🦜 North Sulawesi – Halmahera Birding Tour

TOUR DETAIL

• Duration : 11D 10N
• Accommodation. : Standart Hotel and Homestay
• Physical difficulty : moderete to difficult
• Walking condition : from Easy to moderete
• Starting point : Manado Samratulangi Airport
• Ending point : Manado Samratulangi Airport
• Focus. : Birding

The cost Tour : USD / PERSON ( 35 % deposit for booking and paid the rest payment should one week before arrival.

#.North Sulawesi Birding – Where Wallacea Comes Alive

North Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s most rewarding birding destinations, offering an incredible mix of endemic species, unique landscapes, and rich Wallacean biodiversity. From the lush lowland forests of Tangkoko Nature Reserve to the misty highlands of Minahasa and Tomohon, this region is a true haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

🌿 Endemic Treasures

North Sulawesi is home to more than 70 endemic species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Birding highlights include the charming Spectral Tarsier, the dazzling Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher, the Sulawesi Hornbill, and the rare Maleo, an iconic ground-dwelling bird that lays its eggs in warm volcanic sands.

🌴 Diverse Habitats

From coastal mangroves and open grasslands to montane rainforests, North Sulawesi’s varied habitats provide a fantastic range of birding experiences. Each area reveals its own set of specialties — whether it’s forest canopy birding in Tangkoko, scenic mountain trails in Tomohon, or lowland species near Dumoga Bone.

🐦 Birding Highlights

Tangkoko Nature Reserve: A must-visit for the famous Tarsier, Hornbills, Kingfishers, and endemic flycatchers.

Tomohon Highlands: Enjoy cooler climates and sightings of highland endemics such as the Scaly Kingfisher and Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher.

Dumoga Bone National Park: One of the best areas to see the Maleo and other Sulawesi endemics in the wild.

✨ Why Birding in North Sulawesi?

One of the most accessible birding destinations in Indonesia

Combination of forest, coastal, and mountain ecosystems

Rich concentration of Wallacean endemics and charismatic wildlife

Experienced local guides with deep knowledge of Sulawesi’s natural history

#. Birding in Halmahera – A Paradise for Birdwatchers

Halmahera, the largest island in the North Moluccas, is truly a gem for bird enthusiasts. With over 300 recorded bird species, this island offers one of the richest birding experiences in the Wallacea region and across Indonesia.

🌿 Exceptional Endemic Species

Halmahera is a sanctuary for many endemic birds – species found nowhere else on Earth. Birders from around the world travel here to witness the spectacular Wallace’s Standardwing (Semioptera wallacii), the beautiful Ivory-breasted Pitta, and several stunning Birds-of-Paradise found only in this region.

🌴 Diverse Natural Habitats

From lush rainforests and misty mountains to coastal mangroves, Halmahera’s landscapes offer an incredible variety of ecosystems that support a vast range of birdlife. Each habitat reveals new birding opportunities and surprises waiting to be discovered.

🐦 The Realm of Birds-of-Paradise

The iconic Wallace’s Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise is Halmahera’s crown jewel. Witnessing the male’s graceful display at dawn is an unforgettable highlight for any birdwatcher. Several other Birds-of-Paradise species can also be found throughout the island’s forests.

✨ Why Birding in Halmahera?

One of the top birding hotspots in Eastern Indonesia

Home to rare and beautiful endemic species

A perfect introduction to the natural wonders of Wallacea, where Asian and Australian fauna meet

📍 Location Matters

Each birding site across the Wallacea region offers its own distinctive atmosphere and avian treasures — and Halmahera together with North Sulawesi stand out as two of the most rewarding destinations for birdwatchers in Indonesia.

In Halmahera, the key birding areas include Sidangoli, Aketajawe Rainforest, and Subaim.
The tropical forests of Sidangoli and Aketajawe are renowned for their display grounds (leks) of the Wallace’s Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise, where males perform spectacular morning displays beneath the forest canopy — a breathtaking natural performance found nowhere else on Earth.
These same areas are also home to the Ivory-breasted Pitta, Paradise-crow, and several species of kingfishers and pigeons, making them must-visit sites for anyone seeking Halmahera’s endemic birdlife.
Meanwhile, Subaim offers a mix of lowland and hill-forest habitats, providing opportunities to encounter a wide range of forest-dwelling birds.

Across the sea, North Sulawesi offers an entirely different but equally fascinating birding experience.
The Tangkoko Nature Reserve is world-famous for its concentration of Sulawesi endemics and charismatic wildlife, including the Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher, Sulawesi Hornbill, Knobbed Hornbill, and the tiny nocturnal Spectral Tarsier.
Just a few hours away, the Tomohon Highlands feature cooler mountain forests where high-elevation specialists such as the Scaly Kingfisher and Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher can be found.
Together, these two regions — Tangkoko and Tomohon — represent the heart of North Sulawesi birding, combining easy access, comfortable climate, and incredible diversity.

Exploring both Halmahera and North Sulawesi gives birders the chance to experience the full richness of Wallacea — a region where the wildlife

Itinerary North Sulawesi - Halmahera Tour 11D/10N

Day 1: Sam Ratulangi Airport – Tomohon

Arrive at Manado Airport, then drive to Tomohon for about 2–3 hours by private bus. Upon arrival in Tomohon, have lunch at a local restaurant, then continue birding around Mount Mahawu area. Target birds:

• Sulawesi Myzomela

• Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker

• Citrine Canary Flycatcher

• Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker

• Black-crowned White-eye

• Ochre-bellied Boobook

Day 2: Tomohon (Mount Mahawu)

Breakfast at 6 AM, then drive to birding areas around plantations and Mount Mahawu. Target birds:

• Sulawesi Pitta

• Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher

• Scaly-breasted Kingfisher

• Red-eared Fruit Dove

• Superb Fruit Dove

• Snowy-browed Flycatcher

• Sulphur-bellied Whistler

• Turquoise Flycatcher

• Sulawesi Heleia

• Speckled Boobook

• Sulawesi Masked Owl

Day 3: Tomohon – Sam Ratulangi Airport – Sultan Babullah (Ternate) – Sidangoli – Sofifi

Breakfast at 6 AM, then drive to Sam Ratulangi Airport (2–3 hours). Fly from Manado to Sultan Babullah Airport, Ternate. After arrival, continue to a local restaurant for lunch, then drive about 1 hour by private minibus to the harbor. Cross by speedboat/ferry from Ternate to Sidangoli. Continue birding in the nearby area for about 1 hour. Target birds:

• Halmahera Golden Bulbul

• Blyth’s Hornbill

• Gurney’s Eagle

• Moluccan Owlet-nightjar

Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at a standard hotel in Sofifi.

Day 4: Sidangoli – Full Day Birding

Depart from the hotel at 5 AM by private minibus (1–2 hours) and have breakfast at the birding site. Target birds:

• Common Paradise Kingfisher

• Sombre Kingfisher

• Ivory-breasted Kingfisher

• North Moluccan Pitta

• Goliath Coucal

• Halmahera Golden Bulbul

• Halmahera Goshawk

• Pale-vented Bushhen

• Sultan Cuckoo-dove

• Great Cuckoo-dove

• Red-cheeked Parrot

• Eclectus Parrot

• Blue-capped Fruit Dove

• Halmahera Boobook

Lunch in Sidangoli, dinner in Sofifi.

Day 5: Sofifi – Aketajawe NP – Subaim

Depart from the hotel at 2 AM by private minibus to Aketajawe National Park to observe the Standardwing Bird of Paradise (Bidadari Halmahera) — most active between 6–7 AM at a forest hide tower. Afterward, have lunch at a local restaurant, then continue driving (1–2 hours) to Subaim and stay overnight. Target birds:

• Standardwing Bird of Paradise

• Moluccan Dwarf Kingfisher

• Moluccan Flycatcher

• Halmahera Friarbird

• White-naped Monarch

• Drab Whistler

• Halmahera Cicadabird

• Azure Dollarbird

• Moluccan Hanging Parrot

• Moluccan Scops Owl

• Long-billed Crow

• Moluccan Whistler

• Moluccan King Parrot

• Red-flanked Lorikeet

Day 6: Subaim – Sofifi – Ternate

Check out and breakfast at the hotel, then drive back to Sidangoli Harbor (private minibus). Birding along the Roni Mountain area. From Sofifi Harbor, cross by speedboat/ferry to Ternate (1–2 hours). Then drive about 45 minutes to Villa Marasai Hotel. Lunch and dinner at local restaurants. Overnight in Villa Marasai, Ternate.

Day 7: Ternate – Sam Ratulangi Airport (Manado) – Tangkoko

Breakfast at Villa Marasai Hotel, then transfer to Sultan Babullah Airport (45 minutes). Fly to Manado. From Sam Ratulangi Airport, drive to Tangkoko (2 hours) by private bus. Lunch at the lodge in Tangkoko, then continue birding in Tangkoko forest. Target birds:

• Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher

• Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher

• Grey-sided Flowerpecker

• Yellow-sided Flowerpecker

• Sulawesi Crow (Slender-billed Crow)

• Purple-winged Roller (Sulawesi Roller)

Dinner at the lodge restaurant in Tangkoko.

Day 8: Tangkoko Forest – Full Day Tour

Breakfast at 6 AM, then short drive (5 minutes) by private bus to birding area in Tangkoko Forest. Return for lunch at the lodge, then continue birding until evening. Target birds:

• Knobbed Hornbill

• Green-backed Kingfisher

• Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher

• Red-backed Thrush

• Ashy Woodpecker

• Azure-rumped Parrot (Blue-backed Parrot)

• White-necked Myna

• Ruddy Kingfisher

• Sulawesi Scops Owl

• Ochre-bellied Boobook

• Sulawesi Nightjar

• Great-eared Nightjar

Lunch and dinner at the lodge.

Day 9: Temboan Hill – Full Day Birding

Depart from the lodge at 5 AM by private bus (30 minutes) to Temboan Hill. Breakfast on site, then continue birding. Target birds:

• Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill

• Sulawesi Myna

• Finch-billed Myna

• White-bellied Imperial Pigeon

• Grey-headed Imperial Pigeon

• Sulawesi Hawk Eagle

• Sulawesi Serpent Eagle

• Sulawesi Goshawk

• Spot-tailed Goshawk

• Yellow-breasted Racket-tail

• Golden-mantled Racket-tail

• Philippine Scrubfowl

• Minahasa Masked Owl

• Sulawesi Masked Owl

Lunch and dinner at the Tangkoko lodge.

Day 10: Mangrove – Tangkoko Forest

Early morning start by private bus (15 minutes) to the beach, then by boat to the mangrove area for birding. Target bird: Great-billed Kingfisher. Return for breakfast at the lodge, then continue birding in Tangkoko Forest. Target birds:

• Great-billed Kingfisher

• Black-billed Koel

• Ornate Lorikeet

• Pale-blue Monarch

• Sulawesi Nightjar

• Great-eared Nightjar

Lunch and dinner at the Tangkoko lodge.

Day 11: Tangkoko – Sam Ratulangi Airport (Manado)

Breakfast at 6 AM, free time until check-out (depending on guest’s departure schedule). Then drive by private bus to Sam Ratulangi Airport, Manado (2–3 hours). End of Tour.

Includes :

✅Porter
✅Entrance ticket forest Fee
✅Meals
✅mineral water
✅Transportation
✅Hotel or Home stay Based on share room
✅Bird Hide
✅Sheap/ speed boat / local Boat
✅Domestic flight

Excludes :

❌Loundry
❌Extra personal expenses
❌Alcholic drink
❌Etc