
I have been in Cambodia for three months studying abroad. Our program took us to the Tonle Sap through Osmose and it was an incredible time. My family came to visit me in December and I had to take them out. It was an even more amazing experience the second time. This is the best way to see beautiful ecology, and experience Cambodian culture if traveling in Cambodia
Date of experience: December 2023
Joe B
Reviewed December 16, 2023
Amazing….A must do experience
This was an amazing experience and a special way to learn about and enjoy the Tonle Sap, see floating villages first hand, and learn about the ecosystem of this special wetland. All the proceeds go directly to supporting local people and protecting this environment. It has been the highlight of our trip!!! Thank you Osmose.
Date of experience: December 2023
CONTACT US
House # 0203, Group 8, Phum Wat Damnak, Sangkat Salakamreuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia PO Box 93-118
+855 12 832 812 / +855 63 765 506
contact@osmosetonlesap.com
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