Birdwatching Tour in Lowland and Lower Montane Forest of Manokwari

Manokwari has been famous as an important destination for birdwatching. Most people go to higher elevation forest of Arfak. As a matter of fact, the lowland and lower montane forests of Manokwari are also interesting. Visitors can watch various species of parrots, fruit doves, kingfishers, and water birds in lowland. For lower montane region, they can watch Lesser Birds of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise and Magnificent Riflebird which are the main target for avid birders.

Moluccan King Parrot in Manokwari Forest

Lowland Forest

Because the birding activity is conducted in the middle of the lowland forest, the best way to enjoy birding in this area is by camping and hiking for several days. There are Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Black Butcherbird, Moluccan King Parrot, Azure Kingfisher, Yellow-capped Pygmy Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Black-capped Lory, Blyth's Hornbill, Brahminy Kite, Glossy Manucode, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Eclectus Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, and Little-ringed Plover, Large-tailed Nightjar, Western-crowned Pigeon and a lot more.

Beautiful Fruit Dove

Lower Montane Forest

As I already mentioned above, the lower montane forest of Manokwari, especially the Susnguakti forest, is the natural habitat of various species of paradise birds. Some of them include Lesser BOP, King BOP, Magnificent Riflebird, and Common Paradise Kingfisher. Visitors who go to this place can also see Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Hooded Butcherbird, Fairy Lorikeet, Spangled Drongo, Great Cuckoo Dove, etc. 

Visitors can also do night walk to see cuscus possum, ground brown skink, and glowing mushroom. Basecamp for tourists are available. 

Duration of the tour

In general, the number of days tourists spend in lowland forest of Manokwari is 3 days. For lower montane forest, they take between 3 to 4 days. My recommendation will be: 3 days lowland, 1 day rest in Manokwari city, 3-4 days lower montane forest.

Lesser Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)

Birding Equipment

Most birdwatchers know what to bring. However, there are also ordinary tourists who are interested in visiting these forest to watch tropical birds, unique plants and wild flowers as well as the beautiful nature. A pair of binoculars is a standard birdwatching device that visitors need if they want to watch birds and other wild animals. I recommend a 10×42 mm or 12×50 mm roof prism binoculars made by Nikon, Swarovski, Leica or Canon. Super zoom camera such as Canon SX70HS or Nikon Coolpix P1000 is the latest birding camera that birdwatchers like to bring.

I usually bring my spotting scope Kinglux 20-60×60 mm. It is not the best in the market but it can enhance the birdwatching experience of tour participants.

Booking

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapl to: +6281332245180.