Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata)

Introduction

The Zebra Dove is a small, gentle bird known for its beautiful feathers and soft, pleasant cooing sound. Its scientific name is Geopelia striata. It belongs to the pigeon and dove family, called Columbidae. This bird is common in many parts of Southeast Asia. It is often seen in gardens, parks, villages, farms, and other places where people live. The Zebra Dove is loved by many people because of its peaceful nature, attractive appearance, and sweet voice.

This picture of Zebra Dove (in the middle) as well as other birds were taken when ai was birding in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Physical Appearance

The Zebra Dove is a small, slim bird with a long tail. It is usually about 20 to 23 centimetres long. Its feathers are mainly brown, grey, and light beige. The neck, chest, and sides of its body have many thin black and white lines. These lines look like the stripes of a zebra, which is how the bird gets its name.

The bird has a small, grey beak, dark eyes, and pinkish-brown legs. Its long tail has white tips on some of the feathers. Male and female Zebra Doves look very similar, so it can be difficult to tell them apart just by looking at them.

Habitat and Distribution

Zebra Doves prefer open places where they can find food easily. They commonly live in gardens, parks, grasslands, open fields, farms, plantations, and village areas. The species is native to parts of Southeast Asia. It has also been introduced to several other places around the world. In Indonesia, the Zebra Dove is commonly known as perkutut. It can often be seen walking on the ground in search of seeds.

Zebra Dove on a roof in Subdistrict town of Sonder in Minahasa highland of Indonesia

Food and Feeding Habits

The Zebra Dove mainly eats small seeds. Grass seeds, weed seeds, rice, and other grains are important parts of its diet. It may also eat small insects and other tiny invertebrates. The Zebra Dove usually feeds on the ground. It walks slowly across the grass or bare soil, looking for food. It often searches for food alone, in pairs, or in small groups. When food and water are easy to find, several Zebra Doves may gather in the same area.

Behaviour and Voice

The Zebra Dove is known for its calm behaviour and gentle voice. Its call is a series of soft, repeated cooing sounds. These sounds can often be heard in the early morning or during quiet periods of the day.

The bird usually walks rather than hops when looking for food. It may rest in trees or bushes and often stays close to its partner. In Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia, many people enjoy the sound of the Zebra Dove. Some people keep these birds because they appreciate their beautiful calls. However, wild birds should be allowed to live freely in their natural habitats.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Zebra Doves reproduce by laying eggs. During courtship, the male may bow its head, coo, and raise its tail to attract a female. The pair builds a simple nest using small twigs, grass, and other plant materials. The nest is usually placed in a tree or bush.

The female usually lays one or two white eggs. Both parents help keep the eggs warm and care for the young birds after they hatch. The young birds grow quickly. They develop feathers, learn to fly, and gradually become able to find food for themselves.

Importance in Nature

The Zebra Dove plays a useful role in its environment. By eating seeds, it forms part of the natural food chain. It may also help move some seeds from one place to another.

The bird is a familiar part of the natural environment in many villages and towns. Its presence adds to the variety of birds found in gardens, fields, and parks. Like other wild birds, the Zebra Dove needs safe places to feed, rest, and build its nest. Protecting green spaces and avoiding harm to wild birds can help support healthy bird populations.

Conservation Status

The Zebra Dove is classified as Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. This means it is not currently considered globally threatened based on that assessment.

However, the bird may face local problems, including the capture of wild birds for the pet trade and the loss of suitable habitat in some areas.

People can help protect Zebra Doves by keeping natural areas clean, planting suitable trees and shrubs, and avoiding the capture of wild birds. Observing them in the wild is a simple way to appreciate their beauty without disturbing them.

Interesting Facts About the Zebra Dove

• Its scientific name is Geopelia striata.
• It belongs to the pigeon and dove family.
• Its name comes from the thin stripes on its feathers.
• It mainly eats small seeds and grains.
• It often walks on the ground to find food.
• It usually lives alone, in pairs, or in small groups.
• Both parents help care for their eggs and young.
• In Indonesia, it is widely known as perkutut.

Conclusion

The Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) is a small and beautiful bird known for its striped feathers and gentle voice. It lives in many open habitats, including gardens, farms, parks, and villages. Although it is a small bird, it plays a part in nature by feeding on seeds and contributing to the balance of its environment. Its calm behaviour and pleasant calls have also made it popular among people in Southeast Asia.

By protecting its habitat and allowing wild birds to live freely, we can help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the sight and sound of the Zebra Dove.

Zebra Dove in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency, North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia

Do you want to watch Zebra Dove and a lot of other tropical birds of Sulawesi?

If you are interested in watching Zebra Dove as well as a lot of other birds in Minahasa highland, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp through this contact link. 

Also read:

• Art Drawing of Fruit-dove
• Art Drawing of Whaleshark, Manta and Dolphins
• Drawing of Flowers and Butterflies

Please, support this blog by buying drawing artworks that are available as prints on t-shirts, mugs, stickers, magnets, cell phone cases, postcards, framed art prints and etc.

Some of my art drawings of bird, fish and turtle that are availabe as prints

Birdwatching Tours from Sorong City

Sorong city is the main gate for visitors who want to spend their holiday in Raja Ampat by swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sorong city itself has got interesting tourist attractions. One of them is birdwatching. 

Sahul Sunbird

As a birding guide, I run birdwatching tours from Sorong city. The shortest one is morning birding trip that starts at 05:00 and ends at around 10:30. We usually meet our clients at the hotel where they stay. After that we will go by a chartered car to a forest area at the outskirts of Aimas town. It takes around 45 minutes to reach it. We will walk into the forest and then starts watching birds. 

If we are lucky, we could see Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. The male has got yellow feather and black head as well as a long curvy bill. At around 07:00, we will continue our activity by doing general birding. Birds such as Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Golden Myna, Yellow-faced Myna, Metallic Starling, Sahul Sunbird, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Blyth's Hornbill, Papuan Eclectus, Helmeted Friarbird and Olive-crowned Flowerpecker could be watched along the roadside or at the open area of the forest. 

To enhance the birding experience of tour participants, I usually bring spotting scope that is mounted on a tripod. We could use an adapter to take pictures or videos of the birds that we observe through the scope. 

Pinon Imperial Pigeon

At around 09:00, we will continue our birding tour to a hill that is located at the outskirts of Sorong city. There, we usually watch Pacific Bazza, Black Sunbird, Metallic Starling, Yellow-faced Myna, Palm Cockatoo, Brahminy Kite, Willie Wagtail, Dollarbird, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Trumpet Manucode, and etc.

Blyth's Hornbill

At 10:00, we will continue our trip to Buddhist Temple that allows us to enjoy the view of Sorong city. Sometimes, we could see Torresian Crow, Willie Wagtail, Sahul Sunbird, and Yellow-vented Bulbul. 

At around 10:30, we will bring tour participants back to their hotel. 

This short birding tour can also be carried out in the afternoon from 14:30 to 19:00 local time. 

If you are interested in taking a birding tour from Sorong city and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp through this contact link. 

Also read:

• Birdwatching in Sorong regency
• Birdwatching in the rainforest near Sorong
• Exploring North Sulawesi: Morning Birding from Tomohon town
• Manado city: What to do?

Please, support this blog by buying the following artworks that are printed on t-shirt, mug, clock, or cell phone case and etc.

Red Bird of Paradise

Lesser Bird of Paradise

Exploring North Sulawesi: A Morning Birding Tour from Tomohon Town

Nestled in the cool highlands of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, the town of Tomohon serves as an ideal base for birdwatching enthusiasts. Surrounded by volcanic peaks, lush forest slopes, rushing waterfalls, and wetlands, this scenic highland area offers easy access to a rich variety of Sulawesi endemics, forest birds, and waterfowls.

Sulawesi Myzomela

A tailored birding tour starting from Tomohon connects some of the most accessible and rewarding birding sites in the region.

1. Mount Lengkoan in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency

Mount Lengkoan offers cool mountain air and lush, elevated forest edge habitats. The combination of flowering trees and mid-elevation canopy makes it a prime location for spotting nectar-feeders and highland specialists.

Featured Bird Species:

* Sulawesi Myzomela (Myzomela chloroptera)

* Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher

* Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker (Dicaeum nehrkorni)

* Mountain White-eye (Zosterops montanus)

* Turquoise Flycatcher (Eumyias panayensis)

* Sultan's Cuckoo-dove (also called Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove)

 

Warbling White-eye

2. Tounelet Slope in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency

Located nearby in the Sonder district, the Tounelet Slope features easily accessible forest and roadside birding spots. Its mix of open canopy and dense growth attracts colorful canopy dwellers and sub-canopy species.

Featured Bird Species:

* Pale-blue Monarch (Hypothymis puella)

* Sulawesi Hanging-Parrot (Loriculus stigmatus)

* Yellow-sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum aureolimbatum)

* Gray-sided Flowerpecker

* Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis)

* Grey-cheeked Green-Pigeon (Treron griseicauda)

* Sahul Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus)

* Sooty-headed Bulbul

* Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo

* Black-crowned White-eye

* Yellow-billed Malkoha

Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo

3. Talikuran Rice Fields in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency

Moving into the agricultural countryside of Minahasa, the flooded paddy fields around Talikuran offer open-country and wetland birdwatching. Here, birders can spot rails, kingfishers, and open-land passeri navigating the muddy tracks and dikes.

Featured Bird Species:

* White-browed Crake (Poliolimnas cinereus)

* Barred Rail (Hypotaenidia torquata)

* Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris)

* White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus)

* Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis)

* Chestnut Munia (Lonchura atricapilla)

4. Kengkang Waterfall

Surrounded by riverine forest and humid ravines, Kengkang Waterfall is an excellent location to observe species that thrive near moving water, forest understories, and damp gorges.

Featured Bird Species:

 * Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx fallax)

 * Green-backed Kingfisher (Actenoides monachus)

 * Sulawesi Pitta (Erythropitta celebesensis)

 * Rusty-backed Thrush (Geokichla erythronota)

 * Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker (Yungipicus temminckii)

5. Lake Linow

Famous for its changing volcanic colors and sulfur vents, Lake Linow provides a unique aquatic stopping point. While enjoying the geothermal scenery, birders can watch for waterbirds, swallows, and edge species foraging along the lake margins and nearby pine trees.

Featured Bird Species:

* Dusky Moorhen

* Sunda Teal (Anas gibberifrons)

* Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

* Eastern Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

* Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

* Grey-rumped Treeswift (Hemiprocne longipennis)

* Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster)

* Oriental Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis)

Booking

If you are interested in taking this early morning general birding tour from Tomohon town, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp through this contact link. 

Coral Reef Preservation in Dorey bay of Manokwari

I have been providing snorkeling tours around some tropical islands in the Dorey bay of Manokwari since the beginning of 2010. Tourists who want to enjoy this interesting marine sport come with their own snorkeling gear such as mask, snorkel and fins. The waters in this bay is quite warm. So, the use of wetsuits is optional. There is a lot of tiny animals in the water that can cause skin problems to snorkelers and scuba divers. So, I recommend that visitors wear swimsuit or wetsuits and apply special lotion to protect their skins.
I don't provide diving or snorkeling gears because they are not available in this town. The trips that tourists like the most are snorkeling tour around Mansinam and Raimuti islands. Here the coral reef are still in good condition especially in places where no or fewer people around. Coral reef is the tropical rainforest of the sea. Why we name it that way? Because the biodiversity of the coral reef is very high. It is even higher than the tropical rainforest. Various species of fish and marine animals can be found living among these wonderful animals. Animals? Coral reefs are animals. They really are. I don't want to discuss the biology of the coral reef here because I have written a lot of articles about it. You can read them here: coral reef.

In recent years the number of wastes dumped into the sea of the Dorey bay Manokwari is rising significantly. During rainy days, tons of plastic cups, bottles and other domestic and industrial wastes flow to the sea after being swept by the rain from the city. These wastes cover the sea surface and blockade sunlight from hitting the surface of the corals. If single cells algae that live in symbiotic relationship with the corals cannot perform the photosynthesis, the coral will die. The wastes also brings bacteria and other diseases that are harmful to the corals. Soon the corals will die and the whole underwater ecosystem will be effected. As a result, the number of fish will decrease and the fishermen cannot catch fish in the nearby water anymore. They have to go further to the open ocean to catch fish. This means they will need larger boats and machines and huge fishnets. When the fish arrive in the market, the price will be higher because the fishermen have to spend more money to catch fish.

So, the snorkeling trips that I provide to foreign tourists will raise awareness among city dwellers to the preservation of coral reef in Dorey bay of Manokwari. They will realize that it is important to protect or preserve the coral reef and keep the sea clean. In addition, the presence of tourists in the Dorey bay of Manokwari will automatically provide side jobs to the fishermen and villagers living around the islands. The added income which they get will improve their living condition so that they will be more appreciative to the coral reef around them. No coral reef means no snorkeling trips and no snorkeling trips offered on the internet means no tourists would come.

There are still a lot of things that I need to do to preserve this wonderful but fragile environment. Educational materials about the importance of coral reef should also be provided to Manokwari facebook users in Indonesian language so that they will be able to read and understand this matter well. I believe that if there are more people give attention to the cleanliness of our sea in the Dorey bay of Manokwari, the corals will be more protected. Coral reef preservation is not the responsibility of tour operators and ecotourism enthusiasts alone. It is the responsibility of all human being. Coral reef provide food and at the same time catch dissolved carbon dioxide and plays a very important role in reducing global warming. If all the corals and forest around the world are restored, the issue of global warming will not be as serious as what we see today. by Charles Roring 

Also read: 

• Birding and butterflywatching tour from Manado city
• Early Morning General Birding Tour in Sonder and Lake Linow
• Exploring North Sulawesi - A Morning Birding Tour from Tomohon town
• Manado city - what to do?
• Coral Bleaching and Global Warming
• Freediving Photos from Raja Ampat
• Snorkeling with American tourists in Manokwari

Please, support this blog by buying my artworks that are offered as prints on mugs, t-shirts, tote bag, baseball cap, throw pillow and etc. 

Swimming with whaleshark

Baby Leatherback Turtle Crawling into the Sea

Freediving with Manta

Early Morning General Birding Tour in Sonder and Lake Linow

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.

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.

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.

Birdwatching at the edge of Lake Linow

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.

Also read:

• Hiking Tour in Minahasa Highland
• Minahasa Highland Tour
• Things to do in Minahasa Highland
• Manado city - what to do?

Wildlife Tour in Klaimis Forest of Sorong Regency

Klaimis is a rainforest area around 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Sorong city. It is the natural habitat of a lot of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. 

Visitors who are interested in biodiversity of tropical rainforest can take this wildlife watching tour to Klaimis forest before or after their trip in Raja Ampat. 

Some of the animals that live in tropical rainforest of Sorong regency

For visitors who are interested in birdwatching, they could watch such birds as Lesser Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Blue-black Kingfisher, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Papuan Pitta, Eastern Hooded Pitta, Blue Jewel Babbler, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Zoe Imperial Pigeon, Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Beautiful Fruit-dove, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Sultan's Cuckoo-dove, Tawny-breasted Honeyester, Yellow-bellied Longbill, Blue Jewel Babber, Northern Cassowary, Pheasant Pigeon, Red-billed Brush Turkey, and etc.

In addition to birds, visitors could see butterflies such as Blue Mountain Swallowtail, Great Eggfly Butterfly, Silky Owl Butterfly, Common Green Birdwing, Swamp Tiger, Blue Tiger, Lacewing, New Guinea Clipper and etc. There are dragonflies, and damselflies too. Usually, we could see them along the sides of a small stream or river.

The rainforest of Klaimis is the habitat of cuscus, echidna, fruitbat, bandicoot, tree mouse, and dorcopsis. We could see them when we do night walk in the forest, usually after dinner. Certain mammals in New Guinea and its surrounding islands are marsupial. 

Where to stay?

In Klaimis forest, there is a small guesthouse that is built by villagers for tourists. It has got 3 bedrooms equipped with mattrasses. There is also a small electrical generator that we use for lighting and recharging our cell phones and cameras.

Where is Sorong city and how to get there?

Sorong city is the capital of Southwest Papua Province. It is the main gate for visitors who travel to Raja Ampat. 

What to bring?

These are things that visitors need to bring when taking the tour: camera with telephoto lens and its extra memories and batteries, insect repellent lotion or spray, torch, raincoat or rain poncho, 

Visitors can fly from their countries to Singapore. After that, they could continue their trip to Manado by Scoot Air. There are daily direct flights between Sorong city and Manado city. They are served by Lion Air and TransNusa.

Booking your tour

If you are interested in taking this wildlife tour from Sorong city before your trip in Raja Ampat, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp through this contact link.

Also read:

• Sightseeing Tour from Manado city 
• Butterfly Watching Tour in Sonder Tangkoko Town
• Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, and Minahasa Highland
• Minahasa Highland Tour: Hiking, Birding and Sightseeing
• Things to do in Manado city
• Jungle Tour in Sorong Regency

Please, support this blog by buying my artworks that are offered as prints on t-shirts, mugs, clock, throw pillow, tote bag, and etc.

Artwork by Charles Roring

Louvre glass windows of a Wooden House

Louvre glass windows are commonly used in timber framed houses in tropical region. The minimum thickness of the glass is 3 millimeter. The following photograph shows the passive ventilation of a house in Wasior town of West Papua province of Indonesia. The glass windows attached inside wooden frames were installed around the outer walls. Below the corrugated clay roofs are the jalousie windows made of timber. Because the humidity in this tropical island is high, the louvre and jalousie windows greatly reduce the moisture inside the wooden house and improve the indoor air quality of the rooms.

We all know that the temperature in tropical region is quite high between 30 to 32 degrees Celcius during the days. Louvre glass windows can enhance the air circulation inside a house without the help of fan. The maintenance cost is also low. However louvre windows are not suitable for passive ventilation in cold region. This was written by Charles Roring

Also read: 

• Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Wooden Furniture from Leilem
• Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa regency
• Birdwatching tour in Minahasa highland

Please, support this website by buying art products that are available in the form of T-shirts, cell phone cases and tablet skins, bags, women's leggings or tank tops and etc at our art Store. Some of the products are presented below:

Moorish Idol fish t-shirt

Dolphins in the blue ocean

Swimming with Whaleshark

You could also visit our Redbubble Wildlife Art Store to see other merchandise or see my portfolios.

Wooden Furniture from Leilem

Wooden furniture is always attractive. The natural color of wood with beautiful grains is always the most sought after material in furniture industry. 

Tincep Village

There is a village in Indonesia that is famous for its furniture products. Its name is Leilem. Located in Minahasa regency, the province of North Sulawesi, Leilem can easily be reached by car for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hours from Manado city depending on traffic condition. When entering the village, visitors will be able to see boards that are arranged in inclined position in front of the villagers houses. These wooden planks, and blocks, facing the sun, are being dried before undergoing further treatment.

When the wooden planks have reach the desirable dryness, they will be planed and sewn in particular sizes. Then they will be assembled and nailed or pinned to form a cabinet or table. Majority of the buyers come from the surrounding towns and villages in Minahasa but in recent years, through the promotion on the internet, the number of national and international customers is increasing. Here, people can buy tables, beds, desk and bookshelves. The furniture can be sent overseas using containers. The same thing also happen to wooden houses in the nearby Woloan village that are sold to foreign buyers. The types of wood that the carpenters like to use are linggua, cempaka, and nangka (jackfruit). Customers from such countries as the United States and the Netherlands prefer knock-down tables or chairs that are made of teakwood.

The manufacturers in Leilem village realize that they cannot rely on wood that is directly cut from forests in Minahasa. The supply of wood is dwindling now. Most of them are going to the southern region of Minahasa to find wood. With the price of teak and linggua wood is extremely high, farmers in Minahasa are now considering of planting trees to meet the market demand. It will take at least 30 years before trees can reach a minimum diameter for cutting.

Woloan Village

Another interesting destination for tourists is Woloan village in Minahasa highland of Indonesia. It is only 10 to 15 minutes drive from the nearby Tomohon town. It is the site where visitors could see various sizes and forms of knock-down wooden houses that are built by local villagers. The houses are bought by buyers from all corners of the world. The types of wood which carpenters use to build the houses are cempaka (also locally called wasian), and lingua. 

If you are interested in taking a tour in Minahasa highland to see how local people make furniture and build knock-down wooden houses, as well as see nature and watch wildlife, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp through this contact link.

Also read:

• Birding in the farmland of Minahasa highland
• Louvre Glass Windows for Wooden House
• Wooden House of Minahasa

Please, support this blog by buying my artworks that are available as prints on t-shirts, hoodie, mugs, sticker, magnet, and etc. 

Artwork by Charles Roring

Adventure in Raja Ampat

Adventure in Raja Ampat

As a tourist guide, I offer adventure tours for tourists who are interested in exploring the islands, beaches, coral reef, karst and rainforest of Raja Ampat. The tour will be started from Sorong city which is the gate to the islands. We will cross the sea by fast boat, first, to Waisai town (the capital of Raja Ampat regency). It takes around 2 hours to reach it. After that we will go to a guesthouse located at the beach.
After the long boat trip, we could take a rest for 1 hour to refresh our body. We can enjoy snorkeling and freediving at the house reef of the guesthouse. Participants of this tour need to bring their own mask, snorkel and fins.

Snorkeling, freediving and Taking Pictures and Videos Underwater

Diagonal Sweetlips

A good underwater camera or action camera is also useful for taking pictures of the coral reef, fish, blue sea star and other marine creatures in the water. I personally use Nikon Coolpix W300 or Fujifilm XQ2 with waterproof housing. In the past, I used an action camera, Brica B-Pro5 Alpha Edition. Taking pictures underwater is quite challenging especially for those who do freedive for the first time. There are waves, water current. The light in coral reef is less than on land. Freedivers usually use weights to help them go into deeper water. I don't use weights. The maintain a stable position while taking pictures in the water, I hold my breath for a little bit more than one minute and then hold a hard coral with my left hand. My right hand will be then one that holds the camera and press the shutter button.
There are a lot of species of fish which snorkelers and freedivers can see in the coral reef including damselfish, goatfish, black-tip reef shark, trevally, wrasse, parrotfish, blenny, gobby, dottyback, puffer, frogfish, and a lot more. To take pictures of them, I position myself as lower or flat as possible in the water so that I will be on the same eye level with the fish. This is quite difficult because of the buoyant force that pushes me to the surface. Holding rock, and making my body as calm as possible will help me to attract fish. When fish are closer and within a good shooting distance, I will aim my camera and shoot them. After spending around 1 hour snorkeling and freediving, we will go back to the beach and take a rest.

Birding

Red Bird of Paradise

In the evening, just before the sun disappears in the west, we can see more activity of birds in the forest edge. Birds such as Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Great-billed Parrot, Violet-necked Lory, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Sacred Kingfisher, and Willie Wagtail are quite active along the forest edge and coastal area.
Visitors need a good pair of binoculars to watch them. I personally use Visionking 10×42mm to watch birds. The famous brands that birdwatchers use are Swarovski, Leica, Nikon. Bringing a spotting scope with a tripod will also enhance the birdwatching experience.

Sightseeing Tour

Piaynemo Karst

The next few days will be spent in various parts of Raja Ampat. We will go by boat to karst islets that are quite far from the guesthouse where we stay. We will also visit sand bank located at sea, and swim at the beach of tropical islands. A trip to a coastal village can also be organized. Because most of this trip will be conducted by boat, participants of the tour must bring waterproof bags that can protect their cameras and other electronic devices during the trip.
Raja Ampat islands and Papua as a whole are beautiful. There is a pop song in Indonesia whose lyrics say: Surga Kecil yang Jatuh ke Bumi meaning Little Heaven that falls on earth.
It is important for us to preserve its rainforest and marine environment. Ecotourism is one of the solutions that can generate alternative income to the local people. When people get positive benefits from this environment, they will protect it.

Booking
If you are interested in traveling to Raja Ampat and want me (Charles Roring) to organize your tour in these islands, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp.
Also read:

• Butterfly watching tour in Sonder town
• Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa Regency
• Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Wildlife Tour in Klaimis Forest of Sorong Regency

Butterfly watching Tour in Sonder Town of Minahasa Highland

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of Indonesia. It is a beautiful place for visitors who are interested in watching insect (especially butterfly, dragonfly, and damselfly),  seeing beautiful mountaineous landscape, green farmland, river, and waterfall. 

Various species of butterflies and moth could be seen in Sonder's forest and farmland. They include: Lime Swallowtail (Papilio demoleus), Manado Yellow Tiger (Parantica menadensis), Blanchard's Wood Nymph (Ideopsis vitrea oenopia), Blanchard's Tree Nymph (Idea blanchardii), Meyer's Jay (Graphium meyeri), The Clipper (Parthenos sylvia), Sulawesi Leafwing (Doleschallia polibete celebensis), Celebes Sacred Tabby (Pseudergolis avesta), Helen's Birdwing (Troides helena), Celebes-banded Swallowtail (Papilio gigon), and etc.

Sulawesi Leafwing

This butterfly was seen at the road side of Tincep village

This butterfly was seen in higher elevation forest of Subdistrict Sonder

Blanchard's Wood Nymph

Blanchard's Tree Nymph Butterfly

Milon's Blue Bottle Butterfly

Meyer's Jay Butterfly

The Clipper Butterfly

Sacred Tabby

Helen's Birdwing

Celebes-banded Swallowtail

Sulawesi Sailor

In addition to butterflies, visitors could also see dragonfly, damselfly, and other insects near Manado city.

Some dragon fly and butterfly near Manado city

How to get there?

To enjoy butterfly watching or insect watching in Sonder town and its surrounding forest and farmland, visitors need to fly from their country to Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi province in Indonesia. The trip to Sonder town can be done by car with a duration of approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic condition. 

Flights to Manado city

Car route from Manado city to Subdistrict town of Sonder

Where to stay?

Visitors can stay in homestays in Subdistrict town of Sonder or in hotels in Tomohon town. 

Visitors can stay in homestay in Sonder or in hotels in Tomohon town

Booking

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

Also read:

• Birding Tour in Sonder town of North Sulawesi
• Birding Trip in North Sulawesi
• Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa regency

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Artwork by Charles Roring