Night Wildlife Tour in Klaimis Forest Outside Sorong City

There is a rainforest area that is located around 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Sorong city. Yesterday night, I guided a couple from Europe, Mateo and Annika to that forest. Its name was Klaimis forest. They were the first foreign visitors to explore Klaimis forest. We had a wildlife watching tour inside the forest and along the roadside. We left Sorong city at around 16:00 and arrived at the outskirts of the forest just before sunset. 

Wildlife Tour in Klaimis Forest of Sorong Regency

We explored the forest accompanied by the villagers, i.e. Neles, Dani, Daniel and Misael. Along the banks of a small stream, we saw Hooded Pitta, Papuan Pitta, Papuan Frogmouth, Rusty Pitohui and Western-crowned Pigeon. 

I brought a spotting scope that was mounted on a tripod. This enabled all of us who were on this trip to see birds, mammals and reptiles that were sitting on the branches of tall trees.

Night walking tour in Klamis rainforest of Sorong regency

In addition to birds, we saw mammals such as Brown Tree Mouse and Northern Common Cuscus. For reptiles, we saw monitor lizard, Papua Forest Dragon and a green tree phyton snakelet. There were various kinds of big and small frogs that we also saw. 

Green Tree Phyton (Morelia viridis) in Klamis forest of Sorong regency

We saw butterflies and moths too. There were Silky Owl Butterfly, Euchenor Butterfly and some moths.

We came out of the forest at around 22:00. We had some coffee break, and snacks. We still had an easy birding walk along the roadside to find Marbled Frogmouth. After Daniel played its recorded sounds several times, we were able to see some Marbled Frogmouths. We also saw a couple of Pinon Imperial Pigeon on the branch of a tall tree at the roadside using the spotting scope. 

Papua Forest Dragon in Klamis forest of Sorong regency

It was a nice rainforest tour. At around 23:15, we decided to return to Sorong and arrived in the city at around 01:00. 

If you are interested in taking wildlife tour in this rainforest outside of Sorong city and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.

Also read:

• Bird Photography Tour in Klabili and Waigeo
• One Week Birding Tour Across North Sulawesi (A Trip Report)

Night Walk Tour in the Forest of Sorong City

I have just conducted a night walk tour in the forest of Sorong city for an American tourist. The tour started at 08:00 when I picked him up from Swissbel Hotel. We went to a forest near Sorong city. I was accompanied by a driver and a local guide.

Before starting the walking tour, we had some tea and coffee with some cakes that I bought from a bread store. We could feel the sudden change of atmosphere. From a city with a lot of lights to a rainforest that is very dark. On the positive side, we could see stars in the dark sky.

When we were walking along a road inside the forest, we used sound recordings to attract birds. We played the sounds of Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, Papuan Boobook. 

Flying Fox in the forest of Sorong regency

Although we walked for quite long, we did not feel hot at all. The temperature of the forest that night was cool. We were able to watch Papuan Frogmouth and Marbled Frogmouth. We also saw some flying foxes in trees and flying in the air.

Papuan Frogmouth in the forest of Sorong city

We completed our night walking tour in the rainforest of Sorong city at around 00:15. It was a nice trip although we did not see many animals. When we arrived in Swiss Belhotel, it was 00:30 in the middle of the night.

Morning or Afternoon Birding Tour

For visitors who are interesting in taking birdwatching tour at the outskirts of Sorong city. Usually the morning birding tour starts at 05:00. We will go to birdwatching site outside of Sorong city by car. It takes around 1 hour. As soon as we arrive, we could see the sun light on the canopy of the forest. Birds that we could watch include Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Eclectus Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-browed Triller, Black-capped Lory, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Hooded Butcherbird, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Blyth's hornbill, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, and etc.

Papuan Eclectus

To enhance the birding experience of the participants, I will bring spotting scope. We will also walk along the beach area to enjoy the landscape of the coastal area as well as watching birds. Beach Kingfisher is the main target at the beach but we could see other species such as Willie Wagtail, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Pacific Reef Heron, Striated Heron, Little Egret, Pacific Golden Plover and etc.

Beach Kingfisher

If you are interested in taking this night walking tour in Sorong city and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Related Posts:

• Night Wildlife Tour in Klamis Forest Outside Sorong city
• 1 Day Birding Tour at the Outskirts of Sorong city
• Birds in North Sulawesi
• Birdwatching in the Farmland of Sonder
• Birding in Raja Ampat and Sorong
• Birdwatching in Malagufuk, snorkeling in Raja Ampat
• Birding Tour Across Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu, Sonder Forest and Manado city
• Birdwatching Tour in Sonder of North Sulawesi
• Birding in Sonder
• Birding and Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

Night Walk in Malagufuk's Forest

The village of Malagufuk has been a famous destination for rainforest tourism since 2014. This week, I am guiding 2 visitors from Singapore and the United Kingdom. We have explored the forest to look for birds and other wild animals. So far, we have seen King Bird of Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher and Common Paradise Kingfisher, Papuan Pitta, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Magnificent Riflebird, Golden Myna, Moluccan King Parrot. We have seen a lot of other tropical birds as well. 

A Flying Fox in Malagufuk's forest

We did night walk several times. We did it along the boardwalk and were happy with the result. We saw Papuan Frogmouth, wallaby, cuscus, White-lipped Tree Frog, and Papuan Boobo. In the previous night, we saw Papuan Pitta, New Guinea Small-eyed Snake (Micropechis ikaheca), and a few nocturnal animals. 

I introduced Malagufuk for the first time in 2014. At that time, no body in ecotourism industry knew its existence. The concept of nature based tourism was new for the villagers. Now, Malagufuk has been listed by world class birding and nature tour companies as important destination in West Papua region of Indonesia.

cuscus

For me, personally, the introduction of nature or rainforest based tourism in West Papua will support local villagers to preserve their forest, and coral reef environment. 

Papuan Boobok, Papuan Frogmouth and White-lipped Tree Frog

Two visitors with kids in Malagufuk village

Well, if you are interested in traveling to Indonesia to enjoy birding and wildlife watching, you need to bring with you a good pair of binoculars. I personally use 10×50 ed prime lens binoculars from SVBONY, I also use a laser pointer, a small loudspeaker to call birds and bridge camera Fujifilm HS50EXR. The photos in this post were taken using this photographic device. 

If you want to visit Malagufuk and other destinations, and want me to organize your trip and guide you, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• What to do in Sorong city
• Birding near Sorong city
• Short Birding Tour in Sorong city
• Nature tour around Sorong city
• Sightseeing Tour in Sorong City
• Birding and Sightseeing Tour in Sorong City
• Explore Sorong City and Its Surroundings

• Birds in North Sulawesi
• Birdwatching Tour in the Farmland and Forest of Minahasa Highland
• Manado City Tour: Birdwatching and Sightseeing
• Walking Tour, Birdwatching and Butterflywatching in District Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birding in North Sulawesi
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Birdwatching in Sulawesi
• Birdwatching in Minahasa Highland
• Birdwatching in the Farmland of Sonder Town
• https://wildlifeminahasa.blogspot.com

Butterflies and Moths in West Papua

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 Vindula arsinoe. 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 

Related articles:

• One-Week Birding Tour Across North Sulawesi (A Trip Report)
• Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland of Indonesia
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Birding in the Paddy Fields of Subdistrict Sonder
• Birdwatching in the Farmland of Sonder Town
• Walking Tour, Birdwatching and Butterflywatching in District Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birds in North Sulawesi
• Birdwatching Tour in the Farmland and Forest of Minahasa Highland
• Manado City Tour: Birdwatching and Sightseeing
• Birding in North Sulawesi
• Birdwatching in Sulawesi
• Birdwatching in Minahasa Highland
• Collared Kingfisher
• Birding in Minahasa of North Sulawesi
• Birding in Higher Elevation Forest of Minahasa
• https://wildlifeminahasa.blogspot.com

Birding and Wildlife Watching Holiday in Raja Ampat Islands

I have just completed a birding and wildlife watching tour in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat. It was a 3 day/ 2 night-trip. I guided Christine - a lady from the United States of America. In the first day when we walked along the roadside of southern Waigeo, we saw Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Palm Cockatoo, Pacific Swallow and Lesser-crested Tern. At dusk, we also saw cuscus possum, fruitbats and snake. 

Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus)

The next morning, we went to a forest by car and did hiking to watch Wilson's Bird of Paradise. After that we explored the coastal area to watch Radjah Shelduck, Olive-backed Sunbird, Willie Wagtail, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Beach Kingfisher as well as Olive-crowned Flowerpecker. There were Olive-backed Sunbird, Spice Imperial Pigeon and Brahminy Kite when we did a boat trip to islands at the entrance area of Kabui bay. I brought my spotting scope and put it on a white sandy beach of Urai island when we were watching the pigeons and kingfisher. At the nearby trees, Singing Starlings were eating some tiny fruits. High in the sky Blyth's Hornbill and Lesser Frigatebirds were flying over us. 

Female Red Bird of Paradise

While we were enjoying the natural beauty of Raja Ampat's blue sea and islands, we saw some dolphins swimming off the nearby reef. It was a magnificent trip. In the last day of the tour, we watched Red Bird of Paradise, Hooded Butcherbird, Yellow-bellied Longbill and Helmetted Friarbird. 

After enjoying the tour, we returned to Sorong city. This trip in Raja Ampat was an extended trip of my previous tour with a group of British and American birdwatchers in Sorong, Tambrauw, Arfak mountains of Manokwari.

If you are interested, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Birding in Sonder
• Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Minahasa of North Sulawesi
• Wildlife Tour, Birdwatching and Butterfly watching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Tangkoko
• Tangkoko National Park
• Discover Bunaken National Park

Birdwatching and Wildlife Watching in Sorong and Raja Ampat (7 Days)

I have just completed a tour for two visitors from the Netherlands. We spent one week exploring the rainforest of Klasow valley in Sorong regency as well as the tropical jungle of Waigeo in Raja Ampat islands. 

Wildlife Watching and Sightseeing Tour in Sorong and Raja Ampat

We went hiking early in the mornings and in the afternoons to look for Lesser Birds of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise. 

During the one week tour, we saw a lot of species of tropical birds including Golden Myna, Yellow-faced Myna, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Slender-billed Cuckoo Dove, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Azure Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Beach Kingfisher, Red-cheeked Parrot, Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Papuan Frogmouth, Frilled Monarch, Hooded Monarch, Blue Jewel Babbler, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Eastern Osprey, Willie Wagtail and a lot more.

Birdwatching in Raja Ampat

While in Raja Ampat, we did sightseeing and snorkeling tour by speedboat to Piaynemo karst and then on our return trip to the beach resort where we stayed, we visited Sand Bank (locally called Pasir Timbul) near Lesser Mansuar island and Friwen island which was located near Gam island. We also enjoyed snorkeling along the Friwenwall where we saw various kinds of fishes, and corals both the hard and soft ones. There are hundreds of species of reef fish that we saw. 

Birdwatching in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat

This tour is suitable for anyone who likes to see the wealth of avifauna and the marine life of West Papua. 

If you are interested in taking 1 week wildlife watching and snorkeling trip in West Papua, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Watching in Susnguakti Forest of Manokwari

Susnguakti is the name of a forest in lower montane region of Arfak mountains. It is a great site for nature lovers to go hiking and watching birds of paradise and wild animals. It can be reached from Manokwari city by car. 

A couple of Lesser Birds of Paradise in Susnguakto forest of Arfak mountains
Manokwari regency - West Papua province - Indonesia

Birds that can be watched in this forest include Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius) and Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus), Red-bellied Pitta, Hooded Pitta, Black-billed Cuckoo Dove, Brown Cuckoo Dove, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Western Ornate Fruit Dove, Hooded Butcherbird, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookburra, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Frilled Monarch, Golden Cuckooshrike, Papuan Spangled Drongo, Fairy Lorikeet, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-capped Lory, Papuan Frogmouth, Blyth's Hornbill, and etc. 

Typical Itinerary

Day 1 

• Meeting with tour participants in Manokwari city
• Transfer to Susnguakti by car (1 hour)
• Hiking to basecamp (1 hour)
• Watching Lesser Birds of Paradise (first attempt)
• Night walk

Day 2 

• Wake up at 05:00, make preparation, have tea or coffee, walk to birding site of Lesser Birds of Paradise.
• Continue to the site of King Bird of Paradise
• Explore the forest to see various kinds of birds, insects (beetles, butterflies), reptiles as well as unique tropical plants.
• Night walk to fins possum and nocturnal animals.

Day 3

• Wake up early in the morning to watch Magnificent Riflebird which is another species of birds of paradise. 
• Explore forest to see more plants and animals
• After lunch, we will pack our things and walk down the mountains.  We will return to Manokwari city.

The walking tour in this forest of Arfak mountains can be extended for several more days to include tour to higher elevation forest to watch more birds of paradise and other animals of West Papua.

Natural Attractions of Susnguakti Forest

In addition to birds the forest of Susnguakti is the habitat of snakes, butterflies and beetles. 

Activities

Visitors can follow trails during the days and nights to see plants and animals of the forest. During night walks, local villagers can immitate the calls of a female cuscus possum to attract the male ones. When a male possum comes down from a tree, visitors can take pictures. During the day, visitors can go to the nearby stream to enjoy the cool water that comes out of the stones of the forest. 

Cuscus Possum is a nocturnal animal in the rainforest of West Papua

Insect Watching

There are butterflies, beetles, grasshopper, cicada, fireflies, and other unique insects in the forest. Visitors can see them when staying for a few days in the jungle camp of Susnguakti forest. Colourful butterflies of Arfak mountains can be seen in this forest. 

Butterflies can be watched and photographed in Susnguakti forest

Accommodation

As of today, most of the visitors who go to Susnguakti forest will stay in a basecamp as described in the following pictures.

A simple basecamp in the forest of Susnguakti for visitors to stay for a few days to watch birds of paradise and other wildlife.

Dome tents for tourists in Susnguakti forest

How to get to Manokwari city

International visitors need to fly to one of the major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Denpasar, Surabaya, Makassar, or Manado. After that they can continue their trip to Manokwari city. I can meet you at the airport or at the hotel where you stay and organize your trip to Susnguakti forest.

Flight Routes from major cities in Indonesia to Manokwari city

To book your trip to Susnguakti forest, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

I could also organize a trip for you to Sorong, Tambrauw, Raja Ampat, Kaimana or even to Java and Bali, Sulawesi and Halmahera of Indonesia.

Also read:

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

Wildlife Watching Tour to West Papua

West Papua province of Indonesia is a beautiful destination for visitors who are interested in seeing the ecosystem of coral reef and rainforest. There is a beach in this region where visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling as well as wildlife watching. Its name is Weyos beach. A lot of animals and plants can be seen here. 

Wildlife Watching Tour in West Papua

Between April and September, visitors can walk a long the beach to find turtles that land on it to lay eggs. Leatherback, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Green turtles usually lay their eggs at this beach. They are protected by government. Visitors who stay at this beach can watch birds, reptiles and mammals in this coastal forest. Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise and Magnificent Riflebird, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Yellow-faced Myna, Eclectus Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Black-capped Lory, as well as Brahminy Kite, Western-crowned Pigeon could be watched in this area.

Tropical birds in the forest of Tambrauw

The exploration of the forest of Weyos beach can also be carried out at night to see deer, monitor lizard, snake, and cuscus possum and wallaby. 

To do the wildlife watching, visitors need binoculars, camera and head torch or flash light. Because this forest is located far from cities, logistical preparation will be needed before carrying out this trip. This includes preparation of boat, tents, sleeping bag, and purchase of food in the city.

Visitor who want to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at Weyos beach can bring snorkeling device (mask, snorkel, and swim fins) and a good underwater camera like Nikon W-300, or Olympus TG-6.

Marine Life in the North Coast of West Papua

Flight Route

To visit Weyos beach, international visitors need to fly from their country to Jakarta or Denpasar or Surabaya or Manado. These are cities in Indonesia. 

After that the flight can be continued to Sorong city by domestic airlines such as Garuda, Batik Air, Sriwijaya Air or Lion Air. 

Flight route to Sorong city

From Sorong city, the trip to Weyos beach and be continued by 4wd car and then by boat. If the trip from Sorong city is conducted early in the morning, visitors will arrive at Weyos beach in late afternoon. 

I suggest that visitors traveling in a group of at least three to four peoplenor even six to share the cost. However, a solo traveler is welcomed if he or she can cover the cost of the trip to this secluded beach.

Weyos - a secluded Beach in West Papua

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

Watching Magnificent Riflebird in Susnguakti Forest

Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus)

Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus) is a species of birds of paradise that live in lowland and lower montane forest of New Guinea. The male one has got black feather all over its body that is decorated with triangular blue breast. There is a narrow yellow line feather below the blue breast. Because of these physical characteristics I like to call him Blue-breasted Paradise Bird. The birds are active in the mornings, and in the afternoons at his display or dancing site - usually a big hanging vine or a clean branch. He likes to perform courtship dance to attract his female bird.
Magnificent Riflebird makes calling sounds throughout the day. We can hear the sounds of this bird almost every where in the forest but it is very difficult to find him. Fortunately, I have seen the birds in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari.

Simple but comfortable tent

Early this month, I organized a birding tour for an Austrian couple who spent several days birding and wildlife watching with me.
We stayed in a basecamp in the middle of the jungle. There is no toilet. We used a small river near our basecamp to wash and clean our body. I prepared dome tents, mattrasses, towels, and pillows for them so that they could sleep comfortably in the forest. There were cooking and eating utensils that I and local villagers provided in the forest. All that my clients needed to bring were some dark clothing, anti-insect lotion, food, binoculars, and camera.
At night, we did some night walk to find cuscus possum, soa-soa lizard as well as birds that were sleeping on lower branches of trees. We saw Lesser Birds of Paradise and King Bird of Paradise during the day. Susnguakti forest of Manokwari is the natural habitat of butterflies, beetles, wild flowers, and a lot of unique plants.
I provide tours to Susnguakti forest for visitors who want to watch birds and wild animals. The duration in the forest is usually 3 days/ 2 nights. This rainforest tour can be combined with snorkeling tour at the beach of Manokwari.
Here is how to get here:

• Find an international flight that will bring you from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia)
• After that buy plane ticket that will bring you to Manokwari city (the capital of West Papua province of Indonesia)
• I will meet you at the airport or at the hotel where you stay and bring you to the forest.

If you want me to guide you traveling to Manokwari to watch birds, wild animals and also see coral reef environment, please, contact (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text message to: +6281332245180.

I am now trying to raise money so that I could buy binoculars which I could donate to villagers who will guide tourists in the forest. You could support this effort by clicking and buying the following illustration printed on various products such as t-shirt, cell phone case, tote bags, spiral notebook, and etc.

Male Lesser Bird of Paradise

Vector Art created by Charles Roring

Also read: 

• Birdwatching in the Farmland of Sonder
• Tropical Birds in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birding walk in the farmland and paddy fields of Sonder
• Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa highland
• Birding in Paddy Fields of Sonder in Minahasa highland
• Walking Tour, Birdwatching, Butterflywatching in Sonder of Minahasa highland
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Birdwatching tour in Sonder of North Sulawesi
• Birding in Sonder
• Flower tour in Minahasa highland

Wildlife in Arfak Mountains

Lesser B.O.P

Susnguakti is the name of a tropical rainforest area in the eastern region of Arfak mountains. It is the natural habitat of several species of birds of paradise such as Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius), and Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus). There are also other birds in the forest such as Blyth's hornbill, Dwarf Cassowary, Hooded Butcherbird, Papuan Lorikeet and Common Paradise Kingfisher.
Susnguakti forest of Arfak range is home for wild pigs, deer, bandicoot, cucus possum, soa-soa lizards, snakes, spiders, butterflies, moth, beetles, fireflies and etc.
For plants, there are bamboo trees, fern, ficus tree, palm tree, rattan, lianas, and a lot of creeping plants, and orchid flowers that live in the forest.
To see plants, watch birds and wild animals in Susnguakti forest, tourists usually spend 3 days/ 2 nights camping and hiking with local guides.
We have prepared tents, simple shelters, cooking and eating utensils in the forest.

Cruiser Butterfly

How to go there?

1. Fly from your country to one of the big cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar or Manado.
2. After that take a domestic flight served by Sriwijaya Air, Batik Air, or Garuda to Manokwari city.
3. I will be happy to meet you at the airport and organize your trip to the area. 

Vogelkop Dragon Lizard

What you need to bring and wear

• Flashlight/ torch 

•  Binoculars and camera

•  Anti insect cream/ lotion 

•  Hiking/ sport shoes 

•  Short and long pants/ jeans + t-shirts

Because we are going to watch wild animals in the forest, there is no guarantee, that we will be able to see them. Sometimes we are lucky and sometimes we are not. Our adventure in the forest to watch wildlife is usually carried out early in the mornings, in the afternoons before sunset, and at nights.
For night walks, we may see cuscus possum, vogelkop dragon lizard, bandicoot, and snake.
For morning walks, we may see Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise and Magnificent Riflebirds as well as other birds that like to eat fruits, nectar of wild flowers of trees around our basecamp.
Booking: Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or text message to my whatsapp number: +6281332245180.

Also read: Camping and Birdwatching in Arfak Mountains

Birding and Wildlife Watching Tour in Tambrauw Mountains

Hooded Pitta in Tambrauw mountains

The mountain range of Tambrauw is located between Manokwari and Sorong regencies. It is mostly covered by pristine tropical rainforest that is the natural habitat of hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, marsupials and insects.
There is a very good site for wildlife watching in Tambrauw mountains. Its name is Ases valley. Visitors who go to the valley can see animals such as Birds of Paradise, deer, wild pigs, and colorful butterfies. Birding tour can easily be done along the sides of Ases river.

Adventure tour in Tambrauw mountains

It takes approximately 6 hours by 4WD car from Sorong city to Ases valley. Visitors can stay at the villagers' houses or in tents at the banks of the river.
The average number of days which tourists spend in the valley for watching birds is between 4 to 7 days. To increase the chance of seeing more wild animals, local guides will offer day and night walking tours in the jungle. Nocturnal animals such as wallaby and cuscus possum can be seen in the valley.

Tambrauw Mountains

What to bring:
Darker color clothing for watching birds and wild animals
Digital camera with telephoto lens and some extra batteries
Torch/ flashlight
Binoculars
Field guide: Birds of New Guinea written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler. This book could be ordered from Amazon online store.

Birding

How to get there?
Fly from your country to Jakarta city
Take a domestic flight to Sorong city
I will organize your trip to Ases valley in Tambrauw mountains.

I suggest that visitors travel in a group of 3 to 4 people to share the cost.
Booking:
You could send email to my account: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text/ whatsapp message to: +6281332245180.

Hiking Camping and Wildlife Watching in Arfak Mountains

Camping in the jungle of Arfak mountains - Manokwari

I often organize hiking and camping tours in Mount Susnguakti of Arfak mountains for tourists who want to watch birds, several species of cuscus possum, bandicoot, tree dragon lizard and other reptiles, unique insects and colorful butterflies.
Butterflies such as Ornithoptera priamus, Papilio ulysses, Taenaris catops, Vindula arsinoe, Parthenos tigrina can easily be seen in the clearing area around the Campsite.
Tourists who take the tours come from Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Participant can be a solo traveler or a group of 2 - 4 visitors who want to see the complex ecosystem of tropical rainforest.

Tree Dragon Lizard in Arfak Mountains

Staying in Tents
The most favorite site in Arfak mountains for hiking, rainforest tour and wildlife watching is Mount Susnguakti. It is located in the eastern area of Arfak range. There are no luxurious gueshouses in the jungle. I and local villagers built simple campsites in the jungle.
As a tour guide, I provide camping gear such as tents, sleeping bag, cooking and eating utensils for visitors who want to stay for a few nights. Our camping ground is located near a small stream.
Nature Lover Paradise
In the jungle of Manokwari, visitors can see wild flowers, various kinds of mushrooms, butterflies, birds, lizards, glowing mushrooms, cuscus possum and a lot of tropical plants.
Duration of Stay
Most Tourists who go to Mount Susnguakti of Arfak mountains spend between 3 and 4 days in hiking in the lower montane forest.
Itinerary
Day 1 
Arrive in Manokwari city. Transfer by car to Mount Susnguakti in the east of Arfak Mountains. Hiking to the Campsite 1. Nature walk in the jungle to see the wealth of the biodiversity of tropical rainforest.
Day 2 

Wake up early in the morning. Hiking to the birding ground of paradise birds. We will watch Lesser Birds of Paradise. After that we will walk back to our tents for breakfast. In the middle of the day, we could move deeper into the jungle to Campsite 2. We will explore the forest again to see its unique plants, colorful butterlies and other beautiful insects. At night, we could do night walk to find cuscus possum.

Cuscus in Susnguakti forest

Day 3
We could make second attempt to watch Lesser Birds of Paradise again or explore the forest to find Magnificent Riflebird, King Bird of Paradise or just do the sightseeing.
In the afternoon, we could walk down the steep slopes of Arfak mountains to the main road and then return to Manokwari city by car. Or you could stay longer in the forest to explore its higher or lower elevation areas.
Optional: Upon special request, visitors can extend their stay in the jungle of Arfak mountains if they want to see more wildlife in the area. This request should be informed in advance so that local guides could buy more food for that purpose. In general tourists stay between 3 to 5 days to explore the rainforest.

Common Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera galatea) in Arfak Mountains

Wildlife Watching Equipment
To enhance wildlife watching experience, I highly recommend that each tourist bring his or her own binoculars. I provide a good pair of 10x42 binoculars and a 20-60x60 spotting scope with a tripod.
Birdwatching
Arfak mountains have been famous among birdwatchers as birding destination. The tropical rainforest that covers the mountain range is the natural habitat of a lot of species of birds including Common Paradise Kingfisher, Hooded Butcherbird, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Papuan Blyth's Hornbill, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, and etc.
Visitors who go birding in Arfak mountains could buy Birds of New Guinea as their field guide. The book was written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler.

Hiking

Paradise Birds in Mount Mabowi

The best way to see the wealth of bio-diversity of the forest is by exploring it on foot. Hiking can be carried out early in the morning to see paradise birds, during the day - to see a lot of unique plants in the tropical rainforest such as lianas, bamboo, large trees, mushrooms and orchids. Butterflies, beetles, beetles, soa-soa lizard, frogs, snakes, bandicoot, and birds can also be seen during the hiking trip. Night walk can also be organized for visitors who are interested in seeing cuscus possum, and glowing mushrooms. The slopes of Mount Susnguakti are very steep and sometimes slippery. Good hiking shoes are needed during the rainforest tour. I highly suggest that visitors wear a good pair of hiking shoes if they want to explore the bio-diversity of Arfak Mountains.

How to come here?

• Fly from your country to Jakarta - the capital of Indonesia
• Fly from Jakarta to Manokwari city
• I could meet you at the airport or hotel to arrange your trip to Mount Mabowi of Arfak mountains.

Booking
Please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text/ whatsapp message to +6281332245180