Mega Indonesia Birding Tour 2026
Endemic Explorer: Expert-Guided Birding Expeditions Across Indonesia’s Endemic-Rich Islands
The stunning eastern islands of Sulawesi, Halmahera, and West Papua are the heart of Indonesia’s avian richness.
23 Days
Edpedition length
August
2026
$ 7100 USD
7 Domestic flights included
Join Endemic Explorer on a professionally curated 23-day birding expedition across Indonesia’s most ecologically rich islands—Sulawesi, Halmahera, Raja Ampat, the Arfak Mountains, and Papua. This immersive journey explores a wide range of habitats, from montane cloud forests to lowland jungles and coastal mangroves, targeting a spectacular array of endemic and range-restricted bird species, including multiple birds-of-paradise. With over a decade of leading successful birding and photography tours across West Papua, Sulawesi, and Raja Ampat, Endemic Explorer brings deep field experience and trusted local partnerships to ensure a smooth and rewarding adventure. Whether you are a serious birder or a wildlife photographer, this expedition offers exceptional access to Indonesia’s rare and iconic avifauna in some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes.
Witness the display of Western Parotia in Arfak’s high-altitude cloud forests.
Spot Sulawesi Black Macaques while birding in Tangkoko’s coastal rainforest habitat.
Encounter Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise during dawn hikes in Raja Ampat’s Waigeo Island.
Observe Maleo birds nesting in thermal sands of Bogani Nani Wartabone.
Track Standardwing Bird-of-paradise deep in Halmahera’s Aketajawe National Park.
Search for Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise in Nimbrokang’s lowland forest corridors.
Wild Indonesia: As revealed by Endemic Explorer.
This Tailormade Journey is just the beginning of a beautiful adventure, ready to be customized by you. Choose the hotels you want to stay in, enhance your journey with extra experiences, and tell us where else you want to go.
All our private tours are highly customizable. Share your travel goals, and we’ll create a compelling itinerary together
Day 1: 12 August 2026 – Arrival in Makassar
Arrival in Makkasar (UPG) Indonesia
Welcome to Indonesia! Upon your arrival at Sultan Hasanudin International Airport Makassar (UPG), you will be warmly greeted by your local birding guide who will be with us throughout this incredible journey. After ensuring all our luggage is in order, we will transfer to our comfortable hotel in Makassar to settle in and rest. This evening, we will have a comprehensive briefing about the exciting birding adventure that awaits us over the next three weeks. Overnight in Makassar.
Note: If your flight arrives in the morning, we may have an optional afternoon birding session around the scenic Rammang Rammang area. Accommodation:
Hotel (Free Wifi, Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Hot & Cold Water)
Day 2: 13 August 2026 – Makassar to Lore Lindu National Park (via Palu)
Journey To Lore Lindu
Today, after enjoying breakfast, we will check out and head to Makassar Airport to catch our flight to Palu, a short journey of approximately 1 hour. Upon landing at Palu Airport, we will embark on a scenic 3 to 4-hour drive that takes us into the heart of Sulawesi, towards the renowned Lore Lindu National Park. As we arrive at Lore Lindu, we will check into our homestay, our base for exploring this biodiverse mountain forest region, and take some time to relax and prepare for the birding ahead.
Accommodation: Homestay (No Wifi, No Air Conditioner, Squat Toilet, Cold Water)
Day 3: 14 August 2026 – Birding in Lore Lindu National Park
Explore Lore Lindu National Park
Geomalia, Purple-bearded Bee-Eater, Etc.
Our first full day of intense birding takes place in the rich montane forests and open areas of Lore Lindu National Park. This morning, we will focus our efforts on roadside birding and spend significant time exploring the habitats around Lake Tambing. We will be actively searching for Sulawesi endemics such as Geomalia, Purple-bearded Bee-Eater, Malia, and Heinrichia, among many others like Sulawesi Ground Dove and Flame-browed Myna. The afternoon will see us checking the rice fields in Wanga hoping to find Eastern Grass Owl. We will conclude the day with some night birding near our lodge for Speckled Boobook before an early night.
Accommodation: Homestay (No Wifi, No Air Conditioner, Squat Toilet, Cold Water)
Day 4: 15 August 2026 – Anaso Track Exploration & Transfer to Palu
Day Two In Lore Lindu
Gothic glory in the Umbrian hills
To maximize our chances of finding some of Lore Lindu’s more elusive species, particularly if we haven’t yet seen Geomalia, we will have a very early start today at 4:00 AM. We will undertake a trek of about 3 to 4 hours along the famous Anaso track, a challenging but rewarding forest trail. Here, we hope to encounter species like Purple-bearded Bee-eater, Sombre Pigeon, Satanic Nightjar at its day-roost, and the unique Hylocitrea. After returning for lunch, we will check out from our homestay and begin our drive back to Palu, where we will check into a hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel (Free Wifi, Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Hot & Cold Water)
Day 5: 16 August 2026 – Palu to Tangkoko Nature Reserve (via Makassar & Manado)
Journey To Northen Sulawesi
Today involves travel as we transition to a new birding hotspot. After breakfast and checking out, we will transfer to Palu Airport for our flight to Manado, connecting through Makassar. Upon arrival at Manado Airport, we will continue our journey by car for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the northeastern tip of Sulawesi and the renowned Tangkoko Nature Reserve. We will check into our accommodation upon arrival and take some time to rest and prepare for the incredible diversity of lowland species that await us here.
Accommodation: Homestay (Free Wifi, Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Hot & Cold Water)
Day 6: 17 August 2026 – Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Explore Tangkoko National Park
Tangkoko Nature Reserve is a true flagship park, offering superb birding in its lowland jungle and mangrove forests. This site is particularly famous for its kingfishers, and we will be actively searching for no less than eight resident species, including four endemics like the Lilac-cheeked and Sulawesi-dwarf Kingfishers. Beyond kingfishers, we hope to find Red-Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Hawk-Eagle, and various pigeons and coucals. A boat trip into the mangroves offers chances for waterbirds and raptors like White-bellied Sea Eagle. We will also look for fascinating mammals such as Black Macaques and Tarsiers. Accommodation:
Homestay (Free Wifi, Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Hot & Cold Water
Day 7: 18 August 2026 – Tangkoko Nature Reserve to Kotamobagu
Day Two In Tangkoko National Park
After spending our morning birding in the upper areas of Tangkoko or nearby highlands, we will check out from our homestay. Today, we undertake a drive of approximately 5 to 6 hours to the town of Kotamobagu, located in the western part of North Sulawesi. This journey takes us through changing landscapes. Upon arrival in Kotamobagu, we will check into our hotel and take the rest of the day to relax and prepare for an early start tomorrow, focusing on one of Sulawesi’s most unique avian residents. Overnight in Kotamobagu.
Accommodation: Hotel (Free Wifi, Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Hot & Cold W
Day 8: 19 August 2026 – Maleo Birding at Bogani National Park & Transfer to Manado
Maleo Day
Our main target this morning is the extraordinary Maleo bird, known for its fascinating nesting behaviour in thermal sands. We will depart Kotamobagu very early at 4:00 AM to reach Muara Pusian within Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, a key Maleo nesting ground. We will observe these unique birds as they tend to their eggs. After this incredible experience, we will return to our hotel in Kotamobagu to check out and begin the drive back to Manado, a journey of approximately 5 to 6 hours. Upon arrival in Manado, we will check into our hotel and rest.
Accommodation: Hotel (Free Wifi, Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Hot & Cold Water)
Day 9: 20 August 2026 – Manado to Halmahera (via Ternate)
Journey To Ternate
Today, our journey takes us east to the Moluccas. After breakfast, we will check out from our hotel in Manado and transfer to Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) for our flight to Ternate (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival at Babulah Airport Ternate (TTE), we will head directly to Ternate Harbor to take a speed boat to Sidangoli, a crossing that takes around 40-50 minutes. In the afternoon, we will begin birding around the Kali Batu Putih area, specifically targeting Moluccan endemics such as the striking Blue and White Kingfisher, Moluccan Dwarf Kingfisher, and Sombre Kingfisher, along with Moluccan Flycatcher and Golden Whistler. Afterwards, we will continue to Ekor Village to check into our homestay.
Accommodation: Homestay (No Wifi, Air Conditioner, Squat Toilet, Cold Water)
Day 10: 21 August 2026 – Aketajawe National Park - Standardwing Bird of Paradise
Come Face-to-Face with Your First Bird-of-Paradise
This is a highly anticipated day as we seek one of the avian wonders of the world! We will wake up at 3:30 AM to prepare for our excursion into Aketajawe National Park to witness the display of the magnificent Standardwing Bird of Paradise. We will trek for approximately 2 hours from our starting point to reach a hide offering excellent views of their lekking site. After this unforgettable observation, we will return to the homestay for a well-deserved rest. In the afternoon, we will further explore the surrounding forest, adding more Moluccan species to our list before returning to the homestay for the night. Accommodation:
Homestay (No Wifi, Air Conditioner, Squat Toilet, Cold Water)
Day 11: 22 August 2026 – Halmahera Pittas & Transfer to Ternate
A Day For Pittas
Our focus this morning will be on finding some of the region’s sought-after pitta species. After breakfast and checking out, we will head back to the Sidangoli area for dedicated observation of the elusive Ivory-breasted Pitta and North Moluccan Pitta in their forest habitat. These ground-dwelling birds can be challenging but rewarding to see. Following our pitta search, we will continue our journey back to Ternate by speed boat. Upon arrival in Ternate, we will transfer to our hotel to check in and rest after a productive morning. Overnight in Ternate.
Accommodation: Hotel (Free Wifi, Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Hot & Cold Water)
Day 12: 23 August 2026 – Ternate Birding & Transfer to Manado
Transfer To Manado
Today marks our exciting transition to West Papua and the legendary Raja Ampat archipelago. After breakfast, we will check out and transfer to Manado Airport for our flight to Sorong. Upon arrival at Sorong Airport, we will head to Sorong Port to catch a ferry to Waigeo Island, the largest island in Raja Ampat. The ferry crossing takes approximately 3 hours, offering scenic views depending on the weather and sea conditions. Arriving at Waigeo Port, we will transfer to our chosen accommodation on the island, our base for exploring this stunning region.
Accommodation: Resort (Free Wifi, Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Hot & Cold Water)
Day 13: 24 August 2026 – Manado to Waigeo, Raja Ampat (via Sorong) ...
Visit Waigeo Island
Home of Wilson's Bird of paradise
After breakfast, we will check out and proceed to Manado Airport for our flight to Sorong. Upon arrival at Sorong Airport, we will transfer to Sorong Port to board a ferry to Waigeo Island. The ferry journey takes approximately three hours, depending on weather and sea conditions. Once we arrive at Waigeo Port, we will head to our selected accommodation for the stay on Waigeo Island in the heart of Raja Ampat.
Accommodation: Comfortable resort with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, Western-style toilet, and hot & cold water.
Day 14-15: 25-26 August 2026 – Birding in Waigeo, Raja Ampat
Birding In Raja Ampat Region
We have two full days dedicated to exploring the incredible avian diversity of Waigeo Island, part of the world-renowned Raja Ampat. This area is famous for its spectacular Birds-of-paradise, and our primary targets will be the stunning Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise and the vibrant Red Bird-of-paradise, requiring early morning excursions to their display sites. We will also search for other key species like the impressive Western Crowned Pigeon, Papuan Pitta, and Hooded Pitta in the island’s lush forests. These two days promise unforgettable encounters with some of New Guinea’s most iconic birds.
Accommodation: Resort (Free Wifi, Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Hot & Cold Water)
Day 16: 27 August 2026 – Waigeo to Arfak Mountains (via Sorong & Manokwari)
Journey To Arfak Mountains
Home of Montane Birds
After breakfast, we will check out from our resort on Waigeo Island and take the ferry back to Sorong. Upon arriving at Sorong Harbor, we will transfer directly to our hotel to rest and prepare for the next stage of our West Papua adventure. This afternoon is primarily a travel day as we position ourselves for our visit to the Arfak Mountains, another key birding destination known for its unique montane endemics and spectacular bowerbirds and birds-of-paradise. Overnight in Sorong.
Accommodation: Hotel (Free Wifi, Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Hot & Cold Water)
Day 17-18: 28-29 August 2026 – Birding in the Arfak Mountains
Explore Afrak Mountains
Dancing parotias and bowerbirds
We dedicate two full days to exploring the rich montane forests of the Arfak Mountains, a globally important Endemic Bird Area. We will visit several different observation points at varying altitudes to maximize our species list. The Arfak Mountains are home to incredible birds-of-paradise like the Black-billed Sicklebill, Magnificent Bird Of Paradise, Crescent-caped Lophorina, and Western Parotia, as well as the remarkable Vogelkop Bowerbird with its elaborate display structure. We will also search for Arfak-specific endemics such as Arfak Honeyeater, Arfak Catbird, and Vogelkop Melidectes, among many other fascinating montane species.
Accommodation: Homestay (No Wifi, No Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Cold Water, Electricity 7-8 hours)
Day 19: 30 August 2026 – Arfak Mountains to Manokwari
Return To Manokwari
Gothic glory in the Umbrian hills
After enjoying a final morning of birding in the cool mountain air of the Arfak Mountains and having breakfast, we will check out from our homestay. We will then begin our drive back down from the mountains to the coastal town of Manokwari. This journey offers changing views as we descend through different altitudinal zones. Upon arrival in Manokwari, we will check into our hotel and take time to rest and reflect on the incredible birds we have seen in the Arfak range. Overnight in Manokwari.
Accommodation: Hotel (Wifi, Air Conditioner, Squat Toilet, Hot & Cold Water)
Day 20: 31 August 2026 – Manokwari to Nimbrokang (via Jayapura)
The Jayapura Circute
Home of lowland birds of paradises
Today, we travel to our final major birding destination in Papua. After breakfast, we will check out from our hotel and transfer to Manokwari Airport for our flight to Sentani Airport in Jayapura. Upon arrival in Jayapura, we will continue our journey by car for approximately 2 to 3 hours to the Nimbrokang area, known for its excellent lowland birding opportunities. We will check into our homestay upon arrival and settle in, ready to explore the forests here tomorrow.
Accommodation: Homestay (No Wifi, No Air Conditioner, Squat Toilet, Cold Water)
Day 21: 1 September 2026 – Birding in Nimbrokang
Explore Nimbrokang
Nimbrokang is one of the premier areas for lowland birding in the region and offers further chances to see spectacular Birds-of-paradise. We will spend the day exploring the forests here, hoping to find species such as the Pale-billed Sicklebill and the Lesser Bird-of-Paradise. Excitingly, Nimbrokang also provides another opportunity to search for the truly unique Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise, a highly sought-after species. We will explore the trails and habitats, aiming to add these incredible birds and other lowland specialties to our tour list.
Accommodation: Homestay (No Wifi, No Air Conditioner, Squat Toilet, Cold Water)
Day 22: 2 September 2026 – Nimbrokang to Jayapura
Back To Jayapura
After a final morning birding session in the productive lowland forests around Nimbrokang and enjoying breakfast, we will check out from our homestay. We will then begin our drive back to the city of Jayapura. Upon arrival in Jayapura, we will check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day to relax, perhaps do some last-minute souvenir shopping, and reminisce about the amazing birding experiences we’ve shared throughout this extensive tour across Indonesia. Overnight in Jayapura.
Accommodation: Hotel (Free Wifi, Air Conditioner, Sitting Toilet, Hot & Cold Water)
Day 23: 3 September 2026 – Departure from Jayapura
End Of Tour
Our incredible Indonesian bird watching adventure concludes today. After breakfast, we will check out from our hotel in Jayapura. We will then transfer you to Sentani Airport Jayapura (DJJ) in accordance with your individual flight schedule for your departure.
Tour Highlights
Comprehensive List of Birds:
Geomalia, Purple-bearded Bee-Eater, Maroon-backed Whistler, Malia, Heleia, Heinrichia, Dwarf Sparrow-hawk, Sulawesi Ground Dove, Meyer’s Lorikeet, Red-eared Fruit-Dove, Mountain Cicadabird, Cerulean Cuckoo-shrike, Flame-browed Myna, Sulawesi Drongo, Sulawesi Goshawk, Sulawesi Cuckoo, Hoevel’s Flycatcher, Sulawesi Grasshopper Warbler, Sulawesi Thrush, Eastern Grass Owl, Glossy Ibis, Spotted Harrier, Speckled Boobook, Sombre Pigeon, Grey-headed Imperial Pigeon, Satanic Nightjar, Greater Myza, Hylocitrea, Mountain Serin, Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher, Green-backed Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Great-billed Kingfisher, Red-bellied Pitta, Ruddy Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Red-knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Ochre-bellied Boobook, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Bay Coucal, Lesser Coucal, Sulawesi Hawk-Eagle, Sulawesi Serpent Eagle, Black Eagle, Black Kite, Sulawesi Cicadabird, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, Sulawesi Triller, Purple-winged Roller, Ashy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Woodpecker, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Ornate Lorikeet, Golden-mantled Racquet-tail, Blue-backed Parrot, Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit Dove, Green Imperial Pigeon, White-bellied Imperial Pigeon, Silver-tipped Imperial Pigeon, Sulawesi Black Pigeon, Stephan’s Dove, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Philippine Scrubfowl, Barred Rail, Isabelline Bush-hen, White-rumped Cuckooshrike, Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Osprey, Great Frigatebird, Lesser Frigatebird, Pacific Reef Egret, Common Dollarbird, Striated Heron, Little Tern, Sacred Kingfisher, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Purple Heron, Blue-and-white Kingfisher, Moluccan Dwarf Kingfisher, Beach Kingfisher, Sombre Kingfisher, Moluccan Flycatcher, Golden Whistler, Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise, Ivory-breasted Pitta, North Moluccan Pitta, Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise, Red Bird-of-Paradise, Western Crowned Pigeon, Papuan Pitta, Hooded Pitta, Black-billed Sicklebill, Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise, Crescent-caped Lophorina, Western Parotia, Vogelkop Bowerbird, White-striped Forest Rail, Spotted Jewel-babbler, Pesquet’s Parrot, Arfak Honeyeater, Arfak Catbird, Vogelkop Melidectes, Vogelkop Whistler, Vogelkop Scrubwren, Papuan Eagle, Black-mantled Goshawk, Masked Bowerbird, Black-capped Lory, Pale-billed Sicklebill, Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise.
Tour Cost
Tour Cost : USD 7100 Pp
Single Room Supplement: USD 610
Tour Cost: USD 7,100 per person (based on twin-share accommodation)
Please note: If you are a solo traveller and we are unable to match you with a suitable guest to share a room, the single supplement will apply.
While we strive to provide comfort and consistency throughout the tour, several nights will be spent in basic homestays in remote areas. These may include squat toilets, no Wi-Fi, and limited electricity, offering a truly immersive experience in some of Indonesia’s most untouched wilderness regions.
Tour Dates: All dates mentioned are subject to minor adjustments due to flight schedules, weather conditions, or local logistics.
Special Notes
Included & Excluded
- Tour Inclusions:
- Accommodation throughout the tour on a twin-share basis
- All internal flights: Makassar–Palu, Palu–Makassar–Manado, Manado–Ternate, Ternate–Manado, Manado–Sorong, Sorong–Manokwari, Manokwari–Jayapura
- All land transportation and transfers as per itinerary
- All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
- National park and reserve entry fees
- Community-based tourism and village site entry fees
- Forest rangers and area-specific local guides
- Professional English-speaking birding guide throughout the tour
- Conservation and permit charges
- Bottled mineral water during travel
- Tour Exclusions:
- International flights to/from Indonesia (Jakarta, Bali, or other ports of entry)
- Domestic flights not listed in the inclusions (e.g., Jakarta–Makassar, Jayapura–Jakarta)
- Personal travel insurance and medical coverage
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and snacks not included in the main meals
- Laundry, personal expenses, telephone/internet usage at hotels
- Tips for guides, drivers, porters (optional but appreciated)
- Any costs incurred due to unforeseen delays, weather, or force majeure
Tour Map
Extras & Tools
Read, Watch, or Listen About the Tour
