I have organized birdwatching tours for visitors who want to go to Arfak mountains for years. There are 2 different birding locations in West Papua, i.e. Lower Montane Forest and Upper Montane Forest.
Upper Montane Forest
This type of rainforest is the natural habitat of Western Parotia (
Parotia sefilata), Magnificent Bird of Paradise (
Diphyllodes magnificus), Vogelkop Bowerbird (
Amblyornis inornatus), Feline Owlet-Nightjar (
Aeghoteles insignis), Green-backed Robin
(Pachycephalopsis hattamensis)
There are several guesthouses built by government and now operated by local people.
Lower Montane Forest
 |
| Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor) |
For this type of environment, the recommended destination is Susnguakti forest located in the eastern region of Arfak mountains. Birds that can be watched including Lesser Birds of Paradise (
Paradisaea minor), King Bird of Paradise (
Cicinnurus regius), Magnificent Riflebird (
Ptiloris magnificus), Hooded Butcherbird (
Cracticus cassicus), Common Paradise
Kingfisher (
Tanysiptera galatea), Coconut Lorikeet (
Trichoglossus haematodus).
There are several jungle huts that were built as shelters for tourists who want to stay for a few days watching birds and other wild animals. I provide mattrasses, pillows and tents, as well as cooking and eating utensils in the jungle huts.
Birds are not the only animals which visitors can watch in the lower montane forest of Arfak mountains. Visitors can watch cuscus possum, bandicoot, Arfak dragon lizard, colorful butterflies, and fireflies. I and some local guides can organize nightwalk for visitors who are interested in watching nocturnal animals.
Preparations
To do birdwatching in Arfak mountains, visitors need to wear good trekking boots, short and long pants for hiking tours along the road and trails in the forest. Birds usually perch on the branches of high trees. A good pair of
binoculars and a spotting scope will be helpful for watching birds and other wild animals. Don't forget to bring anti-insect lotion to protect you from mosquito and other insect bites. Head torch or flash light is also needed for night walk.
How to get to Arfak mountains
- From your country, you need to take an international flight that will bring you to Jakarta (the capital city of Indonesia), or Manado city (from Singapore by Silk Air)
- After that take a domestic flight to Manokwari city. Regular flights between Jakarta or Manado city and Manokwari are served by Sriwijaya, Garuda, and other airlines.
- I will meet you at Rendani airport or at a hotel where you stay in Manokwari city and organize your tour to Arfak mountains.
Booking
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
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