This 10-day specialized birding itinerary takes nature enthusiasts through the diverse ecological landscapes of North Sulawesi. The journey covers key biodiversity hotspots, including the coastal lowland rainforests of Tangkoko Nature Reserve, the extensive primary forests of Dumoga Bone National Park, and the cooler volcanic region of the Minahasa Highlands. Designed for those seeking focused wildlife programs, the tour combines professional birding guidance, regional transfers, and structured daily field excursions targeting North Sulawesi's rich endemic avian species.
Activities:
Upon arrival at Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado, you will meet a guide to commence the North Sulawesi birding expedition. The journey immediately proceeds overland from Manado toward the coastal district of Tangkoko.
Tangkoko Nature Reserve is recognized for its lowland tropical rainforest environment, which serves as an essential habitat for endemic wildlife and diverse bird species. During the drive, you can observe the transition from urban settlements to rural coastal landscapes.
Upon reaching Tangkoko Lodge, You complete check-in procedures and settle into their accommodations. A brief meeting service is held to review the upcoming birding schedule, followed by dinner.
Activities:
These two full days are dedicated to intensive bird-watching field excursions across the forest trails of Tangkoko Nature Reserve. Guided by a specialized bird-watching guide, You will head out early in the morning during peak avian activity hours.
The reserve encompasses coastal mangrove habitats, lowland rainforests, and volcanic slopes, harboring target species such as the Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Knobbed Hornbill, and various endemic birds. A chartered boat excursion along the coastline offers opportunities to observe shorebirds and marine bird fauna.
Field schedules are arranged to optimize birding during morning and late afternoon hours when wildlife is most active. Meals are provided daily between sessions, and evenings conclude with dinner.
Activities:
Following breakfast at the lodge, you will depart Tangkoko on an overland transfer heading south toward Kotamobagu. The route traverses the central corridor of North Sulawesi, passing agricultural regions and local settlements.
A scheduled stop is made along the way at a local restaurant for lunch, allowing you to rest during the transit. Kotamobagu serves as an administrative and regional base for accessing nearby protected forest areas.
The drive takes approximately five hours, arriving in Kotamobagu by late afternoon. Upon arrival, you check in at Hotel Sutan Raja Kotamobagu and have time to relax before dinner.
Activities:
You will spend three full days exploring the avian habitats within Dumoga Bone National Park. Excursions are conducted under the guidance of a specialized birding guide and local park rangers familiar with the terrain.
Dumoga Bone represents an important protected forest conservation area in Sulawesi, containing tropical rainforests and varied elevation zones. The park is home to notable endemic species, including the Maleo bird, Wallace's Standardwing, and various endemic raptors and parrots.
Daily tracking sessions are planned around key observation sites within the park to maximize sighting opportunities. All meals are provided across the three days, with return transfers to Hotel Sutan Raja Kotamobagu each evening.
Activities:
After breakfast in Kotamobagu, the itinerary continues with an overland drive northbound toward Tomohon. The journey ascends into the cooler Minahasa Highlands, characterized by volcanic landscapes and agricultural valleys.
A midday lunch break is arranged at a local restaurant along the route. Tomohon is situated between Mount Lokon and Mount Mahawu, known for its mild highland climate and flora.
The drive takes approximately five hours, reaching Tomohon in the late afternoon. You will check in at Villa Emitta Tomohon and enjoy dinner in the evening.
Activities:
The final full day of activities begins with birding around the Minahasa highlands near Tomohon. The program includes a hike up to a volcano mountain, combining birding with exploration of the highland landscape.
The itinerary also includes visits to Lake Tondano and Lake Linow. These lakes are among the natural attractions of the Minahasa highlands and provide additional locations to explore during the day's journey.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the group transfers to Manado. The remainder of the day is free for personal activities.
Activities:
After breakfast, it concludes with a transfer to the airport for your next destination. The transfer marks the end of the birding tour in North Sulawesi.
This concludes the 10-day birding program covering Tangkoko, Dumoga Bone, Kotamobagu, Tomohon, and the Minahasa highlands.
| 2-3 Pax | Rp29,040,000 |
| 4-7 Pax | Rp21,252,000 |
| 8 Up Pax | Rp18,876,000 |
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