Bird Tour Manado

We conducted an 18-day birding tour across Sulawesi and Halmahera with our clients from the United States, exploring some of Indonesia’s most remarkable birding destinations. The journey began in Makassar, with initial birding activities in the highlands of Malino and the karst forest of Karaenta. These locations provided an excellent introduction to Sulawesi’s endemic birdlife, with productive sessions in both montane and lowland habit We then continued to Central Sulawesi, focusing on the Lore Lindu National Park area. Key birding sites included Lake Tambing, known for its rich montane forest species, and the Anaso Track, where we explored deeper forest trails. Bird activity in this region was rewarding, with favorable weather conditions supporting consistent observations. The tour proceeded to North Sulawesi, starting in Kotamobagu, where we visited the Tambun Maleo Sanctuary to observe the unique and iconic Maleo in its natural nesting grounds. From there, we moved to the highlands...

Tomohon & Tangkoko Nature Reserve Birding & Wildlife Tour This trip report summarizes a six-day birding and wildlife expedition conducted in North Sulawesi, covering one day in the highland area of Tomohon and five days in Tangkoko Nature Reserve. The main objective of the trip was to observe and document endemic bird and wildlife species in their natural habitats. Day 1 – Tomohon Highlands The tour commenced with a full day of birding activities in the highland forests of Tomohon. Birding sessions were conducted early in the morning, focusing on forest edges, secondary forests, and mountain trails. Weather conditions were generally favorable, with cool temperatures and occasional mist. Several Sulawesi endemic and highland bird species were successfully observed, including Scally Breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Scops Owl, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, and Sulawesi Thrush. In addition to avifauna, various butterflies and small reptiles were also recorde...

We ended our 2025 tour with a bang, having a wonderful time in Halmahera. What better way to end the tour than with a Standardwing and incredible views of three other pittas, including the Ivory-breasted Pitta, the North Moluccan Pitta, and the Ternate Pitta. We look forward to an even more amazing tour of Indonesia this year.

Our 7-day birding tour with Jonathan Phillip and his friends at Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Mount Mahawu in Tomohon provided us with the opportunity to photograph some incredible birds! Unforgettable moments and experiences, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region. These locations offer equally captivating environments for birding. Our highlights Sulawesi Dwarf-Kingfisher Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher Great-billed Kingfisher  Ruddy Kingfisher Sacred Kingfisher Collared Kingfisher (Collared) Green-backed Kingfisher (Blue-headed) Scaly-breasted Kingfisher (Scaly-breasted) Purple-winged Roller Sulawesi PygmyWoodpecker Ashy Woodpecker Sulawesi Heleia  Warbling White-eye Black-crowned White-eye Sulawesi Babbler Finch-billed Myna Asian Glossy Starling Sulawesi Myna White-necked Myna (Northern) Javan Myna Rusty-backed Thrush Turquoise Flycatcher Chestnut Munia Eurasian Tree Sparrow Sulphur-bellied Whistler Black-naped Oriole (Sulawesi) White-breasted Woodswallow Hair-...