Birding in Tomohon of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Tomohon is a town in Minahasa highland of Indon sia. It is surrounded by volcanoes, farm forest and rice fields. It is also located near Sonder town, another important birding site in Minahasa regency. From Tomohon, most visitors go to Mount Mahawu to look for Scaly-breasted Kingfisher. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of other birds that are interesting for visitors to see. They include Superb Fruit-dove, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Sulawesi Pitta, Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, and etc. For nocturnal birds, visitors could watch such birds as Speckled Boobook, Sulawesi Scops Owl, Sulawesi-masked Owl and etc.

Birding Sites Around Tomohon

In addition to Mount Mahawu, there are other birding sites that can be reached from Tomohon town. They include Lake Tondano, Lake Linow, Sonder's farm forest, Kayawu rice field, Tincep's Rice Field and Kengkang Waterfall.

Birding activities are conducted in the mornings from 06:00 to 09:00, late afternoon from 15:00 to 18:00 and at nights from 19:00 to 21:00. 

Sulawesi Pitta

In Lake Linow, Lake Tondano; Kayawu and Tincep's Rice Field, most of the birds that can be watched are water birds. They include Pied Stilt, Javan Pond Heron, White-browed Crake, and etc.

Sonder is a highly recommended destination for highland birds such as Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Sulphur-bellied Whistler, and etc. There are also Sulawesi Serpent Eagle, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Black-naped Oriole, Pygmy Woodpecker, and White-rumped Triller.

After birding in Tomohon, Mount Mahawu, Sonder's forest, Tincep's rice field and Kengkang Waterfall, visitors could continue their trip to other places such as Tangkoko Nature Reserve. The average duration of a birding tour in North Sulawesi is 7 to 9 days.

Birding in Tomohon, Mount Mahawu and Sonder Forest of Minahasa highland

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp through this contact link.

Also read:

• One Week Birding Trip in North Sulawesi
• Birding Tour in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Tangkoko

Birding Trip in Tangkoko, Mount Mahawu and Sonder Forest of North Sulawesi

A Trip Report by Charles Roring

Overview

From 31 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, I organized and guided Fred Hareau, Canadian birder, on 1-week birdwatching tour across several key birding sites in North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.

North Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s most important birding destinations, renowned for its high level of endemism, varied habitats, and relatively accessible forest reserves.

Green-backed Kingfisher

During this trip, we explored a wide range of ecosystems, including lowland rainforest, coastal forest, freshwater lakes, volcanic highlands, agricultural landscapes, and montane forest. The main birding locations were:

• Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Temboan Hill
• Naun River and coastal areas of Batu Putih village
• Lake Tondano and Lake Linow
• Rurukan village and Mount Mahawu (Tomohon Highlands)
• Kayawu rice field
• Mount Lengkoan Forest, Tincep rice fields, and Kengkang Waterfall, Lahendong Slope,  (in Sonder area)
• The farmland at the outskirts of Manado City

In addition to birds, North Sulawesi was also famous for its endemic mammals, which added great value to our birding experience.

Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher

Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Temboan Hill

31 December 2025 – 1 January 2026

I met Fred at Sam Ratulangi International Airport of Manado city and then together we went by a chartered car to Tangkoko Nature Reserve. It was one of the most famous protected areas in Sulawesi. This lowland forest was a stronghold for many Sulawesi endemics and offers excellent birding along forest trails, fig trees, and forest edges.

Some of the notable birds recorded included:

• Rusty-backed Thrush
• Green-backed Kingfisher
• Lilac Kingfisher
• Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher
• Great-billed Kingfisher
• Ruddy Kingfisher
• Yellow-billed Malkoha
• Sulawesi Babbler
• Knobbed Hornbill
• Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill
• Black-billed Koel
• Black-naped Fruit Dove
• Maroon-chinned Fruit Dove
• Finch-billed Myna
• White-necked Myna
• Chinese Sparrowhawk
• White-bellied Imperial Pigeon
• Isabelline Bush-hen
• Black Naped Oriole
• Oriental Darter
• Little Grebe

Mammal sightings were equally exciting. We observed Celebes Dwarf Squirrel, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, and Celebes Crested Macaque, they are endemic mammals that are frequently encountered by visitors inside Tangkoko's forest.

Birding Tour in North Sulawesi

Naun River and Coastal Birding

2 January 2026

On the second day, we traveled by motorized boat to the Naun River, a productive area for waterbirds and coastal species. This site is particularly known as one of the most reliable places to see the Great-billed Kingfisher that liked to perch on the branches of mangrove trees or on the rachis of coconut leaf.

Along the sea cliffs, beaches, and river mouth, we recorded many coastal and migratory species, including:

• Pacific Swallow
• Blue Rock Thrush
• Lesser Frigatebird
• Pied Imperial Pigeon
• White-rumped Cuckooshrike
• Little Egret
• Medium Egret
• Pacific Reef Heron
• Nankeen Night Heron
• Sulawesi Crow
• Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon
• Common Sandpiper
• Terek Sandpiper
• Great-tailed Tattler
• Pied Stilt

During our stay in Tangkoko, we also conducted night birding walks which were very successful. Nocturnal species observed included:

• Ochre-bellied Boobook
• Speckled Boobook
• Northern Boobook
• Sulawesi Scops Owl
• Sulawesi Nightjar

Sulawesi Bear Cuscus in Tangkoko's forest

Lake Tondano and Tomohon

3 January 2026

After three nights in Tangkoko, we moved inland to the highlands and visited Lake Tondano, the largest freshwater lake in North Sulawesi. The lake and its surrounding wetlands are excellent for waterbirds and open-country species.

Birds seen at Lake Tondano included:

• Brahminy Kite
• Black Kite
• Dusky Moorhen
• Oriental Reed Warbler
• White-browed Crake
• Barred Rail
• Scaly-breasted Munia
• Chestnut Munia
• Javan Pond Heron
• Cattle Egret
• White-breasted Waterhen

That evening, during night birding around Tomohon, we were rewarded with a sighting of the elusive Sulawesi Masked Owl, a rarely seen endemic species.

Tomohon Highlands and Mount Mahawu

4–5 January 2026

Early on 4 January, we visited Rurukan Village, which was located at the slope of Mount Mahawu. There, we saw the spectacular Sulawesi Pitta. Fortunately, we had good views of this colorful forest bird under the canopy of aren trees.

We then continued to Mount Mahawu, a dormant volcano surrounded by montane forest. This area is ideal for highland species, and we recorded:

• Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
• Citrine Canary Flycatcher
• Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
• Warbling White-eye
• Black-crowned White-eye
• Superb Fruit-dove
• Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove
• Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
• Crimson Sunbird
• Black Eagle

Later, we visited Lake Linow, a volcanic lake near Lahendong village. Despite its strong sulfur smell, the lake supports several wetland birds, including:

• Sunda Teal
• Collared Kingfisher
• Purple Heron
• Australasian Swamphen
• Barn Swallow
• Javan Pond Heron
• A possible Whiskered Tern (in winter plumage)
• Barred Rail
• White-breasted Waterhen

Sonder Town: Mount Lengkoan, Rice Fields, and Tincep's Waterfall

5–6 January 2026

From Mount Mahawu, we traveled to the Sonder area, covering Mount Lengkoan Forest, Tincep rice fields, and Kengkang Waterfall. Although we experienced heavy rain during much of this part of the trip, birding was still productive.

Highlights included:

* Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker

* Crimson Sunbird

* Sulawesi Myzomela

* Mountain Tailorbird

* Hair-crested Drongo

* Black-crowned White-eye

* Warbling White-eye

* Sulawesi Serpent Eagle

* Sulawesi Cuckoo-Dove

* Black-naped Oriole

* Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon

* Pygmy Woodpecker

Wetland and open-area species of Tincep village included:

* Barred Rail

* Collared Kingfisher

* Pied Stilt

* Javan Pond Heron

* Purple Heron

* Cattle Egret

* Little Egret

* Zebra Dove

* Black-faced Munia

Manado City Outskirts **7 January 2026**

On our final morning, we departed Tomohon at 05:48 and birded the outskirts of Manado City. Despite being an urban area, it still offered interesting sightings:

* Yellow-billed Malkoha

* Javan Myna

* Brown-throated Sunbird

* Sahul Sunbird

* Scaly-breasted Munia

* Chestnut Munia

* Sooty-headed Bulbul

* Sulawesi Crow

* Zebra Dove

* Collared Kingfisher

We were surprised to see three Java Sparrows (Padda oryzivora), a species not native to Sulawesi. These birds were most likely escaped cage birds, a common phenomenon in Indonesian cities.

Java Sparrow (photographed using cell phone) among green leaves

A raptor was also seen soaring high above the city, but due to cloudy weather, identification was uncertain. It was possibly a Spotted Harrier.

Final Notes

This one-week trip demonstrated why North Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s premier birding destinations. With good infrastructure, a wide variety of habitats, and many endemic species, it is ideal for both short visits and longer birding tours.

The best birding conditions are generally from April to October, but productive birding is possible all year-round.

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in North Sulawesi and would like me to organize and guide you during the trip, please contact me:

📧 Email: peace4wp@gmail.com

📱 WhatsApp: via this contact link.

Also read:

• Birds in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Kingfishers in Tangkoko Nature Reserve
• Birding in Tangkoko
• Wildlife Watching in Tangkoko
• Birding in Minahasa Peninsula
• Birding in Tomohon
• Bird Photography Guided Tour in North Sulawesi

Snorkeling At the Shore of Bunaken and Hiking Tour in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Marine Tour - Bunaken National Park is a famous destination for visitors who love swimming and snorkeling, it is the natural habitat of a lot of marine creatures from such tropical fish as parrotfish, moorish idol, butterflyfish, anemonefish and etc. Bunaken and its nearby islands are surrounded by coral reef. The nearest one is Siladen which is circled by white sandy beach and coral reef.

These islands can be visited by speedboats. Usually the duration of snorkeling tour in Bunaken lasts for 3 to 4 days. This can be combined with walking tour around the island to see how villagers live in their daily life. Birdwatching in Bunaken islands can be done to see such birds as Pied Imperial Pigeon, Sahul Sunbird, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Collared Kingfisher, Whimbrel, Black-naped Tern, Pacific Golden Plover, Common Sandpiper, and etc. 

Bunaken and Manado Tua islands as seen from the beach of Siladen island

Hiking Tour and Birdwatching in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Land Tour - Sonder is a small subdistrict town that is located in the middle of Minahasa Highland. It is surrounded by hills, flatlands, ravines, rivers and water falls. The forest and farmland of Sonder are the habitat of various species of birds such as Yellow-billed Malkoha, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Finch-billed Myna, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Pale Blue Monarch, Black-naped Oriole, Bay Coucal, and Hair-crested Drongo (white-eyed), and etc. 

Sooty-headed Bulbul in Tounelet Slope of Sonder town

More birds could be seen if we go trekking to higher elevation farm forest of Subdistrict Sonder. There, we could watch Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Black-crowned White-eye, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot and etc. 

Pale Blue Monarch

In addition to birdwatching, tour participants could also see various species of butterflies during the walking tour in Minahasa land. 

Meyer's Jay Butterfly in Sonder of Minahasa highland

The temperature in high elevation land of Sonder is often cold especially early in the mornings, and at nights, and during wind season. However, if the weather is good with bright sunlight, the air temperature of Sonder is quite warm, around 24 to 26 during the day. 

Hiking, birdwatching and butterfly watching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Tour participants can wear breathable clothing made of cotton. The trails in Sonder and its surrounding farmland and hills are easy to be explored. Hiking tour is usually conducted along the farm path and along roadside. 

See Agricultural Crops

During the hiking trip, tour participants can see villagers who are working in their agricultural land. They grow corn, carrot, red beans, papaya, banana, cabbage, tomato, spring onion and etc.

Corn, vanilla, papaya, clove and rice are agricultural crops in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa highland

If you are interested in taking a snorkeling tour in Bunaken as well as a hiking and birdwatching tour in Subdistrict town of Sonder in Minahasa highland, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Related Posts:

• Snorkeling in Bunaken: Exploring the Underwater Wonders of North Sulawesi
• Snorkeling in Bunaken, Hiking Tour in Minahasa Highland
• Exploring the Wonders of Bunaken: A Marine Tour Adventure

Marine Tour to Bunaken and Hiking Tour in Minahasa Highland

Bunaken islands are located in the northwest of Manado city. It is an important destination for visitors who love snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin watching, and any marine tours. Bunaken, Siladen,  Manado Tua, Nain, are surrounded by coral reef which is the habitat of a lot of species of marine creatures from colourful tropical fish to sea star, urchin, and christmas tree worm, turtles. 

White sandy beach of Bunaken

They could be seen if visitors swim over coral reef areas by wearing snorkeling mask, snorkel and fins. Scuba diving is a favorite activity for visitors who have got certificates of PADI, SSI or CMAS, NAUI, or SDI. For ordinary visitors who do not have scuba diving certificates, swimming and snorkeling are easier, safe and more affordable. 

Tropical Fish in Coral Reef of Bunaken Islands

The duration of stay for snorkelers can be as short as 3 days to 1 week. The snorkeling holiday in Bunaken island can be combined with birdwatching to see Pied Imperial Pigeon, Sahul Sunbird, Sulawesi Crow and other sea birds such as Black-naped Tern, Pacific Golden Plover, Whimbrel and etc.

Mount Manado Tua, and some part of Bunaken island as seen from the white sandy beach of Siladen island

In addition to swimming and snorkeling holiday in Bunaken, visitors could combine it with tour to Minahasa highland where visitors could enjoy walking tour through farmland to see farmers working in their gardens, watch various species of birds and butterflies as well as see the Minahasan villagers in their daily life. 

If the sea is calm and the weather is good, a trip to Nain island will allow visitors to see the beautiful view of Nain Atol seascape. 

Birdwatching in Bunaken National Park

Most of the birds that can be watched in Bunaken islands are coastal and sea birds. They include: Great Frigatebird, Lesser Frigatebird, Purple Heron, Javan Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Mangrove Heron, Striated Heron, Osprey, Brahminy Kite, Sulawesi Serpent Eagle, Water Rail, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Sahul Sunbird, Sulawesi Crow, Asian Glossy Starling, Hair-crested Drongo. 

The coastal area of the southern region of the National Park of Bunaken is covered by mangrove trees. However, it is less explored by birdwatchers. Birding activity in this southern part can be conducted by car from Manado city. 

Hiking, Birdwatching, Butterfly Watching, Village Tour in Minahasa Highland

There are several interesting sites in Minahasa Highland. They can be explored in 3 to 4 days hiking, wildlife watching and sightseeing tour. Some of them are described as follows: 

Birds in Sonder's Farm Forest of Minahasa Highland

• Tomohon - this is a town in Minahasa that is the main gate for visitors who want to explore Minahasa highland. There are hotels, guesthouses in Tomohon which visitors could choose to stay. Local people in North Sulawesi call Tomohon as the town of education. There are schools and universities in Tomohon. 
• Mount Mahawu for hiking, sightseeing, birdwatching and butterfly watching. . For nature lovers, Mount Mahawu is an important of destination for watching and photographing such birds as Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Pitta, Sulawesi Myzomela and etc.
• Lake Linow is the site for sightseeing and birdwatching. There are birds such as White-breasted Waterhen, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Barn Swallow, Collared Kingfisher, Sunda Teal and etc.
• Sonder Farm Forest - This is an agricultural land of Subdistrict Sonder. Visitors could enjoy walking tour through this dry agricultural land to see various kinds of food crops that local farmers grow. There are corn, peanuts, banana, avocado, spring onion, red beans, tomato, cabbage which tour participants could see when doing walking tour in Minahasa. 
• Sonder Hill - This is the mountainous areas of Minahasa highland that is covered by farm forest. This is the site for nature lovers to see such birds as Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Crimson Sunbird, Sulawesi Myzomela, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Black Sunbird, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, and etc. Butterfly watching can also be done in Sonder hill. Various species of butterflies could be seen in the forest of the hill. They include Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly, Blanchard's Tree Nymph, Blanchard's Ghost, The Clipper, and Helena's Birdwing Butterfly, and etc.
• Paddy Field of Sonder - The terraces of rice field in Subdistrict Sonder are the habitat of various species of birds such as Barred Rail, Buff-banded Rail, White-browed Crake, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Javan Pond Heron, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Black-faced Munia, and etc.

Forest, agriculture land and waterfall in Minahasa highland

Butterflies in Sonder Farhighlan

Flying to Manado city

To enjoy snorkeling holiday in Bunaken islands as well as hiking, birding and sightseeing in Minahasa highland, visitors need to fly to Sam Ratulangi Airport of Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. There are regular flights that connect Singapore and Manado city served by Scoot Air. There are also flights that connect Manado and Guangzhou that are served by China Southern Airlines and Trans Nusa. Manado city can also be reached from major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Ternate and Sorong city. These domestic flights are served by Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air,  Super Airjet, Batik Air, and Trans Nusa.

ARJ 21 of TransNusa Airline at Sam Ratulangi Airport of Manado city

Traveling to North Sulawesi

Booking

If you are interested in taking a snorkeling tour in Bunaken islands and hiking, birdwatching and village tour in Minahasa highland, and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Related Post:

• Snorkeling at the Shore of Bunaken, Hiking in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Snorkeling in Bunaken: Exploring the Underwater Wonders of North Sulawesi
• Exploring the Wonders of Bunaken: A Marine Tour Adventure
• Butterfly watching tour in the Suburb of Manado city
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Highland: A Beautiful Destination for Birdwatchers

Bird Photography Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu and Sonder's Farm Forest of North Sulawesi

A Trip Report by Charles Roring

Manado city - Temboan Hill - Tangkoko Nature Reserve

In late April 2025, I guided a Dutch photographer on 1 week bird photography tour across Minahasa Peninsula of North Sulawesi of Indonesia. I met my client at Sam Ratulangi Airport of Manado city and then continued our trip by car to Tangkoko Nature Reserve. It took around 2 hours to reach it. For the next 4 days 3 night s exploring the forest of Tangkoko, the coastal area of Batu Putih village, Temboan Hill, the man-made lake. There we watched and photographed a lot of species of birds. It was th first place that we stopped to watch and take pictures of birds. 

Lilac Kingfisher

For photographer, Temboan Hill is the most recommended site to visit. A D-SLR camera with 600 mm lens is the recommended device. There, we saw and photographed Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Green Imperial Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Gray-cheeked Imperial Pigeon, Sahul Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Minahasa Racquet-tail, Black-billed Koel, Sulawesi Cicadabird, Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo. 

We spent several days walking inside the rainforest of Tangkoko which was the habitat of kingfishers. There were Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Lilac Kingfisher, Green-backed Kingfisher. Ashy Woodpecker, Spot-tailed Goshawk, Blue-backed Parrot, White-necked Myna could also be seen there. We tried to find Great-billed Kingfisher along the riverside but we were not so lucky. We saw the bird but it was impossible to take picture of the kingfisher. He was sitting on a big branch of a tree behind twigs and leaves. We could only see other birds such as Barred Rail, Little Egret and Nankeen Night Heron. The parking lot of Tangkoko was a good site for observing Sulawesi Bear Cuscus. We saw some interesting birds there too including Speckled Boobook, Brahminy Kite and White-bellied Sea Eagle.

Temboan Hill at the edge of Tangkoko Nature Reserve

At night, we saw and photographed Sulawesi Scops Owl. It was sitting on the branch of a tree near the birding lodge where we stayed. In the morning we saw Isabelline Bush-hen was swimming in a "little water pond" in the middle of the unpaved road that connected our birding lodge with the main road.

There was a man-made lake located between Temboan Hill and Batu Putih village where the birding lodges and homestays were. Oriental Darter, Purple-winged Roller, Slender-billed Crow, Little Grebe, Little Heron, White-breasted Waterhen were seen there.

Bird Photography Trip in the forest of Mount Mahawu

Tangkoko - Manado city - Tomohon - Lake Linow

We continued our trip to Tomohon town which was around 2 hours ride from Tangkoko. There were several birding sites that we visited during our 3 days/2 nights in Tomohon. Lake Linow was the first site that we went to after arriving in Minahasa highland. For water birds, we went to Lake Linow. 

We saw and photographed Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Javan Pond Heron, White-breasted Waterhen, Barn Swallow. We saw terns sitting on the other side of the lake. It was difficult to identify them, too far. We could not spent much time at the lake. Heavy rain started to cover the lake area and its surroundings. 

Lake Linow in Minahasa highland

Tomohon town - Mount Mahawu

In Mount Mahawu, we saw and photographed the famous Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pitta, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Sultan's Cuckoo-dove, Warbling White-eye, Turquoise Flycatcher, Citrine Canary Flycatcher and etc. Going to Mount Mahawu too early in the morning was not always a good idea. When we arrived there was strong wind, and the whole forest was covered by fog. In addition to Mount Mahawu, we also visited a restaurant that was surrounded by flower garden. Sulawesi Myzomela, Sahul Sunbird and Yellow-sided Flowerpecker were the birds that we saw there.

Sonder's Farm Forest

We also went to Sonder's farm forest, around 30 minutes drive from Tomohon town. We saw Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Sulawesi Myzomela, Black-crowned White-eye, Warbling White-eye, Black Sunbird, Yellow-billed Malkoha. On my previous trip to that site in one morning I saw Black Kite, Sulawesi Goshawk, Black-naped Oriole and White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Black-faced Munia, White-breasted Woodswallow. Sonder's farm forest was not a pristine forest but has got good open areas to watch and photograph birds. Actually there were several more birding sites in Subdistrict Sonder that we had not visited during this trip.

In our last day in Tomohon, we visited Mount Mahawu again in the afternoon. We saw the Sultan's Cuckoo-dove, and a lot of small birds that I have mentioned above. There was Superb Fruit-dove but he flew when we walked closer to photograph him. We left Tomohon for Manado city at around 10:00 a.m. Arriving at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, I said thank you, good bye to my client. 

This short trip report is written by Charles Roring from birdingsulawesi.com

Also read:

• Wildlife Watching and Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

• Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland

• Birds in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

Brown-throated Sunbird

This is the picture of Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis celebensis) that was taken in the small forest of Tounelet village in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency.  The bird, according to Wikipedia, has got a thick bill with an average length of 14 cm. It can be found in open forest, along the roadside where there are flowering plants or in coconut plantations. The bird likes the nectar of coconut flower. The male bird is more colourful than the female one. 

Brown-throated Sunbird

The Brown-throated Sunbird looks similar to Sahul Sunbird (Cynniris frenatus) whose habitat is the same. 

Sahul Sunbird

The tropical rainforest and farmland of North Sulawesi from Tangkoko Nature Reserve to Mount Mahawu and Sonder's forest are the habitat of various species of sunbirds such as Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, and Black Sunbird.

Crimson Sunbird

There are also a lot of other species of birds in Minahasa Peninsula which visitors could watch including Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Sulawesi Pitta, Pale Blue Monarch, Sulawesi Myzomela, Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Ashy Woodpecker, Pygmy Woodpecker, and etc. 

If you are interested in taking a birdwatching tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, Sonder's forest, and Tincep's ricefield and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Also read:

• Birds in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Wildlife Watching and Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland 
• Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland
• Chestnut Munia

Sooty-headed Bulbul in the Farmland of Minahasa

In Minahasa highland of North Sulawesi, Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster) is one of the most common birds that people can see in cities, towns and villages. 

In Greek, the term Pynonotus is formed from two words, i.e. puknos which means thick or compact; and nōtos meaning backed (nōton back). The term aurigaster consists of two Latin words: aurum meaning gold, and gaster meaning belly.

People in Indonesia call it Kutilang. According to e-bird, Sooty-headed Bulbul is considered as a sensitive bird. As a matter of fact, the bird is not sensitive at all in Minahasa peninsula.  

Sooty-headed Bulbul

The songbird is traded as caged bird in several parts of Indonesia because people like listening to their songs. Sooty-headed Bulbul. This bird helps farmers by feeding on insects in farmland areas. However, it can also be considered as pets because it eats fruit. 

Sooty-headed Bulbul in Sonder town of Minahasa regency

There are also other common birds that we can see in Minahasa highland especially throughout its small towns and villages. They include Eurasian Treesparrow, Sahul Sunbird, Slender-billed Crow, Cattle Egret, and Zebra Dove. 

As a tourist guide in Minahasa regency of North Sulawesi, I offer birdwatching tour for visitors who want to watch the avifauna of this region. 

Birdwatching is an interesting tourism activity for nature lovers. Visitors can watch various species of birds as well as other animals when walking in outdoor environment. 

Sonder town in Minahasa regency

The highland of Minahasa has got a lot of beautiful landscapes. Tour participants can enjoy birdwatching and at the same time seeing the beautiful nature of the highland.

If you are interested in exploring the farmland and forest Minahasa for birdwatching and sightseeing, please, contact me Charles Roring by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Warbling White-eye
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa
• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• Collared Kingfisher 
• Brown-throated Sunbird

Warbling White-eye

I often do birdwatching trip in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa highland. One of the birds that I see is Warbling White-eye (Zosterops japonicus). This is a small bird that likes to hop on the twigs of shrub plants that grow along the roadside of hills in Minahasa. 

Warbling White-eye

According to ebird, this bird can be found in Indonesian islands, the Philipines, coastal area of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korean peninsula and even upto Russian Far Fast.  In Wikipedia, it says that the bird is omnivorous meaning that it eats various kinds of food from berries to insects and seeds. Therefore, ecologically, the bird plays very important role as seed dispersers and as predator of small insects that are often considered by farmers as pest. So, this tiny bird is an unsung hero in agriculture. 

Warbling White-eye

In Minahasa highland, this Warbling White-eye lives in the mountains where the daily temperature is cools. 

The bird has got olive head, neck and wings with bright yellow throat and white-grayish underparts. It has got black pointy bill and white-eye ring. 

In addition to Warbling White-eye, other birds that I see during my birding walk in Minahasa highland include Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Superb Fruit-dove, Sulawesi Drongo, White-eyed Drongo, Crimson Sunbird, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker and a lot more. 

As a tourist guide, I offer birdwatching and butterfly watching tours to tourists who plan to visit Manado city in North Sulawesi province of Indonesia. 

If you are interested in taking a vacation to Indonesia and want to me organize your nature tour in Minahasa highland, you could contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by e-mail to peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Also read:

• Wildlife Photography Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland
• Hiking Tour and Birdwatching in Minahasa
• Butterflywatching in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa
• Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder of Minahasa
• Birding and Photography Tour in North Sulawesi

Nature Tour Around Manado City

As a tourist guide, I offer nature tours around North Sulawesi province of Indonesia. The outskirts of Manado city consist of hills and farmlands. They are attractive for visitors who want to see beautiful nature, watch birds and butterflies as well as see wonderful view of the landscape or seascape around Manado city. Here are some of them:

Pasal Beach in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia

• Makatete Hills - located in the south of Manado city, this place can be reached by car or motorcycle. From Sam Ratulangi International Airport, it takes around 50 minutes to reach it when the traffic is not congested. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of Manado city while having a cup of tea or coffee with some fried bananas at the café that is built on the hill.

Makatete Hills are located in the south of Manado city

• Another site near Manado city that offers magnificent view of the sea and Bunaken islands is Mount Tumpa. Visitors could see Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Mantehage and Nain. In addition to enjoying the beautiful view of the seascape of Manado city, visitors could enjoy watching birds and butterflies of North Sulawesi in Mount Tumpa. There are such birds as Zebra Dove, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Red Jungle Fowl, Green Imperial Pigeon, Pale Blue Monarch, Slender-billed Crow, Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon, Finch-billed Myna and etc. 

Tunan Waterfall

• Tunan Waterfall - This natural tourist attraction is located near Sam Ratulangi International Airport. It takes around half and hour to reach the waterfall. Visitors who want to visit this place need to wear rubber boots or sandals that have grips so that they could walk along the slippery concrete path. Green plants grow along both sides of the path. Various kinds of butterflies could be seen around the waterfall. 

Farmland in Talawaan village near Manado city

• Talawaan Farmland is the land area around Talawaan village. Local people grow various kinds of crops including papaya, avocado, coconut, corn, jackfruit and etc. Visitors could walk along the road to see the green crops,  as well as watch birds and butterflies around the area. Birds such as Green Imperial Pigeon, Collared Kingfisher, Ivory-backed Woodswallow, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Slender-billed Crow, Finch-billed Myna, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove could be watched in this area. 

Minahasa Highland Tour

Birds in Minahasa Highland

Collared Kingfisher

Extended Tour to Tomohon and other places of Minahasa Highland

There are still a lot of interesting places that we could see if we extend our tour to Minahasa highland such as Tomohon town, Subdistrict Sonder, Mount Mahawu, Lake Linow, Pine Forest, Tincep Village, Langowan, and etc. 

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

Related Posts:

• Minahasa Highland Tour
• Birding in Mount Mahawu and Lake Linow of Tomohon Municipality
• Sightseeing and Birdwatching Tour in the Ricefield of Sonder

Minahasa Highland Tour

The highland of Minahasa is located in the Province of North Sulawesi. It is a beautiful destination for tourists who love nature and culture. There are volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls, farmland, rice fields, rivers, valleys and a lot of villages. Most of the inhabitants of Minahasa highland work as farmers. They grow rice, corn, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, chilli, spring onion, rambutan, peanuts, clove, and a lot more. They also run pig fig and fish farming. 

Subdistrict town of Sonder

Visitors who are interested in spending their holiday time in Indonesia can travel to Minahasa highland. They need to fly from their country to Jakarta which is the capital of Indonesia. After that they could continue their trip by taking a domestic flight to Manado city. Airlines that provide regular flights between Manado and major cities include Garuda, Citilink, SuperAir Jet, Lion Air, Batik Air and TransNusa. It is the capital of North Sulawesi Province. After that, the next trip is by car. Most visitors go to Tomohon town. There are hotels and homestays in Tomohon which they can choose to stay. Another destination is Subdistrict Sonder. Visitors can stay in the homestays that are located in that small town. 

Minahasa Highland Tour

Visitors could enjoy hiking and sightseeing in Mount Mahawu. There are concrete stairs that lead visitors to its crater. There are also concrete paths that stretch along the slopes of the volcano. They can be used by visitors to explore plants, birds, insects, reptiles and mammals of Mount Mahawu. For visitors who love birdwatching. They could find Warbling White-eye, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Turquoise Flycatcher, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, and etc. 

Another interesting site near Tomohon is Pine Forest. It has got pine trees that grow around the slopes of sulphuric pond. Visitors could enjoy soaking their bodies in the hot spring water of the sulphuric pond that, according to local people, is good for curing skin disease.

Flowers along the roadside of Tincep Village

The subdistrict of Sonder is surrounded by farmland. Visitors could enjoy farm tour in Sonder seeing rows of clove trees along the slopes of its hills or walk through paddy fields that look like green carpet in a valley between Sonder town and Tincep village. Visitors could enjoy birdwatching and butterfly watching in Sonder. There are some eating houses or small restaurants that offer grilled pork and tilapia fish with stir fried vegetables.

Rice Field and Birds in Minahasa Highland

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Crimson Sunbird

Barred Rail

Birds that could be watched in Sonder include the Black-naped Oriole, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Malkoha, Black Kite, Black-faced Munia, Chestnut Munia, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Green Imperial Pigeon, Pale Blue Monarch, Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon, and a lot more. 

Lake Tondano

Another attraction of Minahasa highland is Lake Tondano. It is the place where visitors go to enjoy Minahasa spicy culinary at the restaurants that are built along the side of the lakes.

Statue of Ragey in Kawangkoan town of Minahasa regency

Kawangkoan is a small subdistrict town that is surrounded by farmlands. There are shops and restaurants that sell locally made baked cookies, rroasted peanuts, steamed buns, and etc. Restaurant and eating houses in Kawangkoan are also famous for their grilled pork.  In Minahasa the grilled pork skewer is called ragey. This delicious menu is available in most towns of the region.

Farmland in Minahasa highland

Booking

If you are interested in enjoying your vacation in Minahasa highland and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp through this contact link.