Paradise Bird Watching and Wildlife Tour in Indonesia

Day Birding Tour in Sorong Regency

2026-05-16T10:34:49.047-07:00

I have just completed a 2-day-trip birding tour for 2 visitors in several birding sites outside Sorong city.

Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise in the suburb of Sorong city

In Day 1, we started our trip at 05:00. We went to the outskirts of Aimas by car to watch Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. The weather was cloudy. There was a little rain but it stopped when the sun began to rise in the east. We watched the paradise bird for around one and a half hour. Both the male and female Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise came to their usual mating site which were two vertical branch of a tree. After that we continued the tour by walking around an open area to watch Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Sahul Brush Cuckoo, Yellow-faced Myna, Helmeted Friarbird, Variable Goshawk, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird and etc.

Blyth's Hornbill

At 08:00, we returned to Sorong city for the tour participants to have breakfast in their hotelm We continued again at 09:00. We went to a hill outside Sorong city. There, we saw Pacific Baza, Dollardbird, Sahul Sunbird, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Coconut Lorikeet, Yellow-faced Myna, Glossy Swiftlet and etc. We returned to Sorong city at around 11:00.

In the afternoon at 15:00, we continued our day trip birding tour to the north coast. We watched Beach Kingfisher, Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, Torresian Crow, and Pacific Swallow.

The next morning which was the Day 2 of our birding trip, we went to a forest outside Sorong city. It was quite far. It took around 1 hour to reach it. Ther we watched Lesser Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise and Papuan Pitta. We saw other birds as well such as Blyth's Hornbill, Papuan Eclectus, Black-capped Lory and Pinon Imperial Pigeon.

In the afternoon at 15:00, we went by car to Mangrove forest at the outskirts of Sorong city. We saw Glossy-mantled Manucode, Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Blue-fronted Fig Parrot (also called Orange-breasted Fig Parrot), Collared Imperial Pigeon, Willie Wagtail, Spotted Dove, Glossy Starling, and Brown Oriole. We also saw Sacred Kingfisher, Little Kingfisher and Emperor Fairywren.

Papuan Eclectus

It was a great birding tour. The participants enjoyed the beautiful landscape of Sorong regency. We returned to Sorong at 18:00 and arrived in the hotel at around 19:00.

If you are interested in taking day birding tour in Sorong regency and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

1 Day Birding Tour in Sorong Regency Lowland Forest and Coastal Area

2026-03-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

A few days ago (March 13th, 2026), I guided a couple (Marcus and Jo) from Australia on a birding tour in the lowland and coastal forest of Sorong regency. We started early in the morning at 05:30. I met them at Aston hotel and then by car we went to a forest area outside Sorong city. It took around 40 minutes to reach the entrance site of the forest. At that time, we could hear the calls of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise (Seleucidis melanoleucus).

1 Day Birding Tour in the forest of Sorong Regency

The bird was sitting on the vertical pole of a tree waiting for his female mating partner to come. I set up my 2 tripods, one with a pair of binoculars mounted on it and the other with a spottiny scope, and aimed them at the paradise bird. We waited for the female bird to come. The male Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise did some rehearsal by hopping down and up the pole. He hopped down to the top of lower pole and sit on it for awhile.

Marcus and Jo used their camera to take pictures of the paradise bird. They also made some video using their cell phone through the spotting scope.

After waiting for around one and a half hour, unfortunately the female paradise bird did not come, the male one flew away leaving the dancing lek.

We left the watching site and continued our activity by doing general birding. We saw a lot of species of interesting birds including Papuan Eclectus, Spangled Drongo, Yellow-faced Myna, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Willie Wagtail, Helmeted Friarbird, Black Butcherbird, Sahul Sunbird, Palm Cockatoo, Black-capped Lory, Shining Flycatcher, Blyth's Hornbill and Gray-headed Goshawk.

A female Papuan Eclectus

If you are interested in taking this 1 day birding tour at the outskirts of Sorong city and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me by gmail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

Water Lily from A Swamp in Merauke

In addition to guiding tourists, my daily avtivity now is drawing and painting. I have just completed an old sketch of Water Lily of Merauke in watercolour. This is a small painting on paper size A5 (14.5 cm×21 cm) Winsor & Newton Wire-O sketch book. I saw this water lily flower in a swamp at the outskirts of Merauke. I visited the town years ago. There was only one flower at that time. Usually in a swamp, there are various kinds of water plants and including tens of waterlily flowers. However, I only saw one flower. So, the only one water lily flower that was still standing in the dark water of the swamp, when I arrived, deserved my attention. The swamp was at the roadside. I even asked the driver to stop his car so that I could walk closer to it.

Water Lily from Merauke

The watercolour painting is now inside a simple frame that I hang on the wall of the front room of my house.

I still have other watercolour paintings that I will discuss in my later posts.

4 Days/3 Nights Birding in Sorong Regency

2026-03-02T22:11:00.000-08:00

Today is 3 March 2026. I have just started a birding tour with 2 participants from Germany. We are now in Malagufuk of Klasow valley. We left Sorong city at 08:30 by a 4wd car and did birding along the 3,3 kilometers boardwalk that led us to the village. We saw Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher and Eastern Hooded Pitta. It was a good start. When we were having lunch, a female Blyth's hornbill landed on a wooden beam of our dining hall.

Large Fig Parrot

At 15:15, we went birding again to the southern forest of the village. We saw Black-capped Lory, Black Lory, Coconut Lorikeet, Golden Myna, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Papuan Eclectus, Red-cheeked Parrot, Helmeted Friarbird, and Lowland Peltop.

Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

At dusk, we were waiting for Papuan Nightjar. Unfortunately, he did not show up. There were flying fox flying over the village. Unfortunately, the Papuan nightjar did not fly that evening. So, we returned to the guesthouse.

Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot

In the morning of 4 March 2026, we went to the lek of Lesser Bird of Paradise. We left Malagufuk village at 05:00. It took around 30 minutes of walking to reach the place. We still had to wait for around 30 minutes for the sunlight to appear in the sky. After waiting for quite long and walking around the forest area for two hours to chase the birds, finally, we could watch the courtship dance of the Lesser Bird of Paradise. There were 4 male and 3 female Lesser Birds of Paradise.

Lesser Bird of Paradise

We also went to the site of King Bird of Paradise. I could also take picture of the bird using my Vivo V40 Lite that is mounted on my SVbony SV410 spotting scope.

King Bird of Paradise

In the afternoon, we saw a lot of birds around the edge of the village. There were Glossy-mantled Manucode, Blyth's Hornbill, Black Lory, Golden Myna, Yellow-faced Myna, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Gray-streaked Flycatcher, Golden Cuckooshrike, Sahul Sunbird, Red-cheeked Parrot, Sultan's Cuckoo-dove, Glossy Swiftlet.

Sultan's Cuckoo-dove

We did night walk. We saw Yellow-bellied Gerygone, a Brown Tree Mouse. We tried to attract Papuan Boobook by playing its recorded calls. Unfortunately, when this nocturnal bird came, he landed a tall tree whose branches were blocked by other branches from a nearby tree. So, we could not see the bird.

In the morning of 5 March was a great birding experience for us. We saw Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Papuan Pitta, Northern Cassowary, Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, Black-sided Robin.

Hook-billed Kingfisher

On the way back to the village after watching the Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, we saw Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, Hook-billed Kingfisher. We also watched birds that were active in a tall merbau tree. There were Lowland Peltops, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Yellow-faced Myna, Coconut Lorikeet and Large Fig Parrot. There was a Palm Cockatoo that landed briefly on the tip of a dry branch. I was able to take some picture of the bird.

Palm Cockatoo

On 6 March 2026, we went to the hides of Papuan Pitta and Eastern Hooded Pitta. We were able to see them after attracting them with calls and worms. We also saw Little Shrikethrush, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Sahul Brush Cuckoo, Azure Kingfisher and Long-tailed Honeybuzzard. After lunch, we returned to Sorong city. It has been a great birdinf trip for our German guests.

Azure Kingfisher

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour in Sorong regency of Indonesia and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp at +6281332245180. You could also press this contact link.

Also read:

Watching Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise Near Aimas Town

2026-02-27T23:17:00.000-08:00

Aimas town is the capital of Sorong regency. It is around 30 minutes drive from Sorong city. There is a forest area near the town that has been the natural habitat of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. I guided a visitor from France today (28 Feb. 2026) on a morning birdwatching tour from Sorong city.

We watched Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise for around 1 hour. After that we continued our activity by doing general birding. There were several species of interesting tropical birds that we saw including Spangled Drongo, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pacific Baza, Papuan Eclectus, Willie Wagtail, Blyth's Hornbill, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Shining Flycatcher, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Yellow-faced Myna, Singing Starling, and etc.

Yellow-faced Myna

At 09:00, we continued our trip to Mangrove forest where we saw Brown-backed Honeyeater, Sahul Sunbird, and Emperor Fairywren.

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching and sightseeing tour to areas around Sorong city and want me to organize your trip and guide you, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to +6281332245180 or through this contact link.

Also read:

1 Day Birding Tour At the Outskirts of Sorong City

2026-02-23T23:51:00.000-08:00

Morning Birding

I often receive requests from visitors who want to do sightseeing and birdwatching trip from Sorong city. There are several interesting sites to explore. The recommended one is the rainforest area at the outskirts of Aimas Town. We need to start early in the morning at around 05:00. I will meet tour participants at the hotel in Sorong city and then organize their transfer by car to birding site. It takes around 45 minutes to reach it. We will watch the first target which is the Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. Usually we spend between 30 minutes to 1 hour to watch the paradise bird. After that we will continue our activity by doing general birding. We will look for any species of birds that sit on the branches of trees or fly in the air. They include Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Hooded Butcherbird, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Red-cheeked Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Willie Wagtail and etc. Usually, at 10:00 a.m. the air temperature is hotter and the activity of bird is little. We will return to Sorong city to take a rest.

Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise

Afternoon Birding

We usually start at 14:00. Our destination is the mangrove forest. We will look for such birds as Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, Brown-backed Honeyeater, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Spotted Dove, Collared Imperial Pigeon, Common Sandpiper, Striated Heron, Pacific Golden Plover, Emperor Fairywren, and etc. At 18:00, the light starts to decrease. We will return to Sorong city before dark.

Beautiful Fruit-dove

As a tourist guide, I provide a spotting scope or a pair of binoculars that is mounted on a tripod. This will allow tour participants to watch birds that sit in distant branches of trees.

Birdwatching in Sorong

Participants need to bring insect repellent lotion or spray, rain poncho. They could also bring binoculars or camera if they have.

More tours to other interesting places

In addition to birdwatching, I also offer sightseeing tour to Doom island, the north coast of Sorong and traditional markets.

If you are interested in taking this birding tour, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to +6281332245180 or through this contact link.

Also read:

Sketch of Azure Kingfisher

Here is a sketch of Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus)that I made on a small pocket sketch-book using Faber-Castell watercolour pencil.

This Azure kingfisher usually can be found along the sides of creeks in lowland tropical rainforest of West Papua region.

A Sketch of Azure Kingfisher

Birding in Tambrauw and Sorong (5 Days/ 4 Nights)

2026-02-09T23:54:00.000-08:00

I have just completed a tour in Klabili village of Tambrauw regency and in the birding sites at the outskirts of Sorong city and Aimas town. I guided a couple from the Netherlands. We spent 3 days/ 2 nights in Klabili and 2 days/ 2 nights in Sorong to watch birds. During our stay in Klabili, we explored the rainforest of the village where we saw various species of rainforest birds including Papuan Pitta, Eastern Hooded Pitta, Blyth's Hornbill, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Beautiful Fruit-dove, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Zoe Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-faced Myna, King Bird of Paradise, Sahul Sunbird, Black-capped Lory, Red-cheeked Parrot, Frilled Monarch, Streaked-headed Honeyeater, Brahminy Kite, Long-tailed Honey-buzzard, and New Guinea Vulturine Parrot (Pesquet Parrot -ebird)etc.

Eastern-hooded Pitta

We also did some night walks in Klabili where we saw Papuan Frogmouth and Flying fox.

At the outskirts of Aimas town in Sorong regency, we saw Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Hooded Butcherbird, Black Butcherbird, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, and Metallic Starling. We also explored coastal area in the north coast of Sorong. There, we saw Common Sandpiper, Pacific Reef Heron, Brahminy Kite, Torresian Crow, Beach Kingfisher. We also saw, perhaps, a Blue Rock Thrush, on top of a rocky islet. Well, it is not a common bird in this region.

Birdwatching in the north coast of Sorong regency

We also visited Love Hill of Sorong where we saw Yellow-faced Myna, and Black Butcherbird. In mangrove area at the outskirts of Aimas town, we saw White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Collared Imperial Pigeon, Orange-fronted Imperial Pigeon, Common Sandpiper, Pacific Golden Plover and Little Heron. There were Scaly-breasted Munia and Spotted Dove which, probably, were escaped caged birds.

Rainforest at the suburb of Sorong city; Brahminy Kite, Beach Kingfisher

To watch birds, I use 2 pairs of 10×50 binoculars. I carried one and the other pair was mounted on the tripod. This allows everyone to watch birds that were sitting on distant branches of trees.

Wompoo Fruit-dove

Also read:

Birding Tour in North Sulawesi: Tangkoko, Lake Tondano, Mount Mahawu & Sonder Forest

Some Birds in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

North Sulawesi is one of the best places in Indonesia for birdwatching. In a short distance, you can visit rainforest, lakes, farmland, and mountain forest. A birding tour that includes:

Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Lake Tondano
Mount Mahawu
Sonder Forest

This trip gives you the chance to see many special birds that only live in Sulawesi.

Birds in North Sulawesi

Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Tangkoko is a famous rainforest area in North Sulawesi. It is one of the best places to see Sulawesi’s unique birds. The forest is close to the coast and has many different habitats.

Some birds you may see here include:

* Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher

* Green-backed Kingfisher

* Sulawesi Hornbill

* Lilac Kingfisher

* Sulawesi Pitta

Gursky's Spectral Tarsier

The best time to watch birds in Tangkoko is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when birds are most active. In addition to birds tour participants could also see mammals, reptiles and insects. Attractive mammals include Celebes-crested Macaque, Spectral Tarsier, and Sulawesi Bear Cuscus.

Rusty-backed Thrush

Lake Tondano

Lake Tondano offers a different birding experience. It is a large lake surrounded by villages, rice fields, and open land. This area is good for seeing waterbirds and birds that live in open spaces.

You may see:

* Wandering Whistling Duck

* Purple Heron

* White-browed Crake

* Yellow Bittern

* Collared Kingfisher

The lake area is also a good place to see birds flying over the water and feeding in the fields.

Collared Kingfisher

Mount Mahawu

Mount Mahawu is a small volcano with cool mountain forest. There is a walking path around the crater, making it easy to explore. The higher elevation means you can see different birds than in the lowland forest.

Some possible birds include:

Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
Sulawesi Scops Owl
Sulawesi Myzomela
Mountain White-eye
Sulawesi Cuckoo-Dove

On clear days, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the crater and surrounding landscape.

Crater of Mount Mahawu

Lake Linow

This is a volcanic lake that is always visited by tourists. We could see a lot of species of birds both along its shore and in the water. There are Sunda Teal, Javan Pond Heron, Whiskered Tern, Little Egret, Woodsandpiper, Barn Swallow, White-breasted Waterhen and etc.

Sonder Forest

Sonder Forest is a quieter and less crowded birding spot. It has mountain forest with tall trees and thick vegetation. This makes it a good place to find shy birds.

You may find:

Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
Sulawesi Drongo
Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
Black-naped Fruit-dove
Black-crowned White-eye
Crimson Sunbird
Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
Mountain Tailorbird
Black Sunbird

Because fewer people visit Sonder, it is peaceful and great for slow birdwatching and photography.

Yellow-sided Flowerpecker

Why Visit All These Places?

Each location offers a different type of habitat:

* Rainforest

* Lake and rice-field wetlands

* Farmland

* Mountain forest

* Water-falls

By visiting all four places, you increase your chances of seeing many different bird species, especially those found only in Sulawesi.

Barred Rail

Best Time to Go

You can go birdwatching in North Sulawesi at any time of year. However, the dry season usually makes forest trails easier to walk. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see birds.

A Great Birding Experience

A birding tour to Tangkoko, Lake Tondano, Mount Mahawu, and Sonder Forest is a wonderful way to explore nature in North Sulawesi. With beautiful scenery and many special birds, this trip is perfect for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Flight routes to Manado city

How to get there?

You need to fly to Manado city. It is the capital of North Sulawesi province in Indonesia. We could meet you at the airport and then organize your tour to birding sites mentioned in this blog post.

Accommodations

There are homestays, guesthouses and hotels that you could stay in during your birding/ wildlife watching tour in this part of North Sulawesi province. We could organize it for you.

If you are interested in taking day birding tour to the above places and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.

Birds and Paddy Fields in Sonder

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Night Wildlife Tour in Klamis Forest Outside Sorong City

2025-12-21T02:10:00.000-08:00

There is a rainforest area that is located around 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Sorong city. Yesterday night, I guided a couple from Europe, Mateo and Annika to that forest. Its name was Klamis forest. They were the first foreign visitors to explore Klamis forest. We had a wildlife watching tour inside the forest and along the roadside. We left Sorong city at around 16:00 and arrived at the outskirts of the forest just before sunset.

Wildlife Tour in Klamis Forest of Sorong Regency

We explored the forest accompanied by the villagers, i.e. Neles, Dani, Daniel and Misael. Along the banks of a small stream, we saw Hooded Pitta, Papuan Pitta, Papuan Frogmouth, Rusty Pitohui and Western-crowned Pigeon.

I brought a spotting scope that was mounted on a tripod. This enabled all of us who were on this trip to see birds, mammals and reptiles that were sitting on the branches of tall trees.

Night walking tour in Klamis rainforest of Sorong regency

In addition to birds, we saw mammals such as Brown Tree Mouse and Northern Common Cuscus. For reptiles, we saw monitor lizard, Papua Forest Dragon and a green tree phyton snakelet. There were various kinds of big and small frogs that we also saw.

Green Tree Phyton (Morelia viridis) in Klamis forest of Sorong regency

We saw butterflies and moths too. There were Silky Owl Butterfly, Euchenor Butterfly and some moths.

We came out of the forest at around 22:00. We had some coffee break, and snacks. We still had an easy birding walk along the roadside to find Marbled Frogmouth. After Daniel played its recorded sounds several times, we were able to see some Marbled Frogmouths. We also saw a couple of Pinon Imperial Pigeon on the branch of a tall tree at the roadside using the spotting scope.

Papua Forest Dragon in Klamis forest of Sorong regency

It was a nice rainforest tour. At around 23:15, we decided to return to Sorong and arrived in the city at around 01:00.

If you are interested in taking wildlife tour in this rainforest outside of Sorong city and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.

Also read:

Birding in Klasow Valley of Sorong with a Swiss Lady and a French Girl

2025-10-09T02:57:00.000-07:00

From 5 to 7 Oct. 2025, I guided a Swiss lady on a birdwatching tour in Klasow valley of Sorong regency. We walked through the forest to find paradise birds and other tropical birds of West Papua. During the 3 day/ 2 night tour in the rainforest, we were able to see Lesser Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird and Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise. We also saw Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-faced Myna, Pale-billed Scrubwren, Orange-footed Megapode, Papuan Pitta and a lot of other birds.

Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Papuan Pitta

It rained in the afternoons and at nights during the tour. However, we managed to watch most of the target birds that we had planned to see.

During the tour, we also saw a lot of beautiful butterflies. Some of them were Silky Owl Butterfly, Ulysses Butterfly, and New Guinea Clipper, Eastern Red Lacewing (Chetosia cydippe). We completed our trip with the morning walk to the dancing site of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise.

Hibiscus in Klasow valley

I am now guiding a French girl on a rainforest wildlife watching tour in the same Klasow valley. We started yesterday (8 October 2025) and will finish the trip tomorrow (10 Oct. 2025).

So far, we have seen Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, and a lot of other tropical birds of West Papua.

If you are interested in taking a tour in West Papua or other parts of Indonesia such as Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu in Minahasa highland, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.

Late Afternoon and Night Birding in Sorong

2025-09-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

Sorong is the transit point for visitors who want to go to Raja Ampat. However, Sorong itself has got its own natural attractions such as wildlife. The outskirts of Sorong city is still covered by rainforest which is the habitat of various species of birds, mammals, insects and reptiles.

For visitors who arrive in the afternoon and want to have some tour to this forest, I want to offer a late afternoon and night birding tour.

Papuan Pitta

Here is the program:

Itinerary

15:00-17:45

We will meet you in Sorong city and then organize your trip by car to a beach at the outskirts of Sorong city. We will walk along the beach to look for coastal birds such as Beach Kingfisher, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Pacific Reef Heron, Common Sandpiper, Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, and etc.

17:45

We will go to the hill area to have some coffee or tea with some cakes. Birds such as Blyth's Hornbill, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Papuan Eclectus, Palm Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Helmetted Friarbird can still be seen flying back to their nests or roosting trees.

Papuan Boobook, Papuan Frogmouth, White-lipped Frog

19:00 - 23:00

We will do night birding to look for such birds as Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth or even the Papuan Hawk Owl and any birds that sleep on lower branches of trees. Sometimes cuscus or possum can be seen at night too.

At around 23:00, we will return to Sorong city.

The above itinerary should be seen as a reference only. It could be modified based on the time which the tour participants have.

If you are interested in taking the tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by pressing this contact link or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

Morning Birding Tour in Sorong City

2025-09-12T03:40:00.000-07:00

Today, I guided Anders, a visitor from Europe on a half day birding tour at the outskirts of Sorong. We started our tour at 05:00. It was still dark outside when we left Vega Prime Hotel by car. Because the birding site is approximately 1 hour car ride from Sorong city, I asked him to sleep.

A European birdwatcher at the beach of Sorong

When we arrived at the birding side located on a mountain ridge, birds began to sing welcoming the morning light. We had some light breakfast at the back of our chartered car. I had a cup of hot sweet tea, and a cake.

Blyth's Hornbill flew over the hill. We could see some of them over the canopy of the forest. There are also Yellow-faced Myna that landed briefly on the branches of a tree near the roadside. When we had finished our breakfast and started to walk, we heard the call of Rufous-bellied Kookaburra. I turned on my portable loudspeaker and played it's sounds from my cell phone. After a few minutes of waiting, we continued walking. The Kookaburra did not want to fly out of his hiding places.

One of the birding sites at the outskirts of Sorong city

More birds fly in the sky when the sky was fully bright. We saw Papuan Eclectus, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo flying. There was Gray-headed Goshawk sitting in the branch of a tree around 30 meters away from us. I adjusted the angle of my spotting-scope. When it was ready, we could watch the bird well.

Yellow-faced Myna

We also saw Yellow-billed Kingfisher, and Gray-headed Cicadabird, and Black-browed Triller. There were some Red-cheeked Parrots flying over the road when we were looking for Yellow-billed Kingfisher. Streak-headed Munia was hopping on the tall grass that was on the left of the roadside.

Rufous-bellied Kookaburra

Unfortunately, Anders could not find it using his binoculars. The air temperature was getting hotter after 08:00. We continued our trip by car to the beach. We planned to find Beach Kingfisher. We walked along the boardwalk to look for it. I played its recorded calls several times. Unfortunately, we could not find the bird. There were Brahminy Kite, Torresian Crow, Willie Wagtail and Lesser Frigatebird.

Beach Kingfisher

At around 10:00, we returned to Sorong city again. We could not see all the birds that we had wanted to watch. However, it was a nice tour in very good weather.

Terrestrial Orchid

To watch birds, I used old binoculars SVBONY 10×50. To take picture of birds, flowers, and any wildlife, I used Fujifilm HS50EXR. It was an old photographic device but still functioning well. I love older things.

This is written by Charles Roring

Email: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing this contact link.

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Tropical Birds in Sorong and Raja Ampat

2025-08-23T03:38:00.000-07:00

A lot of visitors fly to Sorong city as the main gate to Raja Ampat. Most of them go to Raja Ampat to enjoy swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving or even take a trip by liveaboard boat to explore remote islands.

However, there are some of them who are interested in combining their marine tour with land tour. The most popular tour which they can enjoy is birdwatching. They can do it in Sorong city and in Waigeo island. There are a lot of tropical birds which they could watch some of them are mentioned here.

Puff-backed Honeyeater in Waigeo of Raja Ampat

Birds in and at the outskirts of Sorong city

Mangrove Forest - A long the coastal area of Sorong city, visitors could watch such birds as Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Blue Fronted Fig Parrot, Brown-backed Honeyeater, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Sacred Kingfisher, Blue Black Kingfisher, Sahul Sunbird, Willie Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Striated Heron and etc.

Hill Forest - More birds could be seen when we go to a hill of Sorong city. There, we could find birds such as Yellow-faced Myna, Black Sunbird, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Pacific Baza, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Black Butcher bird, Glossy Swiftlet, Uniform Swiftlet, Red-cheeked Parrot, and a lot more.

Sorong's Ridge Forest - This birding site is located outside of Sorong city around 1 hour trip by car. Birds that we could watch include Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Coconut Lorikeet, Mimic Honeyeater, Black-browed Triller, Helmeted Friarbird, Zoe's Imperial Pigeon, Brahminy Kite.

Nortern Coast of Sorong city - This is the site for finding Beach Kingfisher, Lesser Frigatebird, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Sahul Sunbird, Whimbrel, Pacific Reef Heron, and etc.

The duration of birding tour at the outskirts of Sorong city can be as short as half day to 1 day to as long as 2 days depending on the time which participants have.

Birds in Waigeo and Batanta of Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is an important destination for birdwatching tourism. It is the place for watching Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Hooded Butcherbird, Yellow-faced Myna, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Papuan Eclectus, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Shining Flycatcher, Mimic Honeyeater, Moustached Treeswift, Common Sandpiper, Little Egret, Pacific Golden Plover, and etc.

The average duration of birding tour in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat is as short as 3 days 2 nights to as long as 4 days/ 3 nights. It can be longer if the itinerary includes trip to remote islands such as Batanta, Merpati and Urai.

What to bring

Most birdwatchera bring a pair of binoculars. Some of them bring D-SLR or mirrorless camera with 600 mm telephoto lens. Rain poncho will also be needed.

The birding trip in Raja Ampat could be combined with snorkeling and sightseeing trip to see marine life, tropical islandd, and karst.

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in Sorong city and Raja Ampat, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by visiting this contact link.

Also read:

Festival Roon 2025

2025-08-18T02:27:00.000-07:00

The local government and the peoples of Wondama regency is going to celebrate Festival Roon and the celebration of 100 years of Papua Civilization in Aitumieri hill of Wasior town. This cultural and art event will be conducted on 22 to 25 October 2025 in Yende village of Roon island from 22 to 24 October 2025 and in Miei village of Wasior town on 25 October 2025.

Festival Roon Promotional Photo 2025

Festival Roon 22-25 October 2025 in Yende village of Roon island and Wasior town of Wondama Regency

How to get there?

Roon island is located in Wondama regency. To reach Yende village:

Visitors need to fly from their countries to Manokwari city.
After that the trip can be continued by fast passenger ferry from Anggrem harbor of Manokwari city to Yende village in Roon island of Wondama regency.

Fast Ferry Route from Manokwari to Yende village and then to Wasior town on Wondama regency

Natural Attractions

Wondama regency is an important destination for visitors who love marine life. Coral reef could be seen in along its coastal areas. There are hundreds of tropical islands that form karsts in this part of the National Park of Cendrawasih Bay. It is one of the Marine Protected Areas in West Papua with the highest marine biodiversity in the World.

A beach in Purup Karst of Cendrawasih Bay National Park

Coral reef in Wondama regency

Birding

Wondama peninsula has got interesting places for visitors who like birdwatching. Its tropical rainforest is the habitat of a lot of species birds, insects, reptiles, and mammals. Paradise birds that can be watched in Wondiboy mountains include Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Superb Bird of Paradise, Black Sicklebill, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Western Parotia, and etc.

Accommodation

There are a lot of homestays in Yende village during the Festival Roon 2025.
There are also hotels and lodges in Wasior town that are offered to visitors during the 22-25 October 2025.

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp through this contact link or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

Birding in Klasow Valley

2025-08-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

Klasow valley is a huge lowland rainforest area in the east of Sorong regency. It is a favorite destination for tourists who love birdwatching and wildlife watching.

New Guinea Harpy Eagle

A lot of species of birds could be found in Klasow valley. Here are some of them: Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Trumpet Manucode, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Blue-black Kingfisher, Hook-billed Kingfisher, Papuan Eclectus, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-capped Lory, Black Lory, Rainbow Bee-eater, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Ornate Fruit-dove, Sultan's Cuckoo-dove, Great Cuckoo-dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Western-crowned Pigeon, Hooded Monarch, Frilled Monarch, Spot-winged Monarch, Mimic Honeyeater, Glossy Swiftlet, Uniform Swiftlet, Spine-tailed Swift, Moustached Treeswift, Papuan Boobook, Rufous Owl, Papuan Hawk Owl, Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, Papuan Nightjar, New Guinea Harpy Eagle, and a lot more.

Some birds in Klasow valley

There are some forest sites in Klasow valley that are good for birdwatching. Some of them include: Klabili village, Kasulala forest, Klatomok village and Malagufuk village.

Klabili is famous for watching Hooded Pitta, Papuan Pitta and New Guinea Vulturine Parrot.

Kasulala is a highly recommended site for watching and photographing birds of prey. There are Pacific Baza, Variable Goshawk, Gray-headed Goshawk, Brahminy Kite, Gurney's Eagle.

In general, visitors spend between 3 to 5 days in Klasow valley to see most of the birds in the area. If the tour in Klasow valley is combined with another birding tour in Raja Ampat, the total number of days could reach 12 to 14 days.

Birding in Klasow valley

Visitors usually bring binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, and spotting scope to watch and photograph birds in Klasow valley.

Other animals that could be watched in Klasow valley include wallaby, cuscus, possum, monitor lizard, bandicoot, snakes, fruit bats, and etc.

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour in Klasow valley and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by visiting contact link.

Also read:

Bird Photography Tour in Klabili and Waigeo

2025-07-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

I have just completed a birding tour with an Australian photographer in Klabili village of Tambrauw regency and Waigeo island of Raja Ampat. We spent nearly a week to do the tour. Birds of paradise were our main target but we also saw a lot of species of birds including Hooded Pitta, Papuan Pitta, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Blue Black Kingfisher, Beach Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Moluccan King Parrot, Papuan Eclectus, Mimic Honeyeater, Raja Ampat Pitohui, Pale-billed Scrubwren, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Great Cuckoo-dove, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, Black Butcherbird, and etc.

Wildlife Tour in Klabili Village

Tour participants also enjoyed snorkeling at the house reef of the beach resort where we stayed. In the resort area, we watched and photographed a lot of birds too. There were Palm Cockatoo, Coconut Lorikeet, Papuan Frogmouth, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Red Bird of Paradise, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Beach Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Striated Heron, Willie Wagtail, White-breasted Woodswallow, Pacific Swallow, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Osprey, and etc.

Raja Ampat in July, actually, is in wave season. However, I see that the wave is not so big. Tourists could still enjoy swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Perhaps, in August, the wind will be stronger. I hope that the weather in Waigeo will be just fine so that more visitors could still enjoy their holiday there.

Also read:

Klabili Village for Birdwatching

2025-07-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

I offer a tour for birdwatching in Klabili village. During the tour, participants will explore the rainforest of Klasow valley in Sorong regency to watch various species of paradise birds, and a lot of other tropical birds of West Papua, do night walk to see nocturnal animals such as cuscus and bandcoot as well as see unique tropical plants of rainforest.

Lesser Bird of Paradise

Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

The itinerary can be described as follows:

Day 1

Local guide will meet you at the airport or hotel of Sorong city and organize your trip by 4dw car to Klabili village in Sorong city. It takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to reach it. Arriving at the village, we will check into the guesthouse. After a short rest, we could start birding by walking to the back of the village.

There are birds such as Papuan Eclectus, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Shining Flycatcher, Papuan Eclectus, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Coconut Lorikeet, Yellow-faced Myna, Hooded Butcherbird, and etc. Butterflies such as the Ulysses butterfly, New Guinea Clipper and Cruiser butterfly could be seen along the way.

If we are lucky we will be able to see monitor lizard or snake along the way to the village. Arriving in the village, participants could take a rest.

Wildlife watching activity could be continued again at around 15:00 to see such birds as Sahul Sunbird, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, and etc.

Basic Accommodation is provided in a homestay in the village.

Day 2

Wake up early at around 05:00. You will walk to the site of Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise

You could also go to the site of King Bird of Paradise, other birds such as Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Blue Black Kingfisher, and etc.

After lunch you could continue our trip to watch Lesser Birds of Paradise.

Night walk can be organized after dinner to look for such birds as Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, and birds that sleep on lower branches of tree. Cuscus, wallaby could also be seen in at night. They usually come out to find food and to find mating partner.

Day 3

There is still time to watch birds of paradise as well as a lot of tropical birds such as Golden Myna, Frilled Monarch, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Large Fig Parrot, and etc. After lunch, we will return to Sorong city.

Visitors who are interested in taking this tour need to bring binoculars, flashlight, camera, raincoat or rain-poncho, hiking boots and insect repellent lotion.

If you are interested in joining, please, contact us by whatsapp through this contact link or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Watching and Photographing Paradise Birds in Raja Ampat and Malagufuk of Sorong Regency

2025-06-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

I have organized several trips this month for some birdwatchers and photographers who want to see tropical birds in Raja Ampat and Sorong regency. During each of the trip, we explored the southern region of Waigeo to look for Glossy-mantled Manucode, Wilson's Bird of Paradise and Red Bird of Paradise. On the second part of the trip, we did rainforest tour in Malagufuk village of Klasow valley to find Lesser Birds of Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird and King Bird of Paradise. The duration of this tour is 8 days/ 7 nights.

Wilson's Bird of Paradise

We experienced heavy rain during most of this tour. The month of June is quite a challenging experience for me. The walking path in the forest became very muddy after the heavy rain. Fortunately, we could see and photographs most of the paradise birds that I mentioned above.

We saw and photographed other birds as well such as Wompoo Fruit-dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Red-cheeked Parrot, Papuan Eclectus, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Black-capped Lory, Coconut Lorikeet, Palm Cockatoo, Blyth's Hornbill, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Black-sided Robin, Golden Myna, Yellow-faced Myna, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, and etc.

Magnificent Riflebird

Although most of our activities are about birdwatching and photography tour, we also spent time on swimming and snorkeling especially in the house reef areas of the resort. Reef fish such as striped-surgeonfish, diagonal sweetlips, parrotfish, butterflyfish, anemonefish could be seen and photographed at depths of 1.5 to 2 meters or more.

To photograph birds in distant trees, tour participants bring D-SLR or mirrorless with (large CMOS censor) camera that is equipped with 150-600 mm lens. Some bring bridge camera such as Nikon P1000.

Birdwatching in Sorong Regency and Raja Ampat

Birdwatchers usually Swarovski, Leica, or Nikon 10×42 mm. As a birding guide, I usually carry a spottinh scope that is mounted on a tripod.

Coral reef in Raja Ampat

If you are interested in taking a holiday in Indonesia by enjoying birdwatching and photography tour in Raja Ampat, Klasow valley of Sorong regency and other parts of Indonesia such as Minahasa highland and Tangkoko Nature Reserve, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp through this contact link or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

Birds in Malagufuk's Forest and Raja Ampat

2025-06-23T04:02:00.000-07:00

Birds are attractions for tourists who love nature. I am quite busy this month because I have to guide tourists on several birdwatching trips in the forest of Malagufuk, at the outskirts of Sorong city as well as in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat. Every place has got unique species to see. They also share a large number of bird species.

Palm Cockatoo

Here are birds which visitors could watch in Malagufuk village of Klasow valley: Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Trumpet Manucode, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Zoe Imperial Pigeon, Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, Western-crowned Pigeon, Superb Fruit Dove, Wompoo Fruit-dove, Beautiful Fruit-dove, Sultan's Cuckoo-dove, Black-billed Cuckoo-dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Black-capped Lory, Papuan Eclectus, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, and etc.

For birds in Waigeo, here are some of the vocal points: Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Brown-headed Crow, Papuan Eclectus, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, Osprey, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Beach Kingfisher, Torresian Crow, Willie Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Pacific Reef Heron, Radjah Shelduck, Red-cheeked Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Great-billed Parrot, and etc.

Most tourists will fly to Sorong city if they want to enjoy their holiday in Raja Ampat. The outskirts of Sorong city have got some interesting birds to see such as Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Sahul Sunbird, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Black-browed Triller, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Helmetted Friarbird, Brown Oriole, and etc.

There are still a lot of other species that birdwatchers and photographers could see when traveling to these places.

Visitors could combine birdwatching and photography tour with snorkeling and sightseeing in Raja Ampat islands.

Binoculars or Camera

Most birdwatchers bring binoculars 10×42 mm. Famous brands such as Nikon, Swarovski, and Leica are the preferable choice. Some of them will bring point and shoot camera with telephoto lens. Photographers usually bring D-SLR or mirrorless camera, telephoto lens and tripod.

Booking

If you are interested in visiting Sorong city for your holiday in Raja Ampat, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by visiting this contact link.

Also read:

Birdwatching in Raja Ampat of Indonesia

2025-05-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

Raja Ampat is a famous destination for visitors who love swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling. However, it is also a good destination for birdwatching. A lot of species of tropical birds could be watched and photographed in Waigeo island such as:

Wilson's Bird of Paradise
Red Bird of Paradise
Papuan Eclectus
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Palm Cockatoo
Black-capped Lory
Coconut Lorikeet
Great-billed Parrot
Red-cheeked Parrot
Yellow-faced Myna
Rufous-bellied Kookaburra
Yellow-billed Kingfisher
Common Paradise Kingfisher.
Beach Kingfisher
Collared Kingfisher
Sacred Kingfisher
Olive-crowned Flowerpecker
Sahul Sunbird
Black Sunbird
Lowland Peltop
Pinon Imperial Pigeon
Pied Imperial Pigeon
Great Cuckoo-dove
Black-billed Cuckoo-dove
Claret-breasted Fruit-dove
Brown Cuckoo-dove
Claret-breasted Fruit-dove
Spice Imperial Pigeon,
Golden Monarch
Willie Wagtail, and etc.

Red Bird of Paradise

A lot of coastal or sea birds could also be seen there. They include:

White-bellied Sea Eagle
Osprey
Lesser-crested Tern
Common Tern
Black-naped Tern
Common Sand Piper
Pacific Golden Plover
Pacific Reef Heron
Striated Heron
Great-billed Heron
Purple Heron,
Whimbrel, and etc.

Swimming and Snorkeling

Tour participants who want to enjoy swimming or snorkeling can do it at the house reef of the beach resort or homestay where we stay at. The coral reef of Raja Ampat is the habitat of a lot of species of marine creatures such as moorish idol, butterflyfish, striped surgeonfish, parrotfish, wrasse, wobbegong, anemonefish and etc.

Snorkeling in Waigeo island of Raja Ampat

Birding, swimming and snorkeling tour in Raja Ampat

Orange Skunk Anemonefish

Birdwatching near Sorong city

The tour to Raja Ampat for watching birds could be combined with the tour to the outskirts of Sorong city to watch interesting species of birds such as Blue-fronted Fig Parrot, Orange-fronted Fruit-dove, Brown-backed Honeyeater, Glossy-mantled Manucode, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Black-browed Triller, Blyth's Hornbill, and etc. Usually, tourists who are in transit in Sorong city do not have much time. They can enjoy morning birding trip that starts at 05:00 a.m. and finishes at 10:00 a.m. or afternoon birding tour from 14:00 to 18:00 p.m.

Participants need to bring their own binoculars. If they do not have the device, as a guide provide a spotting scope that is mounted on a tripod for everyone to share.

For identification of birds that we see or photograph, we could use Merlin App.

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour in Raja Ampat and the outskirts of Sorong city, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

Night Walk Tour in the Forest of Sorong City

2025-05-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have just conducted a night walk tour in the forest of Sorong city for an American tourist. The tour started at 08:00 when I picked him up from Swissbel Hotel. We went to a forest near Sorong city. I was accompanied by a driver and a local guide.

Before starting the walking tour, we had some tea and coffee with some cakes that I bought from a bread store. We could feel the sudden change of atmosphere. From a city with a lot of lights to a rainforest that is very dark. On the positive side, we could see stars in the dark sky.

When we were walking along a road inside the forest, we used sound recordings to attract birds. We played the sounds of Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, Papuan Boobook.

Flying Fox in the forest of Sorong regency

Although we walked for quite long, we did not feel hot at all. The temperature of the forest that night was cool. We were able to watch Papuan Frogmouth and Marbled Frogmouth. We also saw some flying foxes in trees and flying in the air.

Papuan Frogmouth in the forest of Sorong city

We completed our night walking tour in the rainforest of Sorong city at around 00:15. It was a nice trip although we did not see many animals. When we arrived in Swiss Belhotel, it was 00:30 in the middle of the night.

Morning or Afternoon Birding Tour

For visitors who are interesting in taking birdwatching tour at the outskirts of Sorong city. Usually the morning birding tour starts at 05:00. We will go to birdwatching site outside of Sorong city by car. It takes around 1 hour. As soon as we arrive, we could see the sun light on the canopy of the forest. Birds that we could watch include Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Eclectus Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-browed Triller, Black-capped Lory, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Hooded Butcherbird, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Blyth's hornbill, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, and etc.

Papuan Eclectus

To enhance the birding experience of the participants, I will bring spotting scope. We will also walk along the beach area to enjoy the landscape of the coastal area as well as watching birds. Beach Kingfisher is the main target at the beach but we could see other species such as Willie Wagtail, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Pacific Reef Heron, Striated Heron, Little Egret, Pacific Golden Plover and etc.

Beach Kingfisher

If you are interested in taking this night walking tour in Sorong city and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Sorong City Birding Tour

2025-05-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

The outskirts of Sorong city have got several sites that are good for sightseeing and birdwatching tours. Tourists could take this tour to see the beautiful natural landscape of forest, hills and coastal area a little outside the busy city and at the same time, watch colorful avifauna such as parrot, doves, kingfishers, and hornbills.

These tours are suitable for tourists who are in transit to or from Raja Ampat.

Golden Myna - birdwatching tour from Sorong city

ITINERARY

05: 00- 06:00 - We usually starts early in the morning at We will meet you at your hotel and then organize your transfer by car to hill area outside the city. It takes nearly one hour to reach it. We will have tea or coffee with some biscuits and fruits to start our activity.
06:00 - 08:00 - When the sunlight brightens the sky, birds begin to show up on the branches of trees. We will use spotting scope to watch them. We will look for such birds as Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Blyth's Hornbill, Coconut Lorikeet, Black Lory, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Helmetted Friarbird, Black-browed Triller, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Pacific Baza, Sahul Sunbird, Black Sunbird, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Pinon Imperial pigeon. We will walk along the roadside to watch them. In general, we spend around 2 hours doing the birdwatching walk.

The harbour area of Sorong city as seen from Buddhist Temple

08:00-10:00 - We will continue our activity to the coastal area. We will do birdwatching along the boardwalk to look for coastal birds such as Beach Kingfisher, Little Egret, Pacific Reef Heron, Torresian Crow, Common Sand Piper, Whimbrel and White-bellied Sea Eagle. The seascape view of beach area outside Sorong city is beautiful.
10:00-11:00 - We will return to Sorong city. After a short stop at a Buddhist Temple or a traditional market, we will bring you back to your hotel. End of The Tour.

Yellow-faced Myna

Sightseeing and birdwatching tour from Sorong city

If you are interested in taking this short birding tour during your waiting time in Sorong and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Bird Photography Trip in Malagufuk Village of Sorong Regency

2025-04-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

Malagufuk is a small village located in the middle of the rainforest of Klasow valley. It is the habitat of a kot of species of birds, insects, reptiles and mammals.

A lot of tourists go there to watch tropical birds such as Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Blue-Black Kingfisher, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Zoe Imperial Pigeon, Purple-tailed Imperial Pigeon, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Brown Cuckoo-dove. Birds of paradise can also be watched in the forest of the village. They include: Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird.

The duration of the birding tour in Malagufuk village is usually 3 days/ 2 nights.

Birding could be carried out during the day and night. Birds that could be watched at night along the boardwalk and concrete path include Papuan Frogmouth, Papuan Boobook, and Hooded Pitta, Hook-billed Kingfisher, Tawny Straightbill, and etc.

Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

Sometimes when we do night walk in the forest of Malagufuk, we could see cuscus, echidna, green tree python.

Itinerary

Here is a brief description of the tour in Malagufuk:

Day 1: We will meet you at the airport or harbor of Sorong city. We will organize your transfer by 4WD car to Malagufuk in Klasow valley. It takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the destination. Birding and wildlife watching trip into Malagufuk village for 1 to 2 hours. Check into the homestay.
Day 2: Birding and wildlife watching. Nightwalk.
Day 3: Birding and wildlife watching in Malagufuk's forest. Check-out after lunch. Return to Sorong city by 4WD car.

Some tropical birds in Malagufuk

Equipment

There are some devices that tour participants need to bring to enhance their birding and wildlife watching experience. They are binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, flash light. Raincoat or rain-poncho will also be needed. Participants can wear hiking boots or wellington boots to explore the forest. Insect spray will also be needed.

Birds in Malagufuk

Accommodation

There are no hotels in Malagufuk. Tour participants will stay in simple homestays that are run by local villagers.

The birding and wildlife watching tour can be continued to Waigeo island or Batanta island of Raja Ampat for another 3 days/ 2 nights trip. Short half day birding tour in Sorong city and also be organized for tour participants who do not have much time in Sorong.

Booking

If you are interested in taking this birding tour in Malagufuk village of Sorong regency and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

BIRDS IN SONDER OF MINAHASA HIGHLAND

Bird Photo Tour to Minahasa Highland

Subdistrict town of Sonder in Minahasa Highland is a new birding destination in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It is a highly recommended destination for visitors who are interested in watching tropical birds of Sulawesi.

Subdistrict Sonder is surrounded by mountain ridges, slopes, valleys, rivers and rice fields. There are a lot of species of birds that could be watched there.

Crimson Sunbird

The higher elevation land of Sonder is mostly covered by rainforest and agricultural crops. In this area, visitors could watch such birds as Warbling White-eye, Black-crown White-eye, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Myzomela, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Black Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Superb Fruit-dove, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Sulawesi Drongo, Gray Wagtail, Collared Kingfisher, Black-faced Munia, Pygmy Woodpecker, and etc.

Yellow-billed Malkoha

As we do birding walk from higher elevation forest along the road down to farmland areas, we will be able to see more birds such as Black Kite, Sulawesi Goshawk, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Crow, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eyed), Sooty-headed Bulbul, Pale Blue Monarch, and etc.

In the agricultural land and rice field areas between Sonder and Tomohon, birdwatchers could watch more interesting birds such as Black-naped Fruit Dove, Bay Coucal, Pale Blue Monarch, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Barred Rail, Buff-banded Rail, White-browed Crake, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Javan Pond Heron, Purple Heron, Isabelline Bush-hen, and etc.

Some Birds in Minahasa Highland

Birding trip in Sonder could be extended to other areas in North Sulawesi such as Mount Mahawu of Tomohon for visitors to see Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pitta, Snowy-browed Flycatcher and etc.

Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher

Wildlife Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve

After birding in Minahasa highland, the tour could be continued to Tangkoko Nature Reserve for tour participants to watch Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Yellow-breasted Racquet-tail, Golden-mantled Racquet-tail, and Blue-backed Parrot, Ashy Woodpecker, and etc.

Celebes-crested Macaque

In addition to birds, tour participants could also watch mammals, insects and reptiles. Spectral Tarsier, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, and Celebes-crested Macaque are the main attractions of Tangkoko forest for the wildlife watching experience.

Sulawesi Bear Cuscus in Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Spectral Tarsier

Duration of the Tour

The average duration of the tour in Minahasa Highland and Tangkoko Nature Reserve is 7 days. It can be customized based on the needs of the tour participants.

Where is Sonder in Minahasa Highland, and where is Tangkoko?

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa regency of North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The capital of the province is Manado city. Everyone who is interested in visiting Sonder needs to fly to Manado city first. After that, they could continue their trip by car to Sonder town for approximately 1 hour depending on traffic condition.

Sonder, and Tomohon are located in Minahasa highland whereas Tangkoko (coastal and lower montane forest) is in northern part of Minahasa peninsula. It is under the administration of Bitung municipality.

How to get there?

To take this tour, participants need to fly to Manado city. There are regular flights between Manado and major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar and Sorong cities. They are served by Indonesian domestic airlines: Garuda, Citilink, Batik Air, Lion Air, TransNusa, and SuperAirjet.

Direct flights from Singapore to Manado is served by Scoot Air; and from Guangzhou to Manado is served by China Southern Airlines.

Flight routes to Manado city

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching/ wildlife watching tour in North Sulawesi and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:

Birding and Sightseeing Tour from Sorong City

2025-04-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Sorong city is main transit point for tourists who are going to or returning from Raja Ampat. It is the place where visitors spend 1 or 2 days before continuing their trip. They look for activities that would enable them to see nature and enjoy watching birds, and butterflies as well as see beautiful scenery of the surrounding environment.

Beautiful Fruit Dove

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Birding and sightseeing tour is a popular activity which tourists can enjoy while in Sorong. Usually the birding program starts early in the morning at around 05:00. The destination is forest area outside the city. We will meet tour participants at the hotel and go by car for around 1 hour to birding site. Arriving at around 06:00, we will have some coffee or tea with biscuits or fruits.

Blyth's Hornbill

Golden Myna

After that we will start walking along the roadside to look for such birds as Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Helmeted Friarbird, Blyth's Hornbill, Brown Oriole, Sahul Sunbird, Black Sunbird, Pacific Baza, Gray-headed Goshawk, Brahminy Kite, Long-tailed Honeybuzzard, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, and etc.

Yellow-faced Myna

To enhance the birding experience of participants, we will bring spotting scope and binoculars. At around 09:00, we will continue our trip to beach area to look for such birds as Willie Wagtail, Beach Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Pacific Reef Heron, Striated Heron, and etc.

Palm Cockatoo

We could watch these sea birds while walking along the boardwalk or the beach. At around 10:00, we will return to Sorong city.

Birdwatching and Sightseeing Tour from Sorong city

This short birding and sightseeing walking tour at the outskirts of Sorong city is suitable for tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape of Sorong regency and at the same time see the diverse avifauna of the region.

Olive-crowned Flowerpecker

Visitors who are interested in taking longer birding trip could take tour packages that combines visits to rainforest areas in Malagufuk, and Kasulala of Sorong regency and Waigeo island in Raja Ampat regency. The birding trip in Raja Ampat could be combined with snorkeling and sightseeing trips to islands that are located near Waigeo.

If you are interested in taking this short birding and sightseeing tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

Sorong City Sightseeing and Birding Attractions for Tourists

2025-04-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Sorong city is the transit point for visitors who are interested in traveling to or from Raja Ampat. Scuba divers need 1 day off before flying back to their country. On the average, they have got at least 24 hours of stay in the city. There interesting places that they can visit while in Sorong city. Here are some of them:

Papuan Eclectus

Sorong Ridge and Coastal Area - This place is located in north-east region outside of the city approximately 1 hour drive. Visitors can enjoy walking along its roadside and boardwalk to watch birds, butterflies, and see green tropical forest along the way. The blue sea and the rocky islets offer magnificent view of the seascape of Sorong regency for tourists to enjoy. There are a lot of species of birds which visitors could watch while doing nature walk along the ridge and coastal area of this place. They include: Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Black-browed Triller, Gray-headed Goshawk, Sahul Sunbird, Black Sunbird, Blyth's Hornbill, Orange-bellied Fruit Dove, Pink-spotted Fruit Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Papuan Eclectus, Red-cheeked Parrot, Brown Oriole, Helmeted Friarbird, Pacific Baza, Golden Monarch, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Coconut Lorikeet, and etc. At the beach, visitors could watch such birds as Beach Kingfisher, Pacific Reef Heron, Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Willie Wagtail, and etc. Visitors need binoculars, camera with telephoto lens and spotting scope (optional) to enjoy birdwatching in this area.

Sightseeing and Birdwatching Tour in Sorong regency

Sorong Hill - This is a place at the suburb of the city that can be reached in 30 minutes drive. The view of the surrounding tropical forest can be enjoyed by visitors by standing on a towers and wooden platform that were built by government. Visitors could also enjoy birdwatching and insect watching by walking along its boardwalk. Black Butcherbird, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Black Sunbird, Sahul Sunbird, Willie Wagtail, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Blyth's Hornbill, and etc.

Hill Forest at the Suburb of Sorong City

Mangrove Forest Outside the City - There is a mangrove forest area that is located outside Sorong city. It is a hidden place. Birds such as Brown-backed Honeyeater, Orange-fronted Fruit Dove, Blue-fronted Fig Parrot, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Collared Kingfisher, White-bellied Cuckooshrike, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, and etc. could be found in this area.

Sightseeing trip in Sorong city

Buddhist Temple - For visitors who are interested in culture, they can visit this Buddhist Temple that is located on a hill inside Sorong city. Visitors could enjoy the landscape view of Sorong city by walking to the higher ground of the temple. Upon special request, visitors could do meditation inside the temple.
Sorong Regency's Hiking and Swimming Sites - The name of the place is Gauksuak. It is located outside Sorong city. The rainforest on the mountaineous area is the habitat of a lot of species of animals and plants. Lesser Bird of Paradise, Blyth's Hornbill, Coconut Lorikeet, Papuan Pitta could be watched early on the morning. However, the habitat of the paradise birds could only be watched by visitors who are physically fit.

Dom Island - This is a small island that is located off the coast of Sorong city. It used to be the centre of administration of Dutch government in 1950s. At that time the Dutch was busy developing Sorong as logistical base for the exploration and exploitation of oil and coal in Klamono, Teminabuan, Bintuni and Babo. Now Dom is one of the crowdest islands in Indonesia.
Mangrove Tour by Boat and Recreational Fishing in Sorong city - the mangrove forest of Sorong is the natural habitat of a lot of species of fish. Tourists who are interested in fishing can enjoy recreational fishing by boat.

If you are interested in taking a tour in Sorong city and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

Sightseeing and Meditative Trip to Buddhist Temple of Sorong City

2025-04-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

I have just guided Kary, a tourist from France on a motorcycle tour around Sorong city. I picked her up at Swissbel Hotel and then arranged a trip to a newly reclaimed land in the west of Sorong city. It is in the north of Halte Dom (the water taxi harbor). There were a lot of people who were sitting on the wall of the reclaimed land. The wall was protected by big granite stones from seasonal sea waves. The atmosphere was very relaxing. The city dwellers of Sorong were enjoying the beautiful scenery of the blue sea and the sunset. It was quite noisy to be at that place. Plastic wastes, cans began to appear on that area. Soon, shops, restaurants, offices and other businesses will be opened there. It is good for the economy of the city. Unfortunately, there was coral reef areas that had been burried under that newly formed reclaimed land.

A Buddhist Temple on a hill in Sorong City

We continued our trip to a more quiet place located on a hill above Sorong city. It was Vihara Buddha Jayanti - a Buddhist Temple. The workers asked me why we were so late in visiting the temple. It was around 06:30 when we arrived. After paying the entrance fee and being allowed to enter the higher ground of the temple, we walked along the stairs up to the frontyard of the temple. It was a peaceful place for anyone who wants to enjoy the landscape view of Sorong city. We could hear the noisy sounds of the motorized vehicles.

Buddhism Sacred Statues in Vihara Buddha Jayanti of Sorong City

When a worker from the temple appeared from the stairs, we asked him to grant us permission to see the inside part of the temple. He told us to wait. He still had other things to do. He had to open a faucet to let water flowed along the hose. They were watering the surrounding flower plants.

Mazu - Sea Goddess

The concrete road that connected the Buddhist Temple and the main street was badly damaged. I had to be extra careful when riding my motorcyle down the steep hill.

We continued our trip to Marina Star Restaurant where we enjoyed a plate of fried shrimp bakwan snack, ice tea and beer. At around 10:00 p.m. I brought her back to Swissbel Hotel of Sorong city and then I immediately drove my motorcycle back home. The next day, I still have to organize another tour for this tourist to the suburb of Sorong.

Also read:

Nature Tour to Outside Area of Sorong city

In the previous day, I organized a nature tour for an American couple to two different places, i.e.: a hill and a coastal village outside of Sorong city. It is a combined birdwatching and walking tour. Because we started quite late, we only saw a few birds such as Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Beach Kingfisher and Pacific Reef Heron.

Sightseeing Tour in Sorong regency

If you are interested in taking a tour around Sorong city and wants me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Birding, Sightseeing in Sorong and Raja Ampat

2025-03-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

Short Day Birding Tour Near Sorong City

In the past few weeks I guided tourists on various birding, sightseeing and snorkeling tours in Sorong. Most of participants have just returned from their snorkeling and scuba diving trip in Raja Ampat. There are also visitors who have just arrived in Sorong city. After taking this short tour, they will continue their trip to Raja Ampat.

Birdwatching/ wildlife tour in Sorong regency of Indonesia

I usually pick up the participants of the tour from such hotels as Swissbel, Aston, or Rylich Panorama. Sometimes, I meet the participants of the tour at DEO Airport of Sorong city. They arrive in the mornings by Garuda, or Batik Air.

Rainforest Tour in Sorong city

The tour at the outskirts of Sorong city allows visitors to explore forest to watch birds, butterflies and flower plants as well as see the magnificent beauty of the coastal area of Sorong. In my recent trip, I and the participants of the tour watch various species of birds such as Gray-headed Goshawk, Lesser Bird of Paradise, Papuan Pitta, Red-billed Brush Turkey, Blyth's Hornbill, Red-cheeked Parrot, Black-browed Triller, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Yellow-faced Myna, Sahul Sunbird, Variable Goshawk, Papuan Eclectus, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, Whimbrel, Pacific Reef Heron, Common Sandpiper, Gray Crow and etc.

Pinon Imperial Pigeon

The short birding tour is conducted in the mornings or in the afternoons depending on the time and interest of the participant. For general birding, we usually start at 05:00 in the morning and finish at around 09:00. We usually go by chartered car. The number of participants is between 1 person and 10 people. to For afternoon birding, we start at 14:00 and finish at 18:00. Bringing camera and binoculars will greatly enhance this wildlife tour.

A few days ago, I and some tour participants from South Africa saw dugong at a beach in Sorong city.

Papuan Eclectus

Birding and Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

The island of Waigeo is a great destination for visitors who are interested in both birdwatching and snorkeling. There are a lot of tropical avifauna that we could see in Raja Ampat. Some of them are Papuan Eclectus, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-faced Myna, Red-cheeked Parrot, Beach Kingfisher, and etc. Most tourists like to watch Red Bird of Paradise, and Wilson's Bird of Paradise.

This rainforest birding can be combined with snorkeling and sightseeing tours to a lot of coral reef sites in Raja Ampat such as Friwen, Mioskon, Yenbuba Strait, Arborek, Piaynemo and etc. A lot of reef fish could be seen in the coral reef. They include Striped Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, Anemonefish, Butterflyfish, Moorish Idol, Wobbegong, Carpet Shark and etc.

Snorkeling photo from Waigeo of Raja Ampat

Coral reef in Raja Ampat

Piaynemo Karst in Raja Ampat

If you are interested in taking this birding, sightseeing and swimming tour in Sorong city and Raja Ampat, and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.