We visit the photographic hides at Cat Tien National Park. Nearly-endemic Germain’s peacock-pheasant is readily seen, along with other specialties such as Siamese fireback or green-legged partridge.

A visit to La Mesa Eco Park fits in a one-day stopover in Manila to connect with Luzon and Philippine specialties without leaving town: ashy thrush, western hooded pitta and stripe-sided rhabdornis.

Palawan island is a paradise of dreamy beaches and rainforest endemics. Despite several inconveniences, we connect with great specialties of the island. I reached my 1000th lifer in Palawan with an unexpected species.