When I guide tourists on a rainforest tour in Klasow valley of Sorong regency in West Papua, I often see flowers that are unique and beautiful. Everything looks green in the forest but a white or pink flower will attract the attention of visitors. Fresh flowers that bloom in the morning attrack butterfly. That's why when we see flowers in the jungle village of Klasow valley, we will also be able to see butterflies.
Butterfly-watching
Local people in Klasow valley plant a lot of zinnia and some hibiscus flowers in their jungle village. These flowers attract various species of butterfly such as Blue Mountain Swallowtail (Papilio ulysses), Meadow Argus Butterfly (Jinonia villida), Cruiser Butterfly (Vindula arsinoe), Blue Tiger Butterfly (Tirumala limniace), Taenaris Catops Butterfly and a lot more.
These beautiful butterfly collect nectar from the flowers and also help the pollination of most of the flower plants in the rainforest.
Birdwatching
In addition to observing flowers, and butterfly, visitors who take the rainforest tour in Sorong regency of West Papua are able to watch birds. Klasow valley has been the natural habitat of Golden Myna (Mino anais), Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Blyth's hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Large Fig Parrot, and Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Western Crowned Pigeon and a lot more.
Itinerary for Rainforest Tour
Day 1
Transfer from Sorong city to Klasow valley by 4WD car (1.5 hours ride),
Walking through the forest to reach a jungle village (approx. 1.5 hours walk)
Birding around the village
Butterfly Watching
Day 2
Wake up early in the morning at around 04.30
Walk to the display tree of Lesser Birds of Paradise
Watching the paradise birds until 09.00
Walk back to the village
Jungle walk to see rainforest flowers and butterflies as well as birds
Night walk
Day 3
Jungle walk to Klaglass
Back to the village
Day 4
Watching Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
After lunch, we will walk back to the main road
Return to Sorong by a 4WD car.
Sightseeing and Snorkeling Tour in Raja Ampat
Besides guiding tourists in the jungle of Sorong regency and Tambrauw regency, I also offer a 5-day/ 4-night snorkeling and sightseeing tour in Raja Ampat islands. Participants of the tour will be transferred from Sorong city to one of the homestay in the archipelago and travel around the islands by motorized boat to see spectacular scenery of Raja Ampat as well as its pristine coral reef and ornamental fish.
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| Coral Reef in Raja Ampat islands |
Here is a typical itinerary that I offer to my customers:
Day 1
Leaving Sorong for Raja Ampat
We will stay at one of the homestays in the regionSnorkeling in Yenbuba strait
Day 2
Traveling to Kabui karst islets (snorkeling) and a visit to its passage.
Snorkeling in Batu Lima or Friwen
A visit to sand bank
Day 3
Traveling to Pianemo to see its beautiful scenery on top of one of its karst islets
Snorkeling in Arborek
Day 4
Snorkeling in North West Mansuar
Snorkeling in South West Mansuar or Sawondarek
Day 5
Leaving Raja Ampat for Sorong
The above itinerary should be seen only as a reference. The places or snorkeling sites can be changed during tour depending on weather condition, tide.
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| Pianemo Karst Islets in Raja Ampat Archipelago |
If you are interested in taking a rainforest tour in Klasow valley of Sorong regency or snorkeling and sightseeing tour in Raja Ampat, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com. You could also use the contact form at the top right area of this blog.
Also read:
Discover the Avian Wonders of Minahasa Highland: Birding Around Sonder Town
Are you an avid birdwatcher searching for a tropical birding destination teeming with exotic avifauna, including many endemics? Look no further than Sonder in the Minahasa Highlands of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. This charming subdistrict town, nestled amidst lush forests, farmlands, and rice paddies, offers a unique and accessible birding experience unlike the more crowded reserves. The average duration of birding tour in Sonder is 3 days/ 2 nights.
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| Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove |
🌿 Why Sonder is a Recommended Birding Destination
Sonder sits in a transitional zone, blending lower montane forest species with lowland and rice field birds, creating a high diversity in a relatively compact area. The easy access and varied landscape—from small, accessible forests to open agricultural fields—make it ideal for birders of all fitness levels.
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| Sulawesi Scops Owl |
🌟 Sonder's Must-See Bird Species
While Sulawesi is famous for its high number of endemic birds, Sonder provides a fantastic chance to tick off several key species. Keep your binoculars ready for these highlights:
Some of Endemic Birds of Sulawesi :
- Sulawesi Hanging Parrot (Loriculus stigmatus): A beautiful, tiny parrot often seen feeding on blossoms.
- Yellow-billed Malkoha (Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus): A large, striking cuckoo endemic to Sulawesi.
- Pale Blue Monarch (Hypothymis puella): An exquisite, azure-colored flycatcher.
- Sulawesi Scops Owl (Otus manadensis): Often a target for nocturnal birding around the town's outskirts.
- Sulawesi Myzomela
- Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
- Gray-sided Flowerpecker
- Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
- Pale Blue Monarch
- Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker and a lot more.
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| Pale Blue Monarch |
Highland & Forest Dwellers:
- Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon (Treron griseicauda): A subtly beautiful pigeon.
- Yellow-sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum aureolimbatum): A small, energetic passerine, an endemic species of Sulawesi island.
- Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja): Dazzlingly coloured, frequently seen sipping nectar.
Farmland & Open Area Birds:
- White-browed Crake: Often sighted around the paddy fields.
- Barred Rail (Gallirallus torquatus): A skulking rail that pops out in the wet fields.
- Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis): Known for its melodious call.
🗺️ Best Birding Spots in Sonder
Sonder's magic lies in its accessibility, with excellent birding spots often just a short walk or drive away.
Tounelet Forest Slope: Located right in the town of Sonder, this small forest patch offers easy roadside birding and is a prime location for the Pale Blue Monarch and various flowerpeckers.
Farmlands and Rice Paddies: The agricultural areas, especially towards villages like Tincep, are fantastic for waterbirds such as the White-browed Crake, Cattle Egret, and Purple Heron, as well as common passerines and raptors like the Black Kite.
Higher Elevation Farmland and Forest: Exploring the outskirts and higher elevations offers a chance to see montane species like the Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher and different kinds of white-eyes.
📅 Optimal Time for Birding
Best Time of Year: Birding in Sonder is excellent year-round, but avoiding the heaviest rainy months (typically December to February) can make walking more comfortable.
Best Time of Day: As with most tropical birding, the early morning (05:30 to 09:30) is the most active period. A second session in the late afternoon (15:00 to 18:00) is also highly productive, particularly for owls at dusk.
🧳 Planning Your Sonder Birding Trip
Sonder is easily reachable from Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi.
- Getting There: Fly into Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) in Manado city. Sonder is about a 1-hour drive by car.
- Accommodation: While some birders base themselves in nearby Tomohon, staying in or near Sonder allows you to maximize the valuable early morning hours. Look for local homestays or dedicated birding accommodations in the area.
- Gear Essentials: Bring a good pair of binoculars, a telephoto camera lens for photography, and a reliable local field guide (e.g., Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago or install Merlin app into your cell phone).The terrain is generally easy, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Sonder offers a relaxing yet rewarding birding experience. It's a place where unique Sulawesi endemics can be found right alongside common, colourful tropical species, making every walk a potential treasure hunt.
Ready to plan your birding adventure to the Minahasa Highlands?
Would you like more information on combining a trip to Sonder with other North Sulawesi birding hotspots like Tangkoko Nature Reserve or Mount Mahawu?
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:
