Hiking and Birding Tour in Sonder, Minahasa Regency, Indonesia

Nestled in the highlands of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Sonder (Kecamatan Sonder) in Minahasa Regency offers a delightful mix of gentle hiking terrain and rich bird-life — making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, bird-watchers, and those seeking a relaxed outdoor adventure away from the crowded tourist hubs.

Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker

Why Sonder for hiking & birding?

• Sonder is located in the cool highlands of Minahasa, with farmland, paddy-fields, hill slopes and small pockets of forest around the town.
• Hiking here is relatively easy: many trails follow paved or farm roads, gentle slopes, and agricultural landscapes rather than dense jungle.
• Bird-watching is excellent. The mix of edge forest, farmland, water bodies and terraces attracts a wide variety of bird species — many endemic to Sulawesi.
• You’ll combine scenery (rice terraces, hill-forest, farmlands) with wildlife spotting and cultural glimpses of Minahasa farming life.

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Key bird species you can spot in Sonder
Here are some of the birds regularly reported in the Sonder area:
Forest & slope birding

• Yellow‑billed Malkoha (Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus) – occurs at the slopes near Tounelet village. 
• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot (Loriculus stigmatus) – seen near forest edges in Sonder. (ecotoursindonesia.com)
• Black‑crowned White‑eye (Zosterops atrifrons) – a small white-eye bird in the forest near town. 
• Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) – seen in hill-forest zones. (wildlifepapua.com)
• Grey‑sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum celebicum) & 
• Yellow‑sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum aureolimbatum) – small colourful birds of forest edge and farmland trees.
• Sahul Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus) – found in gardens, roadside trees, and forest edge. 

Farmland, paddy fields & wetlands

• Cattle Egret & Little Egret – frequent in rice-fields and paddies around Sonder.
• Barred Rail (Gallirallus torquatus) – found in paddy-field margins in Sonder.
• Chestnut Munia (Lonchura atricapilla), Scaly‑breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata), 
• Black‑faced Munia (Lonchura molucca) – small finch-type birds seen on farmlands and near houses.
• Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) – often seen on open fields and around villages.
• Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) – even inland around ponds, rice fields local to Sonder. 

Sonder town in Minahasa regency

Suggested hiking & birding itinerary
Morning hike & birding

Start early (around 06:00) at the slope forest of Tounelet village (behind Siloam Hospital in Sonder) – walk the paved/untarred road downhill through small forest patches to farmland. This is prime early-morning birding time. Species like Black-crowned White-eye, Grey-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot are active. 

Midday exploration

After morning birding, continue through farmland roads and paddy-field terraces (for example around Talikuran or Tincep villages). Enjoy the scenery of rice fields, meet local farmers, and watch birds in more open habitat: Egrets, Rails, Munias.

Afternoon walk
In the late afternoon (15:00-18:00) go back to forest edge or hill slopes for forest-edge birds and, if you’re lucky, dusk species. Then relax in a local homestay or small café in Sonder town.
Optional night walk
If you’re staying overnight, a guided night walk might yield nocturnal birds (reports of Sulawesi Scops Owl in Sonder). (birdingsulawesi.com)
Other attractions around Sonder
While birding and hiking are the main draws, Sonder also offers:

1. Agricultural landscapes & terrace rice-fields: walking through these gives scenic views and local culture. (birdingsulawesi.com)
2. Nearby waterfalls: For example, in Tincep village area within Sonder subdistrict there are waterfalls to explore for a short trek. 

Comfortable homestays in Sonder town, and combined with nearby towns (e.g., Tomohon) for wider exploration. 
Travel info & tips
Getting there: Fly into Manado (Sam Ratulangi Airport) and then drive approx. 1 to 1.5 hours to Sonder.

Flight route to Manado city in the Province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Car route from Manado city to Kecamatan Sonder in Minahasa of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

When to go: Early morning and late afternoon are best for birding. Farms and rice fields are easier to walk in dry weather.
What to bring: Good hiking shoes, binoculars (8× or 10×42), camera with telephoto if you like photography, water, insect repellent. A torch for any night walk.
Accommodation & food: Stay in Sonder homestays or in Tomohon for more hotel options. Food in Minahasa tends to be spicy—inform your host if you prefer milder dishes. 
Respect nature: Stay on trails, avoid disturbing birds & wildlife, do not collect insects or plants.

Booking,

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

Snorkeling with American Tourists in Manokwari

Also read:

• Birding in Minahasa Highland: A Paradise for Avian Enthusiasts
• Birding and Butterflywatching from Manado city
• Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder's Forest and Farmland
• Minahasa Highland Tour: Hiking, Birding and Sightseeing

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 Coast
So, 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.

Coral Reef and Fish in Manokwari

Visiting Mansinam
This 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.

Hiking Tour in Minahasa Highland

Minahasa highland is a beautiful tourist destination in Indonesia. It has got volcanoes, hills and slopes, waterfalls, lakes, farms and villages. The best way to explore it is by walking through them. 

Mount Mahawu is a good start for visitors who are interested in seeing the rainforest and its birds and butterflies as well as the crater of the volcano. Visitors who walk to its top could see the magnificent landscape view of Minahasa land. Mount Mahawu is located near Tomohon town. 

The crater of Mount Volcano

After exploring the volcano, the next recommended trip is walking through the slopes between Tomohon's villages and Sonder's villages. Visitors could see local people in their daily life. Most of the indigenous people of Minahasa work as farmers. They grow food crops such as cabbage, kangkung, fern, papaya (whose fruit, leaf and flower are edible),  leilem, spinach, tomato, lemon grass, moringa, spring onion, potato, corn, vanilla and a lot more. When visitors walk along the slopes of Minahasa land, they could see these food crops that are planted among other long term plants such as aren, coconut, avocado, rambutan, duku, and clove. 

In Subdistrict Sonder, visitors could see Leilem village that is famous for their wood working home industry. Villagers make table, chair, cupboard and even wooden cart wheel. From Leilem, visitors could continue walking down the slope of Leilem to Rambunan village that is famous for palm sugar home industry. There are more villages that visitors can explore while walking towards Sonder town. 

Leilem village in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahaaa regency

In Talikuran village, there are paddy fields. Visitors could walk through it to see terraces of rice fields. Shops and eating houses can be seen in Sonder town. 

Rice field in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency

In Tounelet village, there is Siloam hospital, it is the oldest hospital in North Sulawesi that is run by GMIM church. Villagers grow vegetables and fruits in their farms. Some of them run fish farming and poultry farming. At Tounelet slope, there is a small forest that is the habitat of birds. In the mornings and late afternoons, visitors could watch various species of birds such as Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Zebra Dove, Chestnut Munia, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Black-naped Oriole, Cattle Egret, Pale Blue Monarch, and etc. 

Some of the birds that can be watched in Tounelet slope of Minahasa highland

If we walk down the slope further to the north region of Subdistrict Sonder, we will reach Tincep village. Huge rice field area could be seen before we enter Tincep. The villagers of Tincep like to grow colourful flowers at the front and side yard of their houses. Visitors could see these flowers along the roadside. There are bougainvillea, canna, dahlia, heliconia, plumeria (frangipani), and etc. Flowers are important horticulture commodities that local villagers in Tincep village sell to Manado, Tomohon, Tondano, Bitung, and other cities and towns in Indonesia. 

Flower plants along the roadside of Tincep village

Where is Minahasa Highland and How to get there? 

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

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.

Booking

If you are interested in taking a hiking tour in Minahasa highland of Indonesia and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:

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), Sulawesi Myzomela, Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, 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, and inns 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