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 this contact link.

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

Birding and butterfly watching in Sonder's Forest and Farmland

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa highland of North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. 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. It is a must see destination for nature lovers. Sonder, in 1970s and 1980s was very famous as the producer of clove. Local farmers grow clove trees along the slopes of the surrounding hills and mountains. In Indonesia, the dried buds of clove flower is used as ingredients in cigarette.  

The forest and farmland that surround Sonder town and its villages are the habitat of a lot of species of birds and butterflies. 

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

ITINERARY

Day 1 

You arrive in Manado city, we will meet you at the airport and organize your transfer by car to Sonder town. Check into homestay. Take a rest for around 2 hours. We will start our birdwatching and butterflywatching activity in Mount Lengkoan - the higher elevation forest and farmland of Sonder. It 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 this 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

Day 2

We will do our birding and butterflywatching activitiee in Lalek Farm Forest. There are more open areas that are good for watching birds. Roadside birding can easily be carried out along these farm roads because the road is mostly empty during 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. Pale Blue Monarch, Black-naped Oriole as well as Sulawesi Hanging Parrot could be seen in the 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

Day 3 

After breakfast, we will do birding down the slope road between Lahendong and Sonder. This is the natural habitat of Bay Coucal, Black-naped Oriole, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eyed), Sulawesi Crow, Black Kite, Sulawesi Goshawk, Lesser Fish Eagle, Pale Blue Monarch, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Green Imperial Pigeon, Zebra Dove, Sooty-headed Bulbul, and etc.

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.

Day 4

We will do morning birding in Mount Mahawu to look for Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pitta, Sulawesi Myzomela, Superb Fruit-dove,  Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Crimson Sunbird, Warbling White-eye,and etc.

We will return to Manado city and organize your transfer to airport. End of Tour. 

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

Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Regency

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It is surrounded by forest, agricultural dry land, paddy fields (wet land) and water streams. They are the habitat of various species of birds. Visitors who are interested in taking a birding tour in Sonder need to bring their own binoculars, and other optional equipment such as spotting scope and camera with telephoto lens. 

Sulawesi Myzomela

Birding is usually carried out early in the mornings and late afternoons. In the hill forest of Sonder, we could find such birds as Black-faced Munia, Warbling White-eye, Crimson Sunbird, Black Kite, Sulawesi Crow, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Pitta, Van Hasselt's Sunbird, Yellow-billed Malkoha, and etc.

Van Hasselt Sunbird

At a slope of Tounelet village in Sonder town, there is a small forest that is located behind Siloam Hospital. Walking around it, visitors could see Sooty-headed Bulbul, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Black-crowned White-eye, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Black-naped Oriole, Cattle Egret, Chestnut Munia and Sahul Sunbird.

Black Kite

The farmland of Sonder is also great place for sightseeing tour and birding. There are a lot of birds that we could watch including Black Kite, White-breasted Woodswallow, Collared Kingfishers Sulawesi Crow, Barred Rail, Brown-throated Sunbird, and etc. 

More birds such as Green Imperial Pigeon, Sulawesi Myna, Black-naped Oriole, and White-rumped Triller could be seen in paddy field area and inside the forest of Sonder.

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Sahul Sunbird, Barred Rail, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Yellow-billed Malkoha

Where is Sonder and how to get there?

Sonder is located in Minahasa highland. It is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car from the airport of Sam Ratulangi in Manado city. 

Visitors need to fly to Manado city in order to visit Sonder and other villages in Minahasa highland. Every day, there are regular flights from major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar and Sorong to Manado city. They are served by Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air and TransNusa. There is also direct flight from Singapore to Manado city served by Scoot Air. The next trip to Sonder could be done by car using Grab Car, Go Car or taxis from airport to Sonder town.

Flights to Manado city

Car route between Manado city and Sonder

For accommodation, visitors could stay in homestays in Sonder. For more comfortable accommodation, visitors could stay in hotels in Tomohon town. 

If you are interested in birding in Sonder town of Minahasa and want me to organize your trip and guide you, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in the Farmland of Minahasa Highland
• Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birds in Minahasa

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

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

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

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. 

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. 

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.

Also read:

• Birding Vacation in North Sulawesi
• Birdwatching Tour in Minahasa Highland
• Sahul Sunbird in Minahasa Highland
• Minahasa Beach and Great-billed Kingfisher
• Birds in Minahasa
• Birding in North Sulawesi
• Exploring the Natural Beauty of North Sulawesi
• Yellow-billed Malkoha
• Birding in Minahasa Peninsula
• Nature Tour in North Sulawesi