Jungle Tour in Sorong of West Papua

I have been organizing tours for tourists to tropical rainforest of  Sorong regency since last year. The destination is Klasow valley located approximately two hours by 4WD car and 2 hours walk through tropical jungle to reach a village in the valley.

a Swiss tourist with the background of
tropical jungle of Klasow valley

Tourists
So far most of the guests who visited the valley were from western countries such as the United States, The Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Germany and etc. Some came as a single travelers while others came as couples or as groups of three up to six people. More visitors are coming as more information is uploaded into the internet about the Klasow valley and Tambrauw mountains.
The Rainforest
The plants that grow in Klasow valley are typical vegetation that is usually found in the lowland and coastal area of New Guinea. Big trees such as ficus, large conifer Agathis, and iron wood, and various species of palms live side by side with rattan and other vines or climbing plants.
There are also sago trees which the indigenous people process to make flour. Sago is the staple food of Moi tribe who live in the region.
Wildlife Watching
Tourists go to Klatomok village of Klasow valley to see the rich bio-diversity of tropical rainforest that is the natural habitat of wallaby (a kind of small ground kangaroo, bandicoot, cassowary, wild pigs, sulphur crested cockatoo, goliath cockatoo, blyh's hornbill, goshawk, kingfisher, golden myna, dollar bird, pinon imperial pigeon and a lot of other birds. Colorful butterflies can also be seen in the area too. Birdwatching can usually be done from mornings until evening. Nocturnal bird such as Papuan Frogmouth can sometimes be heard calling from distant trees. At night, jungle walk can be carried out to see wallaby.

Where to stay
Most of the tourists who visited Klasow valley stayed in homestays in Klatomok village owned by villagers. They are made of wood. There is clean water installation and a simple toilet.

Cost: On the average the cost per person depends on the number of participants and how long they plan to stay in the forest. The cost must cover transportation by 4WD car, local guide, food, and basic accommodation in the jungle village.

Booking:
Please, contact my email: peace4wp@gmail.com for detailed info about the tour.

Rainforest Tour organized from Sorong Town

Trekking in the forest of Sorong regency of West Papua

I often receive emails from visitors who want to go trekking in the rainforest near Sorong town. Usually they want to combine their diving trip in Raja Ampat with jungle tour in the mainland New Guinea particularly near Sorong city.
I can organize a land tour or jungle tour to several destinations in West Papua.

• For visitors who only have got 2 to 3 days in Sorong, the destination that I offer is Klasow valley. 
• If they have got more than 3 days, the rainforest that I will offer is Tambrauw mountains (lowland forest along Syuan river or pristine forest in Ases valley).

Klasow Valley

This valley is only 1 hour away from Sorong town and another hour on foot to reach the jungle village of Malagufuk. Visitors who book the tour to Klasow valley can start the tour early in the morning. Wild animals that live in the valley are wallaby, cassowary, deer, wild pigs, soa-soa, and various species of birds including lesser birds of paradise, blyth's hornbills, sulphur crested cockatoo, western crowned pigeon, golden myna, yellow faced myna and a lot more. Visitors are advised to bring D-SLR camera with telephoto lens or a bridge camera with super telephoto capability such as Nikon Coolpix P900. The rainforest of Klasow valley is flat. So, it is suitable for anybody who cannot go trekking in sloppy mountains.

Tambrauw Mountains

Camping site in the jungle of Tambrauw mountains

This is the destination for visitors who have got more than 3 days to spend in the jungle. Tambrauw mountains are covered by huge tropical rainforest from its coastal area up to the mountainous regions. For coastal region, the usual destination where I bring my guests to is Syuan river. It is suitable for camping and trekking. Tents will be built at the bank of the river. During the tour, visitors can enjoy swimming and birdwatching as well as learning the medicinal functions of herbal plants that grow in the jungle.
Another destination in Tambrauw mountains is Ases valley. To reach the valley, visitors need to go by a 4WD car for 6 hours. After that the trip will be continued on foot for 2 hours. Deers, wallaby, cassowary bird, tree kangaroo, and a lot of species of birds live in the valley.

Western Crowned Pigeon in
the jungle of Klasow valley

As a tourist guide I have arranged a lot of rainforest trips for visitors who want to explore the tropical jungle of West Papua for several days. That's why I have got tents, air mattresses, rechargeable lights, cooking, eating, and other logistical gear that are needed for the tour. I also have contacts with local villagers and 4WD car drivers that I need to organize a jungle tour or expedition.
So, if you are interested in taking a rainforest tour that is organized from Sorong town, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Also read:

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

Wildlife Watching Tour in Lowland Rainforest Sorong Regency

I was with birdwatchers from the USA

From 14 to 16 November, I had a special guest from the USA. Her name was Shreeya. She was a 12 year old girl who took a long flight with her father from San Francisco of the USA to Singapore, to Manado and finally landed in Sorong city. I met them at the airport and arranged their transfer to the rainforest of Klasow valley. We spent 3 days exploring the tropical jungle of Sorong lowland region in search of birds of paradise, and other wild animals of West Papua. Her father, Rad, told me that Shreeya would make an article about birds of paradise for her school assignment. That's why she was very interested in watching the birds in their natural habitat.

Grey-headed Goshawk

We really enjoyed the birding and wildlife tour in the forest. Birds were not the only animals that we could watch in the village. We were lucky to see a Monitor Lizard that was crawling on a fallen tree just outside the village and a large varieties of butterflies. Some of them belong to the genera of Ornithoptera or birdwing butterflies. 

Children from Malagufuk village

We left Klasow valley in the morning of 16 November 2015 for Swissbel hotel of Sorong town. They would continue their trip by speedboat to Papua Paradise Eco Resort in Raja Ampat. It was a nice nature trip for all of us including the villagers. I hope that more visitors would be interested in visiting the jungle village of Malagufuk in Sorong regency.

During the wildlife and rainforest tour in Klasow valley, we were able to spot Lesser Birds of Paradise, and Twelve Wired Paradise Bird at some display trees near Klasow river. It was my first experience spotting the twelve wired bird. Besides watching the birds, we did a night walk to find wallaby. We saw two of them. The trees that grow in the vicinity of Malagufuk village were our favorite birding targets for the whole duration of our wildlife tour in Sorong regency. We saw Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Blyth's hornbills, Friarbird, Drongo, Golden Myna, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Dollarbird, and a lot more.
On our final day of staying in the forest, I was able to spot a young Grey-headed Goshawk (Accipiter poliochepalus) that landed on a branch of a tree near our guesthouse. It was there for several minutes and I was able to take some pictures of the bird.

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com to book your rainforest tour in lowland forest of Sorong regency. 

Also read: 

• Keindahan Burung Cendrawasih
• Cendrawasih Kuning Kecil dan Lokasi Pengamatannya

Rainforest Tour in Tambrauw Mountains

Camping

Rainforest of Tambrauw regency along both sides of Cuan river

The mountain range of Tambrauw is the natural habitat of a lot of species of animals and plants. Last month, I guided a tourist from Luxembourg on a 5-day/ 4-night trekking, camping and birding tour in the jungle of Cuan river. We saw sulphur crested cockatoo, friar bird, cuscus possum, birdwing butterflies, deers, wild pigs, cassowary birds, and colorful beetles. 

The easiest way to explore the jungle was by walking along the sides of the river. We built tents at the bank of Cuan river, and enjoyed the beauty of the surrounding nature. At night the sounds of insect were mixed with the sound of flowing water in the river. It was so natural and refreshing. The next morning we dismantled our tents and walked up against the stream. Sometimes we had to cross the river to make shortcuts. 

Discovering the unique biodiversity of rainforest

Camping in the tropical jungle of Tambrauw regency in West Papua

Some people from the nearby Jokte village helped us. There were two women who cooked for us and some men who carried our bags and caught shrimps in the rivers for our lunch and dinner. During the days, we walked in the jungle exploring the plants and the animals. I saw several species of colorful butterflies that were flying from one wild flower to another to collect nectar. I also saw a small beetle that looked like a plastic toy. When I checked on the internet for its name, I found out that its name was Eupholus schoenherri. 

Snorkeling

After the fourth day of our rainforest tour, we walked out of the jungle and continued our trip to Sausapor town. In the afternoon, we went to the beach and enjoyed snorkeling over the coral reef. Sausapor was aJ small village in 1944 when American forces landed on its beach to fight the Imperial Japanese Forces during World War II. Now the sea in Sausapor is relatively calm for the coral reef to thrive again. The northern coast of West Papua has got plenty of surf spots too. Visitors who are interested in this sports should visit Sausapor in the months of October, November, January, February, and March.

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If you are interested in exploring the rich biodiversity of tropical rainforest of West Papua, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Trekking and Camping in the Rainforest of Syuan River

Camping in the jungle of Tambrauw regency - photo by Charles Roring

I have just finished a rainforest tour today. I guided 4 visitors from the USA, and Hongkong. We went to Tambrauw regency where we stayed for 4 days and 3 nights trekking and camping on the sides of Syuan river. We went there by a 4WD car and stayed in outdoor environment using tents as our "hotel." We enjoyed birdwatching, and swimming. We had plenty of time swimming in the river whose water is cool and fresh. There were fish, and shrimp in the river. The indigenous people used traditional fishing tools to catch them. The Papuan people were expert in hunting. One of our workers was able to catch a bandicoot just like a cat punches on a mouse. Bandicoot, cuscus possum, deer, wild pig, and snake were the source of protein of the indigenous people who live in Tambrauw mountains.

Tropical rainforest of Tambrauw regency in West Papua

In the mornings, when the weather was bright, a lot of butterflies flew in the air to find flowers that were blooming from numerous trees around us. There were some whose sizes were larger than the average butterfly. They were called birdwing butterflies.
While we were walking along the trails of the riverside, we saw cockatoo, kingfisher, egret, blyth's hornbill and many other birds which we could not identify.
Under the trees, the temperature was cool.

We hired local villagers to cook our food and carry our bags and other logistical goods. My concept in ecotourism was preserving the rainforest environment by empowering local villagers. When the indigenous people got economic benefits from eco-tourism, they would seriously support the preservation of the forest and protect the wildlife. 

Trekking in the jungle of West Papua

Because most of the visitors were from the United States, I extended the trip to Werur village where they were able to see Amsterdam island and Middlelburg island. These two islands, with Werur (or Mar) and Sausapor, became the base for US forces when they were fighting Japanese forces during World War II.

I introduced eco-tourism in this regency this year. Some foreign tourists have visited Tambrauw regency to explore the beauty of its forest.
The temperature in the forest is cool with abundant water. Visitors can enjoy swimming or just reading their favorite books at the bank of the river while listening to the music of nature (sounds of bids, the swaying of tree branches blown by the wind and water flowing in the river).

Female Eclectus Parrot in the forest of Tambrauw mountains

The tropical rainforest along the sides of Syuan river is the natural habitat of various species of wild animals wild pig; deer; wallaby; bandicoot; and a lot of species of birds including cassowary bird, lesser birds of paradise, eclectus parrot, goliath cockatoo, sulphur crested cockatoo, grey crow (Corvus tristis), Papuan frogmouth, egrets, egrets, blyth's hornbill, brahminy kite. I also used to see a Ribbon-tailed Astrapia (Astrapia mayeri) flying over my head when I was swimming in Syuan river. I was a very rare sighting.

If you are interested in taking a rainforest trekking and camping tour in Tambrauw regency, please, book the trip by contacting me (Charles Roring) at this email: peace4wp@gmail.com

Trekking and Wildlife Watching in the Rainforest of Klasow Valley

Eclectus Parrot

Visiting Lowland Forest
Malagufuk village of Klasow valley is located in the east of Sorong town. It has been a favorite travel destinations for visitors who are interested in taking a jungle tour as an extension from their trip to Raja Ampat. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the valley by a 4WD car and 2 hours on foot to reach the guesthouse that is in the middle of the jungle. Early this month, I guided 2 visitors from the United States. They were father and daughter Indian American visitors who wanted to see birds of paradise. We went to the valley. We spent 3 days/ 2 nights exploring the lowland rainforest to see its birds, wallaby, and plants. We stayed in Malagufuk village.

Jungle Walk and Birding
Klasow valley has been a preferred rainforest tour destination in Sorong regency for visitors who return from Raja Ampat. During the trip to the valley, we were able to see Lesser Birds of Paradise, Twelve Wired Birds of Paradise, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Blyth's hornbill, Spotted Goshawk, Golden Myna and other tropical birds that make Klasow as their natural habitat.
Accompanied by some local guides, we were able to spot some Wallabies in the jungle near during a night walk.

Soa-soa Monitor Lizard in the jungle of
Klasow valley of Sorong regency

After completing this land tour, they continued their trip to Raja Ampat islands where they would stay in Papua Paradise Eco Resort.
Rainforest tour in the valley can be done all year round for visitors who are interested in seeing the wildlife and tropical plants of West Papua.

Itinerary
Day 1 Pick up in Sorong city, walking through the rainforest to reach the jungle village.
Day 2 Trekking, birding and wildlife watching
Day 3 Walking back to the main road, we still have the chance to watch wild birds, tropical plants and butterfly along the way, transfer to Sorong city by 4wd car.
A customized itinerary can be prepared upon request.

Raja Ampat Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tour
Your tour can also be extended to Raja Ampat where you will be able to see coral reef and tropical fish of the best marine environment in the world. As of 2011 counting, Raja Ampat, according to marine biologists has got the highest marine bio-diversity on earth with 1,427 reef fish, 553 hard corals, and 42 mantis shrimp.

When you take the snorkeling tour with us, we will leave Sorong city in the morning for Raja Ampat islands. We will stay there for 5 days/ 4 nights to enjoy snorkeling in Kri island, Mansuar island, Arborek, Kabui bay, Manta Point, Pianemo post and Five Rocks (Batu Lima).

Itinerary for Raja Ampat
Here is a typical itinerary that I offer to my customers:
Day 1 
Leaving Sorong for Raja Ampat
We will stay at one of the homestays in the region
Snorkeling in Yenbuba strait
Day 2 
Traveling to Kabui karst islets (snorkeling) and a visit to its passage.
Snorkeling in Batu Lima or Friwen
A visit to sand bank near Kri island
Day 3 
Traveling to Pianemo to see its beautiful scenery on top of one of its karst islets
Snorkeling in Arborek
Day 4 
Snorkeling in West Mansuar
Snorkeling in Sawondarek 
Day 5 
Leaving Raja Ampat for Sorong

The above itinerary should be considered as a reference only. It can be changed or modified during the trip depending on weather condition (rainy or sunny days, wave and sea current).

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com if you are interested in taking a rainforest tour in Sorong regency.

Rainforest Tour Manokwari Lowland Forest

French tourists were watching birds in Manokwari

I have just opened a new rainforest tour destination in Manokwari this year. It is located in lowland region. Its name is Mesirrokow river forest. The forest is the natural habitat of various species of birds such as Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus), Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Yellow-faced Myna, Papuan Hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Willie Wagtail, Little-ringed Plover, Variable Goshawk, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Brown Cuckoo Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Little Egret, Rainbow Bee Eater, Lowland Peltop, Large-tailed Nightjar, and Brahminy Kite. There are also other animals such as soa-soa lizard, wild pigs, and deers.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, sunbathing and camping at the bank of the river. As a tour guide, I have organized several riverwalk and camping tours in the Mesirrokow forest for visitors who come from The United Kingdom, Switzerland, France and etc. 

British tourists were doing rainforest riverwalk tour

They enjoyed their trips because they could swim in the river as much as they like and watch birds in the surrounding forest. 

This fores is suitable for nature lover who want to experience jungle tour in Manokwari. 

Camping and Birding

Most of the activities will be carried out along the Mesirrokow river-forest. Tents will be installed at the bank of the river. Because of the open space in the river is very wide, we could easily watch birds that fly or sit on the branches of the trees in both sides of the river. To enhance birding experience, a spotting scope with tripod and a good pair of binoculars will be provided.
Birds such as Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, and Papuan Hornbill can easily be seen in the mornings and in the afternoons. For watching Willie Wagtail, we need to walk along the river and have a look at fallen trees that are drifted during the floods and stuck in the middle of the river. The birds like to sit on the log or branches of he desd trees that extend over the river. Little-ringed Plover like to walk along the sandbank. A good pair of 10x42 mm binoculars is a perfect device for birding in this area.

Camping in Manokwari forest

Visitors are recommended to bring flashlight/ torch, insect repellent lotion and sunblock lotion, water shoes, a good pair of binoculars, and clothings that are suitable for jungle tour and swimming. For camping in the jungle, we will provide tents as well as cooking and eating utensils. 

If you are interested, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or sent text/ whatsapp message to my cell phone +6281332245180

Adventure Trip to Tambrauw

Guest Post by Astrid de Wilde

Deer in Tambrauw mountains

If you want a holiday with a high wow factor, a visit to the Tambrauw region is worthwhile. I have been in this region for a week. Together with my guide Charles Roring, we stayed in Sausapor - a small quiet coastal town. From Sorong, it is a 3-hour boat trip. During this trip you can already enjoy the view.
Sausapor actually has everything. The village has many eateries. Especially the nasi koening near the guesthouse is advisable. You can also walk along the coast and relax along the water. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset. Do you like snorkeling or diving you will also enjoy yourself here. I learned to snorkel during this holiday. I did not expect to like it that much. The underwater world is beautiful here. Several coral reefs and fish can be seen.
Are you tired of the "urban" life you can go into the jungle. The paths are very good. A novice hiker can easily walk here.

Baby Pyton in Tambrauw forest

Nature is breathtakingly beautiful. The views are beautiful. Beautiful untouched nature. Furthermore you see and hear many birds. Charles enthusiastically tells which birds they are. I have learned a lot in a short time. In addition to birds, we have seen deer, butterflies, dragonflies and a baby python. I thought it was a special experience. The area is too beautiful to describe. It is best to see for yourself with your own eyes. Then you can also enjoy this untouched nature. It was nice to have some fun while  hiking and birding in the forest.
How to go there:
You need to fly from your country to Jakarta - the capital of Indonesia.
After that, you can take a domestic flight (served by Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Sriwijaya Air or Nam Air) to Sorong city.
Charles Roring could meet you at the airport and organize your trip to Tambrauw
If you want more information, please contact Charles Roring by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180