Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland: A Journey into Nature's Heart

If you’re a nature enthusiast or an adventurous traveler seeking a unique wildlife experience, the Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highlands in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, offer an unforgettable adventure. This region is known for its incredible biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and intimate wildlife encounters that make it one of the most exciting destinations for eco-tourism in Southeast Asia.

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier

Tangkoko Nature Reserve: A Sanctuary of Biodiversity

Tangkoko Nature Reserve, located on the northern tip of the Minahasa Peninsula, is a protected area that spans over 8,000 hectares. It’s a must-visit for wildlife lovers, offering a rare glimpse into the natural habitat of some of Indonesia's most iconic and endangered species.

Wildlife Encounters

One of the highlights of Tangkoko is the opportunity to see the Black-crested Macaque, a charismatic and critically endangered species endemic to this part of the world. These monkeys are known for their playful personalities and distinctive black fur, with their striking blue faces. The reserve also houses other incredible creatures such as the Tarsier, a tiny primate with enormous eyes, and the Sulawesi Hornbill, which is often spotted flying above the dense jungle canopy.

Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the variety of avian species found here, including the Celebes -crested Myna and Minahasa Racquet-tail. The forest is also home to various reptiles, amphibians, and a rich diversity of insects, all contributing to the complex ecosystem that sustains life in the reserve.

Trekking and Exploring the Reserve

The best way to experience Tangkoko is by embarking on a guided trek through its dense tropical rainforest. The reserve features a network of trails that lead through towering trees, lush undergrowth, and exotic landscapes, offering wildlife watchers plenty of chances to spot animals in their natural habitats. Morning treks are particularly popular, as this is when many of the animals are most active.

One of the most memorable moments of a wildlife tour in Tangkoko is observing the Celebes-crested Macaques up close as they forage for food or interact with each other. The Tarsiers, though elusive, can often be spotted clinging to tree trunks during nighttime tours.

Minahasa Highlands: Stunning Views and Rich Culture

After exploring Tangkoko, it’s time to head inland to the Minahasa Highlands, an area renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, traditional villages, and volcanic mountains. This region offers a unique opportunity to experience both nature and local culture in one trip.

Sulawesi Bear Cuscus

Mount Mahawu: Volcano Adventures

The Minahasa Highlands are home to a beautiful volcanoe, Mount Mahawu. Hiking this volcanoe provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, including lush rainforests, valleys, and small farming communities. Meanwhile, Mount Mahawu offers a relatively easier climb and rewards hikers with an incredible view of its crater lake.

Cultural Encounters

The Minahasa Highlands are also rich in cultural heritage. Visitors can explore traditional Minahasa villages, where you can learn about local customs, including unique culinary traditions and indigenous arts. The Minahasa people are known for their strong connection to the land and their historical practices, and a visit here offers an enriching cultural experience alongside nature exploration.

Natural Beauty and Ecotourism

The Minahasa Highlands are a treasure trove of natural beauty, with serene lakes, hot springs, and lush coffee plantations. The area is dotted with waterfalls, such as the Kengkang Waterfall, where you can cool off in the refreshing mountain streams. The cool climate of the highlands also makes it a pleasant escape from the tropical heat of the lowlands.

Planning Your Wildlife Tour

A wildlife tour in Tangkoko and the Minahasa Highlands is an adventure that requires some preparation. Here are a few tips to make the most of your trip:

1. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit North Sulawesi is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is more favorable for trekking and wildlife spotting.

2. Packing Essentials: Bring sturdy trekking shoes, lightweight clothing, a good camera, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Also, don’t forget a flashlight for night walks to spot nocturnal wildlife like the Tarsier.

3. Respect Nature: Remember to follow eco-tourism guidelines to preserve the delicate environment and minimize your impact on the local wildlife.

Conclusion

A wildlife tour through the Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highlands offers a perfect blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and a glimpse into the rich culture of North Sulawesi. Whether you’re trekking through the dense jungle of Tangkoko to spot rare primates or gazing at the beauty of volcanic craters in the Minahasa Highlands, this region will captivate your heart and leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. The area’s rich biodiversity, along with its vibrant local communities, makes it one of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems for eco-tourism and adventure travel.

Booking

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

• Birding and Butterfly watching Tour from Manado city
• Birding in Sonder
• Birds of Minahasa Highland and Lower Montane Forest

Birding and Butterfly Watching Tour from Manado City

Manado city is the capital of North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia. It is the destination for visitors who want to spend their holiday in Bunaken, Siladen, Lembeh Strait, Minahasa highland, and Tangkoko Nature Reseve. As a matter of fact Manado city itself has got its own natural attractions especially in the outskirt areas.

Collared Kingfisher

The duration of the birding tour at the outskirts of Manado city can be half day or 1 day. Birdwatching, butterflywatching and sightseeing is the natural attraction which tourists can enjoy. The farm forest at the outskirts of Manado city is the habitat of some interesting bird species such as Pacific Swallow, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Crow, Collared Kingfisher, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Finch-billed Myna, Zebra Dove, Pale Blue Monarch,  and etc.

Pacific Swallow

To enjoy birding at the outskirts of Manado city, visitors need to bring binoculars. It is an important birding device that can enhance the birding experience of tour participants. 

In addition to birds, tour participants could also observe various species of butterflies such as Lime Swallowtail, Blanchard's Ghost Butterfly, Blanchard's Tree Nymph Butterfly, Gigon Swallowtail, Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly, and etc. 

Blanchard's Wood Nymph

Lime Swallowtail

Extended Birding Tour to Minahasa Highland

This birding tour from Manado city can be extended to other parts of North Sulawesi such as to Mount Mahawu and Lake Linow near Tomohon town and to Mount Lengkoan, Talikuran Paddy Fields, and Lalek Farm Forest in Subdistrict town of Sonder. The duration of this extended tour in Minahasa highland is about 3 to 4 days. 

Sahul Sunbird

Higher elevation forest, lake, paddy fields, and farmland are the habitat of various species of tropical birds of Sulawesi such as:

• Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
• Citrine Canary Flycatcher
• Turquoise Flycatcher
• Sulawesi Myzomela
• Black-crowned White-eye
• Warbling White-eye
• Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
• Gray-sided Flowerpecker
• Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
• Sahul Sunbird
• Black Sunbird
• Crimson Sunbird
• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
• Pygmy Hanging Parrot
• Yellow-billed Malkoha
• Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon
• Green Imperial Pigeon
• Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove
• Superb Fruit-dove
• Zebra Dove
• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• Chestnut Munia
• Scaly-breasted Munia
• Black-faced Munia
• Eurasian Tree Sparrow
• Sulawesi Crow
• Sulawesi Myna
• Finch-billed Myna
• Little Egret
• Cattle Egret
• Purple Heron
• White-breasted Waterhen
• White-browed Crake
• Black-naped Oriole
• and etc.

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birding tour from Manado city and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Related Posts:

• Birding in Sonder
• Birdwatching Tour in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birds of Minahasa in Highland and Lower Montane Forest
• Birding in Bali

Birding in Sonder

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of Indonesia. It has increasingly become a popular destination of birdwatching.  Some of the tropical birds of Sulawesi island that can be watched in Sonder town include: 

Juvenile Pygmy Hanging Parrot

Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Myzomela, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Black-sunbird, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker , Ashy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Finch-billed Myna, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia doreya albicapilla), Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon, White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Superb Fruit Dove, Zebra Dove, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Pale Blue Monarch, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Black-faced Munia, Black-naped Oriole, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Barred Rail, Buff-banded Rail, Isabelline Bush-hen, Collared Kingfisher, Sulawesi Crow, Sooty-headed Bulbul, and etc.

Some birds in Sonder

Birdwatchers usually bring 8×42; 10×42 or 10×50 mm binoculars. Leica, Swarovski, Nikon are some of the famous brands that manufacture high quality binoculars. For photographers, they could bring DSLR or mirrorless camera with telephoto lens. 

The average duration of birding tour in Sonder is 3 days/ 2 nights. The tour can be combined with birding trip in Mount Mahawu of Tomohon town and Tangkoko Nature Reserve in Bitung. The total duration of the tour is around 1 week. 

Where is Sonder and how to get there?

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa highland. It is the destination for visitors who love nature. It is around 1 hour drive from Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia. 

Car route from Manado city to Sonder town in Minahasa highland

To visit the town, visitors need to fly to Manado city. International visitors could fly by Scoot Air from Singapore to Manado. China Southern Airlines and TransNusa also fly between Manado city and Guangzhou. 

Flight route to Manado city

For domestic flights between Manado and other major cities in Indonesia, they are available everyday. They are served by Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, Wings Air, TransNusa, Super Airjet, Sriwijaya Air. 

Accommodation

There are homestays in Sonder town. There are also hotels in the nearby Tomohon town which visitors could choose to stay. 

To extend the birdwatching tour to another  week in Indonesia, a trip to Sorong city is highly recommended. The areas that can be visited include Sorong regency, Tambrauw regency and Waigeo island in Raja Ampat archipelago. 

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in Sonder and other areas in North Sulawesi and West Papua, and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Also read:

• Birdwatching Tour in Subdistrict Sonder
• Birds of Minahasa

Birdwatching Tour in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Sonder is a subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of Indonesia. It is a good destination for visitors who love nature. Visitors who spend their holiday in Sonder can enjoy walking tours to explore its villages, farmlands, paddy fields, forest, water streams and fish ponds. 

For birdwatchers, visitors who travel to North Sulawesi should consider Sonder as one of the birding sites which they will visit. 

Subdistrict Sonder in Minahasa regency of Indonesia

Most of the farmland and forest of Sonder can be explored on foot or by motorized vehicles. In higher elevation forest, visitors can go hiking to the top of the hill early in the morning to watch such birds as 

Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Sulawesi Myzomela, Crimson Sunbird, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-faced Munia, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Drongo, Collared Kingfisher, and etc.

Black-crowned White-eye

There are flower plants that grow along the roadsides that attract butterflies. Blanchard's Ghost Butterfly, Blanchard's Wood Nymph and Common Birdwing, Celebes-banded Swallowtail, could be watched while they were feeding on nectar of the wild flowers. 

Blandchard's Ghost Butterfly in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency

Sooty-headed Bulbul

Walking down to the central area of Sonder town, visitors could see a small forest along the slope of Tounelet village.  Tounelet forest and the farmland areas that surround Sonder are the sites for watching such birds as:

• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• Slender-billed Crow
• Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon
• Sahul Sunbird
• Brown-throated Sunbird
• Black-naped Oriole
• Pale Blue Monarch
• Grey-sided Flowerpecker
• Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
• Hair-crested (White-eyed) Drongo
• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
• Finch-billed Myna
• Brush Cuckoo
• Purple Needletail
• Gray-rumped Treeswift
• White-nest Swiftlet
• Barn Swallow
• Collared Kingfisher (Todirampus chloris)
• Eurasian Tree Sparrow
• and a lot more.

Visitors could also enjoy birdwatching while walking through rice fields of Subdistrict Sonder. There, they can finds such birds as:

• Cattle Egret
• Little Egret
• Purple Heron
• Grey Teal
• Sunda Teal
• White-browed Crake
• Eastern Yellow Wagtail
• Zebra Dove
• Chestnut Munia
• Scaly-breasted Munia
• Cinnamon Bittern,
• And etc.

Yellow-billed Malkoha

There are also butterflies especially among the flower gardens and agricultural lands in the villages of Sonder. Visitors could find The Clipper (Parthenos sylvia), Lime Swallowtail (Papilio demoleus), Gigon Swallowtail (Papilio gigon), Sacred Tabby (Pseudergolis avesta), Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly, and etc.

Visitor could see more butterflies when walking deeper into the farmland and forest of Sonder. 

Farm Tour

While walking through villages, visitors could also see  various kinds of activites that are related to farming. Tour participants will see the kinda of crops that farmers grow.

Most of the inhabitants of Subdistrict Sonder work as farmers. They grow rice, corn, banana, durian, papaya, orange, kangkung (water spinach), cabbage, carrot, chilli, tomato, and etc. They have got pigs, chicken and tilapia fish.  Farmers in Tincep grow various kinds of flowers. 

Farmers grow peanuts, corn, vanilla, clove, banana, chilli, aubergine, rice. They also run fish, poultry and pig farming.

Where is Sonder?

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of the Province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The town is surrounded by hills, farmland, rice field, rivers, and ponds. The capital of the province is Manado city. It takes around 1 hour drive between Manado city and Sonder town. 

Car routes from Manado to Sonder town

Accommodations

There are homestays in Sonder for visitors who want to spend several days birding in Sonder town. For more comfortable rooms, visitors could stay in Tomohon and make day tours to Sonder. As a tour guide, we could organize accommodation for visitors who want to take this tour. 

How to get there?

Every day, there are regular flight services between Manado and some major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Balikpapan, Ternate and Manokwari. These flights are served by Garuda, Citilink, AirAsia Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Super Airjet, Wings Air, Sriwijaya Air, TransNusa.

Flight routes from major cities in Indonesia to Manado

If you are interested in spending your holiday time in Sonder of Minahasa highland and want me to organize your trip, you could contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 and by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

• Birds of Minahasa in Highland and Lower Montane Forest

Birds of Minahasa in Highland and Lower Montane Forest

The rainforest, agricultural land, lake, and paddy fields of Minahasa is the habitat of various species of tropical birds that are unique and beautiful. Some of them include Black-crowned White-eye, Black-naped Oriole, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, and a lot more.

Black-naped Oriole, White-breasted Woodswallow, Pale Blue Monarch, Crimson Sunbird, Collared Kingfisher, Sooty-headed Bulbul

Yellow-billed Malkoha

The birding sites that are easy to be reached by visitors are Talawaan and Mount Tumpa at the outskirts of Manado city, and the Nature Reserve of Tangkoko. For the Highland of Minahasa, Sonder town is the recommended destinations. Tounelet forest should be in the list of places to go especially early in the morning. 

The farmland, rice fields and forest sites at the outskirts of Sonder town are the habitat of Collared Kingfisher, White-breasted Woodswallow, White-browed Crake, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Hair-crested (white-eyed) Drongo, Zebra Dove, Finch-billed Myna, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Drongo, Turquoise Warbling Flycatcher, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Mountain (Warbling) White-eye, Crimson Sunbird, White-faced Cuckoo Dove, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, and a lot more. 

Where is Minahasa and How to get there?

The main gate to Minahasa highland is Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. Visitors need to fly from their country to one of the major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar Bali, Makassar and Balikpapan. After that, they could continue their trip to Manado city by one of the domestic airlines such as Garuda, Citilink, TransNusa, Lion Air, and Batik Air. 

There are international direct flights between Singapore and Manado which is served by Scoot Air and between Guangzhou China and Manado city of Indonesia served by China Southern Airlines.

Flight routes between Manado city and major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, and Sorong

Sonder town is the recommended destination for birdwatching

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching trip to Minahasa and are looking for a guide who can accompany you and organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Birdwatching Tour in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency, Indonesia
• Birding in Bali
• Birding in Tambrauw

Watching Vulturine Parrot

Vulturine Parrot

I have just returned from Tambrauw mountains after spending nearly one week exploring the rainforest to watch birds and butterflies. I am happy because I saw several target birds such as Vulturine Parrot, Lesser Birds of Paradise and Magnificent Bird of Paradise. They were very beautiful. It was my first experience watching the Vulturine Parrot for quite long.

I saw three Pesquet's Parrot eating fig fruits for nearly two hours. It was a rare experience. IUCN put the bird into the status of Vulnerable because it is hunted by local tribes who need his red feather for their traditional costumes. Recently the population of the bird has decreased rapidly due to conversion of rainforest into other uses such as road, monoculture palm oil and cocoa plantation. 

I offer tours to Tambrauw for visitors who are interested in watching the Vulturine Parrot and other tropical birds of West Papua. If you are interested, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by text message to my whatsapp number: +6281332245180.

Birding in Tambrauw Mountains

Camping in Tambrauw forest

Tambrauw is a beautiful tourist destination in West Papua province of Indonesia. Most of its land is covered by tropical rainforest. Local Government of Tambrauw regency declared its territory as the regency of conservation, that's why ecotourism is seen as a sustainable income generation scheme for the indigenous people so that they could preserve their rainforest. To support this policy, I offer rainforest birding tours to anybody who wants to watch tropical birds of New Guinea. Tropical rainforest of Tambrauw and its rivers are a great sites for hiking and birdwatching as well as wildlife watching. Visitors who go there can enjoy riverwalk and rainforest tour to find:

Rainforest of Tambrauw Mountains

• Lesser Birds of Paradise, 
• King Bird of Paradise, 
• Magnificent Riflebird, 
• Palm Cockatoo, 
• Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, 
• Eclectus Parrot
• Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot
• Black-capped Lory
• Pinon Imperial Pigeon
• Pink-spotted Fruit Dove
• Beautiful Fruit Dove
• Coconut Lorikeet
• New Guinea Harpy Eagle, 
• Variable Goshawk
• Brahminy Kite
• and a lot of other tropical birds that live in the mountains. There are two sites in Tambrauw which visitors can go to enjoy hiking and birding. The first one is the lowland forest and the second one is the mountain forest.

Moustached Treeswift

The duration of the trip is between 4 to 5 days. Visitors can enjoy birding along the road or enjoy camping and river walk to watch such birds as Grey Crow, Little Egret, Blyth's Hornbill and Kingfishers.

The entry point to Tambrauw is through Manokwari city and Sorong city. Because the cost of transportation is quite expensive, visitors need to go in a group of 3 to 4 people to share the price. We usually charter 4wd cars to reach the river where we will enjoy camping, riverwalk and birding.
Things to bring:

French tourists in Tambrauw mountains

Besides bringing birding optics such as binoculars, spotting scope, laser pointer and telephoto camera, visitors need to wear water shoes, t-shirt, short pants and long pants for walking in the forest. A field guide book: Birds of New Guinea written by Thane K. Pratt and Bruce Beehler can be ordered from Amazon online bookstore. 

Booking

Please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180

Also read:

• Birds of Minahasa in Highland and Lower Montane Forest
• Birding in Bali