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.
In the past few weeks I guided tourists on various birding, sightseeing and snorkeling tours in Sorong. Most of participants have just returned from their snorkeling and scuba diving trip in Raja Ampat. There are also visitors who have just arrived in Sorong city. After taking this short tour, they will continue their trip to Raja Ampat.
Birdwatching/ wildlife tour in Sorong regency of Indonesia
I usually pick up the participants of the tour from such hotels as Swissbel, Aston, or Rylich Panorama. Sometimes, I meet the participants of the tour at DEO Airport of Sorong city. They arrive in the mornings by Garuda, or Batik Air.
Rainforest Tour in Sorong city
The tour at the outskirts of Sorong city allows visitors to explore forest to watch birds, butterflies and flower plants as well as see the magnificent beauty of the coastal area of Sorong. In my recent trip, I and the participants of the tour watch various species of birds such as Gray-headed Goshawk, Lesser Bird of Paradise, Papuan Pitta, Red-billed Brush Turkey, Blyth's Hornbill, Red-cheeked Parrot, Black-browed Triller, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Yellow-faced Myna, Sahul Sunbird, Variable Goshawk, Papuan Eclectus, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Whimbrel, Pacific Reef Heron, Common Sandpiper, Gray Crow and etc.
Pinon Imperial Pigeon
The short birding tour is conducted in the mornings or in the afternoons depending on the time and interest of the participant. For general birding, we usually start at 05:00 in the morning and finish at around 09:00. We usually go by chartered car. The number of participants is between 1 person and 10 people. to For afternoon birding, we start at 14:00 and finish at 18:00. Bringing camera and binoculars will greatly enhance this wildlife tour.
A few days ago, I and some tour participants from South Africa saw dugong at a beach in Sorong city.
Papuan Eclectus
Birding and Snorkeling in Raja Ampat
The island of Waigeo is a great destination for visitors who are interested in both birdwatching and snorkeling. There are a lot of tropical avifauna that we could see in Raja Ampat. Some of them are Papuan Eclectus, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-faced Myna, Red-cheeked Parrot, Beach Kingfisher, and etc. Most tourists like to watch Red Bird of Paradise, and Wilson's Bird of Paradise.
This rainforest birding can be combined with snorkeling and sightseeing tours to a lot of coral reef sites in Raja Ampat such as Friwen, Mioskon, Yenbuba Strait, Arborek, Piaynemo and etc. A lot of reef fish could be seen in the coral reef. They include Striped Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, Anemonefish, Butterflyfish, Moorish Idol, Wobbegong, Carpet Shark and etc.
Snorkeling photo from Waigeo of Raja Ampat
Coral reef in Raja Ampat
Piaynemo Karst in Raja Ampat
If you are interested in taking this birding, sightseeing and swimming tour in Sorong city and Raja Ampat, and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
I often guide tourists to watch birds and wild animals in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat regency; Sausapor and Klabili in Tambrauw regency; Malagufuk and Mangrove forest in Sorong regency. These are important birding sites in Papua Barat Daya Province of Indonesia that can easily be reached from Sorong city.
I usually start the birding trip by meeting my clients at the airport of Sorong city and then organize their transfer by 4wd car to Sausapor town in Tambrauw regency. We usually spend around 2 days and 2 nights exploring the coastal area and the forest to look for such birds as Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Oriental Pratincole, Little-ringed Plover, Black-naped Tern, Gray Crow, Blyth's Hornbill, Hooded Butcherbird, Black Butcherbird, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Slender-billed Cuckoo Dove, Helmetted Friarbird, Brown Oriole, Red-cheeked Parrot, Yellow-faced Myna, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Western-crowned Pigeon, King Bird of Paradise, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Long-tailed Honeybuzzard. There are several birding sites at the outskirts of Sausapor town that we can visit.
Some birds in Tambrauw regency
Butterfly Watching in Sansapore Pacific Park
Not only birds that we can see in the forest and coastal areas around Sausapor town. We could also watch butterflies and see various kinds of flowers such as zinnia, beach hibiscus, red hibiscus, Barringtonia asiatica, orchids and etc. Sansapore Pacific Park Beach Resort is a good base for visitors who love butterflying in the area. Some butterflies that we could watch in Sausapor town include Great Eggfly (Hipolimnas bolina), Dark Tiger (Tirumalahamata), Blue Mountain Swallowtail (Papilioulysses) God Art's butterfly (Cyrestisacilia), Common Green Birdwing (Ornithopterapriamus) and a lot more.
The next destination for birding in Tambrauw is Klabili village which is a great site for watching Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, King Bird of Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Lowland Peltop, and Rufous-bellied Kookaburra,Frilled Monarch, Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Palm Cockatoo, New Guinea Vulturine Parrot, Papuan Babbler, Golden Myna, Helmetted Friarbird, and a lot more.
In Waigeo island of Raja Ampat, our targets include Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Pinon's Imperial Pigeon, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Radjah Shelduck, Eclectus Parrot, Beach Kingfisher, White-eyebrow Wagtail or Willie Wagtail, Pacific Reef Heron, Crested Tern, Whimbrel, Osprey, and a lot more.
I also organize excursions to islands and beach near Kabui bay to look for birds such as Coconut Lorikeet, Sahul Sunbird, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Lesser Frigatebird, Moustached Treeswift, Metallic Starling, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Beach Kingfisher and Pacific Swallow. Birding at the beach is relaxing.
Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling during the excursion. My preferred choice is Lesser Urai Island or the beach of Gam island that faces Kabui bay.
Birding Tour in Raja Ampat
It is not only birds that we photograph during the tour in Raja Ampat but also butterflies and flowers. Every time I see beautiful flowers such as plumeria, hibiscus, passion flower and orchid, I will stop and aim my camera at the flowers to take pictures of them. There are a few orchids that I have seen both in the forest and flower gardens of the homestays and resorts.
Another rainforest orchid that I used to see in Raja Ampat was Grammathophyllumscriptum. It was not in the jungle but at the flower garden of a beach resort.
In Sorong city, the usual birding sites are Mangrove forest, Love hill and Batu Lubang areas. There we can watch birds such as Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Shining Flycatcher, Sacred Kingfisher, Orange-breasted Fig Parrot, Golden Monarch, and a lot more. There are introduced species that we may see such as Spotted Dove, Scaly-breasted Munia and Yellow-vented Bulbul. Sorong city is a good site for any visitors who want to enjoy an outdoor activity before leaving for Raja Ampat or flying back to their home.
Birding and sightseeing in Sorong city
It is also the main entry point for visitors who want to spend their holiday in this Southwest Papua province enjoying swimming and snorkeling at the beach of Raja Ampat and Tambrauw as well as rainforest birdwatching and wildlife watching tour in Sorong and Waigeo.
Flying Routes
Visitors who are interested in taking this tour need to fly to Sorong city. There are daily flights from major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar and Makassar to Sorong served by domestic airlines Garuda, Lion Air, Batik Air.
Visitors can enjoy their holiday by combining Raja Ampat and Minahasa Highland Tour as their travel destinations.
If you are interested in taking a holiday tour in Sorong city and its surroundings (Raja Ampat, and Tambrauw) and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.
MINAHASA HIGHLAND TOUR
Minahasa is a regency in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It is a highly recommended destination for visitors who love nature. I offer tour to visitors who are interested in doing nature walk for sightseeing of villages, farmland, paddy fields and forest, birdwatching, and butterflywatching as well as interacting with local people.
Minahasa Highland Tour
We will meet you at Sam Ratulangi International Airport of Manado city and then organize your trip by car to Tomohon town (hotel) or Sonder town (homestay) in the highland of Minahasa. For the next few days of your stay in Minahasa, we will do walking tour through villages to see how local Minahasan people live in their daily life. We will also go hiking, sightseeing and birdwatching in the forest, farmland, and paddy fields to watch birds and butterflies.
In Tounelet forest of Sonder town, we could watch: Sooty-headed Bulbul, Sahul Sunbird, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Slender-billed Crow, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, Black-naped Oriole, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia and etc.
Scaly-breasted Munia, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, female Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
When we walk along the paddy fields and agricultural land, we could see farmers working in their farmlands, harvesting their crops and or driving away small birds that eat their rice grain. Birds in the area that we could watch include White-breasted Woodswallow, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Cinnamon Bittern, White-browed Crake, Purple Heron, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, and etc.
In higher elevation forest of District Sonder, we could watch more interesting birds such as Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, White-faced Cuckoo Dove, Sulawesi Drongo, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Warbling White-eye, Black-faced Munia, Crimson Sunbird and a lot more.
There are butterflies too. They include Sulawesi Leafwing, Blandchard's Tree Nymph, Blanchard's Wood Nymph, Meyer's Jay, Lime Swallowtail, Gigon Swallowtail, The Clipper, Common Birdwing and Manado Yellow Tiger.
During the tour in Minahasa highland, visitors could also see hotspring, lakes, rivers, crater of volcano, and traditional villages Other interesting places to see are Tincep and Kengkang Waterfalls which are also in the territory of District Sonder.
Tincep village in Minahasa regency of Indonesia
Traveling to Minahasa Highland
To take Minahasa Highland Tour, visitors need to fly to Manado city. There are daily flights from major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Balikpapan and Sorong to Manado. For international flights, there are direct flights between Manado and Singapore served by Scoot Air, as well as Guangzhou and Manado city served by China Southern Airlines.
Flight route to Manado city
Land Route from Manado city to District town of Sonder in the highland of Minahasa
Booking
If you are interested in taking your holiday tour in Minahasa, and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.
When I guide visitors on wildlife watching tour in the forest, we often see beautiful butterflies and moths. My favorite destination for watching butterflies include Wasior town and its Wondiboy mountains, Coastal area of Tambrauw regency, Susnguakti forest in Manokwari, Klasow valley in Sorong, and Waigeo island of Raja Ampat.
The following picture is a Swallowtail Moth that I saw in Klasow valley. This black turquoise moth likes to attach himsel to the underpart of a green leaf in the forest in an upside down position. Its latin name, perhaps, is Alcides agathyrsus. It is a beautiful moth that is big and always attracts the attention of visitors who see him.
A Swallowtail Moth in Klasow valley of West Papua
When I guided some visitors in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari on birdwatching and wildlife watching tour, I saw beautiful butterflies there too. One of them was a Cruiser butterfly whose scientific name was Vindulaarsinoe. He was sitting on a rock near a small stream.
Cruiser Butterfly in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari
In Wasior town of Wondama regency, local people grow various kinds of hibiscus and a lot of other tropical flower plants. They attract butterflies and other insects.
A Common Green Birdwing Butterfly in Wasior Town
One of them is the Common Green birdwing butterfly.
Another interesting butterfly in the rainforest of West Papua is Taenaris onolaus saturiator. This is one of the family members of owl butterflies. The two black-yellow circles on the hindwings that look like the eyes of an owl may be used by the butterfly to scare away predators.
An Owl Butterfly
I often travel to Raja Ampat islands. Usually I go there to guide visitors on wildlife watching, snorkeling and sightseeing tour. There are beautiful butterflies and moths too.
Durvillei's butterfly
I also used to see this species of butterfly in Mansinam island.
If you are interested in taking a butterfly watching tour in West Papua of Indonesia and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180
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.
Sorong city is the main gate for visitors who are traveling to Raja Ampat islands. Most airlines in Indonesia have got scheduled flights to this city. They will land at Domine Eduard Osok airport and then continue their trip to Waisai by ferry boat. In Raja Ampat, they will enjoy various kinds of activities related to marine tourism.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
For visitors who are interested in wildlife, Klasow valley will be an interesting destination. There is a village in the valley that has become a good base for visitors who like to watch tropical birds. Its name is Klabili village.
Birding in Klabili village and Sorong city
Western-crowned Pigeon
It is a village that is located on the side of a road that runs through the valley. This small village is surrounded by tropical forest that is the natural habitat of a lot of species of birds including Western-crowned Pigeon, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, Great Cuckoo Dove, Slender-billed Cuckoo Dove, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Hooded Butcherbird, Black Butcherbird, Northern Cassowary, Forest Bittern, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, and etc.
Magnificent Riflebird
The wildlife watching activity can be carried out not only during the day time but also at night time. The night walk in the jungle is usually conducted after dinner. Animals that visitors may find include wallaby, possum, birds that sleep on the lower branches of trees, bandicoot, snake, Papua forest dragon, deer, and etc. Visitors will need to bring torch or flash light for this night time activity.
King Bird of Paradise
Accommodation and Food
Visitors who go to Klabili village in Klasow valley to enjoy birdwatching and wildlife watching can stay in the homestay of the villagers.
Before traveling to this village, food and drink materials such as bread, eggs, coffee, milk, cheese, tea, sugar can be bought from supermarket in Sorong city.
The usual duration of the birding tour is 3 to 4 days, it can be continued to Tambrauw mountains, Arfak mountains, Wondama Bay or even to Raja Ampat islands.
Contact
If you are interested in taking a wildlife watching/ birdwatching trip in West Papua (particularly Sorong regency, Tambrauw regency, Manokwari - Arfak mountains, Wondama bay) and even to Sulawesi island and want a guide to organize your trip and accompany you during the tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
