Birding Paradise: Exploring North Sulawesi from Manado to the Minahasa Highlands

The Province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a globally recognized hotspot for birdwatching, sitting right on the Wallace Line—a biogeographical boundary that separates Asian and Australasian fauna. The region is home to over 380 bird species, including 169 endemic species across Sulawesi island. A typical birding route begins near the provincial capital of Manado, venturing to the lowland rainforests of Tangkoko and ascending into the Minahasa Highlands. 

Tangkoko Nature Reserve (Batuputih)

Located approximately one to two hours drive from Manado, the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, near Bitung City, is perhaps the most famous birding destination in North Sulawesi. This lowland forest offers incredible accessibility to key endemic species. 

Key Bird Species in Tangkoko

Kingfishers: The reserve is a premier site for kingfishers, including the stunning Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher, Green-backed Kingfisher, and the tiny Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher. 

Hornbills: Look out for large, impressive species like the Knobbed Hornbill and the Sulawesi Hornbill. 

Nocturnal Birds: Night walks often reveal several owl species, such as the Speckled Boobook and Sulawesi Scops Owl. 

Other Endemics: Birders also target the Maleo (a unique ground-nesting megapode), Red-backed Thrush, and various parrots like the Sulawesi Hanging Parrot and Pygmy Hanging Parrot. 

Beyond birds, Tangkoko is famous for its wildlife, including the critically endangered Sulawesi Crested Black Macaque and the world's smallest primate, the Spectral Tarsier. 

Minahasa Highland (Tomohon and Mount Mahawu)

Moving south from the coastal lowlands, the birding journey continues into the cooler, volcanic Minahasa Highland region, centered around towns like Tomohon. This highland area, roughly 1.5 hours from Manado, provides habitat for a different suite of montane and wetland endemics. 

Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher in Sonder's farm forest

Prime Birding Spots in the Minahasa Highlands:

Mount Mahawu: This forested volcano (around 1,490 meters above sea level) is a must-visit for highland specialists. Key targets here include the rare Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, and the vibrant Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker. 

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot in Sonder of Minahasa highland

Sonder Area: The agricultural land, farm forests, and paddy fields near Sonder offer excellent opportunities for wetland and open-country species. Look for herons and egrets like the Purple Heron and Javan Pond Heron, as well as rails such as the Barred Rail and Buff-banded Rail. The farm forests are also home to species like the Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-crowned White-eye, Warbling White-eye, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Sulawesi Myzomela, Black Kite, Speckled Boobook, Sulawesi Scops Owl and Minahasa-masked Owl.

Yellow-billed Malkoha in Sonder's forest

Lake Linow: This unique, sulfurous lake is a picturesque spot that also attracts various waterbirds such as White-breasted Waterhen, Pied Stilt, Sunda Teal, Little Egret, Barn Swallow, and provides a different habitat for birdwatching. 

Practical Birding Tips

Manado's Sam Ratulangi Airport (MDC) serves as the main entry point to North Sulawesi. From Manado, birders typically hire private transportation or organized tours to reach Tangkoko and the Minahasa Highlands. 

Accommodation: In Tangkoko, simple homestays near the village of Batuputih are common. In the Minahasa Highlands, Tomohon offers a range of guesthouses and hotels, while homestays are available in areas like Sonder. 

Guides: Engaging a local, experienced bird guide is highly recommended in both Tangkoko and the Minahasa Highlands to maximize sightings of the often cryptic endemic species. 

Best Time: Birding activity is possible all year-round, but the dry season (April to October) may offer slightly easier hiking conditions. 

The North Sulawesi birding circuit from Manado through Tangkoko and up to the Minahasa Highlands offers a spectacular opportunity to see a high concentration of rare and unique endemic birds and other wildlife.

How to get there?

Manado city is the main gate for visitors who want to do birding in North Sulawesi province (Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow and Sonder). There are regular daily flights between Manado and some major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, and Sorong. They are served by Garuda, Citilink, Batik Air, Lion Air, Super Air Jet, and TransNusa. There is also direct flight between Manado and Singapore served by Scoot Air.

Flight routes to Manado city

Booking

If you plan to take a birding trip to North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia and want a guide to organize your trip, please, contact us by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button: