Butterfly Watching in West Papua

Here is a picture of Meadow Argus butterfly (Junonia villida) that I saw in the tropical jungle of Klasow valley. The valley is approximately 1.5 hours ride from Sorong city. There is a village in the middle of the jungle where I like to visit with tourists. I guide tourists to the valley to see tropical rainforest and to watch birds and butterflies.

Villagers in the jungle plant flowers around their houses. The flowers that bloom in the morning attract a lot of butterflies including Blue Mountain Swallowtail (Papilio ulysses), and Cruiser Butterfly (Vindula arsinoe) .

I personally do not have a field guide book for butterflies and insects of this vogelkop peninsula but by making several searches on the internet, I could identify some of them.
If you are interested in taking rainforest tour in West Papua to see butterflies and birds, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. I will be happy to guide you in the jungle.

Tambrauw Mountains - a Recommended Destination for Rainforest Tour

Experience the Tropical Jungle
The mountain range of Tambrauw can be reached by 4WD car from Sorong city. Its tropical rainforest is the natural habitat of a lot of species of animals including Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Blyth's hornbill and Goliath Cockatoo. I promote it as a new destination this year for visitors who are interested in exploring the rich bio-diversity of Papua's jungle.

Camping Gear
Usually tourists who come in groups between 4 and 6 people spend between 4 and 5 days in Tambrauw regency. If you are interested in traveling to West Papua and want to take jungle tour, please, make sure that you bring all the necessary gear including dome tent, rolling mattrass or sleeping bag, raincoat, flash light, binoculars for watching wild animals and digital camera with telephoto lens and extra batteries.

Water Shoes
Most of the walks into deeper area of the jungle will be done along the banks of the river. Visitors will have to cross a river many times. That's why it is important to have a good pair of water shoes. You could buy the shoes at a local shoe store in your town or order them directly based on the following recommendation.

How to get there?
Fly from your country to Jakarta ( the capital of Indonesia)
Fly to Sorong city
I will meet you at the airport or at the hotel where you stay and organize your trip to Tambrauw mountains.
I suggest that the participants of the tour should be 3 or more people to share the cost of the tour.
Booking
I will be happy to arrange the tour, calculate the cost and prepare the itinerary for you. Please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or you could call me, send text/ whatsapp message to my number: +6281332245180 for more information.

Rainforest Tour in Syugrar River of Tambrauw Regency

Hiking, Birding and Wildlife Watching in Tambrauw Mountains

Last week I organized a rainforest tour for six Polish visitors. They had a 2-week vacation in West Papua. They spent their first week enjoying scuba diving in Raja Ampat and their second week trekking and camping in the tropical jungle of Tambrauw mountains from 8 to 12 Nov. 2015. While in Raja Ampat, they stayed at Kri Eco Resort. I met them at the Usaha Mina Speed Boat harbor in Sorong town and then arranged their transfer to Sausapor (the temporary capital of Tambrauw regency). After informing the local police about our arrival, we continued our trip to Syuan river. Heavy rained welcomed us. I and my friends worked fast in constructing tents for our guests. We would spent several nights trekking, birding and wildlife watching in the forest. 

Lesser Bird of Paradise

The next morning we had a short walk into the jungle where we watched Lesser Birds of Paradise. It was a nice experience of the Polish tourists who saw the rainforest as a totally new environment for them. In addition to watching birds of paradise, they also had some conversation with local people about their marriage customs, what to give as dowry, hunting practices and things that were related to the daily life of Papuan people.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

In the afternoon, I decided to relocate the group to Syugrar river because the water current in Syuan river was very strong. I explained to them that if we moved to Syugrar river, we would be able to walk deeper into the jungle just by walking through the river. Syugrar and Syuan rivers were separated by a huge ridge from Tambrauw mountains. We walked back to the main road and wait for several ours for our 4WD car to transfer us to our new location. 

I made a right decision. The next morning, we were able to walk deeper into the jungle through Syugrar river whose current was not as strong as Syuan. During the trip, we saw hornbill, cockatoo, lory and other tropical birds that live in the jungle. At the end of our trip, we had a short tour around Sausapor town and a walking tour around Werur village.

If you are interested in taking a rainforest tour that is organized from Sorong city, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Also read:
Birdwatching and Snorkeling in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat Snorkeling
Snorkeling Vacation in Raja Ampat archipelago

Rainforest Tour along Syugrar River of Tambrauw Regency

I have just completed a rainforest tour in Tambrauw mountains where I guided 6 visitors from Poland from 8 to 12 November 2015. We went camping and trekking along Syugrar river. On the first day, I met them at Usaha Mina speedboat harbor of Sorong city. After buying some food from Remu Market, we left the city for Sausapor town. It took around 4 hours to reach Sausapor that is located in the northern coast of the bird's head region of West Papua.

We built our first camps at the side of Syuan river but the next morning we had to move to Syugrar river to avoid the strong current of Syuan. We wanted to walk deeper into the jungle to see the rainforest ecosystem.

We spent 3 days/ 2 nights trekking, camping, swimming and wildlife watching along Syugrar river. For the Polish tourists, it was a unique experience because they had never seen tropical rainforest before.
If you are also interested in taking a rainforest tour in Tambrauw mountains, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Jungle Tour in Sorong Regency

Hiking in Sorong forest of West Papua

Sorong city has been a famous hub for visitors who want to go to Raja Ampat - the best tourist destination in the world for scuba diving. In fact, not all of the visitors who go to West Papua are diving enthusiasts. There are also a lot of tourists who are interested in trekking in the jungle of Sorong to see wild animals, trees, flowers, and butterflies, or swim at a river and meet the indigenous Papuan people.

There is a forest area near Sorong regency. Its name is Klasow valley and can be reached by a 4WD car. It is located in the east of the city. It takes approximately 1 hour by car and another hour on foot to reach it.
As a tourist guide, I have arranged trips for tourists who are interested in exploring the tropical rainforest of Klasow valley. Most of them stay for 3 days/ 2 nights or 4 days/ 3 nights.

Western Crowned Pigeon (Goura cristata) in the jungle of Klasow valley

They go there to see rainforest ecosystem. During the days, they go trekking to watch birds and see herbal plants and trees whose woods and leaves are used by local people as construction materials. And at nights, they walk in the jungle to watch wallaby. 

While staying in the village jungle of Klasow valley, they can go trekking to explore the rich biodiversity of the rainforest or they can enjoy swimming at many of its rivers.

Large Fig Parrot in the jungle of Klasow valley

The tropical rainforest of Klasow valley is a recommended site for birdwatchers who want to watch lesser birds of paradise, blyth's hornbill, sulphur crested cockatoo, golden myna, western crowned pigeon, pinon imperial pigeon, dollar bird, goliath cockatoo, paradise rifle bird and many tropical birds that make the jungle of New Guinea as their home.

Lesser Bird of Paradise

The forest of Klasow valley is also the natural habitat of wallaby ( a kind of small kangaroo), cuscus possum, deer, wild pigs, soa-soa lizards, and snakes. There is a village inside the valley near Klabolo stream. Tourists who stay in the village will be able to explore the forest edge to watch a lot of colorful butterflies. Klasow valley is flat. It is a tourist destination that is easy to be explored by visitors who cannot climb steep slopes of Papua's mountains.

To book your jungle tour in Sorong regency, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Sorong city Sightseeing and Birding Attractions
• Birding and Sightseeing in Sorong and Raja Ampat
• Birding near Sorong city
• Sorong Birding and Raja Ampat Snorkeling
• Short Birding Tour in Sorong City
• Orchid in Raja Ampat

Birdwatching in the Minahasa Highlands: A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers
Nestled in the heart of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, the Minahasa Highlands are a paradise not just for scenic mountain lovers but also for birdwatchers seeking to encounter rare and endemic species. From lush montane forests to tranquil crater lakes and farmlands, this region offers a spectacular array of bird habitats—and an unforgettable birding experience.
Why Choose Minahasa Highlands for Birdwatching?
The Minahasa Highlands are part of Sulawesi, an island famed for its high rate of endemism. Over 330 bird species have been recorded here, nearly a third of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The cooler mountain air and beautiful landscapes also make it one of the most comfortable and scenic birding regions in Indonesia.

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Best Birding Sites in the Highlands
1. Sonder and Tounelet Forest
Located about an hour’s drive from Manado, the town of Sonder is surrounded by forest edges, hills, and farmland. In the early mornings, birdwatchers can spot species such as:
Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
Pale Blue Monarch
Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
Mountain White-eye
Black-crowned White-eye
Crimson Sunbird
Sooty-headed Bulbul
Black-naped Oriole
Evening birding walks may reward visitors with views of the elusive Sulawesi Scops Owl and other nocturnal birds.

Mountain White-eye

2. Mount Mahawu
A dormant volcano near Tomohon, Mount Mahawu is covered with montane forest that hosts:
Crimson Sunbird
Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
Turquoise Flycatcher
Sulawesi Drongo
Sulawesi Leaf Warbler
White-faced Cuckoo-dove
Superb Fruit Dove
This area is ideal for more experienced birders aiming to spot highland endemics.
3. Lake Linow near Lahendong
These crater lakes offer a different birding experience, featuring open water and marshy habitats. Visitors may encounter:
Wandering Whistling Duck
Gray Teal
Barred Rail
Purple Heron
Little Egret
Gray-rumped Treeswift
The lakeside scenery also makes this a great location for photography and relaxing birdwatching.

4. Farmland and Rice Fields
The agricultural zones around Sonder and Tomohon provide a contrasting habitat, attracting:
Collared Kingfisher
White-breasted Woodswallow
Cattle Egret
Eastern Yellow Wagtail
Chestnut Munia
Scaly-breasted Munia
White-browed Crake
Cinnamon Bittern
These areas are best explored early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Unique Endemic Species to Watch For
Minahasa Masked Owl
Matinan Blue Flycatcher
Satanic Nightjar
Sulawesi Myzomela
Hair-crested Drongo (White-eyed form)
Minahasa Hooded Pitta
These special species are on every birder’s Sulawesi wishlist and highlight the conservation importance of the region.
When to Visit
The dry season (May to September) is the best time for birdwatching, with clear skies and easier access to forest trails. However, birding is enjoyable year-round, especially in the early morning (06:00–09:30) and late afternoon (15:00–18:00) when bird activity peaks.
Practical Tips
🛫 Arrive via Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado.
🚗 Stay in Tomohon or Sonder, which offer both comfortable hotels and local homestays.
🔭 Bring binoculars (8×42 or 10×42), a camera with a telephoto lens, and a torch for night walks.
🧭 Hire a local birding guide to improve your chances of spotting rare species and navigating forest trails.
Beyond Birds: Butterflies and Scenery
Birding in Minahasa often comes with delightful surprises—colorful butterflies such as the Common Birdwing or Sulawesi Tree Nymph flutter through the gardens and forest trails. And while you search for birds, you’ll be treated to views of steaming volcanoes, vibrant flower farms, and unique Minahasan culture.
Final Thoughts
The Minahasa Highlands are one of Indonesia’s most underrated birding destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist or a beginner with binoculars, this region promises stunning avian diversity, peaceful natural beauty, and genuine cultural warmth. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this birdwatching treasure.
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🦉 Have you visited Minahasa Highlands for birdwatching? Share your experience in the comments below!
📧 Need help organizing a birding trip here? Contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.—I’ll be glad to help you plan routes, accommodations, and connect you with local guides.
 

Also read:

• Birdwatching Tour in the Farmland and Forest of Minahasa Highland
• Flower Tour in Minahasa Highland
• Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Tropical Birds in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birding Walk in the Farmland and Paddy Fields of Sonder Town
• Birdwatching in the Farmland of Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve
• Birds in North Sulawesi
• Birding and Wildlife Watching Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland