Birding Tour in Sonder of Minahasa Highland, The Province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia: A Beautiful Destination for Birdwatchers

If you’re a birding enthusiast looking to discover the breathtaking beauty of North Sulawesi, a birding tour to Sonder in Minahasa highland should be at the top of your list. This region, rich in biodiversity, is home to a wide variety of unique and endemic bird species. From the lush Talikuran Rice Field to the towering peaks of Mount Lengkoan, Kecamatan (Subdistrict) Sonder offers a unique birdwatching experience.

Birds in Sonder of Minahasa regency, Indonesia

In this guide, we’ll take you on a birding tour through Talikuran Rice Field, Lalek forest, Lahendong - Rambunan Slopes, Tounelet Slope, Kengkang Waterfall, and Mount Lengkoan—each location offering its own distinct habitats and bird species. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a beginner, this tour will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Birding Tour Program: Exploring Sonder’s Natural Wonders

Day 1: Tounelet Slope, Talikuran Rice Field, Lalek Farm Forest

Morning: Birdwatching at Tounelet Slope

Next, head to the Tounelet Slope, a lush and mountainous area located near Sonder’s heart. This region offers a completely different landscape, with tropical trees providing habitat for both lowland and montane bird species. It’s an ideal spot for birders seeking a more immersive experience. Bird Species to Spot at Tounelet Slope:

• Sahul Sunbird
• Brown-throated Sunbird
• Sulawesi Cuckoo-Dove
• Black-naped Oriole
• Gray-sided Flowerpecker
• Pale Blue Monarch
• Chestnut Munia
• Yellow-billed Malkoha
• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• Pale Blue Monarch
• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
• Pygmy Hanging Parrot
• Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon
• Zebra Dove
• White-nest Swiftlet

Crimson Sunbird

Evening: Optional Night Walk for Nocturnal Birds

After a full day of birding, you can take a relaxing evening stroll. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a night walk to spot nocturnal birds like the Sulawesi Scops Owl, Minahasa-masked Owl and Speckled Boobook.

Speckled Boobook in North Sulawesi

Afternoon: Birdwatching at Lalek Forest and

Talikuran Rice Field

Your birding adventure begins at Talikuran Rice Field and Lalek Forest, a peaceful agricultural area surrounded by forest trees, wetlands and grasslands. The late afternoon walk hours provide the best opportunity for birding, as many species are active and visible. The rice fields attract a variety of birds, especiall the wetland species.

Bird Species to Spot at Talikuran Rice Fields include:

• White-browed Crake
• Barred Rail
• Buff-banded Rail
• Javan Pond Heron
• Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis)
• Little Egret
• Cattle Egret
• Chestnut Munia
• Scaly-breasted Munia
• White-breasted Woodswallow
• Collared Kingfisher
• Barn Swallow

In the nearby Lalek forest, we could look for

• Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
• Pale Blue Monarch
• Sulawesi Drongo
• Isabelline Bush-hen
• Black-naped Oriole
• Sulawesi Crow
• Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo
• Sulawesi Babbler
• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

Day 2: Mount Lengkoan & Kengkang Waterfall

Morning: Mount Lengkoan Birdwatching Hike

The morning time is perfect for a hike up Mount Lengkoan, one of the peaks in the region. The hike offers natural views of forest and farmland and the opportunity to observe montane bird species unique to the higher altitudes of Sulawesi. A full-day trek will give you the chance to see some of Sulawesi's most rare and sought-after birds.

Bird Species to Spot at Mount Lengkoan:

• Yellow-breasted Racket-tail
• Warbling White-eye
• Black-crowned White-eye
• Sulawesi Myzomela
• Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher
• Crimson Sunbird
• Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
• Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
• White-breasted Woodswallow
• Glossy Swiftlet
• Black Kite
• Sulawesi Serpent Eagle
• Sulawesi Goshawk
• Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove
• White-faced Cuckoo-dove
• Superb Fruit-dove
• Gray Wagtail

Black-crowned White-eye

Evening: Sunset at Mount Lengkoan

Conclude the day by enjoying a magnificent sunset from the peak of Mount Lengkoan. Afterward, descend back to your accommodation for a restful evening.

Start the afternoon day at the Kengkang Waterfall, a stunning natural attraction surrounded by lush forests. The cool mist from the waterfall creates an ideal environment for spotting various forest-dwelling bird species. The area is home to a mix of water-loving and woodland birds, so keep your binoculars ready.

Bird Species to Spot at Kengkang Waterfall:

• Pale-blue Monarch
• Black-faced Munia
• Yellow-billed Malkoha
• Green Imperial Pigeon
• Sulawesi-crested Myna
• White-rumped Triller
• Sulawesi Serpent Eagle
• Bay Coucal

Bay Coucal

Day 3: Optional Birding Extensions or Relaxation

If you’re not ready to end your birding tour, consider exploring additional sites around Sonder. Some recommended extensions include:

Lake Linow, a hotspot for waterbirds and migratory species.

Local Village Birdwatching, where you can experience rural life while spotting common village birds such as Sooty-headed Bulbul, Eaurasian Tree Sparrow, Black-crowned White-eye, Chestnut Munia, Cattle Egret and Little Egret.

Alternatively, you can take a more relaxed day, enjoying the natural beauty of the area without the pressure of a full hike or birding session.

Essential Tips for Birdwatching in Sonder, Sulawesi

Best Time to Visit: Birding can be done all year round. The dryer season, from April to early November, offers the better birding conditions with fewer rain showers and clear skies.

Gear You’ll Need: A pair of high-quality binoculars, a camera with a good zoom lens, and a spotting scope (not a must but could enhance your birding experience. 

Hire a Local Guide: To make the most of your birdwatching experience, consider hiring a local guide who knows the area and its birds well.

Finch-billed Myna

Why Sonder of North Sulawesi is a Birdwatching Paradise?

Sonder offers an exceptional birding experience for nature lovers, featuring a mix of wetland, forest, and mountainous habitats. The region’s varied landscapes provide birdwatchers with the chance to spot both common and rare species that are endemic to Sulawesi. With its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity, Sonder is one of the top birdwatching destinations in North Sulawesi province of Indonesia.

If you’re looking to explore one of Sulawesi's most biodiverse regions, a birding tour in Sonder will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Whether you're trekking the slopes of Mount Lengkoan, watching waterbirds at Kengkang Waterfall, or observing the rich wildlife in Talikuran Rice Field, every moment will be a highlight of your adventure.

Ready to embark on your birdwatching journey in Sonder? Pack your binoculars and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in North Sulawesi—a true paradise for bird lovers!

Flight Routes to Manado city

To take this birding tour in Sonder of Minahasa highland and snorkeling tour in Bunaken islands, tour participants need to fly to Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province. Direct flight from Singapore and Manado is served by Scoot Air. For visitors who fly from Guangzhou to Manado, the flights are served by TransNusa and China Southern Airlines. For visitors who are already in Indonesia, they can fly from any major cities in such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Ternate, and Sorong by Garuda, Lion Air, Batik Air, SuperAirjet, and Wings Air. 

Flight routes to Manado city

Where is Sonder and how to go there?

Sonder is a small subdistrict town that is located in Minahasa regency of Indonesia. It can be reached by car from Manado city for approximately 1 hour. 

Car route between Manado city and Sonder

Booking

Please, contact me: Charles Roring by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:

Also read:

• Birds in Tounelet Slope of Subdistrict Sonder, North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia
• Birding in Sonder and Tomohon of Minahasa Highland
• Birds in Sonder of the Province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia
• Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Sonder and Mount Mahawu of Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia
• Butterfly watching in Sonder town of Minahasa Highland
• Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder town of Minahasa Highland

Birds in Tounelet Slope of Subdistrict Sonder, North Sulawesi

Tounelet slope in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa regency is one of the birdwatching sites that can easily be reached by car or by motorcycle. During the whole day, the road in this slope is quite busy with cars and motorcyles going up and down the slope. Birdwatchers must avoid walking on the road. Birding from the sidewalk is much safer and can prevent any road accidents. 

Birding in this small forest area could be done in the mornings, and late afternoons before sunset. Some of the birds that visitors could find include:

Some birds in Tounelet Slope of Subdistrict Sonder, Minahasa regency

Sooty-headed Bulbul, Gray-headed Green Pigeon, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Zebra Dove, Sahul Sunbird, Brown-throated Sunbird, Yellow-billed Malkoha, Cattle Egret, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Barred Rail, Pale Blue Monarch, Black-naped Oriole, and Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo, Glossy Swiftlet, White-nest Swiftlet and etc. 

Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker in Tounelet Slope of Subdistrict Sonder

After watching birds in Tounelet Slope, visitors could continue their birding tour in Subdistrict Sonder by visiting rice field areas in Talikuran village or Tounelet village to see Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Javan Pond Heron, White-browed Crake, White-breasted Waterhen, Isabelline Bush-hen, White-breasted Woodswallow, Collared Kingfisher, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eyed), and etc. 

To see more birds of Sulawesi, visitors could go to Mount Lengkoan farm forest of Subdistrict Sonder. Birds that can be watched in this forest include Sulawesi Myzomela, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Superb Fruit-dove, Crimson Sunbird, Black Sunbird, Superb Fruit-dove, White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Sulawesi Drongo, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher and etc. 

Sooty-headed Bulbul

The duration of birding tour in Minahasa highland is usually between 3 to 4 days. The tour will include trips to Mount Mahawu in Tomohon and Lake Linow in Lahendong; Mount Lengkoan, Tounelet Slope, Rice field and farm forest of Lalek as well as Rambunan village in Subdistrict Sonder. 

Visitors need to bring a good pair of binoculars to watch birds in distant trees. As a birding guide, I usually bring a spotting scope that is mounted on a tripod.

The small town of Sonder in Minahasa regency of Indonesia

Flying to Manado city

To take birding and sightseeing tour in Minahasa highland, visitors need to fly to Sam Ratulangi Airport of Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. There are regular flights that connect Singapore and Manado city served by Scoot Air. There are also flights that connect Manado and Guangzhou that are served by China Southern Airlines and Trans Nusa. Manado city can also be reached from major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Ternate and Sorong city. These domestic flights are served by Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air,  Super Airjet, Batik Air, and Trans Nusa.

ARJ 21 of TransNusa Airline at Sam Ratulangi Airport of Manado city

Traveling to North Sulawesi

For accommodation, visitors could stay in the homestays of Sonder town or in the hotels in Tomohon town. 

To boom your birding tour in Minahasa highland, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:

Also read:

• Snorkeling at the Shore of Bunaken, Hiking in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Snorkeling in Bunaken: Exploring the Underwater Wonders of North Sulawesi
• Exploring the Wonders of Bunaken: A Marine Tour Adventure
• Butterfly watching tour in the Suburb of Manado city

Minahasa Highland Tour: Hiking in the Mountains, through the villages and farmland of North Sulawesi

Minahasa highland is a beautiful destination for visitors who love nature. The best way to explore it is by taking a hiking tour that allows participants to see its mountains, villages and farmlands. To take this tour, visitors need to fly from their countries to Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. 

From Manado city, visitors could continue their trip, accompanied by local guides, to Tomohon town which is the main gate for exploring Minahasa land. 

Rice field in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa

The first place that we could visit is Mount Mahawu. It can be reached by car from Tomohon in around 30 minutes of less. After that visitors could start walking up the slopes to the edge of the crater. In the morning fog still covers the crater. The temperature is quite cold. The wind is often strong at this high elevation area. From the top of the volcano, visitors could see the other mountains of Minahasa such as Mount Lokon, Mount Klabat, Mount Soputan and Mount Dua Sudara. Some part of Tondano town and its lake could also be seen. After enjoying the beautiful landscape of Minahasa peninsula, visitors could walk down the slope while watching birds and butterflies that thrive in the rainforest. 

The trip could be continued to Sonder where visitors could enjoy hiking through forest, farmland and villages between Tomohon and Sonder. 

Between Tomohon and Subdistrict town of Sonder, there are villages. Hiking down the slopes on certain part of the road allows visitors to see the beautiful landscape of Minahasa highland, and the agricultural crops that grow on both sides of the road and interact with local villagers. 

Agricultural crops in Minahasa highland

Villagers grow clove, aren tree, rambutan, coconut, durian, duku, banana, avocado, and a lot of other food crops in their farmland. Corn, peanut, green bean, sweet potato, rice, as well as vegetable plants economically support the livelihood of the Minahasan farmers.

The grain and fruit crops attract animals such as birds. So, visitors who explore the highland of Minahasa by hiking through its farmland and villages will be able to watch birds along the way. 

If you are interested in taking a hiking tour in Minahasa highland, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Minahasa Highland Tour: Birdwatching in Tomohon and Sonder of North Sulawesi

Sulawesi island in Indonesia is considered as one of the most popular destinations for visitors who are keen on birdwatching. There are 169 species of birds that are endemic to Sulawesi island. It is the highest in Indonesia. 

Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-billed Malkoha, White-browed Crake, Crimson Sunbird, Sahul Sunbird

Minahasa highland, located in the Province of  North Sulawesi, has got a number of places which visitors can go to enjoy birdwatching. One of them is Mount Mahawu. Its forest is the habitat of such birds as Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Sulawesi Myzomela, Warbling White-eye, Crimson Sunbird, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Superb Fruit-dove, and etc. 

Birding activity could carried out early in the morning at 06:00. However, fog often covers the top area of the volcano until around 07:00. So, the recommended time to start morning birding in Mount Mahawu is around 07:00 or 07:30 when the fog has disappeared. Another birding site in Minahasa highland is Lake Linow. This volcanogenic lake is the habitat of a lot of water birds including White-breasted Waterhen, Javan Pond Heron, Little Egret, Eastern Cattle Egret, Barn Swallow, Sunda Teal, Wood Sandpiper, Australasian Swamphen, White-breasted Waterhen, Barred Rail, Isabelline Bush-hen, Collared Kingfisher and etc.

Warbling White-eye

After exploring birding sites in Tomohon, we could continue our trip to Sonder. The higher elevation forest of Mount Lengkoan is the habitat of a lot of interesting species of birds such as Sulawesi Drongo, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, White-faced Cuckoo-dove, Black-crowned White-eye, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Sulawesi Myzomela, Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Black Kite, Sulawesi Scops Owl, and etc. 

Pygmy Woodpeckee

Sonder is surrounded by agricultural area which is a good site to watch Finch-billed Myna, Bay Coucal, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eyed), Black-naped Oriole, Zebra Dove, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Pale Blue Monarch, Chestnut Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Black-faced Munia, White-breasted Woodswallow, and etc.

The slopes between Tomohon and Sonder are covered by forest and agricultural plants. They are the habitat of Bay Coucal, Hair-crested Drongo (white-eyed), Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Black-billed Koel, Collared Kingfisher, and etc. Visitors could explore the slope by walking along the roadside. The best time for roadsode birding is early in the morning at around 06:00. 

How to get to Tomohon?

Tomohon is a town in Minahasa highland. It can be reached by car from the airport of Manado city in about 1 hour. Visitors need to fly from their country to Manado city. There is direct flight from Singapore to Manado. There is also direct flight from Guangzhou to Manado city. Every day there are regular flights between Manado city and some major Indonesian cities. They are served by Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, and TransNusa.

Flight routes from some Indonesian cities to Manado

Road that connects Manado city - Tomohon and Sonder

If you are interested in taking a Minahasa highland tour with emphasis on birdwatching, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

Birding in Sonder of Minahasa Highland: A beautiful destination for birdwatchers.

Birding in Tangkoko

Lowland Forest and Coastal Area of Tangkoko

The tropical rainforest of Tangkoko Nature Reserve is the habitat of hundreds of species of tropical birds. Some of them include Green Imperial Pigeon,  Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Black-naped Fruit-dove, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove, Green-backed Kingfisher, Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Great-billed Kingfisher, White-necked Myna, Finch-billed Myna, Sulawesi-crested Myna, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Sahul Sunbird, Ashy Woodpecker, Spot-tailed Goshawk, Brown-throated Sunbird, Sooty-headed Bulbul, and etc. 

Most birdwatchers will need to walk under the canopy of the thick forest of Tangkoko to see most of the above birds. 

Another birding site in Tangkoko that is good for watching birds that like to sit on the canopy of the forest is Temboan Hill. Birds that could be watched and photographed from this hill include Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, Black-naped Oriole, Golden-mantled Racquet-tail, Yellow-breasted Racquet-tail, Black-billed Koel, Sulawesi Cicadabird, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot and Pygmy Hanging Parrot.

Some birds in Tangkoko's Forest

Birds such as Great-billed Kingfisher, White-rumped Cuckooshrike, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Lesser and Greater Frigatebirds, Pied Imperial Pigeon are usually watched along the coastal area. 

Speckled Boobook at the edge of Tangkoko's forest

A trip by a motorized boat to Naun river is usually conducted by tour organizer to increase the chance for tour participants to watch the Great-billed Kingfisher. 

In addition to watching birds, visitors who go to Tangkoko can also watch other animals such as Gursky's Spectral Tarsier, Celebes-crested Macaque, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, and Northern Dwarf Squirrel, and etc. Various species of butterflies could also be watched there. They include: Common Birdwing, Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly, The Clipper and Lime Swallowtail. For visitors who are keen on butterfly watching and insect watching, the farmland near Manado city and the hills of Subdistrict Sonder are good places for that purpose.

The duration of this birding and wildlife watching activity in Tangkoko is usually 3 to 4 days. 

High Elevation Forest of Minahasa Highland

After completing the birding tour in Tangkoko, the tour to watch tropical birds of Sulawesi could be continued to Tomohon town for another 3 to 4 days in Minahasa highland to look for Superb Fruit-dove, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Turquoise Flycatcher, Warbling White-eye and etc.. A lot of endemic birds could be watched in this region too. They include: Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Sulawesi Pitta, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Black-crowned White-eye, Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Sulawesi Scops Owl, Speckled Boobook, and Sulawesi Masked Owl. 

Scaly-breasted Kingfisher in Mount Mahawu

Birding activities in Minahasa highland will be conducted in Mount Mahawu of Tomohon, Mount Lengkoan of Sonder, and farm forest between Tomohon and Sonder as well as Lake Linow, wetland ricefield and waterfall areas of Sonder.

 

Marine Tour to Bunaken Islands

For tour participants who want to combine this birding tour and marine tour, a trip to Bunaken islands can be added in the itinerary to see the seascape of tropical islands of Bunaken, Siladen and Nain Atol as well as to see the wealth of the marine biodiversity coral reef through snorkeling and scuba diving. 

Booking

If you are interested in taking a birding tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa highland, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Also read:

• Bird Photography Tour in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu, and Sonder's Farm Forest
• Wildlife Watching in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Minahasa Highland
• Birds in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland 
• Some Bird List for Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve and Mount Mahawu of Minahasa Highland
• Wildlife watching and photography tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland

Birding in Sonder and Tomohon of Minahasa Highland, Snorkeling in Bunaken Islands of North Sulawesi

Sonder is a small subdistrict town in Minahasa highland. It is a new destination for visitors who love exploring mountainous region whose land is covered by forest, and farmland.

Farm Tour -  Talking a walking tour along this farm area will allow tour participants to see various kinds of agricultural crops that are being grown by local farmers, meet local villagers in their daily life and watch birds and butterflies that thrive in the farm forest of Subdistrict Sonder. Local farmers grow vegetables, fruits, beans and grain such as: cabbage, spring onion, spinach, carrot, tomato, chilli, cucumber, pumpkin, chayote, rambutan, mango, avocado, rice, corn, peanuts, and red bean. They also grow agricultural industrial crops such as vanilla, clove, nutmeg and patchouli. 

Birdwatching Tour - Hiking, sightseeing, birdwatching are popular activities which tourists can do while spending their holiday in North Sulawesi. They could see various species of birds. Some of them are listed below:

Birds in the Farm Forest of Subdistrict Sonder

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot

• Bay Coucal
• Black-billed Koel
• Sulawesi Drongo
• Hair-crested Drongo (White-eyed)
• Sulawesi Scops Owl
• Sahul Sunbird
• Brown-throated Sunbird
• Crimson Sunbird
• Black Sunbird
• Gray-sided Flowerpecker
• Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
• Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker
• Sulawesi Myzomela
• Warbling White-eye
• Black-crowned White-eye
• Barred Rail
• Black-naped Oriole
• Pale Blue Monarch
• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
• Pygmy Hanging Parrot
• Purple Heron
• Yellow-billed Malkoha
• Javan Pond Heron
• Little Egret
• Cattle Egret
• Barred Rail
• Buff-banded Rail
• Isabelline Bush-hen
• White-browed Crake
• Collared Kingfisher
• Finch-billed Myna
• Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon
• Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove
• Green Imperial Pigeon
• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• White-breasted Woodswallow
• Sulawesi Crow
• Black Kite, 
• Chestnut Eggs
• Scaly-breasted Munia
• Black-faced Munia
• Eurasian Treesparrow, 
• Grey-rumped Treeswift
• Glossy Swiftlet
• White-nest Swiftlet
• Barn Swallow
• and etc.

European visitors were watching birds in Sonder of Minahasa highland

Butterfly Watching -The forest, dry farmland, wet rice field and waterfall areas of Sonder are the habitat of a lot of species of butterflies. Exploring these places on foot will allow tour participants to see such butterflies as Helena's Birdwing, The Clipper, Blanchard's Tree Nymph, Blanchard's Tree Nymph, Meyer's Jay, and etc.

Flowers and butterfly in Subdistrict Sonder

Butterflywatching and birdwatching at the Outskirts of Manado City

Manado is the capital of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It is the destination for visitors who want to spend their holiday in Bunaken Marine National Park and Tangkoko Nature Reserve or Minahasa Highland. 

Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly

Manado city itself is surrounded by villages, farmland and forest. For visitors who are interested in nature, they could enjoy hiking, butterflywatching and birdwatching at the outskirts of Manado city. Various species of butterflies could be seen at the farm forest of Manado city. They include Gigon Swallowtail, The Clipper, Helena's Birdwing, Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly, and Lime Swallowtail. 

Blanchard's Wood Nymph

For birds, there are Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Pacific Swallow, Sahul Sunbird, Pale Blue Monarch, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, Sulawesi Crow, Green Imperial Pigeon, Sooty-headed Bulbul, and etc. The duration of this butterfly watching and birdwatching tour is usually half day and can be extended to full day tour to other site of Manado city.

Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve

For visitors who are keen on watching more tropical birds of Sulawesi, they could spend 3 to 4 days of their holiday time in Tangkoko forest to watch birds and other wild animals of the nature reseve. 

As a tourist guide, I could organize an extended trip to Tangkoko Nature Reserve which is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes ride from Manado city depending on the road traffic condition. A lot of birds could be found in the forest of Tangkoko including Green-backed Kingfisher, Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, White-necked Myna,  Black-naped Fruit-dove, Gray-cheeked Green Pigeon, Yellow-breasted Racquet-tail, Golden-mantled Racquet-tail, and etc.

Knobbed Hornbill

Marine Tour in Bunaken Islands

After taking the hiking, farm tour, butterflywatching and birdwatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland, the tour will be continued to Bunaken Islands where visitors could walk along white sandy beach, swim in sea water and enjoy snorkeling over coral reef area.

A lot of marine creatures could be seen underwater including sea star, sea clam, sea cucumber, christmas tree worm, sea urchin, and various species of tropical fish such as grouper, parrotfish, wrasse, anemonefish, trevally, damsel, lionfish.

Nain Atoll Sandbank

To take pictures of the marine life, tour participants need to bring an underwater camera such as Nikon W300, Olympus TG-7 or Go Pro camera. 

Tour participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment such as the mask, snorkel and fins. They could also rent it from dive centers in Bunaken. 

Marine Tour in Bunaken Islands

Flight Routes to Manado city

To take this birding tour in Sonder of Minahasa highland and snorkeling tour in Bunaken islands, tour participants need to fly to Manado city which is the capital of North Sulawesi Province. Direct flight from Singapore and Manado is served by Scoot Air. For visitors who fly from Guangzhou to Manado, the flights are served by TransNusa and China Southern Airlines. For visitors who are already in Indonesia, they can fly from any major cities in such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Ternate, and Sorong by Garuda, Lion Air, Batik Air, SuperAirjet, and Wings Air. 

Flight routes to Manado city

Booking - If you are interested in traveling to Manado city of Indonesia and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.

Also read:

• Bird Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Bird List for Tangkoko Nature Reserve
• Birds in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Butterfly watching tour in the Suburb of Manado city