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:

Also read:

• Minahasa Highland Tour
• Things to do in Manado city
• Nature Tour from Manado city
• Sightseeing tour from Manado city
• Birding and butterfly watching in Sonder of Minahasa highland

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:

• Flowers in Raja Ampat
• Snorkeling Pictures from Raja Ampat

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

4 Daerah Tujuan Wisata Hiking di Papua Barat

Sebagai seorang pemandu wisata, saya telah mengantar banyak sekali turis dalam berbagai perjalanan hiking dan camping di Papua Barat. Dari semua daerah tujuan yang telah saya singgah, ada 4 yang sangat bagus.

Also read:

• 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 

Dutch tourists were hiking in Manokwari

• Aiwatar Hill - Bukit ini menduduki tempat teratas dalam daftar destinasi hiking dan camping. Bukit Aiwatar terletak di Distrik Senopi. Untuk mencapai bukit ini, Anda harus terbang ke kota Manokwari dan selanjutnya melalukan perjalanan dengan ke Distrik Kebar. Setelah itu, Anda bisa berjalan kaki atau menumpang truk yang mungkin lewat ke Distrik Senopi. Pagi berikutnya, jika Anda cukup sehat untuk berjalan, anda bisa meninggalkan Senopi di pagi hari dengan berjalan ke Aiwatar. Pemandangan hutan hujan tropis dengan beberapa sungai kecil dan besar akan membuat Anda merasa seakan-akan berada di negeri antah berantah. Selama perjalanan hiking atau trekking menembus hutan hujan tropis Senopi, kemungkinan, Anda akan melihat rusa, burung surga/ cendrawasih, luri, kakaktua raja, kanguru dan berbagai binatang yang hidup di daerah itu. Jangan kuatir, di Papua tidak ada binatang buas.

Bird's head region in West Papua

• Sungai Asai - Destinasi perjalanan wisata hiking dan camping ini terletak di kawasan pantai utara Manokwari. Hutannya masih kaya dengan keanekaragaman hayati. Daerah ini merupakan habitat alami dari kuskus, kakaktua putih dan kanguru dan ular. Saat Anda berjalanan semakin jauh ke dalam hutan, Anda akan melihat burung-burung dan tanaman yang unik. Anda akan dikelilingi oleh tumbuh-tumbuhan yang sebagian besarnya berwarna hijau. Jangan lupa untuk membawa sleeping bag dan tenda untuk berkemah yang tahan air jika Anda ingin berkemah di tepi Sungai Asai selama beberapa hari.
• Camp Dopi - Ini adalah destinasi tur hiking dan camping yang tidak jauh dari kota Manokwari. Jadi ini merupakan daerah tujuan yang murah dibandingkan dengan dua destinasi lainnya yang sudah saya sebutkan di atas. Saya telah memandu wisatawan Eropa dan Amerika ke Sungai Dopi. Burung taun-taun (rangkong) biasanya terbang di atas kepala kita ketika kita berjalan menembus daerah aliran sungai. Jika anda menghabiskan sekurang-kurangnya waktu satu malam di tepi sungai Dopi, Anda akan memperoleh kesempatan untuk pergi ke tempat burung-burung surga berdansa. Soa-soa, kanguru, dan rusa hidup di hutan ini juga. Anda mungkin bisa melihat mereka ketika menjelajah hutan di sekitar Sungai Dopi. Jika Anda ingin menonton burung-burung surga (lesser birds of paradise/ paradisaea minor), jangan lupa untuk membawa teropong (kijker), kamera telefoto dengan baterai cadangan.

Lesser Birds of Paradise

• Camp Hutan Susnguakti- camp ini terletak di sisi timur pegunungan Arfak. Camp Susnguakti merupakan destinasi penting bagi para birdwather yang ingin menonton burung Cendrawasih yang dalam bahasa Inggris disebut Lesser Birds of Paradise dan Kingd Bird of Paradise serta Magnificent Riflebird. Di malam hari, pemandu lokal yakni Oom Yunus akan meniru suara kuskus betina guna menarik kuskus jantan datang mendekat. 

Silahkan menghubungi saya lewat e-mail ke peace4wp@gmail.com, jika ingin mengambil paket tur di 4 destinasi yang saya telah jelaskan di atas. Untuk semua perjalanan hiking di dalam hutan tropis Papua Barat, bawalah tenda. Jika Anda mengambil tur dari saya, maka Anda tidak perlu membawanya. Jika Anda memutuskan untuk membawa tenda sendiri, pastikan bahwa tenda itu tidak akan bisa dimasuki air saat hujan. Bahannya juga harus ringan.

Peralatan GPS dan jam tangan hiking
Di samping tenda dan tas hiking yang baik, Anda memerlukan peralatan GPS dan jam tangan hiking yang than air. Alat ini akan membantu menuntun Anda ketika berjalan di dalam hutan dan menentukan posisi serta rute-rute. Karena GPS atau jam tangan hiking bisa menunjukkan posisi Anda di peta, Anda akan mengetahui jalur tercepat untuk tiba di daerah tujuan atau spot pengamatan burung yang dikehendaki. Beberapa jam tangan hiking bahkan bisa menghitung laju debar jantung. Jika Anda tidak tahu toko yang menjual peralatan seperti itu, pesan saja peralatan GPS dan jam tangan hiking dari toko Amazon di bawah ini. oleh Charles Roring
Silahkan baca artikel yang sama dalam bahasa Inggris di 3 Hiking and Camping Trip Destinations in West Papua.