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
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 (Chetosiacydippe). 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 or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.
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 through whatsapp by visiting contact link.
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.
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.
Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve
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.
Celebes-crested Macaque
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.
Sulawesi Bear Cuscus in Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Spectral Tarsier
Duration of the Tour
The average duration of the tour in Minahasa Highland and Tangkoko Nature Reserve is 7 days. It can be customized based on the needs of the tour participants.
Where is Sonder in Minahasa Highland, and where is Tangkoko?
Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The capital of the province is Manado city. Everyone who is interested in visiting Sonder needs to fly to Manado city first. After that, they could continue their trip by car to Sonder town for approximately 1 hour depending on traffic condition.
Sonder, and Tomohon are located in Minahasa highland whereas Tangkoko (coastal and lower montane forest) is in northern part of Minahasa peninsula. It is under the administration of Bitung municipality.
How to get there?
To take this tour, participants need to fly to Manado city. There are regular flights between Manado and major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar and Sorong cities. They are served by Indonesian domestic airlines: Garuda, Citilink, Batik Air, Lion Air, TransNusa, and SuperAirjet.
Direct flights from Singapore to Manado is served by Scoot Air; and from Guangzhou to Manado is served by China Southern Airlines.
Flight routes to Manado city
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: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:
Waigeo island is the most recommended destination for visitors who want to enjoy birding in Raja Ampat. The main targets of observation are Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise. A lot of species of tropical birds can be watched in Raja Ampat especially Waigeo and its surrounding islands. They include Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Beautiful Fruit-dove, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Beach Kingfisher, Spangled Drongo, Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, and etc.
The trip in Raja Ampat is usually combined with snorkeling and sightseeing trips in Kabui bay, Friwen, Yenbuba Strait, Arborek island and Piaynemo karst. Visitors who are interested in snorkeling should bring their own snorkeling masks, snorkels and pipes. Underwater cameras are also needed for taking pictures of marine life during the snorkeling excursions in Raja Ampat.
Red Bird of Paradise
Snorkeling photo from Arborek
Snorkeling Photo from Waigeo
Coral reef in Raja Ampat
I often guide tourists on birding or wildlife watching trip to Malagufuk, Sorong's ridge forest and Waigeo island in Raja Ampat. The duration of the trip is usually around 1 to 2 weeks covering lowland, hill and sea or coastal avifauna. During the tour, we could see various species of tropical birds from parrots and fruit doves to kingfishers and paradise birds.
Blyth's Hornbill
In Malagufuk, I usually spend between 3 to 4 days. We do birding in the mornings, late afternoons and at nights. Birds that we watch include Lesser Birds of Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, King Bird of Paradise, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Azure Kingfisher, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, Red-cheeked Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, and a lot more.
After exploring the rainforest of Malagufuk, we usually continue our adventure by birding in coastal mangrove forest of Sorong city. There, we could look for Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Blue-fronted Fig Parrot, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Collared Imperial Pigeon, Sahul Sunbird, Willie Wagtail, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Sacred Kingfisher and etc. Sorong city is the main transit point for visitors who want to travel to Raja Ampat.
Birding and Wildlife Watching Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland
Tangkoko Nature Reserve is a favorite destination in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia for birdwatching or wildlife watching activities. The tropical rainforest of area is the habitat of Yellow-billed Malkoha, Blue-backed Parrot, Ashy Woodpecker, Green-backed Kingfisher, Lilac Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher and White-necked Myna, and Red-backed Thrush, Ochre-bellied Boobook and etc.
At the edge of the forest, especially on Temboan hill, visitors could see Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Hornbill, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Minahasa Racquet-tail, Gray-rumped Treeswift, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon and etc.
For visitors who are interested in mammals, they could see Celebes-crested Macaque, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, Gursky's Spectral Tarsier, and Celebes Dwarf Squirrel.
Gursky's Spectral Tarsier
The trip in Tangkoko National Park usually includes a boat ride excursion to Naun river to find Great-billed Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Great-billed Heron, Pacific Reef Heron, Lesser Frigatebird, Greater Frigatebird, White-rumped Cuckooshrike, Pacific Swallow and etc.
The duration of the birdwatching and wildlife watching tour in Tangkoko is usually 4 days/ 3 nights and can be combined with another birding tour to Minahasa Highland.
There are several birding sites in Minahasa Highland such as Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, Sonder's Farm Forest, Lalek Farm Forest, Talikuran Rice Field, and Kengkang Waterfalls. Visitors could spend 4 days/ 3 nights in this region.
Some birds in Minahasa Peninsula
A lot of species, including the endemic ones, could be watched in Minahasa Highland. There are Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Turquoise Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Sulawesi Pitta, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Zebra Dove, White-breasted Woodswallow, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Black-faced Munia, and etc.
There are regular flights between Sorong city and Manado city of North Sulawesi served by TransNusa and Lion Air. Visitors who are interested in taking a tour in North Sulawesi first and then in Raja Ampat could fly to Singapore and then continue their trip to Manado city by Scoot Air. There is direct flight between Guangzhou China and Manado city of Indonesia served by TransNusa and China Southern Airlines. Visitors who are already in Indonesia could fly from any big cities to Sam Ratulangi International Airport of Manado city.
Flight Routes to Manado City
Accommodation
There are hotels and homestays in Tomohon town, and lodges for visitors near Tangkoko Nature Reserve.
If you are interested in taking a birding, sightseeing and snorkeling tour in West Papua as well as wildlife tour in North Sulawesi, and want me to organize your tour and guide you, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.
I have just completed two consecutive group tours that covered Minahasa highland in North Sulawesi Province and Klasow valley in Sorong regency of Southwest Papua Province of Indonesia as well as Arfak mountains in Manokwari regency of West Papua province. The first tour consisted of 4 Polish tourists and the second one consisted of 9 Swedish visitors.
Some birds in Minahasa highland Reference: https://wildlifeminahasa.blogspot.com
Some birds in Sulawesi
In Minahasa highland, birding activity was conducted along the slope of Mount Mahawu to find the Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, and in Subdistrict town of Sonder to watch: Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Black-crowned White-eye, Warbling White-eye, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Barred Rail, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Collared Kingfisher, and etc.
Forest Bittern
In Southwest Papua Province, we visited Sausapor, Klasow valley (Klabili and Malagufuk), Sorong ridge forest and Mangrove forest near Sorong city. The Vogelkop region is the natural habitat of such paradise birds as Lesser Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Trumpet Manucode and etc.
We also saw a juvenile female Northern Cassowary, and Forest Bittern which is a special avifauna of New Guinea.
The first part of the tour with Polish tourists was a difficult one because we experienced heavy rain. For the second part with Swedish group the rainy season has just stopped. It was easier to conduct.
We saw a lot of tropical birds during the tour including Eclectus Parrot, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Black-capped Lory, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Violet-necked Lory, White-breasted Fruit Dove, Western-crowned Pigeon, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Beach Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, and etc.
The Polishs tourists, when in Arfak mountains of Manokwari, saw Western Parotia, Arfak Lophorina, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Vogelkop Bowerbird and a number of birds that are endemic to high elevation forest of Arfak mountains.
If you are interested in taking a tour to Minahasa highland in North Sulawesi and birding sites in West Papua and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
I am now in Malagufuk village organizing a 5 day- 4 night birdwatching tour with 5 British visitors and their tour organizer. We have been spending 4 days exploring rainforest to watch a lot of species of birds. Tomorrow, we will be our last day in this village.
Western-crowned Pigeon
So far, we have seen birds such as:
Rufous-bellied Kookaburra
Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher
Azure Kingfisher
Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher
Yellow-billed Kingfisher
Common Paradise Kingfisher
Blue-Black Kingfisher
Large Fig Parrot
Eclectus Parrot
Moluccan King Parrot
Red-cheeked Parrot
Coconut Lorikeet
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Palm Cockatoo
Black Lory
Black-capped Lory
Frilled Monarch
Black-sided Robin
Black-browed Triller
Mimic Meliphaga
Tawny Straightbill
Papuan Frogmouth
Marbled Frogmouth
Papuan Boobook
Papuan Nightjar
Rufous Owl
Pinon Imperial Pigeon
Zoe Imperial Pigeon
Western-crowned Pigeon
Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon
Orange-bellied Fruit Dove
Pink-spotted Fruit Dove
Beautiful Fruit Dove
Great Cuckoo Dove
Brown Cuckoo Dove
Papuan Babbler
Blue Jewel Babbler
Hooded Butcherbird
Black Butcherbird
Lesser Birds of Paradise
King Bird of Paradise
Magnificent Riflebird
Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise
Glossy-mantled Manucode
White-bellied Cuckooshrike
Boyer's Cuckooshrike
Papuan Black Cicadabird
Yellow-faced Myna
Golden Myna
Hemeted Friarbird
Brown Oriole
Yellow-bellied Longbill
Spotted Honeyeater
Tawny-breasted Honeyeater
Frilled Monarch
Hooded Pitta
Papuan Pitta
Channel-billed Cuckoo
White-crowned Cuckoo
Ivory-billed Cuckoo
Spangled Drongo
Oriental Dollarbird
Moustached Treeswift
Glossy Swiftlet
Olive-crowned Flowerpecker
Sahul Sunbird
Black Sunbird
Gray-headed Goshawk
and etc.
There are more targets that we haven't seen although we have heard some of their sounds. They include Pheasant Pigeon, Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, White-crowned Cuckoo, Lowland Peltop, Trumpet Manucode, and Wallace Owlet Nightjar.
I have guided tourists to Malagufuk for years since 2014. I introduced birding for the first time to villagers when the whole community in birding industry had not known the existence of the village. There were no boardwalk, guesthouses, toilets, and 4G internet connection. Now, more facilities have allowed visitors to enjoy more comfortable birding experience. I hope other villages in West Papua could adopt more enviromentally friendly development so that they could preserve their tropical rainforest and coral reef.
We experience rain everyday, the path is very muddy. All of us have to wear rubber boots.
I bring my 10×50 binoculars, portabe loudspeaker, laser pointer, and spotting scope. I don't use them. All of my clients are experienced birdwatchers. They bring their own equipment.
After this, I will guide a small group of birders from Spain to Klabili village and Sausapor town in Tambrauw Mountains. And then I will visit the highland of Minahasa in North Sulawesi Province of the Republic of Indonesia. This trip report is written by Charles Roring.
FARM TOUR IN MINAHASA HIGHLAND
Minahasa is a regency in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It has got fertile land both in the coastal and mountainous region. Local villagers grow such crops such as vanilla, clove, rice, corn, papaya, banana, rambutan, durian, spring onion, chilli, tomato and etc.
The agricultural produce such as carrots, cabbage, palm sugar, eggs, pork and fish are sold in towns and cities in North Sulawesi as well as other parts in eastern region of Indonesia.
Agricultural Crops in Minahasa highland
During the tour, participants could also visit traditional market to see the agricultural produce and various kinds of products such as smoked bluefin tuna, fresh tilapia fish, fruits and vegetables and etc which the Minahasan people buy and sell.
Agricultural produce in a traditional market in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency, Indonesia
If you are interested in taking farm tour in Minahasa highland and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
I have just returned from a 4 day-3 night birdwatching and sightseeing tour covering two beautiful places in Papua Barat Daya Province of Indonesa. They were Sausapor town and Klabili village of Tambrauw regency. We started from Sorong city on Day 1. I guided a couple from the Netherlands.
Eastern Hooded Pitta in Tambrauw regency
We went there by a chartered 4WD car. It took around 4 hours to reach Sausapor town. After checking into our rooms, we continued our activity by doing general birding at the outskirt of Sausapor town. There are several interesting birdwatching sites in Sausapor that we visited. We stayed at Sansapore Pacific Park. It is a beach resort. At the outskirt of Sausapor town, we saw a lot of species of birds including Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Blyth's Hornbill, Brown Oriole, Red-cheeked Parrot, Helmetted Friarbird, Sacred Kingfisher, Hooded Butcherbird, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-capped Lory, Frilled Monarch, Rainbow Bee-eater, Yellow-faced Myna, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Willy Wagtail, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, and a lot more.
Some flowers at the frontyard of Sansapore Pacific Park Resort
Because the resort had its own beach with coral reef, visitors could enjoy snorkeling. There are colorful flowers that grow in the resort including Red Hibiscus, Zinnia, Beach Hibiscus, Passion Flower, and Dendrobium Orchid. The flowers attracted various species of butterflies including Ulysses, Cruiser, Great Eggfly and Taenaris butterflies. Sansapore Pacific Park Beach Resort is a recommended base for butterfly watching trips in Sausapor town of Tambrauw regency.
White-bellied Sea Eagle at the outskirt of Sausapor town
On the third day, we continued our trip to Klabili village. There, they watched more interesting birds including: Hooded Pitta, Papuan Pitta, Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Torresian Crow, Palm Cockatoo, Hooded Pitta, Western-crowned Pigeon, Oriental Dollarbird, and etc.
While sitting at the verandah of Klabili homestay, we saw a female cassowary entered the frontyard.
An immature Cassowary in Klabili village
Nightwalk was also organized during the tour. The forest in Sausapor and Klabili is the natural habitat of monitor lizard, snakes, bandicoot, cuscus, and nocturnal birds.
When we arrived in Sorong city, we had a short visit to Mangrove forest to find Orange-breasted Fig Parrot, Orange-fronted Fig Parrot and other birds.
After the tour, they continued their trip to Raja Ampat.
If you are interested in taking a sightseeing and birdwatching tour in Tambrauw regency of West Papua and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) 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 contact link.
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.
