Paradise birds live in the forest of West Papua province of the Republic of Indonesia. You can watch most of them if you spend around 2 weeks traveling across West Papua from Wasior town in Wondama Bay to Arfak mountains in Manokwari, Weyos beach in Tambrauw and Waigeo island in Raja Ampat. Birds of Paradise are beautiful avifauna that have got unique behaviour. They like dancing and mating. To watch them birdwatchers need to bring binoculars, camera with telephoto lens.
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| Lesser Birds of Paradise in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari |
Destinations:
- The first destination which visitors should go is Manokwari city. This is the entrance gate to Arfak mountains. The steep slopes of higher elevation forest of Arfak mountains are the natural habitat of Long-tailed Paradigala, Western Parotia, Black Sicklebill, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Crescent-caped Lophorina. There are a lot of other interesting birds as well such as Masked Bowerbird, Vogelkop Bowerbird. The lower montane forest of Arfak mountains such as the Susnguakti forest is the habitat of Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Magnificent Bird of Paradise. The forest is also the destination for visitors who want to watch Hooded Butcherbird, Red-bellied Pitta, Hooded Pitta, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot.
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| Long-tailed Paradigala |
- Your next destination should be Wasior town in Wondama bay regency. The Wondiboy mountains is one of the centers of endemism in New Guinea. There are Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, and Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. For Glossy-mantled Manucode, and Trumpet Manucode, they can be watched there too. The higher elevation forest of Wondiboy mountains is another center of endemism in West Papua. Its slopes are steep making it very difficult for avid birdwatchers to reach it. Along its mountain ridge, visitors will be able to find rare birds such as Black Sicklebill, Western Parotia, Crescent-caped Lophorina, and perhaps the Arfak Astrapia. Further avifauna studies need to be conducted in Wondiboy mountains to assess whether millions of years of speciation process have created new species of birds in this isolated mountain range. Wasior town which is the entrance gate for visitors who want to watch birds in Wondiboy mountains and lowland forest of Wondama regency is a great destination to visit. Visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the beach to see colorful reef fish and beautiful corals of the sea.
- Another important site for finding lowland and lower montane birds of paradise is Weyos beach in Tambrauw regency. Visitors could go there by motorized boat. Lesser BoP, King BoP, Twelve-wired BoP, Magnificent Riflebird, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Trumpet Manucode, Crinkle-collared Manucode live in this forest.
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| Weyos beach in Tambrauw regency |
Weyos and its surrounding beaches are the nesting ground of Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Green and Hawksbill turtles that swim across the Pacific ocean to lay eggs there. Actually, Weyos can be considered as the vocal point of birding and wildlife watching in West Papua.
For higher elevation forest in Tambrauw, the recommended destination will be Mount Vitakur. The entry point to go there can be Manokwari city. Visitors can go by small passenger plane, Cessna Caravan 208 to Kebar and then continue their trip to District Miyah. In Ayapokiar village, there is local guide named Amo, and in Siakwa village, there is Paul Warere. They can guide visitors to find not only the Lesser Birds of Paradise, Magnificent Birds of Paradise, Masked Bowerbird and Vogelkop Bowerbird but also the Western Parotia, Crescent-caped Lophorina and Black Siklebill.
- The regency of Sorong has got several birding sites. The famous ones are Gauksuak and Klaimis forests in northern region of Sorong. There is also forest area near Aimas town. Birds that visitors can watch include Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise and Magnificent Riflebird.
- Klabili is a village in Tambrauw regency. It is a very popular site for watching Papuan Pitta and Hooded Pitta. Visitors could also watch Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Lesser Bird of Paradise as well as a lot of other specieala of tropical birds such as Palm Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot and Black-capped Lory.
- Waigeo, together with some islands in its surroundings, of Raja Ampat is the habitat of Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise. People go there to enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving. If they have time, they want to see the paradise birds.
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| Some Birds of Paradise from the forest of West Papua |
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| Orchid Flower in the forest of West Papua |
As a matter of fact, West Papua is a beautiful tourist destination not only for birdwatching but also for marine tourism activities and cultural interactions. If you are interested in traveling to West Papua and want me (Charles Roring) to guide you, please, contact me through whatsapp by pressing
this contact link or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.
**Birdwatching and Nature Photography Tour in North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia**
North Sulawesi Province, located on the northern tip of the island of Sulawesi, is one of Indonesia’s most exciting destinations for birdwatching and nature photography tour. The region has a high number of endemic bird species, meaning birds that are found nowhere else in the world. Its mix of mountains, forests, rivers, farmland, paddy fields, and protected reserves makes it ideal for birdwatchers and photographers who want close encounters with rare and colorful birds. This article introduces several important birdwatching and nature photography locations in North Sulawesi: Tambun Maleo Sanctuary, Mount Mahawu in Tomohon, Tincep's Paddy Field, Sonder's Forest, Tangkoko Nature Reserve, and the Naun River.
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| Collared Kingfisher |
**Tambun Maleo Sanctuary**
Tambun Maleo Sanctuary is one of the best birding areas in North Sulawesi. It is known for its dense forest. The area is especially important for endemic species such as the Maleo, Knobbed Hornbill, Pale Blue Monarch and Black-naped Fruit-dove. Early morning is the best time for photography, when birds are most active and the forest light is soft.
Tambun Maleo Sanctuary offers easier access to forest trails. Many photographers come here to photograph rare species like the Maleo, Knobbed Hornbill, White-necked Myna, Pale Blue Monarch. Patience is important, as birds often move quietly through the canopy, but the reward is worth the effort.
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| Black-faced Munia |
**Mount Mahawu of Tomohon**
Mount Mahawu is a small volcanic mountain near the town of Tomohon. Compared to other locations, it is relatively easy to reach and suitable for short bird photography trips. The forest around Mount Mahawu is home to species such as the Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Black-crowned White-eye, Superb Fruit-dove, and Yellow-billed Malkoha.
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| Black-naped Oriole |
The trails around Mount Mahawu are gentle, making it a good place for photographers of all experience levels. Mist and light fog are common in the morning, creating a dramatic atmosphere for photography. Because of its location near Tomohon, Mount Mahawu is often included as a half-day or full-day stop in bird photography tours.
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| Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove |
**Sonder Forest**
Sonder Forest, including the area around Mount Lengkoan, Rambunan Slope is less visited than other sites but offers excellent bird photography opportunities. The forest is rich in biodiversity and provides habitat for both lowland and montane bird species. This area is especially attractive for photographers looking for quieter and less crowded locations.
Birds commonly seen here include the Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Mountain Tailorbird, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, and Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Black-faced Munia, and Barred Rail, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker.
Because the area is less developed, local guides are highly recommended to help locate birds and ensure safe travel.
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| Sulawesi Scops Owl |
**Tangkoko Nature Reserve**
Tangkoko Nature Reserve is the most famous wildlife destination in North Sulawesi. While it is well known for mammals like the spectral tarsier and crested black macaque, it is also an outstanding bird photography site. The reserve protects lowland forest, coastal forest, and mangrove areas, providing a wide range of bird habitats.
Bird photographers can find species such as the Red-backed Thrush, Green-backed Kingfisher, Great-billed Kingfisher, and the iconic Knobbed Hornbill. The lighting in Tangkoko is often good in the early morning and late afternoon. Because the reserve is popular, working with an experienced local guide helps photographers find birds quickly and respectfully.
**Naun River**
The Naun River area is an excellent location for bird photography, especially for kingfishers and other water-associated species. The river flows through forested landscapes and provides natural perches along its banks. Slow-moving water and shaded areas make it ideal for observing birds at close range.
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| Pale Blue Monarch in Sonder |
Photographers visiting Naun River often target species such as the Green-backed Kingfisher, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and various herons and egrets. Sitting quietly near the riverbank allows birds to return naturally to their favorite perches. This location is especially rewarding for photographers who enjoy peaceful settings and reflective water backgrounds.
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| Barred Rail |
Flight Direction
To take this tour, visitors need to fly to Manado city which is the capital North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. As a tour guide, we will meet you at the airport and then organize your tour to the above birdwatching sites by car.
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| Flight routes to Manado city from Singapore and some major cities in Indonesia |
Accommodation
There are guesthouses, homestays and hotels near these sites. We usually arrange them all for our tour participants during the tour.
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| Typical Accommodation in North Sulawesi |
**Conclusion**
A bird photography tour in North Sulawesi offers a rich and memorable experience. From the forests of Tambun Maleo Sanctuary and Mount Mahawu to the famous wildlife of Tangkoko and the calm beauty of Naun River, each location has its own character and photographic opportunities. With its high number of endemic species, friendly local guides, and beautiful natural landscapes, North Sulawesi is truly a paradise for all nature lovers.
Booking
If you plan to take a birdwatching and nature photography tour in North Sulawesi and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this
contact link.
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