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

Temboan Hill at the edge of Tangkoko Nature Reserve

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.

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

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 

Birding and Sightseeing Tour from Manado City

Birding and sightseeing tour can be arranged from Manado city. Its durations is usually from 1 to 3 days depending on the time which the participants have. For visitors who are interested in a short birdwatching tour, its itinerary can be described as follows:

Birds at the outskirts of Manado city

Sooty-headed Bulbul

• In the morning, we will meet you at your hotel in Manado city. We will organize your tour to a forest at the outskirt of Manado city. There, we will walk along the roadside to look for such birds as Barred Rail, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Zebra Dove, Ivory-backed Woodswallow, Finch-billed Myna, Green Imperial Pigeon, Collared Kingfisher, Black-naped Fruit Dove and etc. 

Collared Kingfisher

• At around 09:30, when the activity of birds in trees has reduced significantly, we will do sightseeing tour to State Museum of Manado to see the historical and cultural background of peoples of North Sulawesi province of Indonesia.
• Lunch at around 12:00. Back to your hotel for rest. At 15:00, we will continue our trip to a hill outside Manado city. We will see the landscape view and look for birds such as the Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sulaweei Cuckoo-dove, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Gray-rumped Treeswift and etc.

Zebra Dove

Other attractions in Manado city include the traditional markets of Karombasan, Bersehati as well as the Malalayang Beach, Mount Tumpa, and Manado Town Square Mall (modern shopping center).

Flight routes to Manado city

Manado is the capital city of the Province of North Sulawesi in the Republic of Indonesia. It can be reached by plane from major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar and Sorong. The airlines that fly to Manado include Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air and TransNusa. There is a direct flight that connects Manado city and Singapore served by Scoot Air.

Manado city by the beach

Manado city view from the parking lot of Mantos (Manado Town Square)

Booking

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

Also read:

• Tangkoko Birding

• Wildlife Watching and Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

Birding Tour from Manado City (3 Days/ 2 Nights)

Manado City

Manado city is the capital of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It is the destination for visitors who want to go scuba diving in Bunaken, Siladen and Lembeh Strait. It is also the main gate for visitors who want to go to Tangkoko. 

Birding tour organized from Manado city to Minahasa highland

As a tourist guide, I offer birdwatching and sightseeing tour that starts from Manado city. The tour is suitable for anyone who is a beginner in birdwatching or has just taken-up birding as a hobby for 1 or 2 years. It is also good for birders who wants to visit North Sulawesi for the first time.

Turquoise Flycatcher

The duration of the tour is from 1 to 2 days for areas around the outskirts of Manado city and up to 1 week if the tour includes the highland of Minahasa and Tangkoko Nature Reserve. Here is the program for a 4-day/ 3-night birding and sightseeing tour. 

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

• Day 1. We will meet you at the airport or a hotel in Manado city. We will organize your transfer to Tomohon town in the highland of Minahasa. Check into homestay. Rest. After lunch, We will start our birding activity by visiting Lake Linow which is located outside of Tomohon town. Birds that we could see in this place include Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, White-breasted Waterhen, Sunda Teal, Barn Swallow and etc. Back to Tomohon town, return to hotel. Dinner. Rest. 

Birds in Lake Linow of Minahasa Highland

• Day 2. We will wake up very early in the morning at around 05:30. We will go by car to Mount Mahawu. We will have early breakfast and then go hiking up to slope to look for Warbling White-eye, Black-crowned White-eye, Red Jungle Fowl, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Turquoise Flycatcher, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Sulawesi Myzomela, and etc. We will enjoy birding until around 09:00. After that we will return to Tomohon and visit traditional market. Lunch at 12:00. Back to homestay for rest. At 15:00, we will do birding at Pine Forest to look for Gray-rumped Treeswift, Black-naped Oriole, Collared Kingfisher and Barred Rail. Back to Tomohon before dark. Dinner at 19:00. Back to homestay, rest.

Black Kite

Crimson Sunbird

• Day 3. We will start at 05:00, our destination is Sonder's hill forest. It takes around 40 minutes ride from Tomohon to the hill. We will look for Crimson Sunbird, Black-faced Munia, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Superb Fruit Dove, Barred Rail, Black Kite, Pygmy Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Superb Fruit Dove, White-bellied Imperial Pigeon, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Turquoise Flycatcher, Collared Kingfisher, Black Kite, Sulawesi Crow, White-breasted Woodswallow, Black-naped Oriole, and etc. A stop at the small forest of Tounelet will allow us to find Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Sahul Sunbird, Black-crowned White-eye, Sulawesi Crow, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, and etc. 

We will continue to paddy field area in Talikuran to look for White-browed Crake, Cinnamon Bittern, Purple Heron, Isabeline Bush-hen, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Javan Pond Heron, Scaly-breasted Munia, Chestnut Munia, White-breasted Woodswallow, Zebra Dove and Collared Kingfisher. 

We will have lunch in Sonder, take a rest and then continue birding at 15:00 to Tincep village where we will look for Green Imperial Pigeon, Sulawesi Myna, and White-rumped Triller. Back to Tomohon. Dinner, rest. 

Barred Rail

• Day 4. You will wake up early in the morning. We will transfer you to Sam Ratulangi airport of Manado city. End of the trip. 

If you are interested in taking the birding tour, and want me to organize your trip and guide you, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Highland, North Sulawesi

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa highland of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It is a beautiful destination for visiting birders. 

Birding in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa Highland of Indonesia

Sulawesi Myzomela in Sonder's hill farmland

It is surrounded by rivers, rice fields, farmland and forest. Most of its inhabitants work as Farmers. They grow such crops as kangkung, cabbage, carrot, corn, rice, peanuts, papaya, banana, tomato, chilli, coconut, clove and vannila. They run fish, pig and poultry farming. These agricultural and rainforest environments are good places for  visiting birders to explore the diversity of the avifauna of Sulawesi island. 

Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker in Tounelet forest of Sonder town

Black-naped Oriole

Pale Blue Monarch

In my recent birding tour with a British tourist in higher elevation forest of Sonder, we saw various species of birds including Crimson Sunbird, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Myzomela, Warbling White-eye, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Turquoise Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Sulawesi Drongo, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Gray-cheeked Green-pigeon, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Black-faced Munia, Black-naped Oriole, and etc. 

Crimson Sunbird

There was also a call of Bay Coucal but we could not see it. 

Gray-cheeked Green-pigeon

Night birding could be conducted along the edge of the forest of farmland to find birds such as Sulawesi Scops Owl and Speckled Boobook.

Sulawesi Scops Owl at the farmland of Sonder town of Minahasa highland

Various kinds of butterflies could be seen in this high elevation forest of Sonder. There were Blanchard's Wood Nymph, Blanchard's Tree Nymph, The Clipper Butterfly, and Common Birdwing. 

The Clipper Butterfly

The small forest of Tounelet was also an interesting site for watching birds. We saw Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Chestnut Munia, Sahul Sunbird, Zebra Dove, Hair-crested (White-eyed) Drongo, Gray-sided Flowerpecker and Pale Blue Monarch. 

Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove

Another interesting birding site was the waterfall at the outskirts of Tincep village. We saw Sulawesi-crested Myna, Green Imperial Pigeon, White-rumped Thriller, Gray-rumped Treeswift and Black-naped Oriole. The scenery of the Kengkang waterfall was beautiful. 

Hair-crested (White-eyed) Drongo

Another interesting site for birding was the paddy field areas of Talikuran village. It was the habitat of Barred Rail, Buff-banded Rail, White-browed Crake, Little Egret, Cinnamon Bittern, Cattle Egret and Purple Heron. 

Barred Rail

White-breasted Woodswallow

Other birds such as Collared Kingfisher, Scaly-breasted Munia, White-breasted Woodswallow, Rock Pigeon, Zebra Dove could also be seen in the area. 

Collared Kingfisher

As we explored more wooded areas of Sonder, we were able to see more interesting avifauna. When we were at the road that connected Sonder and Kiawa village, we saw Lessert Fish Eagle. At that time, we were looking for Brown-throated Sunbird, and Finch-billed Myna. 

Finch-billed Myna

Villagers in Sonder grew corn, peanuts, aubergine, tomato, spring onion, banana among the durian, coconut and clove trees. 

Visitors could also explore the fish ponds and waterfall streams in Sonder. They could find Barn Swallow, Sulawesi Swiftlet, and Collared Kingfisher. 

Black-faced Munia in North Sulawesi

Villagers constructed concrete roads into deeper areas of farmlands to allow easier access for farmers to their cultivated lands. These roads could also be used by visitors to enjoy birding. The small town of Sonder is surrounded by farm Lands and rice field. It is a good destination for visitors who are interested in farm tour or just sight sering. 

Paddy fields in Sonder is the site for watching water birds

Dutch Photographer was watching bird in Sonder's farmland of Minahasa regency

How to get there? 

Manado city is the main gate to enter Sonder town in Minahasa highland. Every day, there are regular flights that connect Manado city with major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makasar, Balikpapan and Sorong. The flights are served by Garuda, Citilink, Batik Air and Lion Air. It takes around 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Sam Ratulangi Airport of Manado city to Sonder town. 

This is the small subdistrict town of Sonder in Minahasa regency

Flight Route between Manado cities and some cities in Indonesia

Car route from Manado city to Sonder town

Accommodation

Visitors who do birding, and walking tour in Sonder town can stay in one of the homestays that is available in the area or they can also book rooms in hotels that are located Tomohon town.

Duration of the Tour

The average duration of this birding trip is around 3 to 4 days depending on the request of the visitors. If this is combined with birding tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, the duration of the tour is around 7 days.

Booking 

If you want me to organize your trip and guide you for tours in North Sulawesi, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Related Posts:

• Watching Black-naped Oriole in Sonder Town of Minahasa
• Manado Tours
• Hiking Tour and Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Butterfly watching in Sonder town of Minahasa regency
• Farmland Tours in Sonder town of Minahasa Highland
• Wildlife Watching in Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Hiking Tour and Birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa

Most visitors who travel to North Sulawesi want to spend their holiday doing scuba diving and snorkeling in Bunaken, Siladen and Lembeh Strait. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of other tourist attractions in the region. One of them is the natural landscape, flora and fauna of the mainland Sulawesi. The highland of Minahasa is a beautiful destination for visitors who love hiking, birdwatching, butterflywatching or wildlife watching in general. 

Walking tour in Sonder town of Minahasa Highland

Sonder town in Minahasa regency is a good destination. It is a recommended base for visitors who want to explore the nature, and culture of the Minahasan people. Sonder has got forest, farmlands and rice fields and villages which tourists can visit. 

Terraces of Paddy Fields in District Sonder of Minahasa

The small forest of Tounelet Slope in Sonder is the habitat of various species of birds including Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Black-naped Oriole, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove, Slender-billed Crow, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sahul Sunbird, Slender-billed Crow, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Grey-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Black-crowned White-eye, Collared Kingfisher, Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon, Eurasian Treesparrow, and etc. 

Farmlands, and villages in District Sonder of Minahasa

In the rice field areas of Sonder, visitors could walk along the road to enjoy the beautiful view of the agricultural land with the background hills and mountains of Minahasa. Birds such as Barred Rail, Cinnamon Bittern, Black Bittern, White-breasted Woodswallow, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Eastern Yellow Wagtail and White-browed Crake are some of the birds that can be watched in the area. 

More birds could be watched in the forest. They include such birds as Crimson Sunbird, Mountain White-eye, White-faced Cuckoo Dove.

Walking Tour Routes

Hiking trails to a lot of directions of Minahasa can be organized for visitors. One that is good for watching birds and butterflies is the route of Sonder to villages of Rambunan - Sawangan - Pinaras - Rambunan and then back to Sonder. Another interesting route for sightseeing is Sonder - Tincep - Kengkang Waterfall - Timbukar (by White Water Rafting) - Tangkuney. After that visitors can return to Sonder by car. 

Tincep is the village of flowers and butterflies

Tincep is a village that is famous for its colourful flowers, butterflies, water birds and and ricefields. Short trails for guided walking tour and birdwatching can be organized around Sonder farmlands. The walking tour route from Tounelet village to Lalek Forest - Talikuran village and back to Tounelet village is good for sightseeing. 

Tincep village, flowers and waterfall

Lalek forest is also suitable for nature lovers who want to see forest and farmland as well as birds and butterflies. Trees in this forest are tall and are the habitat of Black-naped Oriole, Hair-crested Drongo, Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon, Sahul Sunbird, Hair-crested Drongo, Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove Yellow-billed Malkoha, and a lot more.

Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon

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

Also read:

• Walking Tour in the Farmland of Sonder Town of Minahasa
• Nature Tour in North Sulawesi
• Manado City Tour
• Tour around the farmland of Minahasa
• Trip to Minahasa Highland