Friday, November 29, 2024

Birding in the Farmland of Minahasa Higland of Indonesia

Minahasa highland is a beautiful destination for visitors who are interested in seeing the landscape of farmland, as well as watching birds and butterflies. 

Birding tour in Sonder of Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi
Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

The recommended destination is Sonder. It is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency, approximately 1 hour drive from Manado city. Birding can be done early in the mornings or in late afternoons. Sometimes fog covers the forest if we go too early. Fog affects the quality of pictures that we take.

Yellow-billed Malkoha (Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus)
Yellow-billed Malkoha
Black-faced Munia (Lonchura molucca)
Black-faced Munia- this picture was taken in foggy condition

The high elevation farmland of Sonder is the habitat of such birds as Warbling White-eye, Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Crimson Sunbird, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, and etc. 

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
Black Kite
White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus)
White-breasted Woodswallow
The surrounding vegetable garden above Sonder town is the place to look for Black Kite, Slender-billed Crow, White-breasted Woodswallow, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Collared Kingfisher, Barred Rail, Gray Wagtail, and etc. 
Gray Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
A female Gray Wagtail
In certain months of the year, some migrant birds land in the highland of Minahasa to avoid winter in northern Asia. One of them is Gray Wagtail. The bird likes to walk on the clear ground of the farmland or along the less crowded roadroad. The agricultural land provide food such grain, insect and worm for the birds.
farm tour from Manado city
Food crops in the Farmland of Minahasa Highland
The farmland in Minahasa peninsula is a beautiful place for sightseeing. While enjoying walking and birding, we could various kinds of food crops such as papaya, mango, duku, durian, rice, cassava, sweet potatoes, corn, cabbage, carrots, peanuts and etc. that the Minahasan farmers grow. These harvest of these food crops are sold not only inside the Minahasan region but also to other places in Indonesia.
Other Interesting Places in North Sulawesi
In addition farm tour, visitors could explore other interesting places in Minahasa such as Woloan village that is famous for its wooden house construction, Leilem village to see furniture making, Makatete hills that provides visitors with the magnificent view of Manado city and Bunaken.

If you are interested in visiting Minahasa regency, you need to fly to Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. There are regular daily flights between Manado and some major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar and Sorong city. They are served by Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, and TransNusa. 

To book a tour in Manado city or Minahasa regency, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180. 

Friday, November 15, 2024

Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of the Province of North Sulawesi of Indonesia. It is surrounded by hill forest, farmland and Paddy fields. Sonder is a recommended tourist destination for visitors who are interested in hiking, sightseeing, bird watching and butterflywatching. 

Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris)
Collared Kingfisher
Sulawesi Hanging Parrot (Loriculus stigmatus)
Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Birds that can be watched in Sonder include: Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Scope Owl, Lesser Fish Eagle, Brahminy Kita, Bay Coucal, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Black-naped Oriole, Pale Blue Monarch, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Green Imperial Pigeon, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Zebra Dove, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Turquoise Flycatcher, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Bush-warbler, Ashy Woodpecker, Pygmy Woodpecker, Hair-crested (White-eyed) Drongo, Sulawesi Drongo, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Barn Swallow, Sulawesi Swiftlet, Collared Kingfisher, White-breasted Woodswallow, Barred Rail, White-browed Crake, Cinnamon Bittern, Javan Pond Heron, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Isabelline Bush-hen, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Black-faced Munia, and etc. 

Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja)
Crimson Sunbird

In addition to birdwatching, visitors can also see and photograph various species of butterflies that live in the farmland and forest areas. They include: Blanchard's Tree Nymph (Idea blanchardii), Blanchard's Wood Nymph (Ideopsis vitrea), The Common Birdwing (Troides helena), The Clipper Butterfly (Parthenos sylvia), Sulawesi Leafwing Butterfly (Doleschallia polibete celebensis), Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly (Parantica menadensis), Sacred Tabby (Pseudergolis avesta), Lime Swallowtail (Papilio demoleus), Gigon Swallowtail (Papilio gigon), Neptis Ida (Neptis ida celebensis), and etc.
Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly (Parantica menadensis)
Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly

Lime Swallowtail (Papilio demoleus)
Lime Swallowtail

Manado city is the entry point to visit Minahasa highland. There are regular daily flights that connect Manado and several major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar and Sorong. 
vacation tour to Minahasa highland
Flight route to Manado


Accommodation
Hotels are available in Tomohon town and can be booked online. 
There is also homestays in Sonder town that are available for visitors. 
birding and butterflywatching in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa
Forest and farmland in Sonder of Minahasa regency

Booking
If you are interested in taking a birdwatching and butterflywatching in Minahasa highland and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Hiking and Birdwatching in Sorong of West Papua

Visitors who travel to Raja Ampat will first have to fly to Sorong city. The city is located in mainland West Papua province of the Republic of Indonesia. I often receive questions from tourists whether there are other natural attractions around Sorong regency which they can see before or after visiting Raja Ampat islands.
Female Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus)
Female Eclectus Parrot
The lowland forest in the suburb of Sorong regency is a new destination for tourists who want to explore the biodiversity of tropical rainforest. The forest is the natural habitat of birds, reptiles, insects, mammals and marsupials. I introduced it for the first time on the internet in November 2014.
Male Lesser Birds of Paradise
a male Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)
Birdwatching
Tropical birds of New Guinea that thrive in lowland rainforest can be seen in the valley. Shining flycatcher (Myagra alecto), Sulphur crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Pinon Imperial Pigion (Ducula pinon), Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), Western crowned pigeon (Goura cristata), Blyth's hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Moustached Tree Swift, and Lesser birds of paradise (Paradisaea minor) are some of the many birds of New Guinea that visitors can watch while walking through the forest.
Western-crowned Pigeon (Goura cristata)
Western-crowned Pigeon
Hiking through the rainforest of Klasow valley is easy because the land is flat. However, the footpath to the display tree of Lesser Birds of Paradise is steep and slippery. It is approximately one hour on foot from the village. Visitors have to walk for at least 1 hour to reach the lek of the birds that is located near Klasow river.
Visitors can watch the birds in the mornings and in the evenings. Male lesser birds of paradise compete against one another to win the heart of female birds.
Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)
Lesser Birds of Paradise
When the weather is good, the courtship dance performance usually lasts for 3 hours from 6 to 9 a.m.
After watching the paradise birds, visitors could walk back to the village and do birdwatching along the way. Binoculars, spotting scopes and laser pointer will be very useful during the morning walk.
Leg-cramps and muscle pain are not very common among tourists, but there were some cases where  tourists experienced them. Dehydration, salt depletion and fatigue of long day walking on the trails caused these severe leg cramps. When these signs happened, I immediately stopped the hiking tour and returned to our guesthouse. In the jungle guesthouse, I served instant noodle and gave it to my client who suffered it.  The soup of the noodle contains salt that would reduce the cramps. The noodle soup resupplies her body with new electrolytes. To ease the soreness or pain in the muscles and joints, I gave gentle massage using coconut oil. I applied the oil on my palms, warmed them up and then gave relaxing massage to the tensed musles.
Massage also increased the flow of blood that brings nutrients and oxygen to underlying tissues. It relieved muscle tension, and stiffness. Birding could be continued around the clearing area of the forest.

Birding in the Forest Edge

The clearing area around the jungle village is a good place for birding in the afternoon particularly between 16.00 to 18.00 local time. Birds such as friarbird, moustached tree swift, large fig parrot, red cheek parrot, and black lorry often fly and perch in the nearby trees. Children in the village with their sharper eyes can spot birds in distant trees faster than most of the visitors.
Rufous-bellied Kookaburra (Dacelo gaudichaud)
Rufous-bellied Kookaburra
What you need to bring:
  • Water shoes or trekking shoes and long sleeve clothing that will protect you from insect bites when you sleep. You also need t-shirt that is suitable for tropical climate that is usually hot during the day
  • Torch
  • Rain poncho
  • Insect repellent lotion. Apply it on your skin, and the clothes that cover your body, including areas over your neck, armpits, chest, crotch and ankle. This is very important to protect you from tiny insects that can go through your clothes and bite your skin. 
  • Bring binoculars or digital camera with super telephoto lens if you want to take pictures of the animals that live in the jungle.
  • Extra batteries for your camera.

Itinerary of Rainforest Tour:
Day 1
Transfer from Sorong city to lowland forest of Sorong by 4WD pick-up car. You will stay in a guesthouse (basic accommodation) in the jungle. Birding can be done directly along the forest edge. After dinner, I or local villager will accompany you to have a night walk in the jungle to find wallaby. Sometimes Papuan frogmouth or fruit bat can be seen too. We will use flash or torch. If you are too tired to do the night walk, we could do it in the second night.
Day 2
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will leave your camp to walk deeper into the jungle to explore its biodiversity. Deer, wild pigs and wallaby live in the jungle of the valley. Our targets for this morning are Lesser Birds of Paradise and Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. If we are lucky, we could see them. At night, after dinner, local guide can accompany you to find cuscus possum that usually comes out at night to find food or to mate.
Day 3
We will go trekking and birding in the hill forest. Usually, Hooded Butcherbird, Western-crowned Pigeon, Black-capped Lory, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Frilled Monarch and King Bird of Paradise.
Day 4
This is your last birding day, the easiest way to explore the forest is to walk around the forest through old logging tracks that are located near the village. Birds such as Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Large Fig Parrot, Magnificent Riflebird, usually come to villagers' garden to find grains such as corn, peanuts and green beans. In the afternoon, 4WD pick up truck will transfer you back to Sorong city.
Unpaved road leading to Klasow valley

Costs:
This depends on the number of participants and duration of the tour. Traveling in a group of 3 or 4 people will make the price cheaper.

The Lowland forest is located in the west of Sorong city. Visitors need to rent a 4WD Pick-up truck to reach the valley. You could contact me if you want a more customized trips and different itinerary.

Booking

Please, send me (Charles Roring) an email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or text message to my cell phone 006281332245180. I will be happy to arrange your trip to Sorong forest or other parts of West Papua.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo


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Friday, May 10, 2024

Birdwatching Tour in Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi

Minahasa highland is a region in the Province of North Sulawesi that is suitable for hiking and birdwatching. Visitors can enjoy watching various species of birds including:

tropical birds of Minahasa
Black-naped Oriole, Sahul Sunbird, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, Collared Kingfisher in Sonder's Forest

  • Black-naped Oriole
  • Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove
  • Pale Blue Monarch
  • Grey-sided Flowerpecker
  • Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
  • Black-crowned White-eye
  • Mountain White-eye
  • Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
  • Eastern Cattle Egret
  • Little Egret
  • White-browed Crake
  • Collared Kingfisher
  • Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
  • Sahul Sunbird
  • Black Sunbird
  • Turquoise Flywatcher
  • Chestnut Munia
  • Scaly-breasted Munia
  • Black-faced Munia
  • Ivory-backed Woodswallow
  • Barn Swallow
  • White-nest Swiftlet
  • Gray-rumped Treeswift
  • Sooty-headed Bulbul
  • Barred Rail
  • Eastern Yellow Wagtail
  • Sunda Teal
  • and etc.
Crimson Sunbird in Sonder's forest of Minahasa
Crimson Sunbird in Sonder's forest
Forest and farmland areas in Sonder town and Mount Mahawu in the north region of Tomohon are highly recommended sites. The duration of birding in this area can be as short as 3 days to as long as 1 week. 
For the identification of birds, birdwatchers can use the field guide book of Birds of Indonesia by James A. Eaton et al, and Merlin app for cell phone use. 
Accommodation
Affordable accommodations are avalable in homestay or hotels in Tomohon town. 
Booking
If you are interested in birding in Sonder's forest of Minahasa highland and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

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Friday, June 2, 2023

Cendrawasih Merah di Hutan Saporkren

Beberapa minggu lalu, saya memandu Michael, seorang wisatawan dari Florida - Amerika di Pulau Waigeo, Kabupaten Raja Ampat. Kita melakukan aktivitas pengamatan burung dan satwa liar di sepanjang tepian jalan raya, di pesisir pantai serta di dalam hutan hujan tropis. Target utama kami adalah Cendrawasih Merah yang disebut juga Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra). Burung ini, seperti umumnya spesies burung surga lainnya, suka berkumpul di dahan-dahan pohon yang tinggi untuk berdansa dan kawin. 

wisata pengamatan burung di Raja Ampat
Cendrawasih Merah (Paradisaea rubra)

Waigeo Raja Ampat
Cendrawasih merah (Red Bird of Paradise)

Untuk menyaksikan tarian Cendrawasih Merah, kami harus bangun pagi sekali jam 04:30. Setelah melakukan sedikit persiapan, pada jam 05:00, kami pun mulai berjalan kaki dari pondok wisata tempat kami menginap di Kampung Saporkren menuju hutan perbukitan yang letaknya cukup jauh. 

Senter buat traveler
Senter LED ini tersedia di Tokopedia

Hari masih gelap, kami mulai melangkah perlahan menyusuri jalan setapak di tepi pantai. Setelah melewati jembatan kayu yang lumayan panjang, kami kemudian menanjak bukit. Udara terasa dingin, dan angin bertiup agak kencang. Lautan nampak bergelora. Untuk menerangi perjalanan kami saya menggunakan sebuah senter LED kecil yang cahayanya terang sekali. Baterainya sudah 'dicharge' malam sebelumnya sehingga energinya cukup untuk perjalanan panjang pagi itu. 

Kurang lebih 1 jam kami berjalan dan akhirnya tiba di bawah pohon. Nampak dahan pohon berayun ditiup angin. Suara burung-burung mulai terdengar di seluruh penjuru hutan. Ada suara burung Jagal Papua, ada burung Helmetted Friarbird serta Raja Ampat Pitohui. 

Ada juga suara beberapa Cendrawasih Merah yang mulai memanggil-manggil pasangan betinanya untuk datang melihat mereka berdansa. 

Sacred Kingfisher
Sacred Kingfisher

Cahaya matahari mulai nampak dari ufuk timur. Kami duduk di bangku-bangku sederhana yang dibuat oleh warga kampung. Sayang sekali angin bertiup dengan kencangnya. Burung Cendrawasih Merah yang kami harapkan segera berkumpul, tak kunjung datang. Hanya ada 1 ekor jantan yang bertengger di dahan pohon tinggi di hadapan kami. 

Michael, sang turis yang saya pandu mengarahkan kameranya ke burung Cendrawasih Merah itu dan memotretnya beberapa kali. Kami terus menanti dengan sabar hingga pukul 08:30. Sayang sekali, tarian burung surga yang kami nantikan tidak terjadi. Angin terus bertiup kencang. Kicauan-kicauan berbagai spesies burung semakin sedikit yang terdengar. Kami pun memutuskan untuk berjalan turun dan melanjutkan aktivitas pengamatan burung di sepanjang tepian jalan raya. 

Ada beberapa spesies burung tropis khas Raja Ampat yang berhasil kami lihat di pohon-pohon yang tumbuh di tepi jalan. Beberapa di antaranya Eclectus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Blyth's Hornbill, Kumkum Kelabu atau Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon dan Rufous-bellied Kookaburra. Saat berjalan pulang ke kampung, kami melihat Sacred Kingfisher. Ada juga Glossy-mantled Manucode yang juga adalah satu spesies burung surga. 

Ada beberapa yang saya ambil fotonya menggunakan kamera Fujifilm HS50EXR. Ini adalah kamera lama tapi dilengkapi lensa tele yang cukup bagus. Saya juga membawa 2 baterai cadangan, senter, ponsel, 1 laser pointer dan 1 portable loudspeaker untuk memanggil burung. 

Michael - sang turis Amerika - yang saya pandu cukup puas karena berhasil melihat burung Cendrawasih Merah di habitatnya meskipun tidak ada tarian burung surganya. Siang harinya kami balik ke kota Sorong dengan menaiki kapal cepat. 

Dari perjalanan wisata nonton burung surga selama 3 hari/ 2 malam ditambah 1 pagi di hutan pesisir kota Sorong, kami berhasil melihat lebih dari 70 spesies burung termasuk Rainbow Bee-eater, Australian White Ibis, Papuan Black Myzomella, Shining Flycatcher, Yellow-faced Myna, Emperor Fairywren dan masih banyak lagi. 

ekowisata raja ampat
Wisata Pengamatan Burung Tropis di Raja Ampat

Saya membawa binocular ed lens 10×50 yang dipasang di sebuah tripod untuk meningkatkan kualitas pengamatan burung selama tur di Raja Ampat dan Sorong. 

Oh, iya, untuk para pembaca yang penasaran untuk menyaksikan seperti apa Burung Cendrawasih Merah menari, silahkan menyaksikan video klip singkat di atas. Video itu saya buat di tur yang sebelumnya. Semoga terhibur dan bermanfaat. 

Mari kita lestarikan hutan hujan tropis karena gas CO2 yang diserapnya, dan oksigen yang dihasilkannya bermanfaat bagi seluruh mahluk hidup di dunia ini. 🙏

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Thursday, May 4, 2023

Tours of Snorkeling and Wildlife Watching in Raja Ampat

Recently I often go to Raja Ampat islands of Indonesia to guide tourists who want to enjoy snorkeling in coral reef and wildlife watching in the forest. The destination that I like to visit is Waigeo island and its surroundings. 
snorkeling in coral reef
Coral Reef Snorkeling Tour in Raja Ampat

Wildlife Watching Tours
There are several important places that I often visit with my clients. Some of them include: the rainforest of Southern Waigeo, the islands of Mioskon, Merpati, Urai and even to Piaynemo islands. Tropical birds, monitor lizards, snake, cucus, beetles and butterflies, crabs, are animals that we often see during the trips.
To enhance the wildlife watching experience my clients, I bring a pair of 10×50 binoculars that is mounted on a tripod. I often use green light laser pointer to accurately locate birds and other wild animals that perch branches or twigs of trees in the forest. 
The usual times to watch tropical birds are from 06:00 to 09:30 in the mornings and from 15:00 to 18:30 in late afternoons. 
For watching Red Birds of Paradise (also called Cendrawasih Merah) and Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Cendrawasih Wilson), we usually leave for the forest at 05:00. 
birding in Waigeo island
Wildlife Watching Tour in Raja Ampat

I use my old camera Fujifilm HS50EXR to take pictures of the birds and wild animals that I see during the rainforest tours. In my recent trip with 9 American visitors, I took pictures of birds such as Papuan Frogmouth, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Beach Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher and Eclectus Parrot.
The wildlife watching tour is conducted by boat to Urai island and the beaches in Kabui bay. The wildlife watching tour by boat can be combined with snorkeling tour. 
Snorkeling Tour
Raja Ampat islands have got a lot of spots for snorkeling. Some of them include Mioskon island, Friwen Wall, Arborek, Yenbuba and Sawondarek. I use Fujifilm XQ2 with its underwater housing to take pictures of the marine life. Anemonefish, grouper, trevally, moorish idol, sweetlips are some of the many reef fishes that we can see in the waters of Raja Ampat. 
Duration of Tour and Its Extention in Mainland of West Papua
The duration of Wildlife Watching and Snorkeling Tour in Raja Ampat can be as short as 3 days/ 2 nights to as long as 7 days/6 nights. 
The snorkeling and wildlife watching tour in Raja Ampat islands can be added with an extended tour in Tambrauw regency or in Sorong regency. 
vacation in indonesia
Snorkeling, sightseeing and wildlife watching tour in Raja Ampat

Entry Point
Sorong city is the entry point for visitors who want to travel to Raja Ampat. There are regular daily flights from Jakarta or Denpasar Bali as well as Manado city of Indonesia.
Contacts
If you plan to take tours of rainforest wildlife watching and coral reef snorkeling in Raja Ampat, please, and want me to organize your tour and guide you, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by send text message to my whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Night Walk in the Forest of Sorong regency with a Singaporean Visitor

I have just finished conducting night walk in the forest of Malagufuk village in Sorong regency of Indonesia with a Singaporean tourist. We walked along the boardwalk and were able to see various kinds of animals. Some of them were Cuscus, Papuan Frogmouth, Papua  Boobok, and wallaby. There was a white-lipped  Local villagers accompanied us during the rainforest tour. We started at 20:00 local time shortly after dinner.  

I was quite happy with the result of the night walk because take pictures of the wild animals using my old camera Fujifilm HS 50EXR. Using the old bridge camera whose image sensor was small was very challenging especially in lowlight condition. Here are some of the animals that I saw.


cuscus

If you are interested in taking this rainforest wildlife watching tours, please contact me by sending WA message to: +6281332245180.

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