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Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Birding Trip in North Sulawesi (Tangkoko & Minahasa Highland)

A trip Report by Charles Roring during 1 week birding trip in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Temboan Hill, Lake Tondano, Lake Linow, Mount Mahawu, Sonder's Mount Lengkoan Forest, Tincep's Rice Rield, Kengkang Waterfall and the outskirts of Manado city

From 31 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, I organized tour and guided Fred Hareau, a Canadian birdwatcher, on a birding trip across the Province of North Sulawesi of Indonesia. 

We went to Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Naun River, Lake Tondano, Lake Linow, Rurukan village, Mount Mahawu of Tomohon, Sonder's forest and rice field as well as Tincep's waterfall. 

Birding in North Sulawesi
Tangkoko Forest and Temboan Hill (31 December 2025 - 1 January 2026)

In Tangkoko's forest, we saw Rusty-backed Trush, Green-backed Kingfisher, Lilac Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Great-billed Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Babbler, Ruddy Kingfisher, Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Black-billed Koel, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Maroon-chinned, Finch-billed Myna, White-necked Myna, Chinese Sparrowhawk, White-bellied Imperial Pigeon, Maroon-chinned Fruit-dove, Isabelline Bush-hen, Black-billed Koel, and etc. For mammals, we saw Sulawesi Bear Cuscus and Celebes-crested Macaque.

Celebes-crested Macaque
Celebes-crested Macaque

Naun River (2 January 2026)

We also did a trip by motorized boat to Naun River to find Great-billed Kingfisher. Along the sea cliffs, beach and river area, we also saw a lot of shore birds including Blue Rock Thrush, Pied Imperial Pigeon, White-rumped Cuckooshrike, Little Egret, Sulawesi Crow, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Pacific Reef Heron, Common Sand Piper, Terek Sandpiper, Nankeen Night Heron, Medium Egret, Great-tailed Tattler, Terek Sandpiper, Pied Stilt and etc. 

We did night birding walks during our stay in Tangkoko. We saw Ochre-bellied Boobok, Speckled Boobook, Sulawesi Scops Owl, Northern Boobok, and Sulawesi Nightjar.

Lake Tondano (3 January 2026)

After spending 3 nights in Tangkoko, on January 3, 2026, we continued our trip to Lake Tondano where we watched Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Dusky Moorhen, Oriental Reed Warbler, White-browed Crake, Barred Rail, Scaly-breasted Munia, Chestnut Munia, Javan Pond Heron and Cattle Egret. 

During our night birding activity in Tomohon, we saw Sulawesi-masked Owl. 

Tomohon and Mount Mahawu (4 to 5 January 2026)

On 4 January 2026, we took a morning birding trip in Rurukan village to see Sulawesi Pitta. After that we continued our trip to Mount Mahawu to watch Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Warbling White-eye, and Black-crowned White-eye.

We also visited the volcanic Lake Linow near Lahendong village. There, we watched Sunda Teal, (perhaps) Whiskered Tern (in winter plumage), Sunda Teal, Collared Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Australasian Swamphen, Barn Swallow, Javan Pond Heron, and etc.

Sonder (6 January 2026)

During our birding trip in Sonder's forest from 5 to 6 January 2026 from Mount Lengkoan to Tincep's rice field and Kengkang Waterfall, we experienced a lot of rain. However, we were able to watch Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Black-crowned White-eye, Warbling White-eye, Mountain Tailorbird, Hair-crested Drongo, Sulawesi Myzomela, Black-faced Munia, Barred Rail, Collared Kingfisher, Pied Stilt, Javan Pond Heron, Zebra Dove, Purple Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Sulawesi Serpent Eagle,  Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Black-naped Oriole, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon. 

Manado city (7 January 2026)

To do our last morning birding walk, we left Tomohon town at 05:48 for the outskirts of Manado city. We saw Yellow-billed Malkoha, Javan Myna, Brown-throated Sunbird, Scaly-breasted Munia, Chestnut Munia, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Crow, and three birds of Java Sparrow (Padda oryzivora). We were quite surprised to see these birds because they were not a native bird of Sulawesi. Perhaps they escaped from cages that belonged to someone in Manado city. There was a raptor soaring high in the sky. We could not see it well because the weather was cloudy. Perhaps, it was Spotted Harrier. 

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in North Sulawesi and want me to organize your trip and guide you, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.

Also read:


Sunday, December 7, 2025

Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa Regency, Indonesia

If you are visiting the Province of North Sulawesi  in Indonesia, you have probably heard of the famous Tangkoko Nature Reserve. But just an hour away, high in the cool mountains, lies a quieter, hidden gem for nature lovers: Subdistrict town of Sonder.

Sulawesi Myzomela (Myzomela chloroptera) in Mount Lengkoan of Minahasa highland, Indonesia
Sulawesi Myzomela in Sonder's forest edge

Sonder is a small district in the Minahasa Regency, located near the city of Tomohon. Unlike the hot coastal jungles, Sonder offers a cool, breezy climate and a unique landscape where wild forests meet clove plantations and rice fields. This mix makes it a fantastic (and comfortable) place to see birds that you can’t find anywhere else on Earth.

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Why Go to Sonder?

Sonder is perfect for "relaxed birding." You don't always need to trek deep into a dark jungle to see amazing wildlife. Because the town is surrounded by gardens and forest edges, many birds come right out into the open.

Cooler Weather: It is much more comfortable to walk here than in the humid lowlands.

Easy Access: You can often spot rare birds just by walking along paved village roads or easy dirt trails near the Tounelet Slope Forest.

Unique Mix: You get to see both forest birds and open-field birds in one trip.

Warbling Japanese White-eye
Warbling White-eye

The Stars of the Show

Sonder is famous for a few specific birds that travel from all over the world to see. Here is what you should look for:

1. The Sulawesi Scops Owl

This is the big prize in Sonder. While owls are usually hard to find, local guides in Sonder know exactly where these small owls sleep during the day. You can often see them roosting quietly in bamboo clumps or shady trees near the village edge.

2. The Sulawesi Myzomela

High elevation forest of Sulawesi is the habitat for Sulawesi Myzomela, and Sonder is one of the best places to find this specific highland type. This colourful bird often seen in the forest edge or flower garden. They like to hop from one flower to another feeding on nectar.

3. The Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

These tiny, bright green parrots are fun to watch. They hang upside down (like bats!) while they eat fruit and flower nectar. You will often hear their high-pitched squeaks before you see them zooming past the coconut trees.

4. The Yellow-billed Malkoha

This is a large, strange-looking bird with a long tail and a bright yellow beak. They love climbing through the vines in the forest canopy. They look almost prehistoric and are a favorite for photographers.

Birds of Sulawesi in Minahasa highland
Some birds in Sonder: Yellow-billed Malkoha, Black-billed Koel, Black-naped Oriole, Sulawesi Myzomela

A Typical Birding Day in Sonder

The Morning Walk:

Your tour usually starts early, around 5:30 or 6:00 AM, when the birds are most active. You might start at the **Tincep's Kengkang Waterfall** area or the **Tounelet Forest**. As the sun rises, the mist clears, and you can see Green Imperial Pigeon and Sulawesi-crested Myna sit on the brancheals of trees that grow on the cliffs around the waterfall.

Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis)
Black-naped Oriole
The "Edge" Advantage:

One of the best things about Sonder is "edge birding." This means you walk on the road where the forest meets the farm. Birds love this area because they can hide in the trees but come out to the farm to eat flowers, fruits, lychen, insects, reptiles. It makes spotting them much easier for beginners.

birds and fruits in Tounelet Sonder
Some birds and fruits in Sonder

### Practical Tips for Your Trip

* **How to get there:** Sonder is about a 1.5-hour drive from Manado or just 20 minutes from Tomohon.

* **What to wear:** Wear comfortable walking shoes. Even though it is cool, bring a hat and light rain jacket, as mountain weather can change quickly.

* **Bring Binoculars:** Most birds are small and active. If you don't have your own, ask if your guide can provide a pair.

* **Hire a Local Guide:** This is crucial. The birds are good at hiding. Local guides know the specific trees where the Owls and Kingfishers like to sit.


### Summary

Sonder offers a peaceful, authentic side of North Sulawesi. It is not just about ticking birds off a list; it is about enjoying the cool mountain air, the smell of clove spices, and the thrill of spotting a rare owl right in a village backyard.


Booking

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatapp by pressing: this contact link.


Also read:


Sunday, November 23, 2025

🐠 Discover Bunaken: Indonesia's Underwater Snorkeling Paradise

Nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle off the coast of North Sulawesi, the Bunaken Islands are home to one of the world's most spectacular marine ecosystems. For snorkelers and marine enthusiasts, a tour here is a journey into an intensely vibrant, biologically rich underwater world—an absolute must-do for any trip to Indonesia.

coral reef and sand bank in bunaken, siladen and nain atol
Marine Tour in Bunaken National Park

The World of Bunaken National Park

The Bunaken National Park, established in 1991, spans nearly 900 square kilometers, with 97% of it being pristine marine habitat. It comprises five main islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Mantehage, and Nain. This conservation area is renowned for its:

  •  Exceptional Biodiversity: Hosting over 390 species of coral and more than 2,000 species of marine creatures, it represents 70% of all fish species found in the Indo-Western Pacific Ocean.
  • The Famous Walls: Bunaken is characterized by dramatic, nearly vertical coral walls that drop from the shallow reef plateaus to depths of 25-50 meters. Snorkeling along the edge of these drop-offs offers a breathtaking view into the deep blue.
  • Crystal-Clear Water: Visibility is often superb, reaching up to 30-35 meters, allowing for unparalleled viewing of the marine life from the surface.

🤿 Snorkeling: A Window to the Coral Reef

While Bunaken is globally famous for its wall diving, the shallow, fringing reefs and the tops of the drop-offs make it equally perfect for snorkeling.

Top Snorkeling Spots

Marine tours typically visit two or three stunning locations in a single day trip from Manado or the islands themselves. Some of the most celebrated spots include:

 * Lekuan Reef: These sites on Bunaken Island are famous for guaranteed sightings of Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles gently grazing or resting on coral ledges. The shallow tops of the walls here are teeming with life.

 * Johnson's Wall and Alung Banua: Beautiful reef areas inside of Bunaken bay known for schools of butterflyfish, sweetlips, and parrotfish in the fringing reef.

 * Bunaken Timur (East Bunaken): A long stretch of reef along the eastern coast, ideal for drift snorkeling along the drop-off when the currents are mild.

 * Siladen Island: This smaller island boasts a vibrant reef drop-off and shallow seagrass meadows, offering a contrasting environment rich with smaller reef fish and often home to dugongs.

coral reef and marine life in Bunaken and Siladen islands
Coral reef in Bunaken National Park

What to See

Bunaken's marine tours provide a high chance of encountering iconic creatures:

 * Turtles: You are practically guaranteed to see several species of sea turtles swimming gracefully or resting.

 * Reef Fish: Schools of dazzling reef fish, including colorful Clownfish (Nemo!) nestled in their anemones, angelfish, lionfish, triggerfish, and parrotfish.

 * Corals: Explore dense, healthy coral gardens with massive table corals, vibrant soft corals, and giant clams.

 * Pelagic Species: Keep an eye out into the blue for larger species like reef sharks, jackfish, barracudas, and, occasionally, even dolphins or pilot whales from the boat.

🛥️ Planning Your Marine Tour

Most visitors arrange day tours from the city of Manado (about 30-45 minutes by speedboat) or directly from resorts on Bunaken or Siladen.

| Feature | Details |

|---|---|

| Typical Tour Duration | 7-8 hours (full day) |

| Inclusions | Boat transfer, snorkeling gear rental, guide, lunch (often on Siladen Island), and mineral water. |

| Exclusions | Bunaken National Park Entrance Fee (mandatory contribution to conservation) and sometimes hotel transfers. |

| Best Time to Visit | The dry season, generally from April to October, offers the best visibility and calmest waters, though snorkeling is excellent year-round with water temperatures consistently at 28°C - 29°C. |

Tip for Travelers: Consider supporting local guides and homestay owner for a more authentic experience, and always be mindful of marine conservation by avoiding touching corals or marine life.

The Bunaken Islands truly offer a quintessential Southeast Asian marine adventure. It's not just a snorkeling trip; it's an immersion into one of the most biodiverse, living aquariums on the planet.

Extending your trip to mainland by taking wildlife and sightseeing tour

The Minahasa peninsula is an interesting destination for visitors who are interested in wildlife watching. The rainforest of Tangkoko Nature Reserve in Bitung municipality is the habitat of various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. 

To see the wildlife of Tangkoko Nature Reserve, visitors need to walk into its forest. The best time to do that is early in the morning from 06:00 to 09:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. 

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier
Gursky's Spectral Tarsier
Gursky's Spectral Tarsier, Celebes-crestes Macaque, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus are some of the wild animals which visitors could see in Tangkoko. 
Knobbed Hornbill
Knobbed Hornbill
For birdwatchers, Tangkoko Nature Reserve is the habitat of a lot of species of tropical birds including Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher, and Green-backed Kingfisher, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Minahasa Racquet-tail, Sulawesi-crested Myna and etc. 
Booking
If you are interested in taking snorkeling tour to Bunaken National Park and wildlife tour in mainland Minahasa Peninsula (Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland), and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.
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Saturday, November 22, 2025

Birding in Mount Mahawu: A Simple Guide to North Sulawesi’s Hidden Avian Paradise

Mount Mahawu, a stratovolcano located near Tomohon in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, is emerging as a top destination for eco-travelers and birding enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush montane forest, scenic crater views, and cool highland air, Mahawu offers one of the most accessible and rewarding birdwatching experiences in the region. Whether you're a seasoned birder chasing endemics or a nature lover seeking peaceful hikes, birding in Mount Mahawu deserves a place on your itinerary.

Warbling White-eye/ also called Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus)
Warbling White-eye

Why Mount Mahawu is a Birding Hotspot? 

The highlands around Mount Mahawu are part of the Biodiversity-rich Wallacea Region, famous for its high rate of endemism. The mix of primary forest, secondary growth, and open scrub provides habitat diversity that attracts both forest specialists and highland species rarely seen at lower elevations.

Key Reasons Birders Love Mount Mahawu

  • Easy access: A paved road leads near the summit, and trails are well-maintained. 
  • High bird diversity: Many endemic species of Sulawesi can be spotted in a single morning. 
  • Cool, comfortable climate: The highland temperature makes birding enjoyable year-round. 
  • Minimal crowds: Compared to more famous birding sites, Mahawu is still relatively quiet. 

Highlight Birds of Mount Mahawu

Here are some of the species that birders frequently target in the Mahawu area:

Sulawesi Endemics

  • Sulawesi Hornbill (Aceros cassidix) 
  • Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker 
  • Sulawesi Myzomela 
  • Sulawesi Blue-flycatcher 
  • Sulawesi Drongo
  • Yellow-billed Malkoha 

Highland & Specialty Species

  • Scaly-breasted Kingfisher (rare but possible with patience) 
  • Purple-winged Roller 
  • White-bellied Imperial Pigeon 
  • Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker 

In the early morning, the forest resonates with the calls of Bay Coucal, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, and Sulawesi Crow. Photographing birds here is also rewarding thanks to good lighting and semi-open trails.

Best Time for Birding in Mount Mahawu

Birding is possible year-round, but the best months tend to be June to October, during the drier season. Early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:30–5:30 PM) are prime bird activity periods.

Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
Scaly-breasted Kingfisher

Recommended Birding Trails

1. The Crater Rim Trail

A short circular trail around the crater allows for easy birdwatching. You can pause at scenic viewpoints while listening for woodpeckers and flycatchers.

2. The Forest Trail Below the Parking Area

This lightly forested path is excellent for spotting endemics, especially mixed flocks of white-eyes, and small insectivores. This is typically where many bird guides start their morning outings.

3. The Mahawu Agricultural Slopes

The farmlands and open areas near the base attract doves, munias, and occasional raptors circling overhead.

Tips for a Successful Birding Trip

  • Hire a local bird guide: Guides based in Tomohon or Sonder can help you find elusive species and understand vocalizations. 
  • Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens: Forest birds often perch high or move quickly. 
  • Wear earth-tone clothing: Helps avoid disturbing wildlife. 
  • Go early: Mornings are quieter and allow you to catch the dawn chorus. 
  • Be mindful of weather: Mist can roll in quickly on the highlands—be prepared. 

How to get to Manado city? 

Visitors who want to take this tour, need to fly to Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. 

There are daily flights between Manado city and big cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Balikpapan, Makassar, and Sorong city. They are served by Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, SuperAir Jet, TransNusa. 

Direct flights between Manado city and Singapore is served by Scoot Air; and between Manado and Guangzhou is served by TransNusa and China Southern Airlines. 

Flight routes to Manado city
Flight routes from big cities in Indonesia and Singapore to Manado city

How to Get to Mount Mahawu

Mount Mahawu is about 45 minutes from Manado and just a short drive from Tomohon. Transportation options include rented scooters, private drivers, or guided tours. Parking is available near the summit entrance, making the site accessible for short visits or half-day trips.

Where to Stay

Many birders choose to stay in Tomohon, which offers a range of homestays (in Sonder), eco-lodges, and mid-range hotels. Some accommodations even partner with local bird guides for custom birding tours.

Sustainable Birding Practices

The Mahawu ecosystem is delicate. Please:

  • Stay on marked trails 
  • Avoid playback (birdcall audio) unless necessary 
  • Do not feed wildlife 
  • Keep noise to a minimum 

Responsible birding helps protect habitat and ensures future generations can enjoy this unique environment.

Conclusion

Birding in Mount Mahawu is a rich, rewarding experience that combines accessible trails, cool mountain air, and an impressive lineup of Sulawesi’s endemic bird species. Whether you’re building your life list or simply exploring North Sulawesi’s natural beauty, Mahawu offers one of the most approachable yet exciting birdwatching spots in Indonesia.

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birding tour to Mount Mahawu and other birding sites in Minahasa highland, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp through this contact link.

Also read:

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Hiking and Birding Tour in Sonder, Minahasa Regency, Indonesia

Nestled in the highlands of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Sonder (Kecamatan Sonder) in Minahasa Regency offers a delightful mix of gentle hiking terrain and rich bird-life — making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, bird-watchers, and those seeking a relaxed outdoor adventure away from the crowded tourist hubs.

Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker

Why Sonder for hiking & birding?

  • Sonder is located in the cool highlands of Minahasa, with farmland, paddy-fields, hill slopes and small pockets of forest around the town.
  • Hiking here is relatively easy: many trails follow paved or farm roads, gentle slopes, and agricultural landscapes rather than dense jungle.
  • Bird-watching is excellent. The mix of edge forest, farmland, water bodies and terraces attracts a wide variety of bird species — many endemic to Sulawesi.
  • You’ll combine scenery (rice terraces, hill-forest, farmlands) with wildlife spotting and cultural glimpses of Minahasa farming life.
Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
Key bird species you can spot in Sonder

Here are some of the birds regularly reported in the Sonder area:
Forest & slope birding
  • Yellow‑billed Malkoha (Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus) – occurs at the slopes near Tounelet village. 
  • Sulawesi Hanging Parrot (Loriculus stigmatus) – seen near forest edges in Sonder. (ecotoursindonesia.com)
  • Black‑crowned White‑eye (Zosterops atrifrons) – a small white-eye bird in the forest near town. 
  • Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) – seen in hill-forest zones. (wildlifepapua.com)
  • Grey‑sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum celebicum) & 
  • Yellow‑sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum aureolimbatum) – small colourful birds of forest edge and farmland trees.
  • Sahul Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus) – found in gardens, roadside trees, and forest edge. 
Farmland, paddy fields & wetlands
  • Cattle Egret & Little Egret – frequent in rice-fields and paddies around Sonder.
  • Barred Rail (Gallirallus torquatus) – found in paddy-field margins in Sonder.
  • Chestnut Munia (Lonchura atricapilla), Scaly‑breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata), 
  • Black‑faced Munia (Lonchura molucca) – small finch-type birds seen on farmlands and near houses.
  • Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) – often seen on open fields and around villages.
  • Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) – even inland around ponds, rice fields local to Sonder. 
The view of Sonder town as seen from Tounelet slope
Sonder town in Minahasa regency
Suggested hiking & birding itinerary

Morning hike & birding
Start early (around 06:00) at the slope forest of Tounelet village (behind Siloam Hospital in Sonder) – walk the paved/untarred road downhill through small forest patches to farmland. This is prime early-morning birding time. Species like Black-crowned White-eye, Grey-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot are active. 
Midday exploration
After morning birding, continue through farmland roads and paddy-field terraces (for example around Talikuran or Tincep villages). Enjoy the scenery of rice fields, meet local farmers, and watch birds in more open habitat: Egrets, Rails, Munias.
Afternoon walk
In the late afternoon (15:00-18:00) go back to forest edge or hill slopes for forest-edge birds and, if you’re lucky, dusk species. Then relax in a local homestay or small café in Sonder town.
Optional night walk
If you’re staying overnight, a guided night walk might yield nocturnal birds (reports of Sulawesi Scops Owl in Sonder). (birdingsulawesi.com)
Other attractions around Sonder
While birding and hiking are the main draws, Sonder also offers:
  1. Agricultural landscapes & terrace rice-fields: walking through these gives scenic views and local culture. (birdingsulawesi.com)
  2. Nearby waterfalls: For example, in Tincep village area within Sonder subdistrict there are waterfalls to explore for a short trek. 
Comfortable homestays in Sonder town, and combined with nearby towns (e.g., Tomohon) for wider exploration. 
Travel info & tips
Getting there: Fly into Manado (Sam Ratulangi Airport) and then drive approx. 1 to 1.5 hours to Sonder.
Map of Indonesia for traveling to North Sulawesi
Flight route to Manado city in the Province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Car route from Manado city to Tomohon and Sonder
Car route from Manado city to Kecamatan Sonder in Minahasa of North Sulawesi, Indonesia
When to go: Early morning and late afternoon are best for birding. Farms and rice fields are easier to walk in dry weather.
What to bring: Good hiking shoes, binoculars (8× or 10×42), camera with telephoto if you like photography, water, insect repellent. A torch for any night walk.
Accommodation & food: Stay in Sonder homestays or in Tomohon for more hotel options. Food in Minahasa tends to be spicy—inform your host if you prefer milder dishes. 
Respect nature: Stay on trails, avoid disturbing birds & wildlife, do not collect insects or plants.

Booking,
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.