Visitors who travel to Raja Ampat will first have to fly to Sorong city. The city is located in mainland West Papua province of the Republic of Indonesia. I often receive questions from tourists whether there are other natural attractions around Sorong regency which they can see before or after visiting Raja Ampat islands.
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| Female Eclectus Parrot |
The lowland forest in the suburb of Sorong regency is a new destination for tourists who want to explore the biodiversity of tropical rainforest. The forest is the natural habitat of birds, reptiles, insects, mammals and marsupials. I introduced it for the first time on the internet in November 2014.
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| A male Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor) |
Tropical birds of New Guinea that thrive in lowland rainforest can be seen in the valley. Shining flycatcher (Myagra alecto), Sulphur crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Pinon Imperial Pigion (Ducula pinon), Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), Western crowned pigeon (Goura cristata), Blyth's hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Moustached Tree Swift, and Lesser birds of paradise (Paradisaea minor) are some of the many birds of New Guinea that visitors can watch while walking through the forest.
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| Western-crowned Pigeon |
Visitors can watch the birds in the mornings and in the evenings. Male lesser birds of paradise compete against one another to win the heart of female birds.
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| Lesser Birds of Paradise |
After watching the paradise birds, visitors could walk back to the village and do birdwatching along the way. Binoculars, spotting scopes and laser pointer will be very useful during the morning walk.
Leg-cramps and muscle pain are not very common among tourists, but there were some cases where tourists experienced them. Dehydration, salt depletion and fatigue of long day walking on the trails caused these severe leg cramps. When these signs happened, I immediately stopped the hiking tour and returned to our guesthouse. In the jungle guesthouse, I served instant noodle and gave it to my client who suffered it. The soup of the noodle contains salt that would reduce the cramps. The noodle soup resupplies her body with new electrolytes. To ease the soreness or pain in the muscles and joints, I gave gentle massage using coconut oil. I applied the oil on my palms, warmed them up and then gave relaxing massage to the tensed musles.
Massage also increased the flow of blood that brings nutrients and oxygen to underlying tissues. It relieved muscle tension, and stiffness. Birding could be continued around the clearing area of the forest.
What you need to bring:
Itinerary of Rainforest Tour:
Day 1
Transfer from Sorong city to lowland forest of Sorong by 4WD pick-up car. You will stay in a guesthouse (basic accommodation) in the jungle. Birding can be done directly along the forest edge. After dinner, I or local villager will accompany you to have a night walk in the jungle to find wallaby. Sometimes Papuan frogmouth or fruit bat can be seen too. We will use flash or torch. If you are too tired to do the night walk, we could do it in the second night.
Day 2
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will leave your camp to walk deeper into the jungle to explore its biodiversity. Deer, wild pigs and wallaby live in the jungle of the valley. Our targets for this morning are Lesser Birds of Paradise and Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. If we are lucky, we could see them. At night, after dinner, local guide can accompany you to find cuscus possum that usually comes out at night to find food or to mate.
Day 3
We will go trekking and birding in the hill forest. Usually, Hooded Butcherbird, Western-crowned Pigeon, Black-capped Lory, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Frilled Monarch and King Bird of Paradise.
Day 4
This is your last birding day, the easiest way to explore the forest is to walk around the forest through old logging tracks that are located near the village. Birds such as Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Large Fig Parrot, Magnificent Riflebird, usually come to villagers' garden to find grains such as corn, peanuts and green beans. In the afternoon, 4WD pick up truck will transfer you back to Sorong city.
Costs:
This depends on the number of participants and duration of the tour. Traveling in a group of 3 or 4 people will make the price cheaper.
The Lowland forest is located in the west of Sorong city. Visitors need to rent a 4WD Pick-up truck to reach the valley. You could contact us if you want a more customized trips and different itinerary.
Massage also increased the flow of blood that brings nutrients and oxygen to underlying tissues. It relieved muscle tension, and stiffness. Birding could be continued around the clearing area of the forest.
Birding in the Forest Edge
The clearing area around the jungle village is a good place for birding in the afternoon particularly between 16.00 to 18.00 local time. Birds such as friarbird, moustached tree swift, large fig parrot, red cheek parrot, and black lorry often fly and perch in the nearby trees. Children in the village with their sharper eyes can spot birds in distant trees faster than most of the visitors. |
| Rufous-bellied Kookaburra |
- Water shoes or trekking shoes and long sleeve clothing that will protect you from insect bites when you sleep. You also need t-shirt that is suitable for tropical climate that is usually hot during the day
- Torch
- Rain poncho
- Insect repellent lotion. Apply it on your skin, and the clothes that cover your body, including areas over your neck, armpits, chest, crotch and ankle. This is very important to protect you from tiny insects that can go through your clothes and bite your skin.
- Bring binoculars or digital camera with super telephoto lens if you want to take pictures of the animals that live in the jungle.
- Extra batteries for your camera.
Itinerary of Rainforest Tour:
Day 1
Transfer from Sorong city to lowland forest of Sorong by 4WD pick-up car. You will stay in a guesthouse (basic accommodation) in the jungle. Birding can be done directly along the forest edge. After dinner, I or local villager will accompany you to have a night walk in the jungle to find wallaby. Sometimes Papuan frogmouth or fruit bat can be seen too. We will use flash or torch. If you are too tired to do the night walk, we could do it in the second night.
Day 2
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will leave your camp to walk deeper into the jungle to explore its biodiversity. Deer, wild pigs and wallaby live in the jungle of the valley. Our targets for this morning are Lesser Birds of Paradise and Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. If we are lucky, we could see them. At night, after dinner, local guide can accompany you to find cuscus possum that usually comes out at night to find food or to mate.
Day 3
We will go trekking and birding in the hill forest. Usually, Hooded Butcherbird, Western-crowned Pigeon, Black-capped Lory, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Frilled Monarch and King Bird of Paradise.
Day 4
This is your last birding day, the easiest way to explore the forest is to walk around the forest through old logging tracks that are located near the village. Birds such as Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Large Fig Parrot, Magnificent Riflebird, usually come to villagers' garden to find grains such as corn, peanuts and green beans. In the afternoon, 4WD pick up truck will transfer you back to Sorong city.
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| Road leading to Klaglass forest of Klasow valley |
Costs:
This depends on the number of participants and duration of the tour. Traveling in a group of 3 or 4 people will make the price cheaper.
The Lowland forest is located in the west of Sorong city. Visitors need to rent a 4WD Pick-up truck to reach the valley. You could contact us if you want a more customized trips and different itinerary.
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| Sulphur-crested Cockatoo |
Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland: A Guide for Nature Lovers
If you're planning a wildlife watching and photography trip to North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Tangkoko Nature Reserve and the Minahasa Highland should be at the very top of your itinerary. These two destinations offer a rare mix of lush rainforest hiking, endemic wildlife encounters, and breathtaking highland landscapes—making them perfect for hikers, birdwatchers, and eco-travelers.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about exploring these remarkable natural gems, including highlights, best hiking routes, unique wildlife species, and practical travel tips.
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| Sulawesi Hanging Parrot |
Why Visit Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland?
North Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s most biologically rich regions. Tangkoko’s lowland rainforest is home to some of the world’s most unusual species, while the Minahasa Highland offers cooler climates, volcanic peaks, and panoramic views of lakes, hills, and traditional villages. Together, they create a perfect combination of wildlife and scenic adventure.
Tangkoko Nature Reserve: Paradise for Hiking and Wildlife Watching
1. Overview
Located on the northeastern tip of Sulawesi, Tangkoko Nature Reserve spans over 8,700 hectares of forest. It is famous for its incredible biodiversity, especially species found nowhere else on Earth.
Best Time to VisEart
- Dry season: May–October
- Best for birdwatching: Early morning (6–9 AM) and late afternoon
2. Hiking in Tangkoko
The hiking trails in Tangkoko are accessible for all levels, with routes ranging from easy forest walks to longer treks deeper into the reserve.
Popular Trails
- Forest Edge Walk: Easy, great for spotting tarsiers at dusk
- Black Macaque Trail: Moderate, ideal for wildlife photography
- Tangkoko Forest Trail: A long wildlife watching walk through the tropical rainforest of North Sulawesi.
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| Gursky's Spectral Tarsier |
Expect humid conditions and dense vegetation, so proper footwear and hydration are essential.
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3. Birding in Tangkoko
Birdwatchers consider Tangkoko one of the best birding sites in Indonesia, thanks to its high number of **endemic Sulawesi birds**.
Bird Species to Look For
- Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher
- Knobbed Hornbill
- Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher
- Green-backed Kingfisher
- Ashy Woodpecker
- Minahasa Racquet-tail
Most tours begin at dawn, when the forest is alive with calls and movement.
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| Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill |
4. Iconic Wildlife Encounters
Beyond birds, the reserve is home to some of Indonesia’s most iconic species:
- Celebes Crested Macaques - Endemic primates known for their expressive faces and social behavior.
- Spectral Tarsier - One of the smallest primates on Earth—best spotted at dusk when they emerge to forage.
- Cuscus Bear - A tree-dwelling marsupial often seen resting on branches.
These sightings make Tangkoko a dream destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
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Minahasa Highland: Scenic Trails and Cultural Wonders
1. Overview
A short drive from Manado, the Minahasa Highland offers a cooler climate and a dramatic landscape of mountains, volcanic craters, lakes, and farming villages.
2. Beautiful Hiking Spots in the Minahasa Highland
Mount Mahawu
Difficulty: Easy–moderate
Highlight: A walking path around the crater and distant views of Lake Tondano, hills and mountains in Minahasa Peninsula.
Lake Linow
A volcanic lake known for its shifting turquoise and emerald colors caused by geothermal activity.
Lake Tondano
A peaceful freshwater lake surrounded by lush hills and local restaurants serving fresh seafood.
Sonder's Farm Forest
A mixture of panoramic roadside walks and trails across the forest edge and farmland of Minahasa Highland.
3. Birding in the Highlands
The highland forests host a different set of species from Tangkoko, making the region a great complementary birding destination.
Species to Watch For
- Sulawesi Myzomela
- Sulawesi Scops Owl
- Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
- Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
- Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
- Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
- Black-crowned White-eye
- Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove
- Superb Fruit-dove
- Yellow-billed Malkoha and etc.
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| Sahul Sunbird in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa highland |
Early morning walks around Mahawu and Sonder farm forest offer the best chances for sightings of the above birds.
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# **Planning Your Trip**
## **How to Get There**
* **Nearest city:** Manado
* **Tangkoko:** ~1.5–2 hours from Manado
* **Minahasa Highland:** ~1 hour drive to Tomohon
## **Where to Stay**
* **Near Tangkoko:** Guesthouses in Batu Putih
* **Minahasa Highland:** Eco-lodges around Tomohon or Rurukan
## **What to Pack**
* Lightweight hiking shoes
* Long sleeves and insect repellent
* Binoculars (a must for birding)
* Camera and telephoto lens
* Light rain jacket
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| Finch-billed Myna in Sonder of Minahasa regency |
# **Final Tips for a Responsible Adventure**
* Keep a distance from animals, especially macaques
* Don’t use flash photography on nocturnal species like tarsiers
* Stay on marked trails to protect the ecosystem
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# **Conclusion**
Hiking and wildlife watching in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and the Minahasa Highland offer an unforgettable blend of wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural richness. Whether you’re chasing endemic birds, photographing rare primates, or hiking among volcanic peaks, North Sulawesi is a destination that will stay with you long after your adventure ends.
Booking
Please, send me (Charles Roring) an email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or text message through whatsapp by pressing this contact link. I will be happy to organize your trip to this beautiful land of Minahasa Peninsula.
