Camping and Riverwalk Birding Tours in Manokwari Forest

I offer camping and riverwalk tours for visitors who are interested in exploring the bio-diversity of lowland forest of Manokwari. Riverwalk, swimming and birdwatching are the main activities that we do during the tour. Visitors who take the tours come from the Netherlands, the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Frsnce, China, Switzerland, Sweden, and several other countries. They enjoy the tours for 3 to 5 days. For identification purposes, I use field guide book Birds of New Guinea written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler. During the tours, we will stay in tents at the side of a river and do riverwalk tours along its banks to find tropical birds such birds as:

• King Bird of Paradise
• Magnificent Riflebird
• Lesser Birds of Paradise
• Yellow-faced Myna
• Golden Myna
• Papuan hornbill, 
• Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, 
• Palm Cockatoo
• Black-capped Lory
• Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot
• Moluccan King Parrot
• Pesquet's Parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus)
• Rainbow Lorikeet
• Pinon Imperial Pigeon, 
• Western-crowned Pigeon
• Beautiful Fruit Dove, 
• Pink-spotted Fruit Dove
• Dollarbird
• Spangled Drongo 
• Willie Wagtail
• Azure Kingfisher
• Rufous-bellied Kookaburra
• Common Sandpiper 
• Olive-crowned Flowerpecker
• Variable Goshawk
• Black Sunbird
• Yellow-bellied Longbill
• Pygmy Longbill
• and a lot of other tropical birds. In addition to birds, visitors can also see butterflies, beetles, wild flowers and a lot of unique plants of West Papua.

A good pair of binoculars, and spotting scope will enhance birding experience of the visitors. I use a pair of 10×42 Visionking binoculars and a 20-60×60 spotting scope plus a tripod. Because the open space is wide, it is easy to spot birds that fly across the river or perch on the branches of high trees.

Birds can be seen in trees that grow on both sides of the river. The riverside is one of the best places to watch birds because we can enjoy birding without having to walk up and down steep slopes of mountains. Visitors like the environment. They can enjoy swimming, sightseeing and birding at the same time.

Booking
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Birding and Camping in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Birding in Manokwari forest

Hiking and Biding in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

I often receive requests from birdwatchers who are interested in birding in lowland forest of Manokwari. Most of the land in Manokwari regency consists of steep mountains and deep ravines. But there is some area that is covered by lowland forest. It is a perfect site for visitors who want to enjoy easy birding walk. Some female birdwatchers prefer walking along flat land to hiking up and down steep mountains. So, lowland forest is a good choice.
Lowland Birds

Birding in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

The lowland forest of Manokwari is a highly recommended site for those who want to see Papuan Blyth's hornbills, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Great Cuckoo Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Western Crowned Pigeon, Little-ringed Plover, Variable Goshawk, Brahminy Kite, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Large-tailed Nightjar, Moustached Treeswift, Rainbow Bee-eater, Yellow Faced Myna, Dollarbird, Black-capped Lory, Rainbow Lorikeet, Little Egret and a lot more.
Camping near a river
As of today, there are no guesthouses in the lowland forest of Manokwari. For visitors who want to enjoy birding in the area for several days, the only way to do that is by staying in tents.
We provide
 As a tourist guide, we provide tents, solar powered lights, basic cooking and eating utensils for birdwatchers or nature lovers who want to take birding tour with us.

Itinerary
Day 1 

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Transfer by car to lowland forest in the west of Manokwari.
Riverwalk to Campsite 1
Birding to see Dollarbird, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Papuan Hornbill and Little Egret, Large-tailed Nightjar, Glossy Swiftlet, Moustached Treeswift, and etc. Birding along the banks of the river very easy. There is a wide open space that allows birdwatchers to see birds on both sides of the river.
Day 2

Move to Campsite 2 that is located deeper into the jungle. Birding walk to find Palm Cockatoo, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Rainbow Bee-eater, Variable Goshawk, and a lot more.
Day 3

Willie Wagtail in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

We will dismantle our tents and walk slowly back to main road. Along the banks of the river, we may see Willie Wagtail, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Brahminy Kite, or perhaps if we are lucky enough, we may be able to see the Pesquet/ Vulturine Parrot that has become one of the most threatened species.
Arriving at the main road, we will return to the city again by car.

Other Activities

Eclectus Parrot

Besides doing riverwalk and birdwatching, visitors who go to lowland forest of Manokwari can enjoy swimming, fishing, taking pictures of various species of tropical flowers, and butterflies as well as other insects that make the forest as their natural habitat.

What to bring
Avid birdwatchers usually bring their own gear such as binoculars and spotting scope and field guide book BIRDS OF NEW GUINEA written by Thane K. Pratt, Bruce Beehler. Other items: flashlight/ torch, bathing suit for swimming in the river, fishing rod, hook and line if you are interested in catching fish, ziploc or plastic bags to protect electronic devices, sunblock for sunbathing, and insect repellent lotion.

Booking
For more info, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send whatsapp message to my cell phone: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Birding in Minahasa
• Manado City Birdwatching and Sightseeing Tour
• Birding in North Sulawesi
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Birdwatching in Sulawesi
• Birdwatching and butterflywatching in Sonder

Rainforest Tour in Manokwari Lowland

Rainforest Birding Tour

Mesirrokow forest - Manokwari Lowland Area

We are now entering dry season in Manokwari. It is a good time for visitors who are interested in taking rainforest tour in lowland area. There is a good forest in lowland area of Manokwari. Its name is Mesirrokow. A lot of species of birds, butterflies, marsupials and mammals live in this forest. Birds such as Blyth's Hornbill, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-faced Myna, Eclectus Parrot, and Little Egret can be seen when we walk along the banks of a river that flows through Mesirrokow forest.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)

At night we could explore the tall grass that grow along the riverside to find Papuan Frogmouth, Large-tailed Nightjar. If breadfruit trees have got a lot of fruits, we could find cuscus possum and fruit bats. Mesirrokow forest is a nice place for nature lovers who want to enjoy the beauty of tropical rainforest. They can enjoy swimming, hiking, camping, birding and wildlife watching for a few days there.
I have organized numerous rainforest hiking and camping tours for tourists who want to spend several days of their vacation period in the jungle of Manokwari to watch Brahminy Kite, Willie Wagtail, Little-ringed Plover, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Variable Goshawk, Magnificent Riflebird, Western-crowned Pigeon.
Bringing a good pair of binoculars and spotting scope is important for watching birds and wild animals that sit on the branches of distant trees on both sides of the river. This is an easy birding trip and rainforest tour which is suitable for everybody who does not want to go trekking up very steep slopes of mountains in Manokwari.
Wild Flowers

Monochoria vaginalis flower

There are a lot of flowers that I see in the lowland forest of Manokwari from Glory Vine (Faradaya splendida) that grows near the river to Terrestrial Orchids (Spathoglottis plicata) and New Guinea Tulip (Spathodea campanulata). My favorite flower is the Blue-Purple Pondweed (Monochoria vaginalis). It looks beautiful but it is considered as invasive noxious weed in certain countries. In Mesirrokow forest, this aquatic flower plant is not a threat to the surrounding environment. Its population is very small. Compared to Common Water Hycinth (Eichhornia crascippes), the flower of Monochoria vaginalis is smaller.
From my personal observations, the Glory Vine flower emits very fragrant scent. It is very potential to be cultivated for essential oil production.
Camping

Camping in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

As a tour guide, we have prepared some places as campsites. As a tourist guide, I provide camping tents, cooking and eating utensils for visitors who want to stay in the forest for 3 to 5 days. So, visitors do not need to bring those heavy things in their luggage when flying to Manokwari.

Things to bring
A good pair of binoculars, camera and spotting scope
Flashlight/ torch
Insect repellent/ sunblock lotion
Ziploc bags for cell phone, and passports and other electronic goods

Cost of the tour: This depends on the number of participants and how long they want to stay in the rainforest.

How to get there: 

• Fly from your country to Denpasar Bali or Jakarta city of Indonesia
• Fly from Denpasar city or Jakarta city to Manokwari
• I will meet you at the airport and organize your tour to lowland forest of Manokwari

Booking:
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180

Rainforest Birding Tour in Arfak Mountains and Lowland of Manokwari

Riverwalk in Mesirrokow forest

Manokwari has been an important birdwatching destination for domestic and international visitors. They come to watch birds that live in the jungle of Arfak mountains and lowland region such as Papuan hornbill, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Hooded Butcherbird, Yellow Faced Myna, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Common Paradise Kingfishers and a lot more.
There are two places in the forest that I offer as camping and birding grounds.

Beautiful Fruit Dove

Lowland Forest of Mesirrokow River
This is an ideal site for tourists or birdwatchers who cannot go hiking in steep slopes of Arfak mountains. Local people call the area the Mesirrokow river-forest. There are no guesthouses in the jungle. Tents, mattrasses, cooking and eating utensils will be provided by local guides for tourists who want to stay here for a few days for watching Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus), Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys), Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) and a lot of other birds. In addition to birding, visitors can enjoy swimming and fishing in the river too.
Colorful wild flowers that grow in both sides of the river attract butterflies, bees to collect their nectar. Tourists spend between 3 to 4 days camping and watching wild animals.

Camping at Mesirrokow river-forest

Susnguakti forest Forest of Arfak Mountains
This lower montane forest is located in the east area of Arfak mountains and has been a favorite site for watching cuscus possum, lesser birds of paradise and glowing mushrooms. There are no hotels or gueshouses in the middle of the jungle. Tourists will stay in tents are are built by local villagers.
The jungle of Susnguakti is the natural habitat of wild pigs, deer, dwarf cassowary, and a lot of species of birds. It is suitable for visitors who are really nature lovers.

Booking
Please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text/ whatsapp message to my number: +6281332245180 if you are interested in taking rainforest tour with me in Manokwari forest.

Birdwatching Hiking and Camping in Manokwari

Camping at the bank of Mesirrokow river

I have organized and run birding tours in Manokwari for years now. Early this year, I introduced a new birding area called Mesirrokow. It is a lowland forest area in north-west region of Manokwari regency. There are a lot of birds that can be seen in the forest of Mesirrokow river area such as Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Large-tailed Nightjar, Black capped Lory, Papuan Blyth's hornbill, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher and a lot more.
In addition to watching birds, visitors who take the birding tour to the area can also see colorful butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, and other insects. Wild boars, wallaby, deer, snakes, and soa-soa monitor make the forest of Mesirrokow river as their natural habitat.

Birdwatching Activity
Visitors can enjoy birding along the sides of the river by using binoculars and spotting scopes. In the mornings, Yellow-faced Myna, Eclectus Parrot, Willie Wagtail, and Hooded Butcherbird like to sit on the branches of trees.
Walking deeper into the jungle, visitors can watch more birds including Lowland Peltop, Dollarbird, Brahminy Kite, and Little-ringed Plover.

Birding Gear
Birdwatchers usually bring a good pair of 10x42 roof prism binoculars, a spotting scope with tripod or a D-SLR camera with telephoto lens. I have got binoculars which visitors could use to enhnace their birding experience in Manokwari

Camping and Hiking
There are no guesthouses in Mesirrokow forest. As a tourist guide, I provide tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and eating utensils for tourists who want to spend several days birding and camping in the forest.
As we walk further into the river-forest area, we will dismantle our tents and rebuild them in our new birding site. Visitors could also enjoy swimming, and fishing along the river.

Large-tailed Nightjar

Duration of the Birding and Camping Tour
On the average, visitors spend between 3 days/ 2 nights and 5 days/ 4 nights camping in the area. After the tour, visitors could extend their trip in Manokwari to a few more days by birding in Arfak mountains or snorkeling in some islands in Dorey bay.

Booking
If you are interested in hiking, camping and birding in Mesirrokow forest or other places in Manokwari, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text/ whatsapp message to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Hiking and Camping in Mesirrokow Forest of Manokwari

I have just returned from the jungle of Mesirrokow in the northwest of Manokwari. The lowland river forest in the area is an ideal place for hiking, camping and birdwatching. During the 3-day/ 2-night tour, I saw such birds as Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Brahmimy Kite (Haliastur indus), Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus mucrurus), Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), Grey Crow (Corvus tristis), Willie Wagtail (Rhypidura leucophrys), Papuan hornbill (Rhyiceros plicatus).

Camping in the river-forest of Mesirrokow of Manokwari

I also saw soa-soa lizard that was running away from us when he heard our foot-steps. Perhaps, he was drinking water from the river. There were also footprints of deers and wild-pigs that we saw on the sand banks of the rivers.
Most of the area on both sides of the river was flat. It was an ideal place for nature lovers who want to explore the tropical rainforest of West Papua.
In addition to birds, and butterflies, the river environment in Mesirrokow forest has got some colorful aquatic flowers, perhaps from the genus of eichhornia and New Guinea passion flowers that look small but beautiful.

Riverwalk in Mesirrokow forest of Manokwari

Hiking, Camping, and Birdwatching Tour
As a tour guide, I could organize 3 to 5 days tour in the river-forest of Mesirrokow. Visitors will stay at the tents that will be built on the sand banks of the river. Riverwalk, birdwatching, swimming or fishing are some of the works which tourists can do in the river.
For birdwatching, Mesirrokow river is an ideal site for watching lowland birds. There are plenty of Papuan hornbill, and Sulphur Crested Cockatoo along the forest edges. A good pair of binoculars or spotting scope is needed to watch birds that perch on distant trees or fly in the sky.
Nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the forest if they walk deeper into the jungle.

How to visit Mesirrokow River Forest?

• Just fly from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia)
• Continue your air trip to Manokwari. Flight services are provided by Garuda, Sriwijaya, Express Air to Manokwari.
• I could meet you at Manokwari airport or a hotel and organize tour to the jungle.

What you need to bring

• Water shoes and flip-flops
• Anti-insect lotion and sun block
• Flashlight/ torch
• Spotting scope/ binoculars
• Birds of New Guinea by Thane K Pratt and Bruce Beehler (as your birding reference)
• Ziploc bags for your passport and electronic devices (camera, cell phone, etc.)

Booking

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) at the bank of Mesirrokow river - Manokwari

Trekking and Camping at the Banks of Syuan River

I have just returned from organizing a 4-day/ 3-night trekking and camping tour along the sides of Syuan river. I, together with local people, guided three American and one Hongkong visitors. We went to Tambrauw regency in the northern coast of West Papua. There, we explored the tropical rainforest along both sides of Syuan river.

Hiking in the jungle of Tambrauw regency

We walked on the trails that the indigenous people used for hunting wild animals. As we walked through the jungle, we saw big trees, butterflies and birds that were flying in the sky. We had to cross the river several times to make shortcuts.
Syuan had a lot of spots that were good for swimming. The water was crystal clear and cool. The atmosphere was filled with fresh air. While walking or sitting at the side of the river, We could hear the sounds of birds, and insects that were mixed with the sounds of flowing water. They were a nice natural music that could refresh our mind.

Tents were built by the river

There were some birds that I could easily identify. Among them were blyth's hornbill, sulphur crested cockatoo, and egret. There was one species whose bill was a little bit different from the illustration that I saw on Birds of New Guinea. Its name was Grey Crow (Corvus tristis). It had pinkish face but its real bill was slender. I saw the bird flying in a group of six or eight birds when I was swimming in Syuan river. For the order of Lepidoptera, there were birdwing butterfly that I saw such as the Ornithoptera priamus.

We walked slowly along the path to enjoy the beauty of nature. We stopped several times to listen to the explanation of local villagers who accompanied us about the health benefits of certain herbs. The scenery of the forest in Tambrauw mountains, ravine and bends of the Syuan river was very beautiful. 

Book your rainforest tour to Tambrauw mountains now by contacting my email (Charles Roring): peace4wp@gmail.com

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• https://wildlifeminahasa.blogspot.com

Itinerary for the Rainforest Tour in Tambrauw Mountains of West Papua

Camping site at Cuan rive

I am going to conduct a rainforest trekking and camping tour in Tambrauw mountains based on the following details:

Activities: trekking, camping, riverwalk, swimming, wildlife/ birdwatching
Reservation is still open
Group Size Limit: 4 people
Price:  ...
Itinerary
Day 1 
We will meet you in Sorong city and transfer you to Tambrauw regency by 4WD car. It takes around 4 hours by car from from Sorong city to Sausapor town. We will inform local authorities and the local police about our rainforest tour activity and then continue our trip to the stop point in the forest edge of Tambrauw mountains and 30 minutes of walking along the bank of Syuan river to reach our first base camp. The rainforest which we will explore is  located in the bird's head (vogelkop) region of West Papua. Overnight stay in the jungle tents.

Soa-soa Lizard in Tambrauw Forest

Day 2
Trekking/ jungle walk, riverwalk, night walk, wildlife and birdwatching, swimming, camping
Day 3
Trekking/ jungle walk, riverwalk, wildlife and birdwatching, swimming, camping
Day 4
We still have time to enjoy the scenery of the river and rainforest. After breakfast, we will dismantle our tents and leave the forest.
A short tour around Sausapor town and its surrounding area
Transfer to Sorong city

How to get there?

• Fly from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia)
• Fly from Jakarta to Sorong city. Domestic airlines such as Garuda, Sriwijaya, Express Air, and Nam Air have got regular flights to Sorong.
• I will meet you in Sorong city and organize your trip to the rainforest.

Lowland forest of Tambrauw regency 

Rainforest along the side area of Cuan river

I highly recommend this site because very few tourists have been there. So, much of the forest areas are still unexplored. Nature lovers who go trekking in this region may see various species of herbal plants, wild flowers, giant trees, birds, marsupial and nocturnal animals.
Tambrauw regency is located between Sorong and Manokwari. To go trekking in the rainforest of Tambrauw, we need to charter a 4WD car from Sorong city. It takes approximately 4 hours from Sorong city to Sausapor town (the temporary capital of Tambrauw). After registering our names in the local police station, we can continue our trip to Cuan river where we will be able to stay for a few days in the jungle.

Wildlife

From my previous trips in this forest, we saw bandicoot, eupholus beetle, Swallowtail Blue Mountain butterfly (Papilio ulysses), Blyths hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Spangled Drongo and Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor).
Binoculars and bridge camera such as Nikon Coolpix P900 will be useful for birdwatching and wildlife watching.
To enhance your birding experience, we will bring spotting scope, field guide book entitled, "Birds of New Guinea" written by Bruce Beehler and his friends.
We will also provide camping gear such as tents, cooking and eating utensils, and torch.

Please, book now
If you are interested in taking this rainforest tour in Tambrauw regency, please, contact me by e-mail: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180. I will compose an itinerary and calculate the cost of your tours that are suitable with your travel schedule.

Please, support our efforts in preserving the bio-diversity of tropical rainforest in Papua

Rainforest Camping Tour in Tambrauw Mountains

Blyth's hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus).
This vector artwork was created by Charles Roring

Destination: Lowland rainforest near Syuan River of Tambrauw Regency
Duration: 5 days/ 4 nights
Availability: All year round
Cost: Please, send e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com for prices and customized itineraries

I have just returned from a camping tour in the lowland rainforest of Tambrauw mountains. I guided a tourist from Luxemburg who wanted to stay in the jungle for several nights. We built three tents at the bank of Syuan river and did some walks in the forest to see birds, butterfly and various vegetation of the tropical jungle. At night, the sounds of insects, and other nocturnal animals became our natural music that we enjoyed, together with the flow of the water in Suan river.

Preparations

There were things that I and my friends had to bring to the forest to serve our guest such as tents, air mattresses, rechargeable lamps, eating and cooking utensils, binoculars. We also contacted local people from the nearby village in Syuan river to work as guides and cooks. Several days before the trip, we contacted a driver to charter his 4WD car for this trip. 

The Rainforest trip

I met our guest at the airport of Sorong city. First, we went to my friend's house to put his bags which he did not need for the forest trip. After that we went to local market called Pasar Remu to buy fresh vegetables and other food materials that we would need in the jungle. I bought smoked fish, eggs, rice, fruits, and tempe.

When everything was ready, we headed directly to Tambrauw regency. It was a long ride approximately 4 hours. We needed have lunch in Sausapor town and then went to inform the local police about our tour. When all the paper works were ready, we continued our trip to Jokte village to pick up our local guides. Then we left for Syuan river. The 4WD car stopped at the riverside near the road. The scenery of the surrounding forest, and mountains and the river was really beautiful and peaceful. We took all of our things from the car and guided by the villagers, we walked along the banks of the river deeper into the jungle. 

Sharing Food with Local People

We built our first camp at around 16.00 local time and then prepared our evening tea and coffee.  At night we had dinner. We shared them with the indigenous Papuan villagers who guided us in the jungle. They were really nice and were happy to share their foods with us too. During the whole jungle trip, they caught fish, shrimps in the river. The women who worked as cooks picked some vegetables and cassava in the garden for us. 

Our Tents at the bank of Cuan River
in Tambrauw Mountains of West Papua

Birdwatching
The rainforest on both sides of Syuan river was the natural habitat of such tropical birds as Blyth's hornbill, sulphur crested cockatoo, egrets, Goliath cockatoo, black capped lory and paradise birds.  Near our second camp was a deeper water. We liked to spend time there to swim and enjoyed the surrounding view of the forest. In the afternoon when all birds began to return to their nests, we saw two sulphur crested cockatoo at the tree close to our "swimming pool." They were so beautiful. Birding in Syuan river was very easy. We just need to walk along the sides of the river and observe the sky and the trees. To take picture, we used bridge camera with super telephoto lens such as Sony Cybershot H400 and Fujifilm Finepix H50EXR.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo in the tree near
Cuan river of Tambrauw regency

On the last day of our jungle camping tour and while walking back to the main road, I saw a unique terrestrial orchid flowers whose color was white. I said it was unique because it emitted fragrant smell. Most orchids do not emit fragrant smell but these flowers were fantastic - very fragrant.

White terrestrial orchid flowers that were very fragrant

On the second day of our stay, the villagers presented cassowary meat to us. One of their dogs killed a young cassowary bird. We were quite concern but we realized that their traditional life is hunting. The meat was very delicious said our guest.
There are a lot of things which tourists can see or experience while exploring the rich bio-diversity of rainforest. The trip to this region is suitable for nature lovers.

Eupholus schoenherri beetle in the forest of Tambrauw regency

If you are interested in taking a rainforest camping tour in Cuan river of Tambrauw mountains, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com. I will happy to arrange your trip and guide you in the jungle.

Hiking and Camping in Arfak mountains

A few days ago, I guided an American girl to the coastal area of Arfak mountains approximately one hour by public transportation from Manokwari city. Her name was Rachel. Our destination was Warmarway - a small coastal village in the eastern region of Arfak. We spent 3 days/ 2 nights swimming, camping, hiking, birdwatching and butterfly watching and doing night walk in the jungle.
As a tourist guide I have guided a lot of single traveler girl or lady on various hiking, camping, birdwatching, swimming, snorkeling, and motorcycle tours around Manokwari.
Here is the scenery of the place that I and Rachel visited a few days ago.

Coastal area of Arfak mountains

There was an unfinished wooden house at the beach. I and Rachel, accompanied by local villagers (Yunus, Magdalena, and Susi) stayed at the house for one night and then continued our trip for another night in a tourist camp site located deeper in the forest of Arfak mountains.
Swimming

On the first day, we enjoyed swimming. Unfortunately, there was rain and strong wind at the time when we were there causing only zero visibility in the coral reef area. So, we did not enjoy snorkeling. We went swimming instead. Villagers showed us the beach with fine black sand that was good for swimmers. We really enjoyed swimming and spent a few hours in the water.
Eating Fresh Fried Fish
Magdalena, one of the villagers, went fishing before we came back to the house. She caught a snapper and proudly showed it to us that afternoon. Yunus cleaned and washed the fish and cut them in smaller pieces so that I could fry them. I also made stir fried kangkung vegetables and fried tempe.  Rachel, the American girl from Connecticut who came alone all the way to West Papua, liked the simple meal that we had that day.
Camping
The unfinished wooden house where we stayed had been installed with corrugated metal roof. Its floor was made of iron wood planks. Only the walls that had not been constructed. For bathroom and toilet, we used the river. The guesthouse was far from the village. So, we had a private beach, private forest, and a simple but good accommodation. I brought a dome tent and a mattress. I set the tent up and put the mattress inside ready for Reachel to sleep in it. I also brought an army standard sleeping bag for her. At night she could sleep well without having to fear the swarming mosquitoes. The sea breeze keep the mosquitoes  and sandflies away from the guesthouse. The sound of insects became our natural music during our time in the coastal and mountainous region of Arfak. We had a night walk in the jungle to find cuscus but could only see a bandicoot.
Hiking in the jungle of Arfak mountains
The next morning, we continued our trip into the forest. We had to carefully walk up the steep slope of Arfak mountains. Yunus (a local villager that we hired built a shelter for tourist near a small creek in the jungle. We arrived at the shelter on the afternoon. I quickly set the dome tent again before dark came.

Cruiser butterfly (Vindula arsinoe)

Butterflies

A lot of colorful butterflies flew around us. Some landed on the ground. Some even landed on our smelly clothes that were soaked in our sweat. Some species that we saw including Amathusiid butterfly (Taenari catops); Cruiser butterfly (Vindula arsinoe), Cairns birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera priamus). There were still more butterflies that we saw but could not identify.
Our dinner that night was rice, spinach vegetables, fried tempe and scrambled eggs prepared by Magdalena. After dinner, we still had a short night walk in the jungle to find cuscus. Unfortunately, we were not so successful.
Feeling exhausted, we walked back to our camp and sleep earlier than the previous night. Again the sounds of insects and water flowing in the river became the natural music that surrounds us during our sleeping time.
Watching Lesser Birds of Paradise
I checked the clock on my cell phone. It was 05.00 a.m. Time to get ready. I woke Rachel up. Yunus had already boiled some water for us. We had some biscuits and coffee before leaving for the birding ground approximately 45 minutes walk from our campsite. It was still dark when we walked again. I turned on my head flash light. The male birds of paradise were calling their female birds when we arrived. It was difficult to see them because they were perching on the twigs in the canopy of the trees. Rachel could only see a male paradise bird with his beautiful yellow plumes in a few seconds. But she said it was ok, she really enjoyed the singing of the birds while sitting on the ground under the tree. It's a relaxing experience.
We still enjoyed some swimming at the beach near Warmarway village before going back to Manokwari city again.
If you are interested in exploring the natural beauty of the coastal and mountainous areas of West Papua and want to hire me as your guide, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text message to my cell phone: 006281332245180.
I can prepare a customized itinerary and cost that is suitable for you.

3 Hiking and Camping Trip Destinations in West Papua

As a tour guide, I have accompanied a lot of tourists on various hiking and camping trips in West Papua. From all of the outdoor adventure trips destinations that I have done, there are three places that I like the most.

1. Aiwatar hill - It is still placed on the top list of the hiking and camping trip destinations that I recommend it for you. It is located in District Senopi. To reach the hill, you need to fly to Manokwari city and continue your trip by airplane to District Kebar. After that, you can walk or hitchhike a truck to District Senopi. The next morning, if you are fit enough to walk, you can leave the village for the hill. It takes around five hours walking through the jungle and crossing rivers to get to Aiwatar. The scenery of the tropical rainforest with some big and small rivers will make you feel that you are in the middle of nowhere. During your hiking trip in the rainforest of Senopi, you may be able to see deers, birds of paradise, ornate lory, goliath cockatoo, kangaroo,  and various other animals live in the region. 
2. Asai  - This hiking and camping trip destination is located in the north coast of Manokwari regency. The tropical rainforest of Asai is rich of bio diversity. It is the natural habitat of cuscus, sulphur crested cockatoo and snakes. As you walk deeper into the jungle, you will see more birds, and unique plants. You will be surrounded by green vegetation. Don't forget to bring sleeping bag and waterproof camping tent if you want to stay for several nights at the bank of Asai river.  In addition to hiking, cycling from Manokwari town to Asai village is also possible to be carried out by travelers. I personally have done it twice. On the average, a cyclist needs four hours to reach Asai. Before leaving the town, the cyclist needs to check all the gear mechanism and tires of his or her bike are in good working order.
3. Camp Dopi of Inggramui forest - This is a hiking tour destination that is not far from Manokwari city. So, it is the cheapest place to go compared to the above destinations. I have guided European and American tourists to Dopi river. Blyth's hornbills usually fly above our heads when we walk through the stream of the river. If you spend at least one night camping at the bank of Dopi river, you will have the opportunity to go to the dancing site of the lesser birds of paradise. Monitor lizards, kangaroo and deers live in the jungle of this river too. You may see them while hiking through the rainforest of Dopi river. If you want to watch birds of paradise, don't forget to bring a pair of binoculars or telephoto camera with extra batteries.

For all of your hiking and camping trips in this tropical rainforest of West Papua, bring tent. If you take a tour from me, the tent will be provided by me. If you decide to bring your own tent, it has to be water resistant. The material should be light. 

Hiking and Birdwatching in Dopi river of Manokwari

Dopi river is a recommended site for travelers who want to go hiking and birdwatching in Manokwari. The paths are not steep but long enough to be explored from sunrise until sunset. I have conducted several hiking, camping and birdwatching trips in Dopi river since last year. There is abundant avifauna activities in the jungle on both sides of the river including: Longtailed Honey Buzzard, Variable Goshawk, Brahminy Kite, Common Sandpiper, Beautiful Fruit-dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo and a lot more.

There are two camps that have been built for tourists who want to stay for several nights in the jungle. To see birds and more wildlife of tropical rainforest, I highly recommend that you stay for at least 2 nights in our camps. Although there are abundant bird life in the rainforest around Dopi river, they are not the only animals that you can see. Snakes, deers, cuscus, kangaroos, and boars live in that jungle too. Butterflies often visit our camp when we enjoy our lunch. 

The average cost for hiking and bird watching trip in Dopi river is around 85 US dollars/day. Don't forget to bring insect repellent lotion, and blanket or sleeping bag. We can provide mosquito net if you don't have one. We have got cooking utensils, and rechargeable lamps to serve you in our camps during the hiking and camping tours. We also grow bananas, vegetables around the camps to make sure that we will always have fresh ingredients in our food. Please, contact us by e-mail to peace4wp@gmail.com if you are interested in taking a hiking and camping trip in Dopi river. by Charles Roring 

Also read:

• Birding and Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland
• Birds in North Sulawesi
• Birdwatching Tour in the Farmland and Forest of Minahasa Highland
• Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birding in North Sulawesi and West Papua

Thai tourists Hiking in Manokwari

WALKING TOUR IN MINAHASA HIGHLAND

The highland of Minahasa is a beautiful destination for tourists who love nature. Tourists can enjoy walking through the villages, hills and valleys of farmlands as well as mountains that are covered by rainforest. 

District town of Sonder, its forest and farmland

Flying Routes

Visitors need to fly from their countries to Manado city. After that they can continue their trip by car to Tomohon town and District Sonder. 

Flight to Manado city

Land route from Manado city to District town of Sonder - the destination of walking tour

Sonder is a small district town that is formed by some small villages. Most of the villagers work as farmers. Visitors can explore these villages, and their agricultural lands. Farmers grow rice, corn, sweet potatoes, banana, taro, cassava that are the staple food of people in eastern region of Indonesia. They also plant cabbage, mustard green, carrot, tomatoes, chilli, spring onion, papaya, rambutan and a lot of other crops which they sell to cities and towns around North Sulawesi province of Indonesia. 

Some birds in Minahasa

Birds (Barred Rail, Purple Heron, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Cattle Egret) and terraces of paddy fields in Minahasa highland

In addition to seeing villages and farmland, visitors who do the walking tour can also enjoy birdwatching and butterflywatching. Ecologically, District town of Sonder is surrounded by mountains, and hills that are covered by green vegetation. It also has got paddy fields and agricultural land. This is a great place to enjoy birdwatching. 

Visitors can bring binoculars and camera during their birding walk. They can watch a lot of birds such as Sooty-headed Bulbul, Collared Kingfisher, Pale Blue Monarch, Maroon-chinned Fruit Dove, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, Crimson Sunbird, Sahul Sunbird, Black-fronted White-eye, Warbling White-eye, White-breasted Woodswallow, and a lot more. 

The Clipper, Lime Swallowtail, Gigon Swallowtail, Sacred Tabby, Great Eggfly Butterflies

For butterflies, they can see Lime Swallowtail, Common Birdwing, Gigon Swallowtail, The Clipper, Blanchard's Ghost, Blandchard's Wood, Manado Yellow Tiger butterflies. In Minahasa highland, flowers grow well. They attract butterflies. 

Hiking, sightseeing, and birdwatching in Minahasa highland of Indonesia

The paths for walking tours are paved with asphalt or concrete. So, the walking tour will be an easy one and suitable for anyone of all ages. 

If you are interested in taking a hiking tour in Minahasa highland and want me to organize your trip and guide you, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Birdwatching in the Farmland of Sonder Town in Minahasa Highland
• Birdwatching in Minahasa
• Manado City Birdwatching and Sightseeing Tour
• Birding in North Sulawesi
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Birdwatching in Sulawesi
• Birdwatching and butterflywatching in Sonder

Thai Tourist Hiking in Manokwari

Most of the tourists who visit Manokwari come from Europe, the United States and Australia. They usually go hiking in Arfak mountains and the northern coast of Manokwari. This month, I received some guests from Asia. From 4 to 6 August, I accompanied 4 Thai tourists. I guided them on a 3-day land tour hiking along Asai river, Arfak mountains and Mansinam island. We watch Blyth's hornbill, bowerbird and birdwing butterflies. Birdwatching is an interesting activity. Visitors need to bring telephoto camera or a pair of binoculars to watch birds that usually perch on the branches of tall trees. The best times to watch birds are in the morning and in the afternoon. Don't forget to apply insect repellent lotion all over your body to protect you from insect bites.

After the land tour, they would continue their trip with a Komodo liveboard for diving in Cendrawasih bay. Komodo liveboard also operates in Raja Ampat. Tourists from ASEAN countries do not need VISA to enter Indonesia. ASEAN stands for the Association of South East Asian Nations. It was established in Bangkok Thailand in 1967.
I also guided 5 American tourists between 7-10 June 2012 on a 4-day/3-night trekking and camping tour in Arfak mountains. Then they continued their tour by Komodo liveboard on a diving trip in Cendrawasih bay.
While hiking in Arfak mountains we saw several species of birdwing butterflies such as the Ornithoptera rothschildi, Ornithoptera goliath, and Ornithoptera priamus. They made plenty of photographs about the butterflies. 

If you are interested in taking a wildlife tour in Sausapor, Klabili, Sorong city as well as Raja Ampat islands, Minahasa highland in North Sulawesi, you could contact by whatsapp at the above number.