North Sulawesi is a dream destination for birdwatchers, offering a wide range of ecosystems—from lush coastal rainforests to cool highland farmlands. Among the most rewarding birding spots are Tangkoko Nature Reserve on the northeast coast and Sonder, a small farming town nestled in the Minahasa Highlands. Each location offers its own unique blend of birdlife, making the region a must-visit for both serious ornithologists and nature-loving travelers.
Tangkoko Nature Reserve: A Biodiversity Gem by the Sea
Situated just a couple of hours from Manado, Tangkoko Nature Reserve covers more than 8,000 hectares of tropical lowland forest, mangroves, and volcanic slopes. With over 200 bird species recorded—many of them endemic to Sulawesi—Tangkoko is widely regarded as one of the best birding sites in Indonesia.
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| Yellow-sided Flowerpecker |
What to Expect
The reserve offers great birding opportunities along its main forest trails, especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Species to watch for include:
- Green-backed Kingfisher
- Lilac Kingfisher
- Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher
- Great-billed Kingfisher
- Knobbed Hornbill
- Sulawesi Hornbill
- Sulawesi Pitta
- Red-backed Thrush
- White-necked Myna
- Minahasa Racquet-tail
- Golden-mantled Racquet-tail
- Blue-backed Parrot
- Green Imperial Pigeon
- Purple-winged Roller, and etc.
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| Sulawesi Bear Cuscus |
In addition to birds, Tangkoko is also home to Celebes crested macaques, spectral tarsiers, and the bear cuscus—making it a hotspot for general wildlife lovers too.
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| Pacific Swallow |
Where to Bird
Main Trails near Batu Putih: Ideal for kingfishers, thrushes, and hornbills.
Post 2 and Post 3: Deeper forest areas for shy endemics like pittas.
Temboan Hill: Perfect for canopy birds like racquet-tails and imperial pigeons.
Mangrove River: Best explored by boat for coastal and water birds.
Naun River: It is the usual place for watching Great-billed Kingfisher.
Birding in Sonder: Highland Tranquility in the Minahasa Heartland
In contrast to the dense rainforest of Tangkoko, the Sonder region in the Minahasa Highlands offers a more open, agricultural landscape, surrounded by hills, streams, and secondary forest patches. Located about 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level, Sonder hills with the cooler climate and mosaic of habitats create an excellent environment for highland and edge species.
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| Juvenile Pygmy Hanging Parrot |
Highland and Hill Birds to Watch
Sonder is a great place for spotting a mix of lowland migrants, highland species, and farmland birds. Some species commonly seen include:
- Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
- Snowy-browed Flycatcher
- Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
- Grey-sided Flowerpecker
- Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
- Sulawesi Myzomela
- Mountain White-eye
- Warbling White-eye
- Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
- Pygmy Hanging Parrot
- Black-naped Oriole
- White-bellied Imperial Pigeon
- Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
- Sulawesi Crow
- Isabelline Bush-hen
- Sulawesi Bush Warbler
- Black-faced Munia
- Sahul Sunbird
- Brown-throated Sunbird
- Black Sunbird
- Sooty-headed Bulbul
- Pale Blue Monarch
- Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo
- Black Kite
- Sulawesi Goshawk
- Lesser Fish Eagle
- Finch-billed Myna
- Collared Kingfisher
- and etc.
Rivers and rice fields in the area attract egrets, kingfishers, and other wetland birds. Early mornings are best for birding here, especially around the edges of farms, village roads, and riverside trees.
Local Experience
Birding in Sonder is peaceful and uncrowded. The local people are friendly, and several homestays or guesthouses offer easy access to trails and rural birding spots. Hiring a local birding guide can help you locate the less obvious species and identify calls echoing from the surrounding hills.
Combining Both Destinations
What makes birding in North Sulawesi special is the ability to combine lowland forest birding with highland exploration in a single trip. Tangkoko and Sonder are only a few hours apart by road, yet they showcase very different avian communities. You can spend a few days walking through the dense rainforest of Tangkoko, then head inland and upward to Sonder for a completely different experience among pine trees, vegetable fields, and scenic valleys.
Together, these two locations offer:
- Higher number of endemic species of Sulawesi birds combined
- There are interesting insects especially butterflies, reptiles, and mammals
- Easy access from Manado, the regional capital
- Opportunities to support local ecotourism and conservation
Final Thoughts
Whether you're scanning the forest canopy in Tangkoko for hornbills or strolling through the highland roads of Sonder listening to flycatchers, birding in North Sulawesi is a deeply rewarding experience. The region’s unique biodiversity, friendly communities, and varied landscapes make it a top destination for nature lovers.
So pack your binoculars, lace up your walking shoes, and explore the wild beauty of North Sulawesi—from the steamy coasts of Tangkoko to the cool hills of Sonder.
Booking
If you are interested in taking a birding/ photography tour in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
Also read:
- Tangkoko National Park
- Birding and Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
- Birds in North Sulawesi
- Birding in Sonder
- Birdwatching Tour in the Farmland and Forest of Minahasa Highland
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