If you’re a birding enthusiast looking to discover the breathtaking beauty of North Sulawesi, a birding tour to Sonder in Minahasa highland should be at the top of your list. This region, rich in biodiversity, is home to a wide variety of unique and endemic bird species. From the lush Talikuran Rice Field to the towering peaks of Mount Lengkoan, Kecamatan (Subdistrict) Sonder offers a unique birdwatching experience.
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| Birds in Sonder of Minahasa regency, Indonesia |
In this guide, we’ll take you on a birding tour through Talikuran Rice Field, Lalek forest, Lahendong - Rambunan Slopes, Tounelet Slope, Kengkang Waterfall, and Mount Lengkoan—each location offering its own distinct habitats and bird species. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a beginner, this tour will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Birding Tour Program: Exploring Sonder’s Natural Wonders
Day 1: Tounelet Slope, Talikuran Rice Field, Lalek Farm Forest
Morning: Birdwatching at Tounelet Slope
Next, head to the Tounelet Slope, a lush and mountainous area located near Sonder’s heart. This region offers a completely different landscape, with tropical trees providing habitat for both lowland and montane bird species. It’s an ideal spot for birders seeking a more immersive experience. Bird Species to Spot at Tounelet Slope:
- Sahul Sunbird
- Brown-throated Sunbird
- Sulawesi Cuckoo-Dove
- Black-naped Oriole
- Gray-sided Flowerpecker
- Pale Blue Monarch
- Chestnut Munia
- Yellow-billed Malkoha
- Sooty-headed Bulbul
- Pale Blue Monarch
- Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
- Pygmy Hanging Parrot
- Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon
- Zebra Dove
- White-nest Swiftlet
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| Crimson Sunbird |
Evening: Optional Night Walk for Nocturnal Birds
After a full day of birding, you can take a relaxing evening stroll. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a night walk to spot nocturnal birds like the Sulawesi Scops Owl, Minahasa-masked Owl and Speckled Boobook
Afternoon: Birdwatching at Lalek Forest and
Talikuran Rice Field
Your birding adventure begins at Talikuran Rice Field and Lalek Forest, a peaceful agricultural area surrounded by forest trees, wetlands and grasslands. The late afternoon walk hours provide the best opportunity for birding, as many species are active and visible. The rice fields attract a variety of birds, especiall the wetland species.
Bird Species to Spot at Talikuran Rice Fields include:
- White-browed Crake
- Barred Rail
- Buff-banded Rail
- Javan Pond Heron
- Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis)
- Little Egret
- Cattle Egret
- Chestnut Munia
- Scaly-breasted Munia
- White-breasted Woodswallow
- Collared Kingfisher
- Barn Swallow
In the nearby Lalek forest, we could look for
- Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
- Pale Blue Monarch
- Sulawesi Drongo
- Isabelline Bush-hen
- Black-naped Oriole
- Sulawesi Crow
- Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo
- Sulawesi Babbler
- Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
Day 2: Mount Lengkoan & Kengkang Waterfall
Morning: Mount Lengkoan Birdwatching Hike
The morning time is perfect for a hike up Mount Lengkoan, one of the peaks in the region. The hike offers natural views of forest and farmland and the opportunity to observe montane bird species unique to the higher altitudes of Sulawesi. A full-day trek will give you the chance to see some of Sulawesi's most rare and sought-after birds.
Bird Species to Spot at Mount Lengkoan:
- Yellow-breasted Racket-tail
- Warbling White-eye
- Black-crowned White-eye
- Sulawesi Myzomela
- Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
- Crimson Sunbird
- Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
- Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
- White-breasted Woodswallow
- Glossy Swiftlet
- Black Kite
- Sulawesi Serpent Eagle
- Sulawesi Goshawk
- Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove
- White-faced Cuckoo-dove
- Superb Fruit-dove
- Gray Wagtail
Evening: Sunset at Mount Lengkoan
Conclude the day by enjoying a magnificent sunset from the peak of Mount Lengkoan. Afterward, descend back to your accommodation for a restful evening.
Start the afternoon day at the Kengkang Waterfall, a stunning natural attraction surrounded by lush forests. The cool mist from the waterfall creates an ideal environment for spotting various forest-dwelling bird species. The area is home to a mix of water-loving and woodland birds, so keep your binoculars ready.
Bird Species to Spot at Kengkang Waterfall:
- Pale-blue Monarch
- Black-faced Munia
- Yellow-billed Malkoha
- Green Imperial Pigeon
- Sulawesi-crested Myna
- White-rumped Triller
- Sulawesi Serpent Eagle
- Bay Coucal
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| Bay Coucal |
Day 3: Optional Birding Extensions or Relaxation
If you’re not ready to end your birding tour, consider exploring additional sites around Sonder. Some recommended extensions include:
Lake Linow, a hotspot for waterbirds and migratory species.
Local Village Birdwatching, where you can experience rural life while spotting common village birds such as Sooty-headed Bulbul, Eaurasian Tree Sparrow, Black-crowned White-eye, Chestnut Munia, Cattle Egret and Little Egret.
Alternatively, you can take a more relaxed day, enjoying the natural beauty of the area without the pressure of a full hike or birding session.
Essential Tips for Birdwatching in Sonder, Sulawesi
Best Time to Visit: Birding can be done all year round. The dryer season, from April to early November, offers the better birding conditions with fewer rain showers and clear skies.
Gear You’ll Need: A pair of high-quality binoculars, a camera with a good zoom lens, and a spotting scope (not a must but could enhance your birding experience.
Hire a Local Guide: To make the most of your birdwatching experience, consider hiring a local guide who knows the area and its birds well.
Why Sonder of North Sulawesi is a Birdwatching Paradise?
Sonder offers an exceptional birding experience for nature lovers, featuring a mix of wetland, forest, and mountainous habitats. The region’s varied landscapes provide birdwatchers with the chance to spot both common and rare species that are endemic to Sulawesi. With its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity, Sonder is one of the top birdwatching destinations in North Sulawesi province of Indonesia.
If you’re looking to explore one of Sulawesi's most biodiverse regions, a birding tour in Sonder will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Whether you're trekking the slopes of Mount Lengkoan, watching waterbirds at Kengkang Waterfall, or observing the rich wildlife in Talikuran Rice Field, every moment will be a highlight of your adventure.
Ready to embark on your birdwatching journey in Sonder? Pack your binoculars and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in North Sulawesi—a true paradise for bird lovers!
Flight Routes to Manado city
To take this birding tour in Sonder of Minahasa highland and snorkeling tour in Bunaken islands, tour participants need to fly to Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province. Direct flight from Singapore and Manado is served by Scoot Air. For visitors who fly from Guangzhou to Manado, the flights are served by TransNusa and China Southern Airlines. For visitors who are already in Indonesia, they can fly from any major cities in such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Ternate, and Sorong by Garuda, Lion Air, Batik Air, SuperAirjet, and Wings Air.
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| Flight routes to Manado city |
Where is Sonder and how to go there?
Sonder is a small subdistrict town that is located in Minahasa regency of Indonesia. It can be reached by car from Manado city for approximately 1 hour.
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| Car route between Manado city and Sonder |
Booking
Please, contact me: Charles Roring by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:
Also read:
- Birds in Tounelet Slope of Subdistrict Sonder, North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia
- Birding in Sonder and Tomohon of Minahasa Highland
- Birds in Sonder of the Province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia
- Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
- Birding in Sonder and Mount Mahawu of Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia
- Butterfly watching in Sonder town of Minahasa Highland
- Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder town of Minahasa Highland
