Tropical Birding and Snorkeling Tour in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is one of the best marine environment in the world. It has got a lot of tropical islands that are surrounded by coral reef. Most visitors go there to enjoy swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. They could see various kinds of marine creatures from the tiny pygmy seahorse and to big fish like manta and dolphins. 

Raja Ampat islands are also covered by tropical rainforest which is the habitat of a lot of species of fish including Red Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Beach Kingfisher, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, Hooded Butcherbird, Helmeted Friarbird, Brown Oriole, and a lot more. 

Red Bird of Paradise

Most visitors choose Waigeo island as their choice for birding. It is easy to reach the island because there are regular ferry service that go between  Sorong city and Waigeo. 

Visiting birders also need binoculars and camera with telephoto lenses. This will enable them to watch and take pictures of birds. 

In general visitors spend around 3 to 4 days in Waigeo to watch a lot of speciea of birds there. The birding trip in Waigeo could be combined with wildlife tour in Klabili village of Tambrauw regency or the forest at the outskirts of Sorong city. 

Red and Black Anemonefish

If you are interested in taking birding and snorkeling tour in Raja Ampat and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher
• Traveling to Raja Ampat islands
• Birding and Photography Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland
• Birding Tour in Sonder of Minahasa highland
• Birdwatching and Photography Tour in Minahasa Highland

Birding Tour in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in the Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is a peaceful and green area with farmlands, hills, forests, and mountain slopes. The weather is cool, and the landscape is beautiful. This makes Sonder a good place for birdwatching.

Warbling White-eye

There are a lot of species of birds that live in the forest, farmland and wetland of Sonder. Some of them are endemic to Sulawesi island. Visitors who enjoy birding can walk through the villages, along the small roads, and on forest trails. Most birdwatching activities are done early in the mornings or in the late afternoons when birds are more active.

Here are some of the many birds that can be seen in Sonder:

Endemic Birds (only found in Sulawesi and nearby islands):

• Sulawesi Myzomela
• Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
• Sulawesi Drongo
• Sulawesi Babbler
• Sulawesi Leaf Warbler
• Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
• Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
• Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
• Finch-billed Myna
• White-necked Myna
• Sulawesi Myna
• Sulawesi Scops Owl
• Sulawesi Serpent Eagle
• Black-naped Fruit Dove
• Ashy Woodpecker
• Yellow-billed Malkoha
• Rusty-bellied Fantail
• Sulawesi Cuckoo
• Sulawesi Goshawk
• Black-crowned White-eye
• Pale Blue Monarch

Other Birds:

• Collared Kingfisher
• Sacred Kingfisher
• White-breasted Woodswallow
• Barn Swallow
• Pacific Swallow
• Uniform Swiftlet
• Grey-rumped Treeswift
• Glossy Swiftlet
• Little Egret
• Cattle Egret
• Purple Heron
• Spotted Dove
• Brown Cuckoo Dove
• Emerald Dove
• Zebra Dove
• Black-naped Oriole
• Sahul Sunbird
• Crimson Sunbird
• Brown-throated Sunbird
• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• Yellow-vented Bulbul
• Eurasian Tree Sparrow
• Mountain White-eye
• Chestnut Munia
• Scaly-breasted Munia
• Asian Glossy Starling
• White-eyed Spangled Drongo
• Peregrine Falcon
• Brahminy Kite

Sonder town in Minahasa highland

Birdwatchers who visit Sonder town can stay in homestays in the area. They can also join a local birding guide who knows the best places to see birds. A typical birding trip can last one to three days. Local people are friendly and often help visitors find the best paths.

In conclusion, Sonder is a good destination for birdwatchers who want to see Sulawesi’s unique birds in a quiet and natural setting. The area is easy to reach from Manado and offers a great experience for nature lovers.

After taking this tour, visitors continue their trip by flying from Manado city to Sorong city to watch birds of Paradise in its rainforest. 

Birding Tour in Klasow valley of Sorong Regency

In addition to birding tour in Sonder of Minahasa highland, I also offer birding tour in Sorong Regency of Southwest Papua Province of Indonesia. The main targets include Lesser Birds of Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Blue-black Kingfisher, Hook-billed Kingfisher, Western-crowned Pigeon, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Ornate Fruit Dove, Papuan Eclectus, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-capped Lory, Black Lory, and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, and etc. 

Papuan Eclectus (female) 

In general, visitors spend between 3 to 4 days in Klasow valley to watch tropical birds of New Guinea. Birds, insects, reptiles and mammals could be watched in the forest. 

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in Minahasa and Sorong regency, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Birding and Snorkeling in Raja Ampat
• Birding walk in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat
• Wildlife Tours in Rainforest of Sorong

Bird viewing and Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

Waigeo island is recommended destination for bird watchers who want to see Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise as well as other tropical birds such as Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Yellow-faced Myna, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra and etc. in Raja Ampat.

Wilson's Bird of Paradise

Bird viewing is carried out in the mornings and late afternoons before sunset time in areas along the roadsides in southern Waigeo as well inside the forest of the island. 

Visitors need camera and telephoto lens to take photographs of the tropical birds that often sit on the branches of trees. Binoculars with extra dispersion lens will greatly enhance the bird viewing experience of visitors who spend their birding holiday in Raja Ampat. 

Reef fish in Waigeo of Raja Ampat

Reef fish in Waigeo

The coral reef that thrive along the coast of Waigeo is the habitat of a lot of marine life including parrotfish, moorish idol, anemonefish, wrasse, butterflyfish and etc. 

Snorkeling trip can be conducted by speed boat to various coral reef sites in Raja Ampat including Kabui bay, Lesser Urai, Friwen, Five Rocks, Mioskon island, Arborek, Yenbuba strait Cape Kri and etc. 

Visitors need to bring their own snorkeling mask and fins. Marine life can be photographed during the snorkeling activities. Some underwater cameras are now available on the market. The Nikon W300 and Olympus TG-7 are quite popular among snorkelers and scuba divers. 

WILDLIFE WATCHING TOUR IN MINAHASA PENINSULA

Minahasa Peninsula is a region in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia that has become a popular destination for wildlife watching. There are several sites which tourists can visit including Tangkoko Batu Angus Nature Reserve in Biting municipality, Mount Mahawu and Sonder's Farm Forest in Minahasa highland. 

Animals such as Gursky's Spectral Tarsier, Celebes-crested Macaque, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus as well as a lot of species of tropical birds can be seen in Minahasa in this land. 

Visitors who are interested in birdviewing could see such birds as Sulawesi Hornbill, Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot and etc.

If you are interested in taking a bird viewing and snorkeling trip in Raja Ampat or Minahasa Peninsula, and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

• Birding and Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Tangkoko Birding Tour

Birding and Photography Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland: A Journey into Sulawesi’s Avian Paradise

North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia is a dream destination for birdwatchers, and few places on the island rival the biodiversity and birding charm of Tangkoko Nature Reserve and the Minahasa Highland. Located in North Sulawesi, these two regions offer contrasting habitats—coastal lowland rainforest and cool highland forests—providing birders with a rich and varied experience packed with endemics and wildlife spectacles.

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Tangkoko Nature Reserve: The Lowland Gem

Tangkoko is famed not only for its unique wildlife but also as one of the best sites in the world to spot Sulawesi’s endemic birds. The reserve's lowland rainforest is teeming with life, making every step of your birding walk a new discovery.

Key Bird Species in Tangkoko:

• Knobbed Hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix): A charismatic and noisy resident often seen gliding above the canopy.
• Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx fallax): A vibrant, tiny jewel of the forest, often a highlight for photographers.
• Ochre-bellied Boobook (Ninox ochracea): A rarely seen, endemic owl species you might encounter during a night walk.
• Sulawesi Pitta (Erythropitta celebensis): Shy and elusive, this forest-floor dweller is a prize for patient birders.

Besides birds, Tangkoko is home to the Celebes Crested Macaque, Spectral Tarsier, and other endemics, adding to the overall wildlife experience.

Hair-crested Drongo (white-eye)

Minahasa Highland: Birding Haven

From Tangkoko, a few hours’ drive takes you up into the cool, misty forests of the Minahasa Highlands. The change in elevation brings a new suite of bird species that are not found in the lowlands.

Must-See Highland Birds:

• Scaly-breasted Kingfisher (Actenoides princeps): A shy, beautiful kingfisher of the highland forests.
• Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher is small bird that is endemic to Sulawesi island. The bird lives in high elevation forest. Mount Mahawu and Sonder's Farm Forest are the usual place for finding this beautiful avifauna.
• Sulawesi Myzomela, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, and Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker: Small but colorful songbirds often seen feeding on flowering trees.
• Mountain White-eye and Sulawesi Leaf Warbler: Common sights in higher altitudes.
• Sulawesi Myzomela can be watched in flower garden, or flower shrub plants that grow in the highland. Tomohon town and the forest of Subdistrict Sonder are the recommended places to find this beautiful bird.

Minahasa also offers excellent birding around Gunung Mahawu and Lake Linow, where birding is enhanced by beautiful volcanic landscapes.

When is the recommemded time to Visit Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland?

Visitors can visit North Sulawesi any time they like. Early mornings are most productive for bird activity, and experienced local guides can greatly enhance your chances of spotting the endemic species.

Tips for a Great Birding Tour

• Hire a local birding guide: They know the trails, call playback spots, and can help you locate elusive endemics.
• Bring proper gear: Binoculars, spotting scope, and a good field guide to Sulawesi birds are essential.
• Be prepared for the terrain: Tangkoko involves some flat, forested trails, while Minahasa can be more hilly and damp.

Knobbed Hornbill

Why Combine Tangkoko and Minahasa?

By combining these two regions in a single tour, you maximize your species list and experience the full diversity of Sulawesi’s birdlife—from forest-floor pittas to highland kingfishers. It's a birding itinerary that offers not only species richness but also the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, cultural insights, and one-of-a-kind wildlife moments.

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Plan your birding journey today and explore the avian wonders of Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland. This is Sulawesi birding at its finest!

Booking

Please, contact Charles Roring by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Also read:

• Birdwatching and Photography Tour in Minahasa Highland
• Collared Kingfisher

Birdwatching and Photography Tour in Minahasa Highland

Minahasa highland is a great destination for visitors who love birding and wildlife photography. Its forest is the habitat of various species of birds such as Japanese White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Sulawesi Myzomela, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Superb Fruit-dove, Red-eared Fruit-dove, Collared Kingfisher, Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, and etc. 

Collared Kingfisher, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pale Blue Monarch, Warbling White-eye

Yellow-billed Malkoha

There are several birding sites in Minahasa including Mount Mahawu, Sonder Farm Forest, Sonder Rice Field, Lake Linow.

Water birds and ground walking birds that can be seen in Lake Linow and rice field area include White-browed Crake, Buff-banded Rail, Barred Rail, Cinnamon Bittern, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, White-breasted Waterhen, Isabeline Bush-hen, Purple Heron, and etc. There are also other birds such as White-breasted Woodswallow, Barn Swallow, White-nest Swiftlet, Collared Kingfisher, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia that birdwatchers can observe in the rice field environment.

The transitional zone between lower elevation and higher elevation forest is good for watching such birds as Pale Blue Monarch, Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Black-naped Oriole, and etc. 

The birding and wildlife photography tour in Minahasa highland can be combined with trip to Tangkoko Nature Reserve. The duration of these tours are 7 days/ 6 nights. 

If you are interested in taking birding tour in Minahasa highland and want me to organize your tour and guide you, please, contact: Charlea Roring by whatsapp to: +6281332245280 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read: 

• Tangkoko Birding Tour
• Snorkeling Holiday in Raja Ampat

Tangkoko Birding Tour

Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and the Minahasa Highlands

North Sulawesi is one of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems for birdwatchers. From the lowland rainforest of Tangkoko Nature Reserve to the cool montane forests of the Minahasa Highlands, this region offers an unforgettable experience for birders of all levels.

🦜 Tangkoko Nature Reserve: Lowland Birding Paradise

Located near Bitung, about 90 minutes from Manado, Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve covers over 8,700 hectares of pristine lowland rainforest. The reserve is famous for its biodiversity, not just mammals like tarsiers and macaques, but especially for its incredible variety of birds.

Collared Kingfisher

Top Birds to Watch in Tangkoko:

• Green-backed Kingfisher – Sulawesi endemic, commonly seen in the lowland forest canopy.
• Knobbed Hornbill – A majestic symbol of Sulawesi’s wildlife.
• Lilac Kingfisher – Colorful and often seen in forested ravines.
• Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher – Tiny and elusive, a treat to spot near streams.
• White-necked Myna – Elegant and vocal, seen in open areas and tree tops.

Early morning walks with a local guide increase your chances of spotting these incredible species. The lush forest, morning light, and bird calls create an unforgettable birding atmosphere.

🏞️ Minahasa Highlands: Highland Species in a Scenic Setting

The Minahasa Highlands, just south of Manado, offer cooler temperatures and a unique bird community. Volcanic peaks like Mount Mahawu and the agricultural landscapes around Tomohon and Sonder make this region perfect for montane and open-area birding.

Some birds in Minahasa Highland; Black-naped Oriole, Japanese White-eye, White-breasted Woodswallow, Pale Blue Monarch, Crimson Sunbird, Collared Kingfisher, Sooty-headed Bulbul

Bird Highlights in the Highlands:

• Scaly-breasted Kingfisher – A rarely seen species that lives in dense montane forests.
• Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher – A stunning blue bird commonly found in the undergrowth.
• Crimson Sunbird – Nectar-feeding beauty with brilliant red and green plumage.
• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot – Often seen in flocks, feeding on fruiting trees.
• Black-naped Oriole – Bright and melodic, often in forest edges and gardens.

The best times to go birding are just after sunrise or late afternoon, when birds are most active. You’ll also enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and valleys while listening to the songs of highland species.

🧭 Travel Tips for Birders

• Best season: May to October (dry season)
• Essentials: Binoculars, field guide/app, lightweight clothing, insect repellent
• Local guides: Highly recommended for identifying bird calls and finding rare species
• Accommodation: Eco-lodges in Tangkoko and guesthouses in Tomohon or Sonder

🌿 Final Thoughts

Whether you're an experienced birder or just curious about Sulawesi’s wildlife, a visit to Tangkoko Nature Reserve and the Minahasa Highlands will be a highlight of your Indonesian journey. With their rich mix of endemic species and dramatic landscapes, these destinations offer some of the best birdwatching in all of Southeast Asia.

Have you been birding in Sulawesi? Planning a trip?

Share your experiences or questions in the comments below! 🐦👇

Need help planning your trip? Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read: 

• Birdwatching and Photography Tour in Minahasa Highland