Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, is not only known for its beautiful coastline and scuba diving spots but also for its rich birdlife. The outskirts of the city offer great opportunities for birdwatching. With a mix of forests, rice fields, rivers, and gardens, the natural environment around Manado supports many bird species.
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| Black-naped Fruit Dove, Chestnut Munia, Black-faced Munia |
Birdwatchers can begin their tour early in the morning when birds are most active. Some recommended spots include the Minahasa highland and the suburbs of Mapanget, and the rural areas near Tateli and Kalasey. These places are not far from the city center but are still rich in biodiversity.
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| Collared Kingfisher |
Bird species commonly seen in these areas include:
- Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) - This slender small bird is famous for its soft cooing calls. It likes to walk on the ground of parks and farmland looking for food. Zebra dove feeds on insect, small grass, weed seeds.
- Grey-sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum celebicum) – another tiny bird often seen in flowering trees
- Yellow-sided Flowerpecker (Dicaeum aureolimbatum)
- Sahul Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus)
- Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) – commonly found along coastal and river areas
- Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) – a bright yellow bird with a melodious call
- Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis sepulcralis) – a small bird that is often heard more than seen
- Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster)
- Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica)
- Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja)
- Barred Rail (Galliralus torquatus)
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| Sahul Sunbird |
More experienced birdwatchers may also look for endemic species such as:
- Pale Blue Monarch (Hypothymis puella) - a small blue bird with long tail. The bird likes to hop from one branch to another in looking for insects to feed on.
- Sulawesi Hanging Parrot (Loriculus stigmatus) – a colorful green parrot usually seen in flight
- Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker (Yungipicus temmincki)
- Yellow-billed Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus calyorhynchus)
- Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis omissus) which lives in higher montane forest.
To enjoy this birdwatching tour in the outskirts of Manado, visitors should bring binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, comfortable walking shoes, and drinking water. It is also best to go with a local guide who knows the area and the birds well. As a tour guide, I could organize this birding trip for visitors who have got only limited time in Manado city.
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| Birding at the outskirts of Manado city |
Birdwatching not only brings joy to nature lovers but also helps support local ecotourism and conservation efforts. With its unique mix of habitats and species, the outskirts of Manado offer a rewarding experience for anyone interested in birds and nature.
Butterfly and insect watching
When taking this birding tour, participants could also various species of butterflies, dragonflies, beetles and other insects. The butterfiles that are interesting in the area include:
- Manado Yellow Tiger (Parantica menadensis)
- Blanchard Ghost (Idea blanchardii)
- Blanchard's Wood Nymph (Ideopsis vitrea)
- Common Birdwing (Troides helena)
- The Clipper (Parthenos sylvia)
- Tailed Jay (Graphium agamemnon)
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| Blanchard's Ghost |
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| Manado Yellow Tiger |
Extending Your Tour in Minahasa Peninsula
Birding in Minahasa Highland, Tangkoko Nature Reserve and the Suburb of Manado city
This short 1 day birdwatching and butterfly watching tour in Manado city and be combined with a longer trip to Minahasa highland (3 days) and Tangkoko Nature Reserve (3 days). Here is the rough itinerary of the extended tour.
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| Travel Pattern |
- Day 1. - Arriving in Manado city. Transfer to Tomohon town. Birding and Sightseeing in Lake Linow
- Day 2. - Birding in Mount Mahawu, birding in Sonder's farm forest
- Day 3. - Birding in Sonder hill forest, Birding and sight seeing in Sonder's rice field and Tincep's waterfall. Transfer to Tangkoko Nature reserve
- Day 4. - Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve
- Day 5. - Birding in Temboan Hill and Manmade Lake
- Day 6. - Birding in Naun River and Tangkoko forest
- Day 7. - Return to Manado city. Check into hotel. Birding in the suburb of Manado city.
- Day 8. - Check out of hotel, transfer to airport
Where is Manado city and how to get there?
Manado city is the capital of North Sulawesi Province in the Republic of Indonesia. Based on the statistics of the population of Manado city is 464.81 thousand inhabitants. It is easy to reach Manado. There are direct international flights from Singapore to Manado served by Scoot Air and from Guangzhou to Manado served by China Southern Airlines.
Manado can be reached from major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Denpasar, Surabaya, Makassar, Balikpapan, Sorong and Ternate. These domestic flights are served by Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Super Air Jet, and Wings Air.
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| Flight routes between Manado and major cities in Indonesia |
To book you birding tour from Manado city, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
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