Sumarry
Birding in Sulawesi and Halmahera, two islands in Indonesia, offers an extraordinary experience due to their remarkable avifauna diversity. Sulawesi, known for its unique evolutionary history, is home to endemic species like the Maleo, Knobbed Hornbill, and Sulawesi Hawk-Eagle. The island’s varied landscapes, including lowland rainforests and montane forests, provide habitats for an array of bird species.
Halmahera, part of the Maluku Islands, is celebrated for its rich birdlife, including the spectacular Standardwing Bird of Paradise and the Wallace’s Standardwing. The island’s lush rainforests and diverse ecosystems attract birdwatchers seeking encounters with Moluccan King Parrots, Goliath Coucals, and other tropical species.
Both Sulawesi and Halmahera offer birding enthusiasts the opportunity to observe endemic and rare species in a breathtaking natural setting, making these destinations must-visit for those passionate about avian diversity in the Indonesian archipelago. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure the protection of these unique bird species and their habitats.
Key Species
Green-backed Kingfisher; Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Sulawesi Hornblill, Knobbed Hornbill; Sulawesi Scops-owl; Speckled boobook;
Wallace’s Standardwing Bird of Paradise; White Cockatoo; Moluccan King parrot; Moluccan Dwarf Kingfisher; North Moluccan Pitta; Ivory-breasted Pitta;
Both Sulawesi and Halmahera offer birding enthusiasts the opportunity to observe endemic and rare species in a breathtaking natural setting, making these destinations must-visit for those passionate about avian diversity in the Indonesian archipelago. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure the protection of these unique bird species and their habitats.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival - Makasar - Malino (-/L/D)
Pick up at Hasanudin International Airport in Makasar then drive to Malino. Lunch in Maros or in Malino.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Malino
Day 2: Birding in Malino - Makasar (B/L/D)
Birding around Lompobatang foothill till midday. Lunch in Malino then drive to Makasar. Birding at any open field between Malino and Makasar to look for Makasar Myna.
Stay overnight at Kalton hotel in Maros
Day 3: Birding in Karaenta Reserve and Ramang - Ramang (B/L/D)
Depart early morning from hotel in Maros, drive to Karaenta forest. Birding here till midday. Lunch at a restaurant around Bantimurung.
Afternoon birding around Ramang – Ramang village.
Stay overnight at Kalton Hotel in Maros
Day 4: Makasar - Palu - Lore Lindu NP (B/L/D)
Take a morning flight from Makasar to Palu. Arrive in Palu directly drive to Wuasa. Birding along the road.
Stay overnight at Nasional Hotel in Wuasa
Day 5 - 6: Birding in Lore Lindu National Park (B/L/D)
Two full days birding in Lore Lindu NP, covering several sites and elevations.
Stay overnight at Nasional Guesthouse
Day 7: Lore Lindu NP - Palu - Makasar (B/L/D)
Birding around Tambing lake in the morning before drive back to Palu to catch an afternoon flight to Makasar.
Day 8: Makasar - Manado - Kotamubagu (B/L/D)
Take a morning flight to Manado. Arrive in Manado, drive to Kotamubagu. Stay at Sutanraja Hotel, Kotamubagu
Day 9: Birding in Bogani Nani Wartabone NP (B/L/D)
Birding in the Bogani Nani – Wartabone NP.
Day 10: Kotamubagu - Batu Putih (B/L/D)
Birding in Mahawu till midday. Lunch in Tomohon before drive to Batuputih village.
Stay overnight at Tangkoko Gallery Guest House in Batuputih
Day 11 - 12: Tangkoko Reserve B/L/D)
Birding in and around Tangkoko Reserve. Stay overnight at Tangkoko Gallery Guest House.
Day 13: Tangkoko - Manado (B/L/D)
Birding in Sempirang river in the morning. Lunch in Batu putih before drive to Manado.
Stay overnight at Sentra Hotel in Manado
Day 14: Manado - Ternate - Sidangoli (B/L/D)
Take a morning flight from Manado to Ternate. From ternate continue by speedboat to Sidangoli, Halmahera.
Birding around Sidangoli in the afternoon.
Stay at a Homestay in Sidangoli
Day 15: Sidangoli - Subaim (B/L/D)
Birding in Sidangoli in the morning then drive to Subaim. Lunch at local and basic restaurant in Akejawi.
Stay at Balis Guesthouse in Subaim
Day 16: Subaim - Aktajawe NP (B/L/D)
Birding along the roadsides around Umi-umi in the morning. Lunch in Subaim before check out and drive to Akejawi.
Stay overnight at a National Park staff’s house next to the National Park.
Day 17: Aketajawe NP - Sidangoli - Ternate (B/L/D)
Early morning start walk in to the National Park to catch the display time of the main target in Halmahera; Wallace’s Standardwing bird of paradise. Birding in the National Park till midday. Back to the house in the lunch time.
After lunch drive to Sidangoli to ge t a speedboat to Ternate.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Ternate
Day 18: Ternate - Makasar - Out (B/L/-)
Take a morning flight to Jakarta via Makasar, Out
Duration : 18 Day / 17 Night
Price : US$ 4460 / Pax
Includes :
- Car for tours and transfer / drop off to the airport
- Accommodations (Double/twin rooms)
- Boat ticket Ternate – Halmahera round trip.
- Full board Meals during the trip. Indicated (B/L/D)
- Ticket and Entrance fee/donation
- Water, Snacks and Fruits
- Refreshment
- Birding guide (English)
Excludes :
- Local Flights
- Insurance
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tipping