Birding in Klasow Valley of Sorong with a Swiss Lady and a French Girl

From 5 to 7 Oct. 2025, I guided a Swiss lady on a birdwatching tour in Klasow valley of Sorong regency. We walked through the forest to find paradise birds and other tropical birds of West Papua. During the 3 day/ 2 night tour in the rainforest, we were able to see Lesser Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird and Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. We also saw Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-faced Myna, Pale-billed Scrubwren, Orange-footed Megapode, Papuan Pitta and a lot of other birds. 

Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Papuan Pitta

It rained in the afternoons and at nights during the tour. However, we managed to watch most of the target birds that we had planned to see. 

During the tour, we also saw a lot of beautiful butterflies. Some of them were Silky Owl Butterfly, Ulysses Butterfly, and New Guinea Clipper, Eastern Red Lacewing (Chetosia cydippe). We completed our trip with the morning walk to the dancing site of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise.  

Hibiscus in Klasow valley

I am now guiding a French girl on a rainforest wildlife watching tour in the same Klasow valley. We started yesterday (8 October 2025) and will finish the trip tomorrow (10 Oct. 2025). 

So far, we have seen Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, and a lot of other tropical birds of West Papua. 

If you are interested in taking a tour in West Papua or other parts of Indonesia such as Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu in Minahasa highland, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Related Posts:

• Sorong city Sightseeing and Birdwatching Tour
• Birdwatching and Photography Tour in Minahasa Highland and Tangkoko Nature Reserve
• Bird Photography Tour in Klabili and Waigeo

Late Afternoon and Night Birding in Sorong

Sorong is the transit point for visitors who want to go to Raja Ampat. However, Sorong itself has got its own natural attractions such as wildlife. The outskirts of Sorong city is still covered by rainforest which is the habitat of various species of birds, mammals, insects and reptiles. 

For visitors who arrive in the afternoon and want to have some tour to this forest, I want to offer a late afternoon and night birding tour. 

Papuan Pitta

Here is the program:

Itinerary

15:00-17:45

We will meet you in Sorong city and then organize your trip by car to a beach at the outskirts of Sorong city. We will walk along the beach to look for coastal birds such as Beach Kingfisher, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Pacific Reef Heron, Common Sandpiper, Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, and etc.

17:45

We will go to the hill area to have some coffee or tea with some cakes. Birds such as Blyth's Hornbill, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Papuan Eclectus, Palm Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Helmetted Friarbird can still be seen flying back to their nests or roosting trees.

Papuan Boobook, Papuan Frogmouth, White-lipped Frog

19:00 - 23:00

We will do night birding to look for such birds as Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth or even the Papuan Hawk Owl and any birds that sleep on lower branches of trees. Sometimes cuscus or possum can be seen at night too.

At around 23:00, we will return to Sorong city. 

The above itinerary should be seen as a reference only. It could be modified based on the time which the tour participants have. 

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

Also read:

• Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

Morning Birding Tour in Sorong City

Today, I guided Anders, a visitor from Europe on a half day birding tour at the outskirts of Sorong. We started our tour at 05:00. It was still dark outside when we left Vega Prime Hotel by car. Because the birding site is approximately 1 hour car ride from Sorong city, I asked him to sleep.

A European birdwatcher at the beach of Sorong

When we arrived at the birding side located on a mountain ridge, birds began to sing welcoming the morning light. We had some light breakfast at the back of our chartered car. I had a cup of hot sweet tea, and a cake. 

Blyth's Hornbill flew over the hill. We could see some of them over the canopy of the forest. There are also Yellow-faced Myna that landed briefly on the branches of a tree near the roadside. When we had finished our breakfast and started to walk, we heard the call of Rufous-bellied Kookaburra. I turned on my portable loudspeaker and played it's sounds from my cell phone. After a few minutes of waiting, we continued walking. The Kookaburra did not want to fly out of his hiding places. 

One of the birding sites at the outskirts of Sorong city

More birds fly in the sky when the sky was fully bright. We saw Papuan Eclectus, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo flying. There was Gray-headed Goshawk sitting in the branch of a tree around 30 meters away from us. I adjusted the angle of my spotting-scope. When it was ready, we could watch the bird well. 

Yellow-faced Myna

We also saw Yellow-billed Kingfisher, and Gray-headed Cicadabird, and Black-browed Triller. There were some Red-cheeked Parrots flying over the road when we were looking for Yellow-billed Kingfisher. Streak-headed Munia was hopping on the tall grass that was on the left of the roadside. 

Rufous-bellied Kookaburra

Unfortunately, Anders could not find it using his binoculars. The air temperature was getting hotter after 08:00. We continued our trip by car to the beach. We planned to find Beach Kingfisher. We walked along the boardwalk to look for it. I played its recorded calls several times. Unfortunately, we could not find the bird. There were Brahminy Kite, Torresian Crow, Willie Wagtail and Lesser Frigatebird. 

Beach Kingfisher

At around 10:00, we returned to Sorong city again. We could not see all the birds that we had wanted to watch. However, it was a nice tour in very good weather. 

Terrestrial Orchid

To watch birds, I used old binoculars SVBONY 10×50. To take picture of birds, flowers, and any wildlife, I used Fujifilm HS50EXR. It was an old photographic device but still functioning well. I love older things. 

This is written by Charles Roring

Email: peace4wp@gmail.com

Whatsapp: +6281332245180. 

Tropical Birds in Sorong and Raja Ampat

A lot of visitors fly to Sorong city as the main gate to Raja Ampat. Most of them go to Raja Ampat to enjoy swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving or even take a trip by liveaboard boat to explore remote islands. 

However, there are some of them who are interested in combining their marine tour with land tour. The most popular tour which they can enjoy is birdwatching. They can do it in Sorong city and in Waigeo island. There are a lot of tropical birds which they could watch some of them are mentioned here.

Puff-backed Honeyeater in Waigeo of Raja Ampat

Birds in and at the outskirts of Sorong city

Mangrove Forest - A long the coastal area of Sorong city, visitors could watch such birds as Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Blue Fronted Fig Parrot, Brown-backed Honeyeater, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Sacred Kingfisher, Blue Black Kingfisher, Sahul Sunbird, Willie Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Striated Heron and etc.

Hill Forest - More birds could be seen when we go to a hill of Sorong city. There, we could find birds such as Yellow-faced Myna, Black Sunbird, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Pacific Baza, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Black Butcher bird, Glossy Swiftlet, Uniform Swiftlet, Red-cheeked Parrot, and a lot more. 

Sorong's Ridge Forest - This birding site is located outside of Sorong city around 1 hour trip by car. Birds that we could watch include Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Coconut Lorikeet, Mimic Honeyeater, Black-browed Triller, Helmeted Friarbird, Zoe's Imperial Pigeon, Brahminy Kite.

Nortern Coast of Sorong city - This is the site for finding Beach Kingfisher, Lesser Frigatebird, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Sahul Sunbird, Whimbrel, Pacific Reef Heron, and etc.

The duration of birding tour at the outskirts of Sorong city can be as short as half day to 1 day to as long as 2 days depending on the time which participants have. 

Birds in Waigeo and Batanta of Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is an important destination for birdwatching tourism. It is the place for watching Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Hooded Butcherbird, Yellow-faced Myna, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Papuan Eclectus, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Shining Flycatcher, Mimic Honeyeater, Moustached Treeswift, Common Sandpiper, Little Egret, Pacific Golden Plover, and etc. 

The average duration of birding tour in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat is as short as 3 days 2 nights to as long as 4 days/ 3 nights. It can be longer if the itinerary includes trip to remote islands such as Batanta, Merpati and Urai. 

What to bring

Most birdwatchera bring a pair of binoculars. Some of them bring D-SLR or mirrorless camera with 600 mm telephoto lens. Rain poncho will also be needed. 

The birding trip in Raja Ampat could be combined with snorkeling and sightseeing trip to see marine life, tropical islandd, and karst.

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in Sorong city and Raja Ampat, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Festival Roon 2025

The local government and the peoples of Wondama regency is going to celebrate Festival Roon and the celebration of 100 years of Papua Civilization in Aitumieri hill of Wasior town. This cultural and art event will be conducted on 22 to 25 October 2025 in Yende village of Roon island from 22 to 24 October 2025 and in Miei village of Wasior town on 25 October 2025. 

Festival Roon Promotional Photo 2025

Festival Roon 22-25 October 2025 in Yende village of Roon island and Wasior town  of Wondama Regency

How to get there?

Roon island is located in Wondama regency. To reach Yende village:

• Visitors need to fly from their countries to Manokwari city.
• After that the trip can be continued by fast passenger ferry from Anggrem harbor of Manokwari city to Yende village in Roon island of Wondama regency.

Fast Ferry Route from Manokwari to Yende village and then to Wasior town on Wondama regency

Natural Attractions

Wondama regency is an important destination for visitors who love marine life. Coral reef could be seen in along its coastal areas. There are hundreds of tropical islands that form karsts in this part of the National Park of Cendrawasih Bay. It is one of the Marine Protected Areas in West Papua with the highest marine biodiversity in the World. 

A beach in Purup Karst of Cendrawasih Bay National Park

Coral reef in Wondama regency

Birding

Wondama peninsula has got interesting places for visitors who like birdwatching. Its tropical rainforest is the habitat of a lot of species birds, insects, reptiles, and mammals. Paradise birds that can be watched in Wondiboy mountains include Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Superb Bird of Paradise, Black Sicklebill, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Western Parotia, and etc.

Accommodation

• There are a lot of homestays in Yende village during the Festival Roon 2025. 
• There are also hotels and lodges in Wasior town that are offered to visitors during the 22-25 October 2025.

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

Also read:

• Birds in North Sulawesi
• Birdwatching and Photography Tour in Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Birding in Klasow Valley

Klasow valley is a huge lowland rainforest area in the east of Sorong regency. It is a favorite destination for tourists who love birdwatching and wildlife watching. 

New Guinea Harpy Eagle

A lot of species of birds could be found in Klasow valley. Here are some of them: Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Trumpet Manucode, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Blue-black Kingfisher, Hook-billed Kingfisher, Papuan Eclectus, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-capped Lory, Black Lory, Rainbow Bee-eater, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Ornate Fruit-dove, Sultan's Cuckoo-dove, Great Cuckoo-dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Western-crowned Pigeon, Hooded Monarch, Frilled Monarch, Spot-winged Monarch, Mimic Honeyeater, Glossy Swiftlet, Uniform Swiftlet, Spine-tailed Swift, Moustached Treeswift, Papuan Boobook, Rufous Owl, Papuan Hawk Owl, Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, Papuan Nightjar, New Guinea Harpy Eagle, and a lot more. 

Some birds in Klasow valley

There are some forest sites in Klasow valley that are good for birdwatching. Some of them include: Klabili village, Kasulala forest, Klatomok village and Malagufuk village. 

Klabili is famous for watching Hooded Pitta, Papuan Pitta and New Guinea Vulturine Parrot. 

Kasulala is a highly recommended site for watching and photographing birds of prey. There are Pacific Baza, Variable Goshawk, Gray-headed Goshawk, Brahminy Kite, Gurney's Eagle. 

In general, visitors spend between 3 to 5 days in Klasow valley to see most of the birds in the area. If the tour in Klasow valley is combined with another birding tour in Raja Ampat, the total number of days could reach 12 to 14 days.

Birding in Klasow valley

Visitors usually bring binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, and spotting scope to watch and photograph birds in Klasow valley. 

Other animals that could be watched in Klasow valley include wallaby, cuscus, possum, monitor lizard, bandicoot, snakes, fruit bats,  and etc. 

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour in Klasow valley and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Bird Photography Tour in Klabili and Waigeo
• Watching and Photographing Tropical Birds in Raja Ampat
• Birds in the Suburb of Sorong City
• Sorong City Birding Tour
• Birding in Sonder
• Tangkoko National Park

Bird Photography Tour in Klabili and Waigeo

I have just completed a birding tour with an Australian photographer in Klabili village of Tambrauw regency and Waigeo island of Raja Ampat. We spent nearly a week to do the tour. Birds of paradise were our main target but we also saw a lot of species of birds including Hooded Pitta, Papuan Pitta, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Blue Black Kingfisher, Beach Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Moluccan King Parrot, Papuan Eclectus, Mimic Honeyeater, Raja Ampat Pitohui, Pale-billed Scrubwren, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Great Cuckoo-dove, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, Black Butcherbird, and etc.

Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

The tour participant also enjoyed snorkeling at the house reef of the beach resort where we stayed. In the resort area, we watched and photographed a lot of birds too. There were Palm Cockatoo, Coconut Lorikeet, Papuan Frogmouth, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Red Bird of Paradise, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Beach Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Striated Heron, Willie Wagtail, White-breasted Woodswallow, Pacific Swallow, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Osprey, and etc. 

Raja Ampat in July, actually, is in wave season. However, I see that the wave is not so big. Tourists could still enjoy swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Perhaps, in August, the wind will be stronger. I hope that the weather in Waigeo will be just fine so that more visitors could still enjoy their holiday there.  

Also read:

• Birding in Sausapor, Klabili and Sorong City
• Birding Tour in Sorong and Tambrauw
• Birds in the Suburb of Sorong City

Klabili Village for Birdwatching

I offer a tour for birdwatching in Klabili village. During the tour, participants will explore the rainforest of Klasow valley in Sorong regency to watch various species of paradise birds, and a lot of other tropical birds of West Papua, do night walk to see nocturnal animals such as cuscus and bandcoot as well as see unique tropical plants of rainforest. 

Lesser  Bird of Paradise

Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

The itinerary can be described as follows:

• Day 1

Local guide will meet you at the airport or hotel of Sorong city and organize your trip by 4dw car to Klabili village in Sorong city. It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to reach it. Arriving at the village, we will check into the guesthouse. After a short rest, we could start birding by walking to the back of the village.

There are birds such as Papuan Eclectus, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Shining Flycatcher, Papuan Eclectus, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Coconut Lorikeet, Yellow-faced Myna, Hooded Butcherbird, and etc. Butterflies such as the Ulysses butterfly, New Guinea Clipper and Cruiser butterfly could be seen along the way. 

If we are lucky we will be able to see monitor lizard or snake along the way to the village. Arriving in the village, participants could take a rest. 

Wildlife watching activity could be continued again at around 15:00 to see such birds as Sahul Sunbird, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, and etc.

Basic Accommodation is provided in a homestay in the village. 

• Day 2

Wake up early at around 05:00. You will walk to the site of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise

You could also go to the site of King Bird of Paradise, other birds such as Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Blue Black Kingfisher, and etc. 

After lunch you could continue our trip to watch Lesser Birds of Paradise.

Night walk can be organized after dinner to look for such birds as Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, and birds that sleep on lower branches of tree. Cuscus, wallaby could also be seen in at night. They usually come out to find food and to find mating partner. 

• Day 3

There is still time to watch birds of paradise as well as a lot of tropical birds such as Golden Myna, Frilled Monarch, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Large Fig Parrot, and etc.  After lunch, we will return to Sorong city.

Visitors who are interested in taking this tour need to bring binoculars, flashlight, camera, raincoat or rain-poncho, hiking boots and insect repellent lotion. 

If you are interested in joining, please, contact us by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Related Posts

• Birds in Malagufuk Forest of Klasow valley and Raja Ampat
• Bird Photo Trip in Malagufuk village
• Sorong city Sightseeing and Birding Attractions for Tourists
• Birdwatching in Sonder Farmland of Minahasa Highland
• Tropical Birds in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Watching and Photographing Paradise Birds in Raja Ampat and Malagufuk of Sorong Regency

I have organized several trips this month for some birdwatchers and photographers who want to see tropical birds in Raja Ampat and Sorong regency. During each of the trip, we explored the southern region of Waigeo to look for Glossy-mantled Manucode, Wilson's Bird of Paradise and Red Bird of Paradise. On the second part of the trip, we did rainforest tour in Malagufuk village of Klasow valley to find Lesser Birds of Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird and King Bird of Paradise. The duration of this tour is 8 days/ 7 nights. 

Wilson's Bird of Paradise

We experienced heavy rain during most of this tour. The month of June is quite a challenging experience for me. The walking path in the forest became very muddy after the heavy rain. Fortunately, we could see and photographs most of the paradise birds that I mentioned above.

We saw and photographed other birds as well such as Wompoo Fruit-dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Red-cheeked Parrot, Papuan Eclectus, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Black-capped Lory, Coconut Lorikeet, Palm Cockatoo, Blyth's Hornbill, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Black-sided Robin, Golden Myna, Yellow-faced Myna, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker,  and etc.

Magnificent Riflebird

Although most of our activities are about birdwatching and photography tour, we also spent time on swimming and snorkeling especially in the house reef areas of the resort. Reef fish such as striped-surgeonfish, diagonal sweetlips, parrotfish, butterflyfish, anemonefish could be seen and photographed at depths of 1.5 to 2 meters or more. 

To photograph birds in distant trees, tour participants bring D-SLR or mirrorless with (large CMOS censor) camera that is equipped with 150-600 mm lens. Some bring bridge camera such as Nikon P1000. 

Birdwatching in Sorong regency and Raja Ampat

Birdwatchers usually Swarovski, Leica, or Nikon 10×42 mm. As a birding guide, I usually carry a spottinh scope that is mounted on a tripod. 

Coral reef in Raja Ampat

If you are interested in taking a holiday in Indonesia by enjoying birdwatching and photography tour in Raja Ampat, Klasow valley of Sorong regency and other parts of Indonesia such as Minahasa highland and Tangkoko Nature Reserve, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Also read:

• Birding and Snorkeling in Waigeo Raja Ampat
• Sorong City Birding Tour
• Sorong Birding and Raja Ampat Snorkeling
• Nature Tour Around Sorong City and Raja Ampat
• Birding in Raja Ampat and Sorong
• Birding in Raja Ampat and Sorong Regency of Indonesia

• Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland of Indonesia
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Birding in the Paddy Fields of Subdistrict Sonder
• Birdwatching in the Farmland of Sonder Town
• Walking Tour, Birdwatching and Butterflywatching in District Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birds in North Sulawesi
• Birdwatching Tour in the Farmland and Forest of Minahasa Highland
• Manado City Tour: Birdwatching and Sightseeing

Birds in Malagufuk's Forest and Raja Ampat

Birds are attractions for tourists who love nature. I am quite busy this month because I have to guide tourists on several birdwatching trips in the forest of Malagufuk, at the outskirts of Sorong city as well as in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat. Every place has got unique species to see. They also share a large number of bird species.

Palm Cockatoo

Here are birds which visitors could watch in Malagufuk village of Klasow valley: Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Trumpet Manucode, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Zoe Imperial Pigeon, Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, Western-crowned Pigeon, Superb Fruit Dove, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Beautiful Fruit-dove, Sultan's Cuckoo-dove, Black-billed Cuckoo-dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Black-capped Lory, Papuan Eclectus, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, and etc.

For birds in Waigeo, here are some of the vocal points: Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Brown-headed Crow, Papuan Eclectus, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, Osprey, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Beach Kingfisher, Torresian Crow, Willie Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Pacific Reef Heron, Radjah Shelduck, Red-cheeked Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Great-billed Parrot, and etc.

Most tourists will fly to Sorong city if they want to enjoy their holiday in Raja Ampat. The outskirts of Sorong city have got some interesting birds to see such as Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Sahul Sunbird, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Black-browed Triller, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Helmetted Friarbird, Brown Oriole, and etc. 

There are still a lot of other species that birdwatchers and photographers could see when traveling to these places. 

Visitors could combine birdwatching and photography tour with snorkeling and sightseeing in Raja Ampat islands. 

Binoculars or Camera

Most birdwatchers bring binoculars 10×42 mm. Famous brands such as Nikon, Swarovski, and Leica are the preferable choice. Some of them will bring point and shoot camera with telephoto lens. Photographers usually bring D-SLR or mirrorless camera, telephoto lens and tripod. 

Booking

If you are interested in visiting Sorong city for your holiday in Raja Ampat, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Birding in Raja Ampat and Sorong Regency
• Birding near Sorong city
• Wildlife Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birdwatching in Minahasa Highland

Birdwatching in Raja Ampat of Indonesia

Raja Ampat is a famous destination for visitors who love swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling. However, it is also a good destination for birdwatching. A lot of species of tropical birds could be watched and photographed in Waigeo island such as:

• Wilson's Bird of Paradise
• Red Bird of Paradise
• Papuan Eclectus
• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
• Palm Cockatoo
• Black-capped Lory
• Coconut Lorikeet
• Great-billed Parrot
• Red-cheeked Parrot
• Yellow-faced Myna
• Rufous-bellied Kookaburra
• Yellow-billed Kingfisher
• Common Paradise Kingfisher.
• Beach Kingfisher
• Collared Kingfisher
• Sacred Kingfisher
• Olive-crowned Flowerpecker
• Sahul Sunbird
• Black Sunbird
• Lowland Peltop
• Pinon Imperial Pigeon
• Pied Imperial Pigeon
• Great Cuckoo-dove
• Black-billed Cuckoo-dove
• Claret-breasted Fruit-dove
• Brown Cuckoo-dove
• Claret-breasted Fruit-dove
• Spice Imperial Pigeon, 
• Golden Monarch
• Willie Wagtail, and etc. 

Red Bird of Paradise

A lot of coastal or sea birds could also be seen there. They include:

• White-bellied Sea Eagle
• Osprey
• Lesser-crested Tern
• Common Tern
• Black-naped Tern
• Common Sand Piper
• Pacific Golden Plover
• Pacific Reef Heron
• Striated Heron
• Great-billed Heron
• Purple Heron, 
• Whimbrel, and etc.

Swimming and Snorkeling

Tour participants who want to enjoy swimming or snorkeling can do it at the house reef of the beach resort or homestay where we stay at. The coral reef of Raja Ampat is the habitat of a lot of species of marine creatures such as moorish idol, butterflyfish, striped surgeonfish, parrotfish, wrasse, wobbegong, anemonefish and etc.

Snorkeling in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat

Birding, swimming and snorkeling tour in Raja Ampat

Orange Skunk Anemonefish

Birdwatching near Sorong city

The tour to Raja Ampat for watching birds could be combined with the tour to the outskirts of Sorong city to watch interesting species of birds such as Blue-fronted Fig Parrot, Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Glossy-mantled Manucode, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Black-browed Triller, Blyth's Hornbill, and etc. Usually, tourists who are in transit in Sorong city do not have much time. They can enjoy morning birding trip that starts at 05:00 a.m.  and finishes at 10:00 a.m. or afternoon birding tour from 14:00 to 18:00 p.m. 

Participants need to bring their own binoculars. If they do not have the device, as a guide provide a spotting scope that is mounted on a tripod for everyone to share. 

For identification of birds that we see or photograph, we could use Merlin App. 

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour in Raja Ampat and the outskirts of Sorong city, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Related posts:

• Birding and Snorkeling in Waigeo Raja Ampat
• Sorong City Birding Tour
• Sorong Birding and Raja Ampat Snorkeling
• Nature Tour Around Sorong City and Raja Ampat
• Birding in Raja Ampat and Sorong
• Birding in Raja Ampat and Sorong Regency of Indonesia

Also read:

• Birds in North Sulawesi
• Birding and Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birdwatching and Photography Tour in Minahasa Highland
• Birdwatching in the Farmland of Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birding in North Sulawesi and West Papua
• Birding in Minahasa of North Sulawesi

Night Walk Tour in the Forest of Sorong City

I have just conducted a night walk tour in the forest of Sorong city for an American tourist. The tour started at 08:00 when I picked him up from Swissbel Hotel. We went to a forest near Sorong city. I was accompanied by a driver and a local guide.

Before starting the walking tour, we had some tea and coffee with some cakes that I bought from a bread store. We could feel the sudden change of atmosphere. From a city with a lot of lights to a rainforest that is very dark. On the positive side, we could see stars in the dark sky.

When we were walking along a road inside the forest, we used sound recordings to attract birds. We played the sounds of Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, Papuan Boobook. 

Flying Fox in the forest of Sorong regency

Although we walked for quite long, we did not feel hot at all. The temperature of the forest that night was cool. We were able to watch Papuan Frogmouth and Marbled Frogmouth. We also saw some flying foxes in trees and flying in the air.

Papuan Frogmouth in the forest of Sorong city

We completed our night walking tour in the rainforest of Sorong city at around 00:15. It was a nice trip although we did not see many animals. When we arrived in Swiss Belhotel, it was 00:30 in the middle of the night.

Morning or Afternoon Birding Tour

For visitors who are interesting in taking birdwatching tour at the outskirts of Sorong city. Usually the morning birding tour starts at 05:00. We will go to birdwatching site outside of Sorong city by car. It takes around 1 hour. As soon as we arrive, we could see the sun light on the canopy of the forest. Birds that we could watch include Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Eclectus Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-browed Triller, Black-capped Lory, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Hooded Butcherbird, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Blyth's hornbill, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, and etc.

Papuan Eclectus

To enhance the birding experience of the participants, I will bring spotting scope. We will also walk along the beach area to enjoy the landscape of the coastal area as well as watching birds. Beach Kingfisher is the main target at the beach but we could see other species such as Willie Wagtail, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Pacific Reef Heron, Striated Heron, Little Egret, Pacific Golden Plover and etc.

Beach Kingfisher

If you are interested in taking this night walking tour in Sorong city and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Related Posts:

• Birding in Raja Ampat and Sorong
• Birdwatching in Malagufuk, snorkeling in Raja Ampat

Sorong City Birding Tour

The outskirts of Sorong city have got several sites that are good for sightseeing and birdwatching tours. Tourists could take this tour to see the beautiful natural landscape of forest, hills and coastal area a little outside the busy city and at the same time, watch colorful avifauna such as parrot, doves, kingfishers, and hornbills. 

These tours are suitable for tourists who are in transit to or from Raja Ampat. 

Golden Myna - birdwatching tour from Sorong city

ITINERARY

• 05: 00- 06:00 - We usually starts early in the morning at We will meet you at your hotel and then organize your transfer by car to hill area outside the city. It takes nearly one hour to reach it. We will have tea or coffee with some biscuits and fruits to start our activity. 
• 06:00 - 08:00 - When the sunlight brightens the sky, birds begin to show up on the branches of trees. We will use spotting scope to watch them. We will look for such birds as Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot,  Palm Cockatoo, Blyth's Hornbill, Coconut Lorikeet, Black Lory, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Helmetted Friarbird, Black-browed Triller, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Pacific Baza, Sahul Sunbird, Black Sunbird, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Pinon Imperial pigeon. We will walk along the roadside to watch them. In general, we spend around 2 hours doing the birdwatching walk. 

The harbour area of Sorong city as seen from Buddhist Temple

• 08:00-10:00 - We will continue our activity to the coastal area. We will do birdwatching along the boardwalk to look for coastal birds such as Beach Kingfisher, Little Egret, Pacific Reef Heron, Torresian Crow, Common Sand Piper, Whimbrel and White-bellied Sea Eagle. The seascape view of  beach area outside Sorong city is beautiful.
• 10:00-11:00 - We will return to Sorong city. After a short stop at a Buddhist Temple or a traditional market, we will bring you back to your hotel. End of The Tour.

Yellow-faced Myna

Sightseeing and birdwatching tour from Sorong city

If you are interested in taking this short birding tour during your waiting time in Sorong and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Related Articles:

• Birding near Sorong city
• Short Birding Tour in Sorong city
• Birding in Raja Ampat and Sorong
• Sorong Birding and Raja Ampat Snorkeling

Bird Photography Trip in Malagufuk Village of Sorong Regency

Malagufuk is a small village located in the middle of the rainforest of Klasow valley. It is the habitat of a kot of species of birds, insects, reptiles and mammals. 

A lot of tourists go there to watch tropical birds such as Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Blue-Black Kingfisher, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Zoe Imperial Pigeon, Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Brown Cuckoo-dove. Birds of paradise can also be watched in the forest of the village. They include: Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird. 

The duration of the birding tour in Malagufuk village is usually 3 days/ 2 nights.

Birding could be carried out during the day and night. Birds that could be watched at night along the boardwalk and concrete path include Papuan Frogmouth, Papuan Boobook, and Hooded Pitta, Hook-billed Kingfisher, Tawny Straightbill, and etc.

Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

Sometimes when we do night walk in the forest of Malagufuk, we could see cuscus, echidna, green tree python. 

Itinerary

Here is a brief description of the tour in Malagufuk:

• Day 1: We will meet you at the airport or harbor of Sorong city. We will organize your transfer by 4WD car to Malagufuk in Klasow valley.  It takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the destination. Birding and wildlife watching trip into Malagufuk village for 1 to 2 hours. Check into the homestay.
• Day 2: Birding and wildlife watching. Nightwalk.
• Day 3: Birding and wildlife watching in Malagufuk's forest. Check-out after lunch. Return to Sorong city by 4WD car.  

Some tropical birds in Malagufuk

Equipment

There are some devices that tour participants need to bring to enhance their birding and wildlife watching experience. They are binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, flash light. Raincoat or rain-poncho will also be needed. Participants can wear hiking boots or wellington boots to explore the forest. Insect spray will also be needed. 

Birds in Malagufuk

Accommodation

There are no hotels in Malagufuk. Tour participants will stay in simple homestays that are run by local villagers.

The birding and wildlife watching tour can be continued to Waigeo island or Batanta island of Raja Ampat for another 3 days/ 2 nights trip. Short half day birding tour in Sorong city and also be organized for tour participants who do not have much time in Sorong. 

 

Booking

If you are interested in taking this birding tour in Malagufuk village of Sorong regency and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Birding in Malagufuk Village of Klasow Valley
• Night Walk in Malagufuk's Forest
• Birdwatching in Malagufuk, Snorkeling in Raja Ampat
• Rainforest Tour in Malagufuk village of Sorong regency

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BIRDS IN SONDER OF MINAHASA HIGHLAND

Subdistrict town of Sonder in Minahasa Highland is a new birding destination in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It is a highly recommended destination for visitors who are interested in watching tropical birds of Sulawesi.

Subdistrict Sonder is surrounded by mountain ridges, slopes, valleys, rivers and rice fields. There are a lot of species of birds that could be watched there. 

Crimson Sunbird

The higher elevation land of Sonder is mostly covered by rainforest and agricultural crops. In this area, visitors could watch such birds as Warbling White-eye, Black-crown White-eye, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Myzomela, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Black Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Superb Fruit-dove, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Sulawesi Drongo, Gray Wagtail, Collared Kingfisher, Black-faced Munia, Pygmy Woodpecker, and etc. 

Yellow-billed Malkoha

As we do birding walk from higher elevation forest along the road down to farmland areas, we will be able to see more birds such as Black Kite, Sulawesi Goshawk, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Crow, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eyed), Sooty-headed Bulbul, Pale Blue Monarch, and etc. 

In the agricultural land and rice field areas between Sonder and Tomohon, birdwatchers could watch more interesting birds such as Black-naped Fruit Dove, Bay Coucal, Pale Blue Monarch, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Barred Rail, Buff-banded Rail, White-browed Crake, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Javan Pond Heron, Purple Heron, Isabelline Bush-hen, and etc. 

Some Birds in Minahasa Highland

Birding trip in Sonder could be extended to other areas in North Sulawesi such as Mount Mahawu of Tomohon for visitors to see Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pitta, Snowy-browed Flycatcher and etc.  

After birding in Minahasa highland, the tour could be continued to Tangkoko Nature Reserve for tour participants to watch Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Yellow-breasted Racquet-tail, Golden-mantled Racquet-tail, and Blue-backed Parrot, Ashy Woodpecker, and etc.

Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher

In addition to birds, tour participants could also watch mammals, insects and reptiles. Spectral Tarsier, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, and Celebes-crested Macaque are the main attractions of Tangkoko forest for the wildlife watching experience. 

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching/ wildlife watching tour in North Sulawesi and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: +6281332245180 or by whatsapp to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

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