If you are visiting the Province of North Sulawesi in Indonesia, you have probably heard of the famous Tangkoko Nature Reserve. But just an hour away, high in the cool mountains, lies a quieter, hidden gem for nature lovers: Subdistrict town of Sonder.
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| Sulawesi Myzomela in Sonder's forest edge |
Sonder is a small district in the Minahasa Regency, located near the city of Tomohon. Unlike the hot coastal jungles, Sonder offers a cool, breezy climate and a unique landscape where wild forests meet clove plantations and rice fields. This mix makes it a fantastic (and comfortable) place to see birds that you can’t find anywhere else on Earth.
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| Sulawesi Hanging Parrot |
Why Go to Sonder?
Sonder is perfect for "relaxed birding." You don't always need to trek deep into a dark jungle to see amazing wildlife. Because the town is surrounded by gardens and forest edges, many birds come right out into the open.
Cooler Weather: It is much more comfortable to walk here than in the humid lowlands.
Easy Access: You can often spot rare birds just by walking along paved village roads or easy dirt trails near the Tounelet Slope Forest.
Unique Mix: You get to see both forest birds and open-field birds in one trip.
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| Warbling White-eye |
The Stars of the Show
Sonder is famous for a few specific birds that travel from all over the world to see. Here is what you should look for:
1. The Sulawesi Scops Owl
This is the big prize in Sonder. While owls are usually hard to find, local guides in Sonder know exactly where these small owls sleep during the day. You can often see them roosting quietly in bamboo clumps or shady trees near the village edge.
2. The Sulawesi Myzomela
High elevation forest of Sulawesi is the habitat for Sulawesi Myzomela, and Sonder is one of the best places to find this specific highland type. This colourful bird often seen in the forest edge or flower garden. They like to hop from one flower to another feeding on nectar.
3. The Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
These tiny, bright green parrots are fun to watch. They hang upside down (like bats!) while they eat fruit and flower nectar. You will often hear their high-pitched squeaks before you see them zooming past the coconut trees.
4. The Yellow-billed Malkoha
This is a large, strange-looking bird with a long tail and a bright yellow beak. They love climbing through the vines in the forest canopy. They look almost prehistoric and are a favorite for photographers.
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| Some birds in Sonder: Yellow-billed Malkoha, Black-billed Koel, Black-naped Oriole, Sulawesi Myzomela |
A Typical Birding Day in Sonder
The Morning Walk:
Your tour usually starts early, around 5:30 or 6:00 AM, when the birds are most active. You might start at the **Tincep's Kengkang Waterfall** area or the **Tounelet Forest**. As the sun rises, the mist clears, and you can see Green Imperial Pigeon and Sulawesi-crested Myna sit on the brancheals of trees that grow on the cliffs around the waterfall.
The "Edge" Advantage:
One of the best things about Sonder is "edge birding." This means you walk on the road where the forest meets the farm. Birds love this area because they can hide in the trees but come out to the farm to eat insects. It makes spotting them much easier for beginners.
### Practical Tips for Your Trip
* **How to get there:** Sonder is about a 1.5-hour drive from Manado or just 20 minutes from Tomohon.
* **What to wear:** Wear comfortable walking shoes. Even though it is cool, bring a hat and light rain jacket, as mountain weather can change quickly.
* **Bring Binoculars:** Most birds are small and active. If you don't have your own, ask if your guide can provide a pair.
* **Hire a Local Guide:** This is crucial. The birds are good at hiding. Local guides know the specific trees where the Owls and Kingfishers like to sit.
### Summary
Sonder offers a peaceful, authentic side of North Sulawesi. It is not just about ticking birds off a list; it is about enjoying the cool mountain air, the smell of clove spices, and the thrill of spotting a rare owl right in a village backyard.
Booking
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatapp by pressing: this contact link.
Also read:
- Birding in Mount Mahawu
- Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
- Discover Bunaken: Indonesia's Underwater Snorkeling Paradise
