Bird Tour Manado

The mammal watching tour was conducted with guests from Germany in the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, starting in the late afternoon and continuing the following morning. Weather conditions were generally favorable, with mild temperatures and good visibility throughout the activity.

During the afternoon session, we explored several forest trails as wildlife activity gradually increased toward dusk. We encountered the endemic Sulawesi crested macaque in small groups, actively foraging and interacting near the forest edge. As evening approached, we successfully located the Spectral tarsier emerging from its sleeping site. The guests were particularly fascinated by its agility and unique behavior, making it one of the highlights of the tour.

As night fell, the forest became more active with nocturnal species. We observed a Bear cuscus resting in the canopy and a Sulawesi giant rat moving along the forest floor. These encounters provided a great insight into the diversity of nocturnal mammals in Sulawesi.

The following morning, the tour resumed shortly after sunrise. The forest atmosphere was fresh and lively, offering excellent opportunities for observation. We once again encountered the Sulawesi crested macaque, this time displaying more social behaviors such as grooming and close interaction. The morning light also enhanced visibility, allowing for better viewing and photography.

Overall, the tour was highly successful and enjoyable. The combination of afternoon and early morning sessions provided a comprehensive experience of both diurnal and nocturnal mammals, leaving our guests from Germany with memorable wildlife encounters in their natural habitat.

Mammal Watching Trip Report – Tangkoko (Morning & Afternoon)

We conducted both morning and afternoon mammal watching sessions in Tangkoko Nature Reserve with clients from the Netherlands, aiming to maximize wildlife encounters across different activity periods.

The morning trip began at sunrise under clear weather conditions. Early in the walk, we encountered a troop of Celebes Crested Macaque actively foraging and socializing near the forest edge. The group allowed close observation, providing excellent opportunities for photography and behavioral study.

We then proceeded deeper into the forest and located a Spectral Tarsier at its daytime sleeping site. The tarsier was calm and visible, offering a memorable highlight for the clients. Additional sightings included a Sulawesi Bear Cuscus resting in the canopy, partially hidden but clearly identifiable.

After a midday break, we continued with the afternoon session. As the temperature cooled, wildlife activity increased again. We revisited several forest trails and encountered another group of Celebes Crested Macaque moving through the trees. Toward dusk, we searched for nocturnal mammals and observed signs of Sulawesi Palm Civet activity, including fresh tracks and scent markings.

As daylight faded, we were fortunate to observe a Spectral Tarsier becoming active, preparing to forage for the night—an excellent closing moment for the trip.

Overall, both sessions were highly productive, showcasing a variety of Sulawesi’s endemic mammals in different behavioral contexts. The clients were very satisfied with the experience and appreciated the diversity of sightings throughout the day.

Mammal Watching
Tangkoko Nature Reserve (Morning Session)

On a pleasant morning in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, we conducted a focused mammal-watching tour with our client from Singapore. The tour began shortly after sunrise, when wildlife activity is at its peak and the forest atmosphere is still calm and fresh.

Our exploration started along the main forest trails, where we quickly encountered one of the reserve’s most iconic species, the Celebes Crested Macaque. A group was observed actively foraging and socializing in the trees, providing excellent viewing opportunities and natural behavior observation.

Further along the trail, we also spotted a Bear Cuscus slowly moving among the canopy. Its calm and steady movements allowed for prolonged observation, making it another highlight of the morning.

The weather remained favorable throughout the tour, with mild temperatures and good visibility, enhancing the overall experience. The forest was alive with sounds of birds and insects, adding to the immersive atmosphere of Tangkoko.

The tour concluded in the late morning with a satisfying list of key mammal sightings. Overall, it was a successful and enjoyable excursion, providing the client with memorable encounters and a deeper appreciation of Sulawesi’s unique wildlife.

Macaca maura—often called the Moor macaque—is a species of macaque monkey native to the island of Sulawesi, especially the southwestern region.

The Sulawesi Sailfin Lizard (Hydrosaurus celebensis) is a large endemic water lizard, reaching up to 1 meter in length, that lives around rivers and forests in Sulawesi. This semi-aquatic reptile is unique due to the fin on its tail and its ability to run across water, making it one of the largest agamid lizards, often referred to as a “water dragon.”

BIRDING TRIP REPORT
18 Day Sulawesi – Halmahera Birding Tour

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 habitats.

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 of Tomohon before continuing to the well-known Tangkoko Nature Reserve, offering diverse lowland forest birding opportunities and a chance to experience Sulawesi’s distinctive wildlife.

Our final leg took place in Halmahera, one of Indonesia’s premier birding destinations. We explored several key locations including Sidangoli, Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park, Mount Roni, and Mount Uni Uni. These sites provided outstanding opportunities to encounter a wide range of endemic and specialty species unique to the North Maluku region.

Before concluding the tour, we spent our final night in Ternate, allowing time to relax and reflect on a highly successful and memorable birding expedition.

Overall, the tour ran smoothly, with diverse habitats, excellent birding conditions, and a well-paced itinerary contributing to a rewarding experience for all participants.

Day 15

Aketajawi & Mount Uni Uni

Our birding trip began in the pristine forests of Aketajawi, one of Halmahera’s most important birding sites. We started early in the morning, taking advantage of the cool temperatures and active birdlife. The highlight of the day was observing the spectacular Standard-wing Bird-of-Paradise, a truly remarkable species endemic to Halmahera. We were fortunate to witness its display behavior, with males performing their unique courtship dance high in the canopy. The forest was alive with sounds, creating an immersive and rewarding birding experience.

The habitat in Aketajawi was rich and diverse, offering excellent opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the lowland rainforest. The trails were relatively accessible, allowing for steady movement and multiple observation points throughout the morning.

In the afternoon, we continued our journey to Mount Uni Uni, where the landscape shifted into a slightly different forest character. Bird activity remained steady, and the cooler mountain air made for a pleasant birding session. We explored several forest edges and trails, taking in the peaceful surroundings and enjoying additional bird encounters.

Overall, the day was highly successful, combining a major highlight species with the scenic diversity of Halmahera’s forests. Both Aketajawi and Mount Uni Uni provided memorable birding experiences, showcasing the richness of the region’s avifauna

Day 14
Sidangoli & Sofifi Mangroves

The day began with an early morning birding session in Sidangoli. We explored a mix of coastal forest and village edge habitats, where bird activity was lively and diverse. The calm weather and soft morning light created excellent conditions for observation, and we enjoyed a productive start to the day with steady sightings throughout the area.

After a relaxed midday break, we continued to the mangrove forests near Sofifi in the afternoon. Walking along the muddy trails and waterways, we observed bird activity typical of mangrove ecosystems. The setting sun provided a beautiful backdrop as we wrapped up the session, with birds remaining active until dusk.

Overall, it was a rewarding day combining both coastal and mangrove birding experiences, offering a nice variety of habitats and enjoyable field conditions.

Day 13

We started our birding trip early in the morning with a flight from Manado to Ternate. Upon arrival in Ternate, we continued our journey to Sidangoli, where we began birding activities. We spent the rest of the day exploring the area and observing various bird species, continuing our efforts until nightfall.

Day 12

We began the day with a morning birdwatching session in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, walking along forest trails and observing active wildlife within its rich tropical habitat. The weather was favorable, contributing to a productive and enjoyable outing.

In the afternoon, we continued to the Tangkoko overlook, where we enjoyed a more relaxed session. Bird activity remained steady through the late hours of the day.

Afterward, we traveled to Manado for an overnight stay. The following morning, we were scheduled to fly to Ternate to continue our birdwatching journey in Halmahera.