Birding in Minahasa Highland: A Paradise for Avian Enthusiasts

Nestled in the heart of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Minahasa Highland offers a rich tapestry of ecosystems—from misty volcanic peaks to lush rice paddies—making it a premier destination for birdwatchers. This region boasts a remarkable diversity of endemic and migratory species, many of which are rarely seen elsewhere. Key birding hotspots include: Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, Sonder's farm forests, Mount Lengkoan, the surrounding rice fields, and the tranquil Kengkang Waterfall.

Mount Mahawu: A Volcanic Birding Haven

Scaly-breasted Kingfisher

Mount Mahawu, an active volcano near Tomohon, is renowned for its highland forests and panoramic views. Birdwatchers here can encounter species such as the Scaly-breasted Kingfisher (Actenoides princeps), Sulawesi Pitta (Erythropitta celebensis), Warbling White-eye (Zosterops japonicus), and Superb Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus superbus). The dense canopy also shelters the elusive Sulawesi Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia doreya albicapilla), known for its distinctive "whoop-a whoop" call. 

Warbling White-eye

Lake Linow: Wetland Wonders

Lake Linow, a volcanic crater lake near Tomohon, is a haven for waterfowl. Birdwatchers can observe species like the Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Javan Pond Heron, and the White-breasted Waterhen. The surrounding wetlands also attract migratory birds, offering a dynamic birding experience.

White-browed Crake were walking through rice plants

Sonder's Farm Forests & Rice Fields: Avian Abundance

The fertile farmlands of Sonder, including the villages of Talikuran and Tincep, are teeming with birdlife. In the farm forests, birders can spot the Sulawesi Hanging Parrot (Loriculus stigmatus), Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos temminckii), and the Pale Blue Monarch (Hypothymis puella). The adjacent rice fields host species like the Chestnut Munia (Lonchura atricapilla), Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris), and the Barred Rail (Gallirallus torquatus), and the shy White-browed Crake.

Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker

Mount Lengkoan: Highland Forests and Endemics

Mount Lengkoan, located near Sonder, offers a blend of montane and lowland forest habitats. Birdwatchers can encounter the Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis omissus), Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker (Dicaeum nehrkorni), and the Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis virescens). The transitional zone between lower and higher elevation forests is particularly rich in endemic species (birding-tour.blogspot.com).

Yellow-billed Malkoha

Tincep's Waterfall: A Serene Birding Spot

Tincep's Waterfall, located near Subdistrict town of Sonder, provides a tranquil setting for birdwatching. The surrounding forested areas are home to species like the Sulawesi-crested Myna (Basilornis celebensis), Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis), and the Green Imperial Pigeon (Ducula aenea). The combination of water and forest habitats makes it an ideal location for diverse bird species (birding-tour.blogspot.com).

Planning Your Birding Adventure

For those interested in exploring Minahasa Highland's avian treasures, several local guides and tour operators offer specialized birding tours. These tours typically span 7 days and include visits to key birding sites such as Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, and Sonder's farmlands. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak migratory seasons.

Birding Photography Tips
To capture the rich avian diversity of Minahasa Highland, consider the following tips:

• Binoculars: Essential for spotting distant birds.
• Camera Gear: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens (600 mm or more) is ideal.
• Clothing: Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment.
• Timing: Early mornings and late afternoons are prime birding times.
• Local Knowledge: Engage with local guides who are familiar with the best birding spots and times.

Minahasa Highland stands as a testament to Indonesia's rich avian biodiversity. Whether you're an avid birder or a casual nature enthusiast, the region offers unparalleled opportunities to witness and photograph some of the world's most unique bird species. Embarking on a birding journey here promises not only sightings of rare species but also an immersion into the heart of Sulawesi's natural beauty.

Where is Minahasa and How to get there?

Minahasa is a region in the Province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It can be reached by car from Manado city. 

Subdistrict town of Sonder in Minahasa highland of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Land route between Manado city and Sonder

Visitors need to fly from their countries to one of the major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya or Denpasar. After that, they could continue their flight to Manado city. Airlines such as Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, and SuperAirjet provide regular daily flights between big cities in Indonesia and Manado city. There are also international direct flights between Singapore and Manado city that is served by Scoot Air; and between Guangzhou and Manado city served by China Southern Airline. 

Flight routes to Manado city from Singapore; and other major cities in Indonesia.

Accommodation

Visitors who want to take multiple day tour can stay in homestays in Subdistrict Sonder or in hotels in Tomohon town.

Book your tour

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:

Also read:

• Minahasa Highland Tour: Hiking, Birding and Sightseeing
• Wildlife Trip in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Regency
• Birdwatching Tour in Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Sonder's Forest and Farmland
• Birding and Butterfly watching Tour from Manado City
• Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Cleaning up Bunaken Beaches and Coral Reef

Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in Bunaken National Park are a fun marine recreational activity. We can swim over or dive through colorful sea corals and at the same time see various kinds of ornamental fish.

Bunaken is a famous destination for marine tourism. This marine national park is located near Manado city of North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The Bunaken marine park is always full with travellers from around the world. Bunaken sea park is exposed to harmful marine pollutants produced by city dwellers of Manado. Wastes from the city drift to the sea park and cover many of its live corals.

Bunaken National Park

City authority must take serious actions to prevent more destruction of the corals. So far, the bombing practices of the fish have been banned for years but the amount of waste from the city flowing out to the sea has not been reduced. It takes tens of years to restore the condition of coral reefs. Citizens of Manado and scuba divers can cooperate to protect the Bunaken sea park. Citizens should demand the municipality authority to install incinerators for burning the waste and produce electricity from it. In addition, the citizens must regularly do the cleaning up activites along the coastal areas of Manado and Minahasa regions and the nearby islands of Siladen, Bunaken, Mantehage, Nain and Manado Tua.

The National Marine Park of Bunaken near Manado city of North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Scuba divers can also be asked to participate in the cleaning up programs of underwater Bunaken coral reefs for lifting up plastic bags, metals and other waste materials that cover the corals.

Through this kind of cooperations among the government, citizens, and scuba diver tourists, we hope that soon we will be able to create healthier environment both above and under water. Eco-tourism which has become the goal of todays modern tourism industry will effectively be implemented in Minahasa region. - by Charles Roring

Also read: 

• Wildlife Trip in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Sonder's Forest and Farmland
• Birding and Butterfly watching from Manado city
• Minahasa Highland Tour: Hiking, Birding and Sightseeing

Traveling around the traditional market of Manokwari

Planning a trip to Papua? What tourist destinations will you visit? What flight will bring you to this tropical island? It's easy to answer these questions. Just go to Google and type such keywords as travel deals in Papua, or tour package and hotels in Papua, the search engine will give many links that will be useful for you to arrange your trip to this second largest island in the world after Greenland.

At Wosi market of Manokwari, a Papuan lady was selling flowers from Anggi of Arfak mountains

In my today's travelogue journal, I am going to tell you my story about the traditional market of Manokwari. It is just an ordinary market, similar to other traditional market which you've ever visited before.

I visit this market at least once a month to have my hair cut. This is actually not a tourist attraction but it is an interesting place to visit due to its vital function for the economy of the whole town. Experienced travelers will definitely visit the market.

A fish seller was talking with a Dutch girl in traditional market of Sanggeng in Manokwari city

I just visited the market a few hours ago. At the entrance of the market, I saw some barbershops. Most of the barbers came from Madura island of East Java. They charged Rp. 25,000 per person no matter how long or how short my hair was. This kind of business was very profitable for migrant workers who had come to Papua to realize their Papuan dream, a similar term for American dream.

After having my hair cut, I continued my tour to the inner part of the market. The second row of the building was kiosks of clothing. Here, I could see migrant, mostly Buginese and Makassarese sell T-shirts, jeans and many kinds of men's and women's clothing. Although I liked the style of jeans and T-shirts that they were selling, I didn't buy any. I didn't bring enough money at the time.

Then, I walked down the stairs to the vegetable vendors. It was located right in the middle of the market. Here, most of the vendors were local Papuan, and the Javanese transmigrants. Many kinds of vegetables and tropical fruits are sold here in prices that were very cheap. This was the place where I took some pictures. Bananas, mangoes, avocado, sugarcane, jackfruit and various kinds of tropical fruits were sold. Foreign travelers should bargain before buying anything at the traditional market.

The terminal of the public transportation was located next to the vegetables and fruit stalls. Actually, there were many other stalls which I had not visited. There were kitchen equipment kiosks and food court and fish market. The weather was hot and the market was very crowded. I decided to return home. by Charles Roring

Also read: 

• Birding in Farmland of Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Regency
• Birding in Sonder's Forest and Farmland
• Minahasa Highland Tour: Hiking, Birding and Sightseeing
• Sightseeing Tour from Manado City
• Birding and Butterfly watching Tour from Manado city

Datsun Trucks of Minahasa Indonesia

Minahasa, a beautiful regency in North Sulawesi, is not only famous for its Bunaken National Marine Park that is visited by a lot of scuba divers, but also for its agricultural region. The beauty of Minahasa's coral reef is balanced by the beauty of its farmlands, mountains, valleys and mountainous villages. Many people in Minahasa work as farmers. They grow rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables, clove, coconuts and many other plants that have high economic values in the market. To transport these agricultural commodities the Minahasan farmers use small trucks that can enter narrow roads leading to their gardens so that they can bring the produce to their houses or markets.

An old pick-up truck in Minahasa

One of the types that is famous in Minahasa is Datsun. This is the type of truck that has served the Minahasan farmers since 1970s. In the past, a Datsun equaled to two or three sacks of clove. Now, the price of the clove is not high. Minahasan farmers cannot easily buy small trucks anymore. 

Datsun trucks are sturdy and robust. They do not have complicated instruments on their dashboard. Farmers like their simple design. Nissan Motor was the Japanese company that manufactured Datsun. This brand was discontinued in 1986. No new types of Datsuns have been released until now. In addition, the spare parts for these trucks are getting fewer. To keep them roaming the roads and streets of Minahasa, mechanics must apply "cannibalism." The parts of Datsuns that cannot be repaired anymore are dismantled and sold to other Datsun owners. 

I often see that farmers who own a Datsun is very proud of his car because it is not only seen as a transport car but an antique one. A reconditioned Datsun can still be sold in higher price in Minahasa and run on the streets and roads of this beautiful mountainous region for the next one or two decades. Recently the company announced that it will relaunch Datsun cars as a low cost vehicle to Indonesian, India, South Africa and Russian markets. Farmers in Minahasa will be glad to buy Datsun pick up trucks again if they are affordable and reliable as their old brothers. This is written by Charles Roring, e-mail: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Also read:

• Minahasa Highland Tour: Hiking, Birding and Sightseeing
• Wildlife Trip in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Regency
• Birdwatching Tour in Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Sonder's Forest and Farmland
• Birding and Butterfly watching Tour from Manado City
• Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Birding and butterfly watching in Sonder's Forest and Farmland

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa highland. It is surrounded by hills, valleys and rivers. Sonder is a good destination for visitors who love birdwatching, butterflywatching, seeing the landscape of villages and farmland as well as talking with villagers. Sonder, in 1970s and 1980s was very famous as the producer of clove. Local farmers grow clove trees along the slopes of the surrounding mountains. In Indonesia, the dried flower buds of clove is used as ingredients in cigarette.  

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

The higher elevation forest and farmland of Sonder is the habitat of various species of birds such as Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Woodpecker, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Myzomela, Warbling White-eye, Black Sunbird, and etc. There is a quiet road in the area that allows visitors to enjoy birding in the farm forest area. 

Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker

Crimson Sunbird

From higher elevation forest and farmland, visitors could walk down the slopes that are covered by clove, spathodea, coconut, aren, durian, rambutan, and other fruit trees. Sometimes we could see farmers working in their farmland. 

Sulawesi Myzomela

They are the habitat of such birds as Yellow-billed Malkoha, Black-naped Oriole, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Gray Wagtail, Sulawesi Drongo, Black-crowned White-eye, Hair-crested Drongo (White-eye), Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, and etc. 

Purple Heron, Collared Kingfisher, Brown-throated Sunbird, Zebra Dove, Hair-crested Drongo, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Finch-billed Myna

There are more open areas that are good for watching birds. Roadside birding can easily be carried out along these roads because the road is mostly empty the whole day. Sometimes, we could see birds such as Zebra Dove, Barred Rail crossing the road. Migratory bird such as the Gray Wagtail also like to walk on the asphalt road in certain months of the year. In an open farmland, birds such as Sulawesi Crow and Black Kite flying in the air. It is much easier for this predator to hunt rats that like to feed on agricultural produce that local farmers grow. In the same farmlabd, we could also find some White-breasted Woodswallows sitting on dry branches of trees. 

White-breasted Woodswallow

Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia doreya albicapilla)

In the rice field area of Sonder, we could watch more birds such as Javan Pond Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Purple Heron, White-browed Crake, Barred Rail, Buff-banded Rail, White-breasted Woodswallow, Collared Kingfisher, Scaly-breasted Munia, Chestnut Munia, Black-faced Munia, Barn Swallow, Glossy Swiftlet, White-nest Swiftlet, and etc. Farmers don't like the munias. They are pests for rice plants. However, for the egrets, farmers consider them as friends. These birds feed on insects and small water animals that harm the rice and vegetable plants. 

Barred Rail

Pale Blue Monarch

The farm forest between Tomohon and Sonder is also a great site for birdwatching. Bay Coucal, Black-naped Oriole, Sulawesi Crow, Black Kite, Sulawesi Goshawk, Lesser Fish Eagle, Pale Blue Monarch, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Green Imperial Pigeon, Zebra Dove, Sooty-headed Bulbul, 

Birding and Photography Tour in Sonder of Minahasa highland

Night birding can also be organized for tour participants to look for Sulawesi Scops Owl, Speckled Boobook and Minahasa-masked Owl. 

Sulawesi Scops Owl

Bringing binoculars and a spotting scope enhances the birding experience of each tour participant. For photographers, they could bring bridge camera such as Nikon Coolpix P1000, D-SLR or Mirrorless camera with telephoto lens. 

Colorful flowers at the roadside of Tincep village in Subdistrict Sonder

Sonder is a small subdistrict town that is formed from several smaller villages. Visitors who are interested in exploring local life could walk through the alleyways of Sonder to see the daily activities of the villagers. There are those who dry their agricultural harvest such as clove, corn and rice. There are also villagers who run fish farming in their house yards. Some open food stalls and small shops. Minahasan people like to grow flowers at the frontyards of their houses. So, visitors will be able to see various colorful flowers while visiting Sonder. 

Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly

These flower plants attract small birds and butterflies, dragonflies and other insects. So, visitors could also watch various species of butterflies while exploring the villages, farmland and forest of Sonder. There are Blanchard's Wood Nymph, Blanchard's Tree Nymph, Sulawesi-banded Swallowtail, Lime Swallowtail, The Clipper, Meyer's Jay, Milon's Bluebottle, Common Birdwing and etc. 

Meyer's Jay Butterfly

Where is Sonder and How to get there?

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in the highland of Minahasa. It can be reached by car from Manado city. 

Subdistrict town of Sonder in Minahasa highland of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Land route between Manado city and Sonder

Visitors need to fly from their countries to one of the major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya or Denpasar and then continue their flight to Manado city. Airlines such as Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, and SuperAirjet provide regular daily flights between big cities in Indonesia and Manado city. There are also international direct flights between Singapore and Manado city that is served by Scoot Air; and between Guangzhou and Manado city served by China Southern Airline. 

Flight routes to Manado city from Singapore; and other major cities in Indonesia.

Accommodation

Visitors who want to take multiple day tour can stay in homestays in Subdistrict Sonder or in hotels in Tomohon town.

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching and butterflywatching tour in Minahasa highland, and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. You could also contact me via whatsapp by pressing the following button:

Also read:

• Minahasa Highland Tour: Hiking, Birding and Sightseeing
• Wildlife Trip in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Regency
• Birdwatching Tour in Minahasa Highland

Excursion to Rainforest of Sorong

Excursion to rainforest

A few days ago I organized an excursion tour to Sunbird Forest of Sorong city for 8 American visitors. They were on a trip to Raja Ampat for snorkeling and scuba diving. We left Swiss-belhotel at 05.30 for the forest by 2 cars. Our goal was to watch Yellow-faced Myna, Rainbow Bee-eater, and Oriental Dollarbird. Most of the participants had binoculars. I brought 2 binoculars and 1 spotting scope.

Rainbow Bee-eater

While we were hiking along the ridge of the forest, we were able to watch the above birds and some other species such as Black Sunbird, Olive-crowned Sunbird, Brahminy Kite, Blyth's Hornbill, and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. The spotting scope greatly enhanced our birding experience.The weather was quite hot so, we had a long stop inside the forest near a river. There, the participants of the tour soaked their body inside a natural pool with a small waterfall continuously providing fresh water for pool.
I and two local people boil water for them to make coffee or tea. We had them with some traditional cakes, biscuits, as well as rambutan and banana fruits. After that we continued our trip to the main river where we watched Pinon Imperial Pigeon and Singing Starling.
Suddenly heavy rain started to fall. We decided to walk back to the main road again and return to the city.
For booking
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:

Also read:

• Birding in Minahasa Peninsula
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

Minahasa Highland Tour: Hiking, Birding and Sightseeing

Minahasa highland is a beautiful destination for visitors who are nature lover. They can explore the region to see its beautiful volcano, lake, forest and farmland. While walking across the highland, visitors could do birdwatching, and butterflywatching. 

A lot of species of birds could be watched in higher elevation forest of Mount Mahawu. They include Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Myzomela, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Crimson Sunbird, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, and etc. 

Birdwatching in Mount Mahawu

Going down the slope of Mount Mahawu, visitors could stop at the traditional market where local vendors sell vegetables, fruits, dog meat, snake meat, pork, forest rat meat and etc. This traditional market is also called Extreme Market.

After hiking and seeing the crater of Mount Mahawu as well as seeing the landscape of Minahasa, visitors could continue their trip to Lake Linow. It is a volcanic lake that still emits hot steam into the air. The lake is the habitat of various species of water birds such as White-breasted Waterhen, Purple Heron, Javan Pond Heron, Barred Rail, Collared Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret and etc. 

Lake Linow

After exploring Tomohon and its surrounding volcano and lake, visitors could continue their trip to Subdisctrict Sonder. Taking a walk down the slopes will allow visitors to see various agricultural crops which local farmers grow, enjoy birdwatching and butterflywatching as well as seeing local villagers in their daily activities. Birds that could be watched along the roadside include: Bay Coucal, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eye), Black-naped Oriole, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Woodpecker, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Zebra Dove, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, and etc.

Yellow-billed Malkoha

For butterflies, visitors could see Blanchard's Tree Nymph, Blanchard's Wood Nymph, Celebes-banded Swallowtail, Menado Yellow Tiger butterfly, Meyer's Jay, Blue Bottle butterfly and Lime Swallowtail. 

Blanchard's Wood Nymph butterfly

Birdwatchers are always interested in birds that live in the mountains because the endemism is high. The higher elvevation forest and farmland of Subdistrict Sonder is the habitat of interesting species such as Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Crimson Sunbird and etc. There are also predator like Black Kite, Sulawesi Scops Owl and Sulawesi Masked Owl. 

If you are interested in visiting Minahasa highland and are looking for a guide to organize your tour, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp by pressing the following button:

Also read:

• Birding in Minahasa Peninsula
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

Snorkeling Raja Ampat

Easy to Reach Snorkeling Site with Comfortable Accommodation

Marine Life in southern coast of Waigeo island - Raja Ampat

There are a lot of snorkeling sites in Raja Ampat. They are scattered across big and small islands of the archipelago.

Snorkeling Photo from Warduwer beach of Waigeo island

There are a lot of fish that make the coral reef of Waigeo island as their natural habitat. Some of them include parrotfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, hawkfish, anemonefish and a lot more.

Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

Marine Life in Raja Ampat

There are a lot of fish that we could see in the shores of Raja Ampat. Some of them include butterflyfishes, surgeonfishes, Damselfishes (pink anemonefish, clark's anemonefish, clown anemonefish), snappers, emperors, jacks, barracuda, sharks, dolphins, slender schoolers, groupers, hawkfishes, sweetlips, parrotfish, wrasses, cardinalfish, gobies, and etc. There are also sea stars, sea cucumbers,turtles, christmas tree worm, nudibranch, and a lot of other marine animals that we could see in the water.
Because coral reef is a very fragile environment, visitors are advised to avoid standing on it. To take a rest on the water, visitors can ask for lifejackets. Or visitors can swim to shallow water and stand on the sand.

Transportation and accommodation

Adventure Tour in Raja Ampat

We may go to Raja Ampat by ferry boat but we will tour around its islands by motorized boats that belong to local people. There are guesthouses in certain islands that are frequently visited by tourists. But if we go to remote areas in northeast Waigeo, or South West Raja Ampat, such guesthouses do not exist. We will stay in homestays of the villagers or in tents in uninhabited islands. Tents and other camping equipment such as cooking and eating utensils will be provided by us. So, tourists do not need to carry heavy bags along the way from their country to Raja Ampat.

Taking Pictures

Tourists who want to take this snorkeling adventure tour is highly recommended to bring underwater camera, or any digital camera that is housed in waterproof casing. Make sure that the watertightness of the case has been tested before bringing the camera into the water. I use an action camera Brica B-Pro5 Alpha Edition. It is not the best but at least it is useful for me when I want to take pictures for my trip reports that I usually write in this blog.
For rainforest tour, the camera that is needed to take pictures of birds, butterflies or other animals in high trees is the one that has got telephoto lens or super zoom capability such as the Canon SX60 HS, Nikon Coolpix P900.

Rainforest Bird and Wildlife Tour in Raja Ampat

The snorkeling tour to tropical islands of Raja Ampat will include some hiking and birding trips in the rainforest. We will do hiking and birding in the forest to find Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Red Bird of Paradise, and a lot of other coastal and woodland birds.

What to bring
Here are some items that visitors need to bring for adventure tours in Raja Ampat:

• Snorkeling gear: mask, snorkel, fins. 
• Underwater camera for taking pictures of fish and coral reef
• Sunblock lotion
• Anti-insect lotion
• Personal medicines
• Biscuits, sweets and other snacks and mineral water
• Towel
• Watershoes
• Binoculars for rainforest birding and wildlife tour.

Flights
To reach Raja Ampat, first, you need to fly to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia). After that, you could take a domestic flight to Sorong city. Garuda, Sriwijaya, Batik Air and Nam Air, as well as Lion Air provide regular flights between Jakarta and Sorong.

Booking

To share the cost, I highly suggest that visitors take this tour in a group of 3 to 4 people or more. However, I can also organize private tour for single traveler or a couple. To book your snorkeling, birding and wildlife watching tour with me (Charles Roring), please, your e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180

Related posts:

• Birding in Sonder's Forest and Farmland
• Wildlife Trip in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding and Butterfly watching Tour from Manado city
• Sightseeing Tour from Manado city

Snorkeling and scuba diving in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is a great destination for marine tourism. It is an important destinations for visitors who want to enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving. I went snorkeling at in southern area of Waigeo yesterday. 

Pink Anemonefish

I brought an underwater camera - Nikon W300 to take pictures of fish and other marine animals that I saw in the water.

The coral reef was in very good condition. There were a lot of fish including parrotfish, butterflyfish, rabbitfish, anemonefish, surgeonfish, damselfish, lionfish and even wobbegong. 

The visibility was also very nice. I tried several settings of the camera to see the ones that are suitable for snorkeling or freediving. The fish symbol or the underwater mode is not always the best setting. I swam slowly from the beach to the reef flat area. Most of the fish here was small. When I moved closer to buttress zone and drop off zones of the reef, I could see bigger fish.

Tropical Fish in the waters of Raja Ampat

There were around 3 species of anemonefish that I found. They were Pink Anemonefish, Spinecheek Anemonefish and Red and Black Anemonefish. To take pictures of them, I had to freedive and hold rock coral. While my left hand was holding the coral, my right hand was busy pressing the shutter buttons of the camera to capture beautiful marine life in front of me.

I spent around two and a half hours in the water in two snorkeling sessions. In the evening which is the sunset time, the surrounding atmosphere of the resort was very peaceful.

White Sandy Beach in Waigeo

Birds such as Willie Wagtail, Mimic Honeyeater, Torresian Crow, Hooded Butcherbird, Helmetted Friarbird, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and several other birds were singing in trees or in the air. Raja Ampat is a nice destination for visitors who want to enjoy holiday in Indonesia. They can swim and do snorkeling or freediving as much as they like. They can also watch birds which are also colorful and beautiful.

Marine Life at the beach of Waigeo

If you are interested in taking a holiday at Raja Ampat, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa regency
• Sightseeing Tour from Manado city
• Birding in Minahasa Peninsula
• Birdwatching Tour in Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi
• Birding in the Farmland of Minahasa Highland

Flowers in Raja Ampat

I am now guiding 2 tourists from Australia on a sightseeing trip in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat. We stayed at a beach resort a little outside of Waisai town. The beach resort is suitable for visitors who love swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Its front beach is covered by mangrove trees and its front waters are filled with beautiful coral reef. 

Tiger Orchid in Raja Ampat

There are tropical flowers that attract my attention. They grow in the surrounding yard of the resort. Tiger Orchid (Grammatophylum speciosum). It has got yellow petals with brown spots on them that make the flower look like the stripes of a tiger. 

Next to the Tiger Orchid, I saw another orchid whose petals are white. There are two green petals that are vertical. The flower has got white labellum with pink stripes. It is called Antelope Orchid (Dendrobium antennatum). In Indonesia, it is called Anggrek Kelinci (meaning: Rabbit Orchid).

Green Antelope Orchid

Dendrobium mirbelianum looks similar to Tiger Orchid. It lacks of the brown pattern on the petals. Its name is Dark-stemmed Antler Orchid. It is also called Mangrove Orchid. 

Dark-stemmed Antler Orchid

Watermelon Flower

Another species that attracts my attention is the small yellow flower plant on the ground. It is a creeping plant. When I ask Google what it is, it gives quick answer, i.e. Watermelon Flower (Citrulus lanatus). 

There are still a lot of other flowers that you could see in Waigeo island while you spend your holiday in Raja Ampat. You could combine this flower tour with swimming, snorkeling, birdwatching tour too. 

If you are interested in taking a flower tour in Raja Ampat and mainland West Papua, and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Wildlife Trip in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Minahasa Peninsula
• Birding Vacation to North Sulawesi