Wildlife Watching, Birding and Photography Tours in Sorong city, Malagufuk of Klasouw valley of Sorong regency, Klabili and Sausapor in Tambrauw, Waigeo and Batanta in Raja Ampat of West Papua as well as Sonder, Tomohon, Mount Mahawu, Manado, Bunaken National Park, Tangkoko Nature Reserve in North Sulawesi. Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180
I have just conducted another birding tour in Arfak mountains and Klasow valley with a Dutch-Australian lady. We flew from Sorong city to Manokwari by Lion Air and then went directly to Arfak mountains by a chartered 4WD car. We went hiking to watch Western Parotia, Black Sicklebill, Vogelkop Lophorina (female), Magnificent Bird of Paradise as well as other birds such as Blue Gray Robin, Black Fantail, Ornate Melidectes, Fantail Monarch, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Gray Green Scrubwren, Green-backed Robin, Mountain Fruit Dove, and Feline Owlet Nightjar.
Some rainforest birds in Arfak mountains in Manokwari and Klasow Valley (Malagufuk) of Sorong regency
We visited the sites of Wattled Brush Turkey, and Vogelkop Bowerbird but it always rained in the afternoons when we were there. So, we could not see the birds.
After spending 4 days/ 3 nights in Arfak mountains of Manokwari, we flew back to Sorong city again. We had to buy food materials before continuing our trip to Klasow valley where we spent 3 days 2 nights there. We saw a lot of species of birds including Hooded Pitta, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Tawny Straightbill, Pale-billed Scrubwren, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Black Lory, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-capped Lory, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Golden Myna, Yellow-faced Myna, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Greater-black Coucal, Sahul Sunbird, and a lot more.
Ornate Melidectes in Arfak mountains
For mammals, we saw dorcopsis, ground mouse, bandicoot, and fruit bats. I don't have field guide book for mammals of New Guinea. So, I could not accurately determine their species.
We also saw a lot of species of butterflies from the Titonus birdwing in Arfak range to Meadow Argus, Hypolimnas Bolina, and Papilio Ulysses in Klasow valley.
If you are interested in taking a bird tour in Arfak mountains, and Klasow valley of West Papua and need someone to arrange your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.
BIRDING IN SONDER OF MINAHASA HIGHLAND OF NORTH SULAWESI
Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa highland of Indonesia. It is a great destination for visiting birders who want to see the avifauna of Sulawesi island.
There are several interesting birding sites in Sonder and its surrounding areas. The paddy fields are the habitat of Purple Heron, White-browed Crake, Cinnamon Bittern, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Collared Kingfisher, Isabelline Bush Hen, White-breasted Woodswallow.
Some birds in Sulawesi
The farmland of Sonder and the forest along the riverside is the site for watching Green Imperial Pigeon, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Maroon-chinned Fruit Dove, Zebra Dove, Sulawesi-crested Myna, White-rumped Triller, Hair-crested (White-eyed) Drongo, Finch-billed Myna, Lesser Fish Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Sulawesi Serpent Eagle and etc.
Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Fantail, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
As we explore the higher elevation forest of Sonder, we could see more interesting birds such as the White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Crimson Sunbird, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Drongo, Sulawesi Swiftlet, Glossy Swiftlet, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Myzomela, and a lot more.
Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
Manado city is the main gate for visiting Sonder forest and farmland in Minahasa Highland. There are daily flights between Manado and major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar and Sorong city. They are server by such airlines as Lion Air, Batik Air, Garuda. Direct international flight from Singapore and Manado city is server by Scoot Air.
Sonder is a small sub-district town in Minahasa highland
Flight routes to Manado city
If you are interested in birding and nature photography tour in Sonder forest and farmland of Minahasa highland, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by e-mail to peace4wp@gmail.com.
Tropical rainforest of West Papua has been an important destination for visitors who are interested in watching birds of paradise and wild animals.
From 27 August to 10 September, I guided a Russian birdwatcher, on a 2-week birdwatching, wildlife watching, snorkeling and sightseeing tour in bird's head region of West Papua in the Republic of Indonesia. His name was Dmitry Ivanov and he flew in from South Korea.
Day 1 (27 August 2022)
I met my client Dmitry at DEO airport of Sorong city. He flew from Seoul of South Korea. After taking a few hours rest in a hotel in Sorong and enjoying lunch, we began our birdwatching activity in mangrove forest around 45 minutes ride to the suburb of the city. There, we saw Pacific Swallow, Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Sahul Sunbird (formerly called Olive-backed Sunbird). Suddenly rain started to fall. We walked back to the car and had some tea and biscuits while waiting for it to stop. After the rain we still did birdwatching again and saw Oriental Dollarbird, Rainbow Bee-eater, Great-billed Heron, Willie Wagtail, Sacred Kingfisher, Yellow-faced Myna, Helmetted Friarbird. It was already dark when we returned to the city. We had dinner at Padang Restaurant. The food was spicy.
Birding Raja Ampat
Day 2 (28 August 2022)
In the morning, we left for Waisai. The ferry boat was crowded with people. All tickets were sold out. There were a big group of Christians from Supiori who made a pilgrimage tour to their fellow Christian community in Waisai town. However, I urged a porter to arrange a seat for my client with the captain of the boat. We got 1 VIP ticket at an extra charge and an economy ticket.
Arriving in Waisai, we continued our trip by speedboat to a beach resort. We still had time to enjoy birding that day. We saw Papuan Frogmouth, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Willie Wagtail, Lesser Frigatebird, Tern, Helmetted Friarbird, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Sacred Kingfisher, and Glossy Manucode (which is a Bird of Paradise). Back to the resort, we had a nice view of Palm Cockatoo sitting on the branch of a cattapa tree over the white sandy beach. It was eating its fruits.
Wilson's Bird of Paradise
Day 3 (29 August 2022)
We woke up early at 04:00 and had some tea and bread. After that we left the resort by boat to a beach in Kabui bay where we continued our trip by hiking steep slopes for one and a half hour to the site of Wilson's Bird of Paradise. We arrived around one and a half hour later. We watched the paradise bird until eight o'clock. When we returned to the beach we saw Dusky Scrubfowl, Brahminy Kite, Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Pacific Swallow, Willie Wagtail, White-bellied Sea Eagle. We had a stop at Saporkren village and enjoyed some interactions with villagers. In the resort, we took pictures of Papuan Frogmouth.
In the afternoon, by speedboat we went to Raflow resort to enjoy birding. There, we saw Red Bird of Paradise, White-breasted Woodswallow, Variable Goshawk, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Rainbow Lorikeet, Palm Cockatoo, Mimic Meliphaga, Hooded Butcherbird, Dwarf Fruit Dove, Yellow-faced Myna, Eastern Osprey, Helmetted Friarbird, Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Mimic Meliphaga, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Red-cheeked Parrot, Spangled Drongo.
Red Bird of Paradise
Day 4 (30 August 2022)
We woke up in the morning again and had a short hiking to the lek of Red Bird of Paradise. In the same site, we watched Helmetted Friarbird, Spangled Drongo, Hooded Butcherbird. After watching paradise bird we still enjoyed birding in the area and saw Grey-headed Goshawk, Spangled Drongo, Rusty Mouse Warbler. We walked down the slope and did birding walk along the road where we watched Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Brown headed Crow, Coconut Lorikeet, Eclectus Parrot, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Sulphur-creasted Cockatoo, Yellow-faced Myna, Blyth's Hornbill, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Torresian Crow.
In the afternoon at 15:00, we left for Friwen to enjoy snorkeling and seeing coconut crab on a small island not far from it. The Friwen wall was a great snorkeling site for seeing soft corals as well as hard corals and a lot of tropical fish.
Because coconut crab only came out at night, we decided to move to Nyetreiram islet at 18:00 local time. The land owner who accompanied us cut some coconuts and left it on the islet to attract the coconut crabs. We waited at the jetty of the islet. Fifteen minutes later, they came out of their hiding places. We were invited to see them. We were watching and taking pictures of the crab for around twenty minutes when we felt strong winds blew on the sea. A big storm was coming. When we were back on the boat, the waves were getting bigger. I asked our boat driver Zeth whether it was ok to return to our beach resort or take cover in Gam island. He said we could return to the resort. We decided to go back in full speed. Soon after we arrived, the sea storm hit our beach. Fortunately, we were already on land and inside our warm cottage. It was a great experience.
Day 5 (31 August 2022)
Birding in the morning along the road, we were able to watch: Black Butcherbird, Hooded Butcherbird, Mimic Meliphaga, Red Bird of Paradise, Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Variable Goshawk, Lowland Peltop, Pacific Reef Heron, Brown-headed Crow, Torresian Crow, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Oriental Dollarbird, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker.
A Chinese photographer, Phang, joined us. Because I forgot my binoculars, he was glad to lend his binoculars. We enjoyed watching and photographing birds. Phang returned to the guesthouse earlier whereas I and Dimitry continued walking to the area of Raflow resort where he photographed Eastern Reef Egret near the resort.
Klasow Valley of Sorong Regency
We left Raja Ampat at 14:00 and arrived in Sorong at around 16:00. I went to supermarket to buy more food materials and then continued our trip to Klasow valley by 4WD car. We arrived at around 19:00. The rain started to fall. We continued walking along a wooden bridge for around three hours. We saw frog, lizard, grasshopper, cricket, moths, and bandicoot. Arriving in the village at 22:00, we had dinner and took a rest. I was very tired but could not sleep well.
Klasow Valley
Day 6 (1 Sept. 2022)
We woke up at 05:00 and then started to make preparation. We watched Western-crowned Pigeon, King Bird of Paradise, Frilled Monarch, Blue Jewel Babbler, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Rainbow Lorikeet, Papuan Lorikeet, Sacred Kingfisher, Yellow-faced Myna. There were calls of Yellow-billed Kingfisher. Unfortunately, we could not see it. At around 12:00 we returned to the village and had lunch. After that we took a rest. At 16:00, we did a birding walk along the bridge where we saw Hooded Pitta, Brown Oriole, Black Lory, and some other beautiful birds of Sorong's lowland forest. Blyth's hornbill flew over the forest several times. There were hibiscus flowers in the village. I took some pictures of them.
Day 7 (2 Sept. 2022)
We woke up at 04:00 and then made a preparation. After having some tea and biscuits, we walked to the lek of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. It was a long walk. Walking up a steep slope, we saw wallaby. I aimed my flashlight at the marsupial animal. With the light, Dmitry could take pictures of the wallaby. The male Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise was already on top of his display tree when we arrived. We watched him performing the "pole dance" for around thirty minutes before continuing our trip to watch the Lesser Birds of Paradise. We stayed there until 09:00. In addition to Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise and the Lesser Birds of Paradise, we were able to watch Glossy-mantled Manucode, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Blyth's Hornbill, Shining Flycatcher, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo.
Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise
Lesser Birds of Paradise
At around 10:00, we slowly returned to the village and had our lunch. After that we took a rest until around 14:00. In late afternoon, we walked along the boardwalk to watch birds including Yellow-faced Myna, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Papuan Babbler. I played the sound of Hooded Butcherbird. Several minutes later he showed up.
We saw some interesting birds including Golden Myna, Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, Red-cheeked Parrot, and Oriental Dollarbird. We waited for the cassowary to visit the village but we did not see it. In late afternoon, we walked back to main road. It was drizzling. Reaching the main road, we saw that the parking lot was still empty. So we continued birding along the road. Wompoo Fruit Dove flew fast crossing the road over the canopy of the forest. There was an Orange-bellied Fruit Dove perching on the top branch of a tree. When our car arrived, we ended our birding in Klasow valley and returned to Sorong where stayed one night at Swissbel hotel.
Arfak Mountains
Day 8 (3 Sept. 2022)
We flew to Manokwari in the morning of 3 Sept 2022. However, we did not go directly to Arfak range. We had to go to a supermarket to buy food materials for our 6 days stay in the mountains. After that, we went to traditional market in Wosi to buy more fruits, vegetables and eggs.
The duration of the car trip from Manokwari city to Arfak mountains was approximately 2 hours. Unloading our bags and food supplies from the 4WD car, we brought them to Lorikeet guesthouse. We did not take a rest. There was still time to watch Vogelkop Bowerbird. Because the nearest blind was only around 5 minutes walk, we immediately went to it. Dmitry was able to see the Vogelkop Bowerbird and took some picturws of the bird. Back to the guesthouse, we were able to see some nice birds including Green-backed Robin and White-shouldered Fairywren. There was a tall tree in the middle of the flower garden of the guesthouse. There, Great Cuckoo Dove liked to eat its fruits.
Day 9 (4 Sept. 2022)
We woke up at 04:30 and made preparation as well as had some tea and biscuit. At 05:00 we started hiking up the steep slope of Mount Soyti. It took around twenty minutes to reach the birdwatching hut of Western Parotia. Inside it, Dmitry sat to wait for the paradise bird to come. Becuase villager had put a red pandanus fruit near the dancing ground of Western Parotia, other birds came to eat the grain of the fruit too. There was a female Western Parotia. And there were also female black sicklebill.
After watching the parotia, we did general birding along the road. We saw Capped-white Eye, Ornate Melidectes, Sclater's Whistler, Mountain Fruit Dove, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Olive Flycatcher, Western Smoky Honeyeater.
During nightwalk, we saw tree frog, mouse, and stick insect. We heard wing beats of flyingfox but we could not locate the tree where he feeded on.
Day 10 (5 Sept 2022)
At 04:00 we woke up to make preparation and to have a quick breakfast. We had some bread, rambutan fruits, and tea. Dmitry, accompanied by two villagers went to the site of Magnificent Bird of Paradise. It took around one hour twenty minutes of walking to reach it. He returned at around 10:30 with smiling face. Dmitry was able to make pictures and a short video of the paradise bird. In the afternoon, he returned to the site of Western parotia again. He wanted to watch the adult Western Parotia performing his courtship dance. However, only the female Black Sicklebill, juvenile Western Parotia that were seen at that site. On a separate site, I saw Spotted Jewel Babbler at the entrance door of the birdwatching hut. We did late afternoon birding walk and saw Grey Green Scrubwren, Green-backed Robin.
Magnificent Bird of Paradise
Day 11 (6 Sept 2022)
As usual during the birding tour, we woke up early in the morning. Our destination this time as Maibri village and our target bird to see was the Crescent-caped Lophorina or Vogelkop Superb Bird of Paradise. The weather that morning was sunny. As a result, we were able to see the paradise bird. At the same site, we also saw Black-eared Catbird, Magnificent Bird of Paradise (male and female), Crinkle-collared Manucode and a female Western Parotia. We heard the sounds of Plum-faced Lorikeets on the canopy of the forest. However, we could not see them. In the afternoon, Dmitry tried to watch the adult male Western Parotia but it did not come to its dancing site.
Vogelkop Superb Bird of Paradise
Day 12 (7 Sept 2022)
I organized a trip for Dmitry to watch Arfak Astrapia in the forest of Syioubri village near a place that was called German Camp. At 02:00 early morning time, by a 4WD car, we went to the village where Dmitry started his guiding trip to the top of the mountains guided by Elyakim. They arrived at around 03:00 and waited for the sunrise. He was able to watch both the Arfak Astrapia and the Black Sicklebill.
In the afternoon, Elyakim offered him an alternative site to watch adult Western Parotia performing his courtship dance performance. Because a bird hide had not been prepared, Elyakim told us that he would build it first. We could go there to watch the bird at 04:00. We went there by 4WD car. It was quite far from Lorikeet Guesthouse. The birding site was located at steep slope in the forest that was inside the territory of Pigout village. We waited for Elyakim to come out of the forest. He showed up at 17:00 and said that the bird had already performed the dance. He had built the hide and offered Dimitry to come and watch it the next day. We agreed to come again the next day at 13:00. Some Sulphur-crested Cockatoo landed on the trees at the edge of a cliff above us. Dmitry took some nice pictures of them using his Nikon Coolpix P1000 camera.
Day 13 (8 Sept. 2022)
At 05:00, we went by 4wd car to Maibri village to watch Masked Bowerbird. Serinus, a local villager, who owned the land, guided us to the birdwatching hut. When we arrived at the hut and entered it, we saw that the bower of the Masked Bowerbird had been demolished. We still sat down in the blind to wait for the bird to complete his demolition works. Unfortunately, he did not come. We returned to our guesthouse and took a rest at 09:00. There were some birds that were seen playing in the flower garden of the guesthouse. Some that I saw were Black Fantail, Blue Grey Robin, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Great Cuckoo Dove, Black-billed Cuckoo Dove, Mountain Fruit Dove, Western Smoky Honeyeater, Cinnamon Melidectes, Vogelkop Melidectes, White-shouldered Fairywren, Glossy Swiftlet, Blue Grey Robin, and etc.
In the afternoon, we did a trip to territory of Pigout village to watch Western Parotia. It was a happy moment for Dmitry because he was able to see and made video of the male Western Parotia performing his courtship dance.
At 17:00 we returned to Manokwari city. He stayed at Mansinam Beach Hotel. I stayed at home.
Having Papeda as dinner at the restaurant of Mansinam Beach Hotel. At night, we had Papeda, a kind of porridge made of Sago starch, and yellow fish soup.
Day 14 (9 Sept 2022)
We had a morning flight to Sorong city. After taking a rest and having lunch, we went to mangrove forest recreational park by car. Birding in this mangrove forest, we were able to watch Brown-backed Honeyeater, and White-bellied Cuckooshrike. Suddenly rain started to fall in the area. We sat in.a shelter to wait for it to stop. Fortunately, the rain lasted for only around twenty minutes. We continued birding again while walking along the boardwalk of the mangrove park. We saw Metalic Starling, Rainbow Bee-eater, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Olive-backed Sunbird and Nankeen Nightheron. There were several observation towers in the park. They allowed us to see the magnificent few of the mangrove forest. Unfortunately, there were a lot of plastic wastes which were thrown to the forest floor by the visitors. We also saw Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Pacific Swallow. I played the sounds of Blue Black Kingfisher. He came out but not perched on the visible branch of the mangrove strees. He flew over a water of the canal in front of us and into the forest on its other side. He did it several times.
Dmitry told me that he wanted to watch Emperor Fairywren. I played its soundsany times both in the Mangrove park and in the protected forest of Sorong but the bird did not come out of its hiding places. At around 18:40, we returned to Sorong city. We still had grilled fish at Tembok area for our dinner before returning to Swissbel hotel.
Day 15 (10 Sept. 2022)
At 8:30, I arranged his transfer to DEO airport where he would fly to Jakarta at 10:45. We said goodbye to each other before he entered the check-in hall.
I also left Sorong for Manokwari in the afternoon at 12:45 by Batik Air. It ended the two weeks birdwatching tour in West Papua.
If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour in West Papua and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this chat button.
Birdwatching and Butterfly Watching Tour in Subdistrict Sonder, Minahasa Highland
Subdistrict Sonder, located in the heart of Minahasa Highland in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Known for its lush landscapes, cool climate, and rich biodiversity, Sonder offers a perfect destination for birdwatching and butterfly watching. Whether you're an avid birder, a butterfly enthusiast, or simply someone seeking tranquility in nature, this picturesque area has much to offer.
Sulawesi Myzomela
### A Unique Location for Nature Exploration
Sonder lies at the foot of Mount Lengkoan, an area known for its volcanic soil, tropical forests, and diverse flora and fauna. The region is part of the greater Minahasa Highlands, famous for its stunning natural beauty, which includes waterfalls, crater lakes, and hot springs. The cool mountain air and varied altitudes make Sonder an ideal habitat for a wide range of bird and butterfly species.
Birdwatching in Sonder is a fantastic experience, as the area is home to numerous endemic and migratory species. Whether you're a novice or an experienced birder, the mix of lowland forests, montane ecosystems, and agricultural land offers a diverse range of habitats that attract an impressive variety of birds.
### Birdwatching in Sonder: A Paradise for Avian Enthusiasts
Sonder’s birdlife is among the most diverse in the region. The cool climate of the highlands provides a habitat for both endemic species and migratory birds. Among the most sought-after birds in this area are the **Sulawesi Myzomela** (*Myzomela chloroptera*), an iconic bird of the Sulawesi highland, and the **Yellow-billed Malkoha** (*Rhamphococcyxchalyorhynchus*). Additionally, birdwatchers can spot a range of other species, such as the **Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher** (*Cyornisomissus*), **Black-crowned White-eye**, and a variety of kingfishers, warblers, and eagles.
For those with keen eyes and patience, Sonder is a prime location for observing rare and endemic species. The combination of montane forests and diverse ecosystems supports a wealth of avian life, making it a top spot for birdwatching tours. Local guides, who are experts in the region’s birdlife, can lead you through the trails, helping to spot and identify different species.
Some butterflies in Sonder: Blanchard's Wood Nymph, Manado Yellow Tiger and Blandchard's Wood Nymph
### Butterfly Watching: Discover the Colors of Nature
In addition to birdlife, Sonder is an excellent place for butterfly watching. The region's lush forests and abundant flowers attract a variety of butterfly species, making it a photographer’s dream. The area's biodiversity supports more than 100 species of butterflies, with some particularly stunning and rare species to be found.
Among the more remarkable butterflies seen in Sonder are the **Lime Swallowtail** (*Papiliodemoleus*), the **Blanchard's Ghost Butterfly** (*Ideablanchardii*), and the **Blanchard's Wood Nymph** (*Ideopsis vitrea*). These butterflies are often spotted flitting around the wildflowers, dense undergrowth, and forest clearings. The most vibrant butterflies tend to be found in the early morning or late afternoon when the air is cool and calm, making for optimal viewing conditions.
Butterfly watchers can stroll along the quiet trails of Sonder’s forests, where they might encounter butterflies in various stages of life – from caterpillars to chrysalises to fully grown adults. These trails also offer a chance to observe the intricate relationships between butterflies and their environments, from the plants they feed on to the role they play in pollination.
### Eco-Tourism and Conservation Efforts
As interest in birdwatching and butterfly watching grows in Subdistrict Sonder, local communities have embraced eco-tourism as a sustainable way to benefit from their natural resources while preserving the environment. Local guides, many of whom are passionate about wildlife conservation, play an essential role in educating visitors about the importance of protecting Sonder’s ecosystems.
There are efforts to promote responsible tourism that ensures the region’s biodiversity remains intact for future generations. Tour operators and local authorities work closely with environmental organizations to protect key habitats and raise awareness about the need to safeguard the rich biodiversity of the Minahasa Highlands.
### Best Time to Visit
The time to visit Sonder for birdwatching and butterfly watching is all year round. The weather is cool and pleasant, and the trails are more accessible. Early mornings are particularly ideal for birdwatching when birds are most active, while the late afternoon is a great time for butterfly watching, as the warm light makes it easier to spot butterflies and capture beautiful photographs.
Flight route to Manado (the capital of North Sulawesi)
### Practical Information
* **Getting There**: Sonder is accessible from Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi, which is about 30 kilometers away. Manado can be reached by flight from major cities in Indonesia. From Manado, visitors can take a car or taxi to Sonder, which takes about 1-1.5 hours.
Car route from Manado to Sonder
* **Accommodation**: While Sonder is a relatively quiet area, there are a few guesthouses and homestays that cater to nature tourists. Staying in one of these accommodations offers an authentic experience and provides an opportunity to connect with local culture. Hotels and lodges are available in the nearby Tomohon town.
Marine Tour in Bunaken National Park
After taking this birdwatching and butterfly watching trip in Minahasa Highland, visitors could continue their trip by taking a snorkeling and marine tour in Bunaken National Park with the duration of 3 to 4 days. The activities include marine tour (snorkeling and sightseeing) by boat to Siladen and Bunaken island as well as to sand bank of Nain Atoll.
### Conclusion
Subdistrict Sonder, with its rich biodiversity and serene landscapes, is a must-visit destination for those passionate about birdwatching and butterfly watching. Whether you're trekking through the lush forests in search of rare birds or observing butterflies in their natural habitat, the area provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature. With its commitment to sustainable eco-tourism, Sonder offers a chance to enjoy wildlife in an authentic, environmentally responsible way.
I visited Anggi lakes a few days ago. These lakes were located in Arfak mountains at elevations of around 2,000 meters above sea level. I went there by a 4WD car. I was with some friends of mine who were also interested in seeing the lakes and meeting the head of the local government of Arfak mountains regency. Our car left Manokwari city in the morning at 05.00. We moved fast towards District Oransbari and then to Ransiki town. After that we turned right at the street junction. The sounds of birds could be heard in the morning as our car climbed the slopes of Arfak mountains. Some Blyth's hornbill flew high. Minutes later, the slopes became very steep and zig-zag.
This is the picture of Long-tailed Paradigala (Paradigallacarunculata) which I saw in Arfak range several months ago. This bird of paradise landed on the red pandanus fruit that had been placed by villagers in front of a blind to attract such birds as Western Parotia, Superb Bird of Paradise, Black Sicklebill and Magnificent Bird of Paradise.
The birding site itself was called Mount Soyti located above the Lorikeet Guesthouse. It was in the territory of Kwau village in Mokwam region.
Last week, I guided 5 British tourists on a 6-day/ 5-night hiking and birding tour in Arfak mountains. They were Trev, Ken, Chris, Zod and Mark. The tour was organized by Samuel and Taty from Tangkoko of North Sulawesi. Because they were not familiar with birds of Arfak mountains, they asked me to guide their clients. I said, yes. So I guided them.
During the trip, we watched such birds as Western Parotia, Black Sicklebill, Superb Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Crinkle-collared Manucode, and Masked Bowerbird. They were important targets for birding tourists who went there. The Fantastic Masked Bowerbird
On the third day of our birding trip, we had to split the group into 3 smaller ones because the blinds for Superb BOP, Magnificent BOP, and Masked Bowerbird were small. I and Ken got the blind for the Masked Bowerbird. We had a rare experience. We were already in the blind at 05.30. The male Masked Bowerbird landed at 08.25. After checking his bower for around 3 minutes, he left again. Thirty minutes later, he came again. This time he was with the female Masked Bowerbird. She inspected the bower and then sat in the middle of the bower that looked like a gate. Seeing his female counterpart occupying his bower, the male Masked Bowerbird began to perform his courtship dance which lasted for around 1 hour. He flapped his wings, bowed down in front of his female bird while presenting a blue article that was a cap from a big bottle of mineral water, and a dried brown leaf that looked like a small carpet. He flew to horizontal branches of a shrub plant in front of his bower and jumped up and down the horizontal branches of the plant. After that he danced at the back of the female bird checking her tail. Soon after that he mounted on her back and then mated with her. The mating was less than 4 seconds.
He continued dancing again and the female bird kept on sitting between the bower. The courtship dance performance lasted for another 1 hour. They were mating again at the end of the dance show.
In total, I and Ken enjoyed a 2-hour non-stop courtship dance performance, and 2 mating sessions of the Masked Bowerbird. It was fantastic!
I offer birdwatching tour in montane forest of Manokwari. The main target birds for lower montane area are Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaeaminor) Magnificent Riflebird (Ptilorismagnificus), King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurusregius), and Common Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera galatea). For higher elevation area, we will focus on watching Magnificent Bird of Paradise (Dyphillodesmagnificus), Vogelkop Bowerbird (Amblyornisinornata), Western Parotia (Parotiasefilata), and Black Sicklebill (Epimachusfastosus). The duration of the tour is 1 week. We will spend around 3 days in Susnguakti forest and 3 days in Mount Soyti. Both birdwatching sites are located in Arfak mountains.
Visitors who want to take this tour need to bring their own binoculars and camera with telephoto lens. Bird of New Guinea (written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler) is our field guide.
Birdwatching in Manokwari
Itinerary
Higher Montane Forest
Day 1
Arriving in Manokwari city, you will be transferred by a 4wd car directly from the airport to a guesthouse in higher elevation forest of Arfak mountains. After drinking some tea or coffee, we will go to the birding ground of Vogelkop Bowerbird. At night, we could visit a nearby river to find frog.
Guesthouse of Birdwatchers in Mount Soyti
Beds in the guesthouse of Mount Soyti
Day 2
Early in the morning, we will walk to the birding ground of Magnificent Bird of Paradise. We will watch it until 09.00. Most often, other birds also come to the same site such as the Green-backed Robin, Black-eared Catbird and Black Fantail. When we walk back to the guesthouse, we may see other birds such as Western Smoky Honeyeater, Goldenface or Hooden Pitohui and Black-winged Monarch.
In the afternoon, we could go hiking to watch Western Parotia whose male one dances like a ballerina. After that we can walk back to the guesthouse. In the trees on both side of the road, there are birds that we can watch such as Modest Tiger Parrot, Mountain Fruit Dove, or Vogelkop Melidectes.
Day 3
We will wake up early in the morning to have tea or coffee. At around 05.00, we will walk up steep slope of Mount Soyti to the birding ground of Black Sicklebill. Sometimes other birds such as Superb Bird of Paradise and female Western Parotia also comes to the same birding ground.
Lower Montane Forest
In general, the typical program of the birdwatching tour can be described as follows:
Day 4
Transfer by car to Susnguakti forest. It takes around 1.5 hours by car to the foot of the mountain range. After that we will continue our trip by hiking to our basecamp. After eating some biscuits and hot tea or coffee, we could walk to the birding site of Lesser Birds of Paradise. We will watch them for around 2 hours. We will return to the basecamp to take a rest. There is no toilet in the forest. Participants of the tour could use the nearby river. After dinner, we could do night walk to find cuscus possum. There are also fire flies, mushrooms that glow in the dark.
There is no guesthouse in this lower montane forest of Arfak mountains. We only have simple basecamp. We provide dome tents, mattrasses, solar powered lights, cooking and eating utensils in the forest. We will use them as our supporting tools and devices during our stay in the forest.
Dome tent with mattrasses and pillows
our basecamp for tourists in the forest of Manokwari
Day 5
Early in the morning, we will go to the birding site of Magnificent Riflebird which is only around 10 minutes walk from basecamp. After watching the bird, we could continue our trip to the birdwatching site of King Bird of Paradise. It is a small bird with red wings, and white underparts. In the surrounding forest birds such as Rufous-bellied Kookaburra and Common Paradise Kingfisher can also be seen.
At night we could do another tour in the forest to find Papua Dragon lizard, ground skink, or frog.
Day 6
We could do a review of paradise birds that we haven't seen well such as the Lesser Bird of Paradise or the King Bird of Paradise. After lunch, we will walk down the steep slopes of Arfak range to the main road and then return to Manokwari city by car.
Day 7
A hiking trip to Mansinam island or to Table Mountain can be organized.
How to go there?
Fly from your country to Jakarta city (the capital of Indonesia). After that, take a domestic flight from Jakarta to Manokwari city. Airlines such as Garuda, Batik Air and Sriwijaya Air provide regular flights to Manokwari.
Flight route to Manokwari by Batik Air
This birdwatching tour in Arfak mountains can be combined with trips to other areas in West Papua such as Tambrauw Mountains for finding New Guinea Vulturine Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Mountain Peltop, Wompoo Fruit Dove; and Raja Ampat for watching Palm Cockatoo, Beach Kingfisher, Red Bird of Paradise, and Wilson's Bird of Paradise.
Hotels in Manokwari
There are a number of hotels which you could choose to stay after finishing your bird tour such as Mansinam Beach Hotel, Swiss Belhotel, Hotel Triton, Hotel Valdoz, Hotel Oriestom, Hotel Oriestom Bay, and etc.
Booking
If you are interested in taking the birding tour, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp message to: +6281332245180.
I have just returned from Arfak mountains. I spent 3 days/ 2 nights exploring its lower montane forest to see paradise birds. I guided two tourists from Switzerland, Katja and Be. They stayed in a dome tent that was installed inside a hut. Actually there were several huts that we (I and local villagers) had built for tourists.
Swiss tourists were hiking in Arfak mountains
On the first day, we went hiking under the canopy of big trees to find Lesser Birds of Paradise. We were able to see them but from around 30 meters. It was quite far for birders. At 16.30, we continued our bird tour to another blind for watching Magnificent Riflebird. It was a successful trip. We saw the bird quite long, around 3 to 5 minutes. He was sitting on a branch of a tree calling his female bird. The Swiss tourists brought a pair of small but very good binoculars - Eschenbach 8× 22. The image this optical device produced was sharp and bright. Unfortunately, I did not bring my telephoto D-SLR camera to shoot the paradise bird. We returned to our basecamp at around 17.30.
Spotted Cuscus Possum in Susnguakti forest
After dinner, we did a night walk to find cuscus possum. The night was lighted by full moon. Our chance to see the marsupial animal was little. After doing the calls for several times, we decided to return to our camping ground. The possum did not come down from their hiding places in tall trees. We only saw a bandicoot.
However, we were quite happy with our night walk because were able to see glowing mushroom in the forest floor. They were growing on decayed parts of broken bamboo. It was in rainy season. There were various different kinds of mushrooms in the forest.
Glowing Mushroom in Susnguakti forest
The next morning, we returned to our first birding ground. My working partners built a birding site that was closer to the birds. This time, we sat in a hut made of leaves with a small hole in front of us to see the birds. We were able to watch the Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaeaminor) quite well. We spent around 1.5 hours watching them. After that we continued our trip walking up steep slopes to the tree where King Bird of Paradise usually gather. On the way to the birding ground, we saw a big cuscus possum in a tall white tree. Yes, its trunk was white. We stayed there around twenty minutes to watch him. We continued our walk again for a few minutes to reach the tree. We were very lucky, there were two male King Birds of Paradise chasing one another in the tree. It seemed that they were competing to win a female King BOP. I am surprised to find out that King BOP are in mating season during rainy season.
Pygmy Toad
One the third day, we did another walk to the same site to find a dragon lizard. Unfortunately, we did not find it. Insteas, we saw a female Glossy Manucode.
In addition to birds, we also saw a lot of kinds of insects such as butterflies, grasshopper, cicada, praying mantis, ants and beetles.
After lunch we returned to Manokwari city again by a villager's car that we chartered.
If you are interested in trekking, camping and watching paradise birds in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari, and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text to my whatsapp: +6281332245180.
Last week, I guided two German tourists to Arfak range. They were Peter and Claudia. We spent 4 days/ 3 nights hiking, birdwatching, butterflywatching and sightseeing. The weather was sunny in the mornings but mostly rainy in the afternoons.
Feline Owlet-Nightjar (Aegotheles insignis)
The site for watching Magnificent Bird of Paradise was around 1 hour walk from the Lorikeet Guesthouse where we stayed. I organized a trip for Peter to watched that beautiful bird. He had to wake up at 04.40 to make some preparations and to have breakfast before leaving for the birding ground at 05.00. Claudia, his wife joined the morning walk but she had to return to the guesthouse because the trails were steep and quite tough for her. So, she only watched birds at the garden of the Lorikeet Guesthouse. There were colorful flowers such as Rhododendron zoelleri, Rhododendron konori, Pink Hibiscus, New Guinea Impatiens, orchids,and a lot of other flowers which I do not know their names.
Rhododendron zoelleri
On the third day, we did a short walk to a small river where we watched a Feline Owlet-nightjar sleeping on the branch of a tree. The bird was sitting still. We approached him carefully and slowly. When we were around 3 meters below him, we turned on our cameras and shoot him. It was quite difficult to find the bird. But we were lucky.
In addition to Feline Owlet-Nightjar, we also saw Vogelkop Bowerbird, Female Black Sicklebill, Western Parotia (juvenile) at a place on the way to the top of the mountain. Near the guesthouse, I saw several species of small birds such as Island Leaf Warbler, Spectacled Longbill, Western Smoky Honeyeater, Green-backed Robin, Blue Gray Robin, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Glossy Swiftlet.
When the sun was shining brightly in the mornings, I saw butterflies hopping among the flowers to eat its nectar. One of them was Ornithoptera tithonus. Alot of rain still fell on Arfak mountains, and it was cold especially at nights. The weather was only nice in mornings and in afternoons. It was not in favorable season for traveling in January but we really enjoyed our trip.
Snorkeling Trip in Manokwari
In addition to guiding tourists to Arfak mountains, I also offer snorkeling tours to coral reef areas near Manokwari city. Visitors who join this tour could enjoy swimming over coral reef to see hundreds of species of tropical fish such as Striped Surgeonfish, Butterflyfish, Anemonefish, Lionfish, snapper, Dascyllus, Grouper, and Moorish Idol. There are a number of coral reef sites in Manokwari which we can explore to enjoy swimming and snorkeling.
Coral Reef in Manokwari
Marine Life in Manokwari
Blue Sea Star
I have got some snorkeling masks, and snorkel which I could lend to tour participants. I highly recommend that visitors bring a waterproof camera such as Nikon W300 or a small action camera such as Go Pro. Taking pictures of fish and other marine animals can be fascinating because underwater environment is colorful and very beautiful.
How to get to Manokwari city
As the capital of West Papua province in the Republic of Indonesia, Manokwari city is connected with Jakarta by regular daily flights provided by Garuda, Batik Air, Sriwijaya Air, and Nam Air. Tickets can be bought from online store such as traveloka.com.
Flying route from Jakarta to Manokwari
Booking
If you are interested in taking a trip to Manokwari and want me (Charles Roring) to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180.
Exploring the Susnguakti forest at night to see nocturnal animals
Papua Dragon Lizard
Susnguakti is a rainforest area in the south of Manokwari city. It has been a destination for tourists who are interested in seeing wildlife. Every time I organize a birding and wildlife watching tour in this forest for visitors I always add nightwalk or night herping tour in the list of activities that we can do in the forest. When we do the nightwalk, we could see such animals as Cuscus Possum, bandicoot, Arfak Dragon Lizard, Vogelkop Brown Ground Skink, White Snake (Micropechis small-eyed white snake), pygmy toad, moth, firefly and sleeping bird. There is glowing mushroom especially during wet season.
White Snake Micropechis ikaheka
Don't Provoke the White Small-eyed Snakes
During the tour, visitors MUST NOT provoke snakes in the forest especially the ones that local people call UlarPutih (White Snake). This Micropechis ikaheka is very venomous and is considered as one of the deadliest reptiles in the world. One bite from this snake can be fatal. So, visitors must wear hiking boots or sport shoes and socks and maintain a safe distance from the snake if they see it in the jungle. What to wear
To do the night herping tour, visitors need to wear long pants, shoes and socks, hand torch or head torch and camera. I and one or two local villagers conduct the night walk tours. We will explore the higher and lower elevation areas of the forest to find the nocturnal animals. It is an interesting activity for tourists because they are able to watch not only birds of paradise but also reptile and nocturnal animals of Arfak mountains.
Birding during the day
In addition to night tours, visitors can also do morning and afternoon hiking trips in Susnguakti forest to watch Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Magnificent Riflebird, Hooded Butcherbird, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Great Cuckoo Dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra and a lot of other tropical birds that live in the forest. Booking
Please, contact me (Charled Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180
