Hiking and Birdwatching in Sorong of West Papua

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.

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.

A male Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)

Birdwatching
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.

Western-crowned Pigeon

Hiking through the rainforest of Klasow valley is easy because the land is flat. However, the footpath to the display tree of Lesser Birds of Paradise is steep and slippery. It is approximately one hour on foot from the village. Visitors have to walk for at least 1 hour to reach the lek of the birds that is located near Klasow river.
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.

Lesser Birds of Paradise

When the weather is good, the courtship dance performance usually lasts for 3 hours from 6 to 9 a.m.
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.

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

What you need to bring:

• 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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

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. 

Also read:

• Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko Forest and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in the Farmland of Minahasa Highland
• Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birdwatching Tour in Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi
• Birds of Sulawesi

Birdwatching Tour in Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi

Minahasa highland is a region in the Province of North Sulawesi that is suitable for hiking and birdwatching. Visitors can enjoy watching various species of birds including:

Black-naped Oriole, Sahul Sunbird, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, Collared Kingfisher in Sonder's Forest

• Black-naped Oriole
• Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove
• Pale Blue Monarch
• Grey-sided Flowerpecker
• Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
• Black-crowned White-eye
• Mountain White-eye
• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
• Eastern Cattle Egret
• Little Egret
• White-browed Crake
• Collared Kingfisher
• Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
• Sahul Sunbird
• Black Sunbird
• Turquoise Flywatcher
• Chestnut Munia
• Scaly-breasted Munia
• Black-faced Munia
• Ivory-backed Woodswallow
• Barn Swallow
• White-nest Swiftlet
• Gray-rumped Treeswift
• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• Barred Rail
• Eastern Yellow Wagtail
• Sunda Teal
• and etc.

Crimson Sunbird in Sonder's forest

Forest and farmland areas in Sonder town and Mount Mahawu in the north region of Tomohon are highly recommended sites. The duration of birding in this area can be as short as 3 days to as long as 1 week. 

For the identification of birds, birdwatchers can use the field guide book of Birds of Indonesia by James A. Eaton et al, and Merlin app for cell phone use. 

Accommodation

Affordable accommodations are avalable in homestay or hotels in Tomohon town. 

Booking

If you are interested in birding in Sonder's forest of Minahasa highland and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.

Also read:

• Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland
• 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 

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

Birding Tour to Raja Ampat Islands in Indonesia

Last week, I guided six Singaporean tourists on a bird tour in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat. They stayed at Putras, a beach resort in southern region of Waigeo. We enjoyed birding in the forest of Saporkren, at Warduwer beach and along the road side in the southern and eastern regions of Waigeo.

In the forest of Saporkren, the main target birds were Wilson's Bird of Paradise, and Red Bird of Paradise. However, there were other birds which we also saw such as the Common Paradise Kingfisher, Papuan Pitta, Brown-headed Crow, Frilled Monarch, Blyth's Hornbill.

Singaporean birdwatchers in Raja Ampat

It was quite difficult to watch birds under the canopy of the forest. So, at 10.00, we moved to Wardower beach to watch Hooded Butcherbird, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Spangled Drongo, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Glossy-mantled Manucode. Because there were more open spaces at Wardower beach, birdwatching activity could be carried out with the use of spotting scopes. The Singaporean birdwatchers brought Kowa and Swarovski spotting scopes. They greatly enhanced our birding experience. We even visited the beach twice - in the morning and in the afternoon.
When we were at the beach, we saw some construction workers were working at the beach. They were building wooden bungalows. Soon, a beach resort would be open at this beach. 

Red Bird of Paradise

If you are interested in visiting Raja Ampat and want me to organize your tour and guide you, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180.

Birdwatching in West Papua - slideshow of birds

Here are some of the many bird pictures that I took while guiding visitors on various birdwatching and wildlife watching tour in West Papua province of Indonesia.

The tour is not only limited to birding. In the tours, activities such as swimming and snorkeling over coral reef, traveling to remote islands and visiting villages as cultural interactions with local people are included in the itinerary.

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching and wildlife watching tour in West Papua, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Birds of Paradise in Waigeo of Raja Ampat islands

Paradise birds such as Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra) and Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes respublica) can be watched in Waigeo, Gam and Batanta islands. Glossy Manucode (Manucodia ater), another species of bird of paradise whose feather is plain black, lives in the whole territory of Raja Ampat. They are not considered as important target by birdwatchers. Visitors usually choose Waigeo because they can easily go by fast passenger ferry that go back and forth between Sorong city and Waisai town twice a day. 

Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra) is watched in the coastal area. I often see the male and female birds at Warduwer beach where they eat fruits especially in the mornings and late afternoons (before sunset). For Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes respublica), it lives deeper in the rainforest. We must wake up early in the morning, usually at 04.00, and do long trip into the forest to reach its dancing site or display ground.

Red Bird of Paradise

Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes respublica)

Several places have become an important birdwatching destinations in Raja Ampat. Saporkren is the famous one. For me, personally, I organize my tours to rainforest close to Kabui bay. I combine this rainforest birding trip to this site with snorkeling and sightseeing tours by boat. There is no road that we can use to reach the birding ground. So, we use motorized boats. I also organize birding trips to eastern and north-eastern regions of Waigeo. Usually, the birdwatching trips to this places are combined with village tour, riverwalk tour, swimming, and turtle watching activities. Tourists like them because they could  meet local people, watch birds and enjoy the beautiful nature of Raja Ampat.

Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

For other species such as Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor); Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise (Seleucidis melanoleucus); and King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius), they can be found in Salawati and Misool islands. However, because these birds can be found in mainland West Papua, most tourists watch them in the mainland. 

Birdwatching in Mainland West Papua
From Sorong city, tourists can take a 4WD car to Klasow valley and enjoy birdwatching in the villages of Klatomok, and Malagufuk. Klatomok is more suitable for elderly people or those who cannot walk for hours in the jungle because it is a roadside village. Because birding activity is carried out in rainforest, I cannot fully guarantee that visitors will be able to see all the target birds that I mention above. There are other birds that live in Klasow valley including Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Northern Cassowary, Lowland Peltop, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Blyth's Hornbill, and a lot more.
Another alternative is Tambrauw regency which is located further to the east. It takes around 5 hours to reach Fef which is the capital of the regency. I highly recommend that tourists go birding accompanied by birding guides who really know the areas. Ayapokiar village located deeper in Tambrauw mountains is the destination for avid birders.

• Tambrauw is a great destination for birdwatching. Visitors should travel in a group of three to four people to share the cost of transportation.  Another alternative of traveling to Ayapokiar is by plane from Manokwari city to Kebar, tourists need to continue overland to District Senopi and then by 4wd car from Senopi to Ayapokiar. Susi Air operates Cessna Caravan 208 between Manokwari and Kebar several times a week. Tickets can be bought at the airport. There is a good guesthouse in Ayapokiar so visitors could stay in the village for several days and do day tours to the forest. The road in this remote mountainous region is empty. It is a very nice birdwatching site.

Also read:

• Birdwatching Trip to Raja Ampat
• Birding and Snorkeling Tours in Raja Ampat islands
• Bird Tour in Raja Ampat
• Raja Ampat Birds
• Raja Ampat Birding
• Snorkeling and Watching Birds of Paradise in Raja Ampat

Birdwatching in Manokwari

Blyth's hornbill

Manokwari is a nice destination for visitors who are interested in hiking and watching birds in the rainforest. There are regular flights between Manokwari and Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia served by such airlines as Sriwijaya, Lion/Wings, Batik Air and Garuda. Birders usually go to Arfak mountains to watch paradise birds or do night walk to see fireflies, glowing mushrooms and cuscus possum.

Susnguakti Forest

King Bird of Paradise in Arfak mountains

There is a forest in the eastern region of Arfak mountains where visitors can enjoy hiking to watch several species of tropical birds such as Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius), Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus), Common Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera galatea), Great Cuckoo Dove, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Brown Oriole, and Coconut Lorikeet and a lot of other birds that are endemic to Arfak range.  Lesser Birds of Paradise usually dance in the mornings and in the afternoons in the rainforest near basecamp that we have built for tourists. Birders need to walk up steep slopes to reach it. So, only birders who are physically fit that can go to the place. They must wear good sport shoes or trekking boots and bring binoculars. We have prepared mattrasses, pillows, cooking and eating utensils for tourists who want to spend several days exploring the bio-diversity of animals and plants in this forest. Besides watching birds of paradise, other interesting attraction is watching cuscus and exploring the jungle itself at night. The tropical rainforest is home to various species of plants, and animals, including mushrooms that glow at nights, orchids, bamboos and a lot of insects.

Mesirrokow Forest

Birding and riverwalk in Mesirrokow forest in Manokwari

In addition to Mesirrokow as one of the best birding sites in the bird's head region of West Papua, the most recommended site for hiking and birdwatching in Vogelkop region is Mesirrokow forest. Located in lowland region, Mesirrokow is only one hour car trip from Manokwari. In addition to hiking and birdwatching, another activity that tourists can enjoy in Mesirrokow is swimming in the river.

Miyah forest

Another important birdwatching destination in West Papua is Miyah forest. Located in Tambrauw mountains, it is considered one of the most important birding sites in the world. This may sound subjective but Miyah forest is a must see place for birdwatchers who really want to see a lot of birds that are endemic to New Guinea.
As a tourist guide, I offer birding tours for nature lovers who want to watch birds in Miyah. From my previous trips, I saw Lesser Birds of Paradise, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Blyth's Hornbill, Palm Cockatoo, and many other birds that I cannot mention their names one by one in this post.
Visitors can go by 4WD pick up truck and continue their trip on foot to the forest. It will take a half day to reach Miyah. Tents and camping gear are needed if they want to stay in the jungle for a few nights. Since electricity is not always available in the forest, visitors need to bring some extra batteries for their cameras.
This was written by Charles Roring

Birdwatching in Arfak mountains

Male Lesser Birds of Paradise in Susnguakti Forest

The mountain range of Arfak is located in the south of Manokwari city. It is a popular destination for watching various species of paradise birds and other tropical birds that are endemic to rainforest of New Guinea. There is a birding and wildlife watching site that I highly recommend for birdwatchers. Its name is Susnguakti forest (located in the eastern side of the mountains).

As a tourist guide, I have organized numerous tours to this forest for visitors who come from European countries such as Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland.

There are also tourists who come from the United States, South Korea, China, and Australia. Some Indonesian tourists visited this forest too.
Most of them went to Susnguakti forest to watch paradise birds during the day and cuscus possum at night. The location of Susnguakti forest is approximately at around 400 to 700 meters above sea level. Visitors who go there need to walk up steep slopes of Arfak range to reach it.

Hiking, Birding and Camping

Jungle hut for tourists

Susnguakti forest is a great place for watching lower montane forest birds such as Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Hooded Butcherbird,  Common Paradise Kingfisher,  Beautiful Fruit Dove,  Rufous-bellied Kookaburra and Coconut Lorikeet and a lot more.
The birds of paradise can be watched early in the mornings and late afternoons. The birding sites are within the walking distance from our basecamp approximately 10 to 15 minutes. I and local villagers have built huts for tourists who want to stay for several days in the jungle watching birds, and other animals.

Birding Binoculars

Swarovski SLC 10×42 WB binoculars

Because birds of paradise like to dance or perch on high trees, visitors need to use a good pair of binoculars to watch them. There are a lot of birding binoculars that are available on the market. The ones that produce sharp images are Swarovski EL 8.5×42 and the multi purpose Swarovski SLC 10×42 WB. There is also Canon 15×50 IS UD binoculars that are powered by image stabilizer technology. Binoculars that are made of high quality materials such as Extra-low Dispersion Lenses and Bak4 prisms glasses will produce sharp and rich color images of birds, butterflies, wild flowers and anything in the jungle. 

Also read:

• Birding Trip in North Sulawesi
• Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Sulawesi Scops Owl
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Regency

Recommended Birding sites in West Papua

French birdwatchers in lowland forest
 of Manokwari

I have been guiding international birdwatchers on various birding trips in West Papua for years now. During those trips I saw various species of birds that are endemic to New Guinea island. There are several birding sites I highly recommend to visitors:

Lowland Forest of Manokwari

There is a river in northwest region of Manokwari. Its name is Mesirrokow. It is covered by tropical rainforest that has become the natural habitat of a lot of species of birds such as eclectus parrot, sulphut crested cockatoo, palm cockatoo, blyth's hornbill, coconut lorikeet, yellow capped pygmy parrot, pink spotted fruit dove and many others.

Susnguakti Forest of Arfak Range

Lesser Birds of Paradise in Susnguakti forest
Arfak range of Manokwari

There are paradise birds in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari. Some of them include: Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, and Magnificent Riflebird. Common Paradise Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Blyth's Hornbill, Hooded Butcherbird can also be seen in the forest. As a matter of fact, birds are not the only animals visitors can watch in the forest. There are also cuscus possum, Papuan dragon lizard, snakes, Large Ground Skink, bandicoot, and colorful butterflies, fireflies that could be watched in this lower montane forest of Arfak range. Tourists who want to go to this forest have to be physically fit.

Tambrauw Mountains

It is located between the regencies of Manokwari and Sorong. Most of the mountains are covered by pristine rainforest that is the natural habitat of a lot of species of tropical birds such as paradise birds, parrots, fruit doves, kingfishers, pigeons.  The regency of Tambrauw can be reached through Manokwari city and Sorong city.
Because the cost of traveling to Tambrauw mountains is expensive, I highly recommend that tourists come to this region in a group of at least 3, 4 or more people to share the cost.

Birding and Wildlife Watching Equipment

There are some equipment that visitors can bring in order to enhance their birding and wildlife watching experience. In general, birders bring binoculars. From my personal view, a pair of Swarovski EL 8.5×40 or Swarovski SLC 10×42 WB binoculars produces sharp and crisp images of birds, wild animals and unique wild flowers that we see through them. There are also Nikon Monarch 5 10×42, and the very affordable Visionking 10×42 mm binoculars. Sometimes I see birders bring spotting scopes. I used to try a Swarovski ATX 30-70×95. It was a very powerful birding gear. However, it is also expensive.

How to get to birding sites in Manokwari and Tambrauw Mountains?

To reach this hill, read the following instructions:

• First, fly from your country to Jakarta - the capital of the Republic of Indonesia.
• Second, take a domestic flight served by Sriwijaya Air, Garuda, NAM Air, Lion Air or Batik Air to Manokwari city or Sorong city. After that local guides could help organize your birding trips to the forest.

If you still need detailed information about rainforest tours and birdwatching trips in Tambrauw, you can still contact me at e-mail address. I am sure that you will have a great adventure in this beautiful West Papua's rainforest.

This was written by Charles Roring

Blyth's hornbills are called Burung Taun-taun

Blyth's Hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus)

I frequently see Blyth's hornbills while trekking in the jungle around Manokwari. The best spot to watch this bird is in the lowland and lower montane forests. In West Papua, we call it burung taun-taun. It is a big bird that likes to eat fruits of nutmeg and ficus trees. Blyth's hornbills and other birds play very important role in the ecosystem of rainforest. They disperse seeds of the fruits that they eat. They can fly in a group of two, four or even thirty birds. I organize birding tours to rainforest in West Papua for birders who want to see hornbill and a lot of other tropical birds that are endemic to this region. Hornbills like to sleep in  high trees after sunset time. In order to avoid predators, perhaps snakes, Blyth's hornbills choose the tip parts of the twigs. The one on the top of this post is a male.

Male and Female Blyth's Hornbill in the rainforest of Manokwari

I have guided birdwatchers from Europe, North Americas, Asia and Australia to watch Blyth's hornbill in Manokwari, Tambrauw Mountains, Sorong and Raja Ampat islands. The best times to watch birds are in the mornings and in the afternoon before sunset. I and some of my friends built basecamps deep in the jungle for birdwatchers to stay for several nights in the tropical rainforest of West Papua to watch birds and other wild animals such as cuscus possum, wallaby, deer, soa-soa lizard, butterfly, beetles, and etc.

Birding Tour in Manokwari and Tambrauw Mountains

If you are physically fit, then you can take a birding tour with me to rainforest in Waigeo and its surrounding islands. I have seen various species of tropical birds there. Some of them that I can identify are Red Bird of Paradise (paradisaea rubra), Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrots, Variable Goshawk, Western Crown Pigeon, Oriental Dollarbird, Yellow-faced Myna, White-breasted Wood Swallow, Hooded Butcherbird, Pied Imperial Pigeon Pinon Imperial Pigeon, and etc.

In addition to animals, visitors who take a birding and wildlife watching tour with me can also see a lot of unique plants in the villages and forest that we visit including banana, papaya, mango, jackfruit, matoa, durian, and rambutan trees. Wild flowers such as Beach Hibiscus, terrestrial orchid spathoglottis plicata, or various colors of hibiscus can be seen in the region.

Flights to Sorong and a birding trip to Raja Ampat

• If you live in the United States or in Europe and want to watch birds in Raja Ampat, and its surrounding forest, first, you need to fly to Jakarta - the capital of Indonesia. 
• Second, you take a domestic flight served by Sriwijaya Air, Batik Air or Garuda to Sorong city. I will meet you at the airport and organize your bird and wildlife tour to the forest of Raja Ampat.

Booking

Here is my e-mail: peace4wp@gmail.com and whatsapp number: +6281332245180.

by Charles Roring

Also read:

• Wildlife Tour in Raja Ampat
• Birding Walk in Waigeo Island of Raja Ampat

Birdwatching in Tambrauw regency of West Papua

Birding in the Rainforest

Paradise bird in the rainforest of West Papua

Tambrauw regency is located in the bird's head (vogelkop) region of West Papua province of New Guinea island. The capital is Fef but at the moment all of the government activities are concentrated in Sausapor. It is a small town (located in the northern coast of the island. Visitors who want to watch tropical birds can come to Tambrauw regency. There are a lot of species of birds in the region including kingfishers, blackbutcher bird, sulphur crested cockatoo, palm cockatoo, blyth's hornbill, rainbow lorikeet, brahminy kite, pinon imperial pigeon, yellow faced myna, egret, black capped lory and many more. We can explore the forest and rivers near Sausapor town to see the birds.

Tambrauw mountains have got a lot of birdwatching sites that are highly recommended for avid birders. These sites are located both along the coastal and mountainous regions. Coastal areas that are good for birding are the banks of Syuan river.

French tourists were watching birds in Tambrauw Mountains guided - Photo: Charles Roring

For highland birding, my recommendation is Ases Valley. From my personal experience of birding in the pristine forest of Tambrauw, the birds population and varieties are higher than in other forest locations that are close to towns. Visitors can see western crowned pigeon, pigeon, cockatoo, fruit doves, hornbills, and even several species of birds of paradise.
Birding in Different Elevations of the Mountains

Most of the landmass of the regency is mountainous region. So, birding in different elevation of the mountains will bring different species of birds that can be watched. For instance, if we go to the coastal area, we will watch Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus), Sootty tern (Sterna fuscata). But if we go to higher elevation, we may see such birds as Papuan Lorikeet (Charmosyna papou).
Tambrauw mountains are located between Manokwari and Sorong regencies. But the easiest way to reach the mountains is by chartering a 4WD car from Sorong city. So, I highly recommend to birdwatchers that they fly to Sorong city to go birding in Tambrauw. 

Hiking and Birding

Hiking cannot be separated from birding because as we walk through the paths while exploring the forest, we will have more chance to watch birds. The best way to watch birds while hiking is along the banks of a river whose water is not deep. My recommendation is Cuan River. Don't forget to wear water shoes and a hat for your hiking and birding trip in Tambrauw regency. A good spotting spot is good for open space but a powerful bridge camera such as Nikon Coolpix P900 is recommended for avid birdwatchers.

Where is Tambrauw Mountains?

Please, look at the following map of West Papua. To participate in this birding tour, visitors have to fly from their country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia) and then continue by domestic airline to Sorong city which is the gate to Tambrauw regency.

How to get there?

• First send me (Charles Roring) an email to: peace4wp@gmail.com
• If you want to go birding in Tambrauw mountains, first, you need to fly from your country to Jakarta - the capital of Indonesia. 
• Then continue your trip to Sorong city by one of the domestic airlines such as Garuda, Sriwijaya or Express Air. 
• When you have arrived in Sorong city, I will meet you at the airport or at the hotel to arrange your trip to Tambrauw regency.
• To minimize the cost of transportation and other logistical expenses, I suggest that  Birdwatchers need totravel in a group of at least 4 people. Why? Because, the maximum capacity of the cabin of a 4WD car is only for four passengers.
• But if you are traveling alone or with one partner, or even in a large group, I can always try find a cheaper way to reach Tambrauw regency

Birding devices

Make sure that you bring a good D-SLR or bridge camera such as Nikon Coolpix P900 with extra batteries, spotting scope, and the latest edition of Birds of New Guinea (book). 

Other attractions

Sausapor (formerly known as Sansapor) used to be a base for US troops during World War II. As of today, people can still see some tank wrecks in the jungle left by the American troops.

Between November and March, the coastal area of Tambrauw regency is an ideal place for wave surfing. Tambrauw has got several world class surf spots that have never been visited by surfers.
To book your birding tour in Tambrauw regency, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. The birding tour is available all year round.

written by Charles Roring

Birding in Sorong regency of Indonesia

West Papua is one of the most important birdwatching destinations in the world. Its rainforest is the natural habitat of birds of paradise, parrots, kingfishers, hornbills, goshawks, friarbirds, flycatcher, flowerpeckers, frogmouth, pigeon, and etc.

The entrance gate to this region is Sorong. It is a city where visitors arrive to continue their trip to Raja Ampat islands, or to the interior areas of mainland New Guinea. There is a birding destination in the east of Sorong city. Its name is Klasow valley. It is covered by lowland rainforest. Birds such as sulphur crested cockatoo, blyth's hornbill, lesser birds of paradise, goliath cockatoo, pinon imperial pigeon, yellow faced myna, golden myna and shining flycatcher can be seen in the valley.

Pink-spotted Fruit Dove in the forest of Sorong regency

Birding Package

As a tour guide, I offer a 5-day/ 4-night birding tour in Klasow valley.
Price: please, contact us by e-mail

Day 1

Transfer from Sorong city to Klasow valley

Walk through the jungle to reach the birding ground

Birding around the clearing area inside the jungle village to see such birds as Pinon Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pinon), Golden Myna (Mino anais), Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Blyth's Hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichogossus haematodus), Pink-spotted Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus perlatus), Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis), Moustached Tree-swift (Hemiprocne mystacea), various species of Friarbird, Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus) and hopefully the Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus) which is one of the members of paradise bird family.

Day 2

Wake up early in the morning at around 04.30. 

Walk up and down 2 steep hills to reach the display trees of Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor). Sometimes the Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise (Seleucidis melanoleuca) could be spotted in the same display trees.

Watching the paradise birds until approximately 09.00.

Walk back to the village

After breakfast, we will walk around the jungle to explore the flora and fauna in Klaglass area of the valley

Overnight stay in tents in Klaglass forest.

Day 3

We still have got time to do morning walk to a nearby river to see birds, butterfly and various plants of the jungle.
Klaglass is the place in the forest where wild pig, deer, cassowary bird and wild cow also live. We may see them during the jungle walk.
We can swim in the neaby by river in the evening.
We will also do night walk
Overnight stay in tents in Klaglass forest.

Day 4
After breakfast, we will dismantle our tents and walk back to the village.
Birding during the evening time in the clearing areas of the village.
Overnight stay in the village

Day 5
We will explore the forest in the morning.

After lunch, we will say Good Bye to local people and walk back to the main road where we will be transferred back to Sorong city by 4WD car.

To enhance the birding experience, we will provide spotting scope with tripod, a pair of binoculars and a field guide book "Birds of New Guinea" written by Bruce Beehler, Thane K. Pratt and Dale Zimmerman.
Please, bring a D-SLR camera with telephoto lens or a bridge camera such as Nikon P900 with optical zoom of 83x if you want to take pictures of birds.

How to get there?

• If you live in Asia, you could fly to Singapore, first. After that, take a flight by Silk Air to Manado city. After that you can fly to Sorong city by a domestic airline. I will meet you at the airport and arrange your trip to the valley.
• If you live in Europe, US or Australia, you can fly to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia) and then by a domestic airliner, you could continue your trip to Sorong city.
• I will meet you at the airport and arrange your birding tour in Sorong.

In addition to watching birds, visitors may also see other wild animals such as boars, deers, wallabies, snakes, and birdwing butterflies while walking in the jungle of the valley.
If you are interested, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Birding in the rainforest of Manokwari

Manokwari has been a must see destination for birdwatchers. There are 3 famous birding zones in this regency:

Lesser Birds of Paradise in the forest of Arfak mountains within
territory of Warmarway village

1. Lowland Rainforest - Some of the birds that live in the lowland rainforest of Manokwari are: kingfisher, sandpiper, pigeons, drongo, yellow faced myna, and frigate birds. The rainforest along the banks of Dopi river is the site that I highly recommend for visitors. It is around 1 ride from the city. Last week, I guided two Swedish birdwatchers on a 3-day birding trip along Dopi river. They were Thomas and Connie Holmberg. We saw tens of species of birds including Azure Kingfisher, Brahminy Kite, Moluccan King Parrot, Beautiful fruit dove, Yellow-capped Pygmy-Parrot. We also saw Pesquet's Parrot (Vulturine Parrot) that is considered vulnerable to global extinction.
2. Lower Montane Forest - Much of the slopes of Arfak range are in the category of lower montane forest. We can see lesser birds of paradise, king birds of paradise, blue birds of paradise, sulphur crested cockatoo, Blyth's hornbill, Papuan frogmouth, brahminy kite, king fishers,  as well as lory live in this area. Most of them can also be seen in some parts of the lowland region. Warmarway village is the recommended place for watching such birds. 
3. Upper Montane Forest - For tens of years, birdwatchers have been visiting Arfak mountains to watch Vogelkop bowerbird, Western Parotia, Magnificent Birds of Paradise, Spotted Catbird, Cinnamon Ground Dove as well as flame bowerbird and Feline Owlett Nightjar. There are two villages that have been famous among birdwatcher, i.e. Syioubri and Kwau. 

Birding Equipment:
Birdwatchers who go to Manokwari or other places in West Papua, need to bring birding equipment that will be very useful for them in watching the beautiful yet shy animals. Here are some birding devices that they need:

• Binoculars - A good pair of binoculars will help birdwatchers find birds in the jungles of New Guinea that are dense and green. After finding the birds, you need to aim your spotting scope to the bird.
• Spotting Scope - This is a very important birding equipment that every birdwatcher should have. A powerful spotting scope will help birdwatcher see the detailed physical appearances and colors of the birds. 
• Photographic Equipment - Digital camera manufacturers have launched some point and shoot or bridge cameras that are affordable to most birdwatchers. Some that I highly recommend are: Canon SX 50 HS, Sony HX 300, and Nikon Coolpix P600. 

Experienced birders also bring sound player and recorder (with a parabola disk) to capture and record the sound of birds. For identifying birds, Birds of New Guinea by Beehler and his friends as well as A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Indonesia by Morten Strange and Birds of Melanesia can be used as the main references.
As a tourist guide, I can arrange your trip and organize your trip to these forests. You can stay in each zone for 1 or 2 nights to watch birds of New Guinea. Please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

This article was written by Charles Roring

Camping and Birding Tour in the Forest of Tambrauw Mountains

French tourists were camping in rainforest

I organized a camping and birding tour from 15 to 17 August of 2016 for two tourists in the forest of Tambrauw mountains. They were Sophie and Sonia - two ladies from France. We went there by a 4WD car that brought us on a 4-hour ride from Sorong city to Sunai river and then back to Syuan river.

Coastal region of Tambrauw

On the second day of our trip, we enjoyed snorkeling to see coral reef and tropical fish that made Tambrauw waters as their natural habitat. Some of the fish that we saw were parrotfish, damselfish, moorish idol, pipe fish, striped surgeonfish, fine-lined surgeon fish, lined bristletooth, black-tailed dascyllus, anemonefish, table coral, sea star and a lot of other marine creatures which I still could not identify by myself.
At night, we saw a huge colony of firefly that was gathering in a tree not far from our tents.

Hill forest in Tambrauw regency

During the trip we were able to watch Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor), Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita),  Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus rotatus), eagles at a mountain ridge located in the east of Syuan river and at a forest clearing near Sunai river. We also saw crayfish in the river, wild flowers and various colorful butterflies.

Hiking tour in rainforest

It was a wonderful experience for the French ladies.
We returned to Sorong city in the afternoon where we watched street carnival the next day. School students were wearing traditional clothing, dancing and playing drums. The carnival created long traffic jam in the streets. After a short tour in traditional market where we saw various kinds of vegetables, fruits, and other consumer goods, these French ladies returned to Swissbelhotel.
As a tour guide, I offer rainforest camping and birding tours in the jungle of Arfak range, Tambrauw mountains, Klasow valley of Sorong regency and Manokwari.
I can prepare a customized itinerary for you, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com for more info