23 Days / 22 Nights Bird Expedition – Sulawesi, North Moluccas & West Papua

# 23 Days / 22 Nights Bird Expedition – Sulawesi, North Moluccas & West Papua

From the lowland forests of Sulawesi, across the unique islands of the North Moluccas, and deep into the spectacular mountains and rainforests of West Papua, this 23-day bird expedition takes you on an unforgettable journey through some of Indonesia’s most remarkable birding destinations.

Over 23 days and 22 nights, you will have an excellent opportunity to explore a wide variety of habitats and encounter an impressive diversity of bird species, including many endemic and highly sought-after birds that can only be found in these regions.

From the forests of Sulawesi to the remote islands of the North Moluccas, and finally to the rich lowland and mountain forests of West Papua, each destination offers a different experience and a new collection of species to discover.

This expedition is designed for birders who want to explore more, discover more, and build an impressive species list while experiencing the incredible natural diversity of eastern Indonesia.

Along the journey, there will also be opportunities to encounter and photograph other wildlife, while enjoying the landscapes, forests, local communities, and unique character of each destination.

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Sulawesi – The Beginning of the Expedition

Our journey begins in the remarkable forests of Tangkoko, Tomohon, and Kotamobagu, where rich tropical forests provide an incredible opportunity to discover some of Sulawesi’s most fascinating birds and wildlife.

From the lowland forests of Tangkoko to the cooler mountain habitats around Tomohon and Kotamobagu, each destination offers a different environment and a new collection of species to discover.

Here, we will search for beautifully coloured endemic birds, unique forest species, and some of Sulawesi’s most iconic wildlife. The forests also offer the chance to encounter fascinating primates, including the spectral tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates, as well as the famous and criticaly endangered Sulawesi black macaque and Maleo.

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North Moluccas – Into the Islands of Halmahera

After exploring the forests of Sulawesi, our expedition takes to the air as we fly to Ternate, the gateway to the fascinating North Moluccas.

From Ternate, we continue our journey towards the island of Halmahera, one of the most exciting destinations for birders seeking the unique species of eastern Indonesia.

A new world of birding awaits in the forests of Halmahera. Here, we will search for some of the region’s most special and sought-after birds, including the Moluccan Dwarf Kingfisher, North Moluccan Pitta, Ivory-breasted Pitta, Common Paradise Kingfisher, and many other fascinating species.

And then comes one of the most memorable moments of our expedition. We will cross the sea by boat, leaving Ternate behind as we travel across the open waters towards the forest-covered island of Halmahera.

As the forests slowly appear on the horizon, the feeling of a true expedition begins to grow. Once on the island, we venture into the lush tropical forest, following bird calls and exploring trails in search of the unique wildlife hidden within.

And deep in these forests awaits one of Halmahera’s greatest treasures — the Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise.

The sight of a male Standardwing displaying its extraordinary white “wings” in the forest is an experience that every birder and bird photographer will remember for years to come.

But the Standardwing is only one part of what Halmahera has to offer. Every trail, every call, and every glimpse through the forest may reveal another special species.

From colourful kingfishers and elusive pittas to the spectacular Bird-of-Paradise, Halmahera promises a completely different birding experience from Sulawesi.

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West Papua

Our expedition now continues further east, towards West Papua, where vast rainforests, remote villages, and extraordinary wildlife await.

From the North Moluccas, we travel onward to Malagufuk Village, a remote destination surrounded by the pristine forests of the Klasow Valley. Here, the journey takes us deep into the rainforest, far from the busy world, where every morning begins with the sounds of birds calling from the canopy.

Malagufuk is a place where the forest still feels truly wild. Along the trails, we will search for some of Papua most spectacular birds, with the incredible Birds-of-Paradise among the highlights of our expedition.

From Malagufuk, our adventure continues to the legendary islands of Raja Ampat, a destination famous not only for its breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear waters, but also for its extraordinary biodiversity.

Among the forests of Raja Ampat, another unforgettable encounter awaits — the Red Birds-of-Paradise and Wilson's bird-of-paradise displaying their remarkable colours and feathers high in the forest.

This is where the expedition reaches one of its most memorable chapters: standing quietly beneath the rainforest canopy, watching a Bird-of-Paradise perform its spectacular display in the wild.

But West Papua offers far more than Birds-of-Paradise. From lowland rainforest to island forests, every habitat brings new possibilities — kingfishers, pigeons, parrots, honeyeaters, cuckoos, birds of prey, and many other remarkable species.

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One Unforgettable Bird Expedition

From Sulawesi, across the islands of the North Moluccas, and finally into the wild forests of West Papua — our 23-day journey becomes a true exploration of the incredible bird diversity of eastern Indonesia.

Three regions. Many unique habitats. Hundreds of possibilities. One unforgettable Bird Expedition.