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| Mansinam island in Manokwari |
Yesterday, I went snorkeling with two American tourists in North Coast and Dore bay of Manokwari. Before leaving for snorkeling sites, I went to the beach to see whether the sea was calm or not. Unfortunately, the wind was very strong. I had some discussion with a water-taxi driver who said that it would be too dangerous to go to parts of the islands in the bay that were directly exposed to the wind.
North CoastSo, I decided to change the destination of our snorkeling site to the north coast of Manokwari. After that I went to Swissbel hotel to meet Sachi and Riaz and explained the situation. They could understand my explanation and agreed to go snorkeling in the northern area of Manokwari whose waters were calm. We went there by three ojeks (motorcycle taxis) to the suburb of Manokwari were we enjoyed snorkeling for approximately one hour. After that we had lunch at the restaurant of Mansinam Beach Hotel.
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| Coral Reef and Fish in Manokwari |
Visiting MansinamThis time, the sea was calm and I felt that we could enjoy snorkeling inside the bay, i.e. in Mansinam island. Since the boat station was near the hotel, we went there on foot. There were some water taxis waiting for passengers at the station. It took around 10 minutes to reach Mansinam. Before going snorkeling, we visited the museum of the island which describes the situation of the indigenous people of Papua before the arrival of the missionary, during the missionary works and several decades after that. An old Papuan man who guided us in the museum was very enthusiastic in explaining every picture and articles in the museum. Most of the writings were written in Indonesian language. I must translate them into English so that Riaz and Sachi would be able to understand them. We spent around 30 minutes in the museum and after that continued our trip to the beach.
We enjoyed snorkeling for around one and a half hours. We saw moorish idol, damselfish, butterfly fish, surgeon fish, pink anemonefish, orange-finned anemonefish, black urchin, sea star, boxfish, sweepers, pipefish, sea snake, and a big needlefish. The coral reef was very good in the island but more plastic wastes were found the area. Sachi and Riaz said that Manokwari was a beautiful town. We have to be proud of it and keep our environment clean.
In addition to snorkeling, we also went hiking in the first day of the tour to Table mountain. We entered the forest at 17.00 and began walking through the forest to the Japanese World War II memorial monument. After that we continued walking through the forest again until we reached the campus of Papua university. I did not see any birds in the forest because our goal was only walk. But I could hear the sound of a helmetted friarbird shouting in distant trees. During the walk we discussed about the Pacific war where the Imperial Japanese troops were fighting against the Dutch and the American in Manokwari. We reached the main road at around 18.30 and returned to Swissbel hotel by public transportation.
The next morning we still had a plan to enjoy snorkeling in remote place of the bay outside of the city but the weather was bad. It was raining most of the day. We could not go. On the fourth day of their stay in Manokwari, they left this town for Jayapura by airplane. It was a nice experience of hiking and snorkeling with them. This was written by Charles Roring.
Birding in Mount Mahawu and Sonder: Discovering the Avian Treasures of the Minahasa Highlands
The Minahasa Highlands in North Sulawesi are increasingly earning recognition among birders for their rich endemic wildlife, cool mountain climate, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Among its most rewarding destinations, Mount Mahawu and the Sonder region stand out as accessible, biodiversity-rich birding sites that offer exceptional opportunities to observe Sulawesi’s unique birdlife. For both seasoned birders and curious nature enthusiasts, these two highland areas provide an unforgettable experience.
The Minahasa Highlands: A Brief Ecological Overview
The Minahasa Highlands sit within the biogeographically distinct island of Sulawesi—home to birds found nowhere else on Earth. The island’s dramatic geological history created isolated mountain ecosystems, supporting species that evolved separately from those on neighboring islands.
Mount Mahawu and the hills around Sonder benefit from:
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Montane and sub-montane forests, ideal for endemics
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Cooler temperatures, creating comfortable birding conditions
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Low human disturbance compared to more crowded reserves
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Easy accessibility from Manado and Tomohon
Together, these factors make Mahawu and Sonder two of the most rewarding birding destinations in North Sulawesi.
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| Scaly-breasted Kingfisher |
Birding in Mount Mahawu
A Volcanic Landscape Rich in Endemics
Mount Mahawu (1,311 m) is known for its scenic crater rim, sub-montane forest, and quiet trails. Despite being relatively small compared to other volcanoes in Sulawesi, Mahawu’s habitat harbors a variety of sought-after endemic birds.
Key Bird Species at Mount Mahawu
1. Sulawesi Myzomela (Myzomela chloroptera)
Often found feeding on flowering shrubs, this small, active bird is a favorite among photographers.
2. Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
A beautiful kingfisher that is endemic to Sulawesi island. with elongated tail feathers. Early mornings are the best time to see this solitary bird that likes to sit under shrub or palm plants.
3. Sulawesi Blue-flycatcher (Cyornis omissus)
Frequently seen perching quietly at eye level in the shaded forest interior.
4. Streak-headed White-eye (Heleia squamiceps)
A species of montane mixed flocks, often appearing in groups near the crater trails.
5. Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
A small, impressive woodpecker unique to Sulawesi—its high pitch tapping often gives away its presence before it’s seen.
6. Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia doreya albicapilla)
Why Birders Love Mahawu
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Gentle slopes and short trails suitable for all fitness levels
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Excellent early-morning bird activity near forest edges
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Close proximity to Tomohon, ideal for day trips
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Cooler weather compared to coastal lowlands
The crater-rim walk also offers stunning panoramic views over misty valleys—an added reward during pauses between sightings.
Birding in Sonder
While Mount Mahawu is better known among tourists, Sonder—a cluster of rural highlands southwest of Tomohon—remains a quieter and equally productive birding area. The landscapes consist of farmland, secondary forest, and riverine habitat, creating a mosaic ideal for both endemic forest birds and open-country species.
Key Bird Species in Sonder
1. Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
A highlight for many birders. Though the species prefers denser forest, remnant patches around Sonder still support it.
2. Yellow-billed Malkoha
A large bird with rufous top hald feather and black bottom half. The bird has got long dark tail, and thick yellow and red bill.
3. Sulawesi Serpent-eagle (Spilornis rufipectus)
Frequently soaring over agricultural fields and forest edges.
4. Pale-blue Monarch (Hypothymis puella)
A strikingly colored flycatcher, often seen flitting through low branches.
5. Black-crowned White-eye (Zosterops atrifrons)
Common in highland areas; their cheerful calls often fill the morning air.
6. Finch-billed Myna (Scissirostrum dubium)
A social species often seen perched in groups on overhead wires near villages—easy to find and delightful to watch.
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| Crimson Sunbird |
Why Sonder Deserves More Birding Attention
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Less crowded than more famous reserves
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Mixture of habitats, increasing species diversity
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Ideal for photographers, thanks to open light conditions
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Opportunities to observe village life and Minahasan cultural traditions between birding sessions
Sonder is a place where a birder can move from farmland to forest in minutes, discovering new species at each transition.
Best Time for Birding in Mahawu and Sonder
The dry season, from April to October, offers the most reliable weather, clearer skies, and easier trails.
However, even during wetter months, morning bird activity remains excellent.
Tips for a Successful Birding Trip
1. Start at dawn
Bird activity peaks from 05:30–09:00, especially around Mahawu’s forest edges.
2. Bring a local bird guide
Local guides know the calls, microhabitats, and seasonal movements of Sulawesian birds—especially valuable for elusive species like kingfishers and hornbills.
3. Prepare for changing weather
Mahawu’s summit can shift from sunny to misty within minutes.
Bring a light jacket, rain cover, and sturdy shoes.
4. Support community-based tourism
Many families in the Minahasa Highlands welcome birders and offer homestays or guiding services. Supporting them helps sustain conservation initiatives.
Conclusion
Mount Mahawu and Sonder offer two distinct yet complementary birding experiences—Mahawu with its cool montane forest trails and crater views, and Sonder with its peaceful rural landscapes and surprising diversity. For anyone exploring the Minahasa Highlands, these destinations provide exceptional opportunities to encounter Sulawesi’s extraordinary avian endemism.
Whether you’re chasing the elusive Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher, admiring the vibrant racket-tails, or simply soaking in the serene highland atmosphere, birding in Mahawu and Sonder promises an unforgettable adventure.
To book your tour, please contact us by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following WA contact button:
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