Wilson's Bird-of-Paradise

December 28 2025

Discover Indonesia’s Avian Paradise with West Papua Birding Tour

Indonesia hosts over 1,700 bird species, ranking it among the world’s premier birding destinations. Across this vast archipelago, Papua and especially the realm explored by West Papua Birding Tour delivers the definitive birdwatching adventure. This region shelters an astonishing collection of exotic and endemic birds, found nowhere else on the planet.

What Sets West Papua Birding Tour Apart?

West Papua’s natural wealth remains largely untouched and wonderfully elusive. From lowland rainforests and towering mountain ranges to rich mangrove ecosystems, these landscapes provide sanctuary to hundreds of bird species. For bird lovers, the ultimate quest is witnessing the legendary Birds-of-Paradise in all their glory.

For such a journey, we highly recommend joining a tour with a professional operator like Indonesia Birding Tour. The deep experience and local expertise of their guides, their knowledge of bird behavior and the finest locations prove essential to a truly successful and rewarding expedition.

Premier Hotspots of a West Papua Birding Tour

A comprehensive West Papua Birding Tour typically explores several key hotspots, offering an unforgettable 11-day, 10-night expedition.

11-Day West Papua Birding Adventure

This West Papua Birding Tour invites you to discover magnificent Birds-of-Paradise, including the Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, Red Bird-of-Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, King Bird-of-Paradise, Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise, and Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise.

Your adventure begins at Sentani International Airport in Jayapura, with a transfer to Nimbrokang in the Cyclops Mountains on Day 1. Days 2 and 3 are dedicated to observing endemic birds in the lowland forests and hills surrounding Nimbrokang. On Day 4, you return to Jayapura for a flight to Sorong in West Papua.

Day 5 features a full day of birding in Malagufuk, a lowland village near Sorong, searching for lowland specialists and birds-of-paradise. Day 6 brings you back to Sorong city to prepare for the next leg of your journey.

On Day 7, a speedboat transports you from Sorong to Waigeo Island in the Raja Ampat archipelago. Days 8 and 9 are devoted to birding on Waigeo Island, two special days in pursuit of its iconic species, including the Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise and Red Bird-of-Paradise.

Day 10 sees you return by boat from Waigeo to Sorong. Finally, on Day 11, you transfer from your hotel to Dominique Edward Osok Airport in Sorong for your departing flight, concluding an epic exploration of avian wonders.

12-Day West Papua Birding Expedition

This West Papua birding tour offers targeted encounters with spectacular species, including the Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise, Red Bird-of-Paradise, Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, King Bird-of-Paradise, Black Sicklebill, Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise, Black-billed Sicklebill, Long-tailed Paradigalla, Vogelkop Bowerbird, Vogelkop Melidectes, Arfak Astrapia, Splendid Astrapia, and Long-tailed Paradigalla.

Your expedition commences on Day 1 with your arrival at Rendani Airport in Manokwari, followed by a transfer to your hotel for rest and acclimatization. Day 2 features an overland journey from Manokwari to the foothills of the Arfak Mountains, continuing with a trek to your homestay at a higher elevation.

Days 3 through 5 are dedicated to birding in the Arfak Mountains. From concealed blinds, you will witness the unique dance rituals of the Western Parotia and Vogelkop Bowerbird while searching for other endemic species.

On Day 6, you will trek back down and return by road to Manokwari city. Day 7 involves a flight (typically on a small aircraft) from Manokwari to Sorong. Day 8 sees you board a speedboat from Sorong Harbor to Waigeo Island in Raja Ampat.

Days 9 and 10 are reserved for immersive birding on Waigeo Island, home to the spectacular Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise and the Red Bird-of-Paradise.

Day 11 brings you back by speedboat to Sorong for a hotel stay. Finally, on Day 12, you will transfer to Dominique Edward Osok Airport in Sorong for your onward or return flight, concluding an unparalleled avian adventure.

July 2 2025

Birding Tour in Halmahera and Papua: A Paradise of Endemic Birds in Eastern Indonesia

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Indonesia is home to more than 1,700 bird species, making it one of the richest birding destinations in the world. Among those, hundreds are endemic—found nowhere else on Earth. Two of the most sought-after regions for birdwatchers are Halmahera and Papua, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone passionate about rare and exotic birds.

Why Halmahera and Papua?

Halmahera, located in the North Maluku Islands, is known for its lush forests and remarkable birdlife, including:

Wallace’s Standardwing (Semioptera wallacii) – a rare bird-of-paradise known for its elaborate plumage.
White-streaked Friarbird
Halmahera Boobook (Ninox hypogramma) – an endemic owl species.

Meanwhile, Papua, Indonesia’s largest island, is a treasure trove of spectacular birds:

Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise and Red Bird-of-paradise – among the most vividly colored birds in the world.
Superb Bird-of-paradise (Lophorina superba) – famous for its mesmerizing courtship dance.
Papuan Frogmouth, Blyth’s Hornbill, and countless others.

Tour Highlights

Birding tours in Halmahera and Papua typically span 10–14 days, depending on the locations covered. Popular birding spots include:

In Halmahera:

Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park
Mount Sidangoli
Subaim Village

In West Papua:

Arfak Mountains
Raja Ampat
Malagufuk

Each location presents its own unique bird species and forest experience. For instance, Arfak is the only place to reliably see the Wilson’s and Vogelkop Superb Bird-of-paradise. Halmahera offers deep forest treks to find elusive endemics.

Best Time to Visit

The best birding season for both Halmahera and Papua is during the dry months from April to October, when weather conditions are more favorable and trails are accessible. However, birding is possible year-round depending on your target species.

Why Choose Indonesia Birding Tour?

As a professional birding operator, Indonesia Birding Tour offers:

Expert local guides with deep knowledge of bird behavior and identification.
High-quality optics (binoculars and spotting scopes).
Access to exclusive birding spots.
Tailored tours for birders of all levels—from beginners to serious photographers.

Conclusion

A birding tour to Halmahera and Papua is more than just a wildlife trip—it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Indonesia’s biodiversity. For serious birders, these regions represent the pinnacle of avian adventure.

Ready to begin your birding adventure?
Visit our booking page or contact Indonesia Birding Tour to learn more and customize your trip.

July 31 2023

Birding West Papua 12D11N

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BIRDING WEST PAPUA 12D11N ( MONOKWARI, ARFAK, RAJA AMPAT )

New Guinea is an island located in the eastern part of the State of Indonesia and is also divided into two governmental states, namely the Republic of Indonesia and the State of Papua New Guinea. For a birding trip in New Guinea, we will visit Papua Province and also West Papua Province. Of the approximately 700 species of birds that can be found in the West Papua region alone, there are around 680 species recorded, with approximately 42 endemic species that can only be found in West Papua and 279 endemic birds that can be found throughout the entire territory of New Guinea. In addition, there are around 115 species of Palearctic and Australian migratory birds that come to West Papua to spend part of their time there.

KEY SPESIES : Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, Red Bird-of-Paradise, King Bird-of-Paradise, Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise, Black Sicklebill, Black-billed Sicklebill, Magnificent Riflebird, Western Parotia, Astrapia Artifacts, Vogelkop Melidectes, Long-tailed Paradigala, Masked Bowerbird, Vogelkop Bowerbird.

Arrival
Rendani Airport Manokwari West Papua

Depart
Dominique Edward Osok Sorong West Papua

Group Size
Maximum 4 – 6 Pax

Grade
Easy – Moderate

Type
Multy-day Tour

PRICE
INCLUDED
- Transportation during the trip
- Accommodation during the trip ( Based on shared room )
- Meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Entrances Fee National Park and Nature Reserve
- Ranger Forest
- Conservation Fees
- Internal Flight Manokwari – Sorong
- Mineral Water
- Porters
- English Speaking Birding Guide
EXCLUDED
- Insurance,
- Alcoholic Beverages,
- Airfare to Indonesia.
- Laundry, Tips, All personal expenses that are not mentioned on the items above,
- Any kind of expenditures incurred due to flight cancellation/delays or due to other causes beyond our control.
ITINERARY

Day 1 : Rendani Airport Manokwari – Hotel

Day 2 : Manokwari – Arfak Mountain

Day 3 – 5 : Birding Arfak Mountain.

Day 6 : Mount Arfak – Manokwari

Day 7 : Manokwari – Sorong

Day 8 : Sorong – Waigeo Island

Day 9 – 10 : Birding Waigeo Island

Day 11 : Waigeo Island – Sorong

Day 12 : Hotel – Dominique Edward Osok Airport

Note: This travel program is flexible and can change according to several factors such as updated information about weather, road conditions, birding locations, accommodation availability, and safety factors.
INFORMATION

PAYMENT TERM AND CONDITION
We require a minimum of 50% deposit payment to confirm your booking, we cannot guarantee your booking until this has been received. Bookings will be held for 7 days to allow the client time to send a deposit payment. We reserve the right to release the booking if the deposit is not received within 7 days of the booking being made. Changes of dates to bookings after the deposit has been made can be done but will be subject to availability. Cancelation: Deposit payment No Refund, No show – full payment charge.Full Payment, The full payment will be required at least 30 days prior to your date of arrival. The invoice amount has to be paid in full, net of all transfer costs and bank charges.

TYPE OF LAND TRANSPORTATION & ROAD
We will use a minibus or cars. The road is some part in good condition and some part in bad condition.

BIRD GUIDE
This trip will be provided with an English speaking bird guide during the whole trip and a local guide (who owns/guard the land) for each place birding location.

WALKING CONDITION
The walking ranges from easy to moderate

CLIMATE
Most days in the lowlands will be hot and humid for much of Bali, with a chance of heavy, tropical, some rains at any time.

INFO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Visas on arrival in Indonesia can be obtained for tourists from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and EU countries for stays of under 30 days. There is a fee for this, payable in cash (in US Dollars). Travel requirements are subject to change; we recommend double-checking entry requirements six weeks prior to the tour or ask our office staff for help.

WHAT TO BRING?
1. Waterproof binoculars of about 8-power are best for maximum light-gathering in the shades of the forest.
2. A tripod-mounted spotting scope (telescope) is valuable in open habitats along roadsides, especially for birds in the canopy.
3. Loose-fitting, lightweight clothing and a hat with some sort of visor to shield the eyes from the sun or rain.
4. It is often very cool at dawn but hot at midday, wearing layers that can be easily removed.
5. Loose long pants and lightweight, good-quality walking boots are often the most comfortable combination. Conditions in the mountains are much cooler, so prepare to keep warm.
6. Insect repellent is required in some localities.
7. A lightweight poncho or rain jacket. It is sometimes useful to carry a larger umbrella.

LIABILITY
Tour Sulawesi Indonesia act only as tour organize for the passenger in regard to travel, whether by railroad, motorcar, motor coach, boat, or airplane, and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. We Can’t responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated. Baggage is at the owner’s risk entirely. The airlines concerned and their agents and affiliates are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their aircraft.