Birdwatching in Manokwari of Indonesia

Indonesia has been opened again for foreign visitors who are interested in traveling to this archipelago to see the beauty of its nature, the richness of its biodiversity and the uniqueness of its culture. For visitors who are interested in bird watching, and wildlife watching, Manokwari regency is now open for visitors too. 

Spanish visitors in Arfak range

Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus) in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari

Some places in higher montane forest have got guesthouses. There, visitors can enjoy hiking up the steep slopes of Arfak range to watch Western Parotia, Vogelkop Bowerbird, Magnificent Bird of Paradise and a lot more. 

Lesser Birds of Paradise

In lower montane forest, very basic facility in the form of basecamp is available for visitors who want to watch Lesser Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise and Magnificent Riflebird. 

Lowland forest of Manokwari is the natural habitat of hundreds of species of birds including Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Variable Goshawk, Yellow-faced Myna, Golden Myna, Willie Wagtail, Blyth's Hornbill, Brahminy Kite, Little-ringed Plover, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Rainbow-bee Eater, and etc.

Large-tailed Nightjar could be seen at night especially if we go birding along the sides of a river.

Visitors need to bring binoculars, camera with telephoto lens. A field guide book, Birds of New Guinea will be needed to identify other birds that visitors will see during their trip in the jungle. 

Day Trip is usually provided for visitors who don't have much time in Manokwari. However the short trip limits the number of wildlife that we could find in the forest.

White Orchid

Possum in the forest of Manokwari

Visitors will need to stay for at least 2 to 3 days in a homestay in the mountains in order to have higher chance of watching birds of paradise. 

Rainforest in West Papua is an interesting ecosystem, it is the habitat of various kinds of plants and animals. There are flowers and butterflies.  by Charles Roring (Whatsapp: +6281332245180).