North Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s most interesting destinations for birdwatching, offering a variety of habitats and many bird species, including several endemic to Sulawesi. The Early Morning General Birding Tour in Sonder and Lake Linow provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful Minahasa highlands while searching for forest birds, garden birds, and waterbirds in their natural habitats.
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| Birding in Minahasa highland |
The tour starts early in the morning, when birds are generally most active. The cool air, peaceful surroundings, and sounds of birds calling from the trees create an ideal atmosphere for birdwatching. The main birding sites in Sonder include Mount Lengkoan, Tounelet Slope, and Tincep’s Kengkang Waterfall, followed by a visit to Lake Linow near Tomohon town.
Mount Lengkoan is an interesting location for observing birds associated with forest edges, trees, and surrounding agricultural landscapes. Birdwatchers can look for species such as the Sulawesi Myzomela, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Black Sunbird, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Drongo, Black-crowned White-eye, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Superb Fruit-Dove, and Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker. The Sulawesi Serpent Eagle may also be encountered soaring above the surrounding hills. These birds make the area attractive to visitors interested in discovering the unique avifauna of Sulawesi.
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| Crimson Sunbird |
The next stop is Tounelet Slope, where a combination of gardens, cultivated land, trees, and patches of natural vegetation provides opportunities to observe different bird species. Among the birds to look for are the Sulawesi Cuckoo-Dove, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Pale Blue Monarch, Black-naped Oriole, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Zebra Dove, Chestnut Munia, and Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker. Glossy Swiftlets and White-nest Swiftlets may also be seen flying overhead. Careful observation is important because many birds move quickly through the vegetation or remain concealed among the branches.
Tincep’s Kengkang Waterfall offers a different birdwatching experience. Surrounded by lush vegetation and a natural ravine, the waterfall provides a pleasant environment for exploring the local birdlife. The combination of trees, shrubs, and flowing water makes this location an interesting place to search for birds. Species to look for include the Green Imperial Pigeon, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit-Dove, Sulawesi Cuckoo-Dove, Sulawesi-crested Myna, White-rumped Triller, and Sulawesi Serpent Eagle. Listening carefully to bird calls can be particularly helpful in this area, where dense foliage may make some species difficult to see.
After exploring the birding sites in Sonder, the tour continues to Lake Linow, a volcanic lake near Tomohon famous for its changing water colors and beautiful natural scenery. The lake and its surroundings offer opportunities to observe waterbirds, birds of open habitats, and species associated with nearby vegetation. A variety of birds have been documented in the Lake Linow area, making it an interesting destination for birdwatchers.
Bird species to look for around Lake Linow include the Sunda Teal, Collared Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Javan Pond Heron, Little Egret, Eastern Cattle Egret, White-breasted Waterhen, Barred Rail, Australasian Swamphen, Barn Swallow, White-breasted Woodswallow, Zebra Dove, and Brahminy Kite. Depending on the season and local conditions, other resident birds and occasional visitors may also be encountered. The lake provides opportunities to observe birds feeding along the shoreline, resting among vegetation, or flying over the water.
The Early Morning General Birding Tour in Sonder and Lake Linow is suitable for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and travelers who want to discover the natural beauty of North Sulawesi. Visiting Mount Lengkoan, Tounelet Slope, Tincep’s Kengkang Waterfall, and Lake Linow allows participants to experience a variety of landscapes while searching for the region’s distinctive bird species.
Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, a camera, comfortable walking shoes, drinking water, and suitable outdoor clothing. Moving quietly and respecting the natural environment will help make the experience more enjoyable while minimizing disturbance to wildlife.
This tour offers a rewarding introduction to the birdlife of the Minahasa highlands, combining the search for Sulawesi’s endemic forest birds with opportunities to observe waterbirds around Lake Linow. Although bird sightings depend on weather, season, and local conditions, the diversity of habitats makes Sonder and Lake Linow appealing destinations for an early morning birdwatching adventure.
If you are interested in taking a morning general birding tour from Tomohon to Mount Lengkoan, Tounelet Slope, Kengkang Waterfall in Sonder as well as Lake Linow of Lahendong village, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp through this contact link.
