8-Day North Sulawesi Birding Tour
An eight-day North Sulawesi birding journey linking Tangkoko, coastal mangroves, Mount Mahawu, Tomohon and active Maleo habitat at Tambun or Muara Pusian.
About this tour
Travel from Manado through several of North Sulawesi's contrasting birding areas on an eight-day route led by Indonesia Bird Guide. The program begins with an approximately ninety-minute transfer from Manado Airport to Tangkoko, continues through Temboan Hill and a short mangrove boat outing, then moves inland to Mount Mahawu, Tomohon and Kotamobagu before a focused search for Maleo.
Two full days in Tangkoko provide time for forest birding. The mixed fourth day combines Temboan Hill with a local-boat mangrove session of about thirty minutes. The transfer from Tangkoko to Tomohon takes approximately two hours. After higher-elevation birding around Mount Mahawu, the route continues for about five hours toward Kotamobagu, with birding along the way.
The Maleo visit uses either Tambun Maleo Sanctuary or Muara Pusian Maleo Sanctuary. The guide chooses the site according to current Maleo activity. The planned stays are a lodge or cottage in Tangkoko, Villa Emita Hotel in Tomohon and Sutan Raja Hotel in Kotamobagu.
Possible targets include Maleo, Red-knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Pitta, Sulawesi Scops-Owl, Sulawesi Myzomela, Yellow-billed Malkoha and several endemic kingfishers. Sightings are not guaranteed. The guide may adjust timing, site order or transfers because of weather, access, domestic-flight schedules and current bird activity.
The quoted tour price is USD 1,960 per person for a group of six to eight participants. The single supplement is USD 50 per person per day. BirdWatch.info will coordinate availability and the final written arrangements with Indonesia Bird Guide.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Indonesia.
Itinerary
Day 1
Manado to Tangkoko
Meet the guide at Manado Airport and drive about ninety minutes to Tangkoko. Check in near the reserve and prepare for the first full forest sessions.
Day 2
Tangkoko forest birding
Begin early and spend the day birding in Tangkoko's lowland forest. The guide selects trails and observation areas according to current bird activity and access.
Day 3
Second full day in Tangkoko
Return to Tangkoko for another full day, allowing more time for endemic forest birds and species missed during the first session.
Day 4
Temboan Hill and mangrove birding
Bird Temboan Hill in the early morning, then return for a midday break. In the afternoon, continue by local boat through the mangrove area for a session of about thirty minutes.
Day 5
Mount Mahawu and Tomohon
Check out early and travel approximately two hours from Tangkoko to Tomohon. Spend the main birding period around Mount Mahawu before an overnight stay at Villa Emita Hotel.
Day 6
Tomohon to Kotamobagu
Continue birding around Tomohon in the morning. Travel about five hours toward Kotamobagu, birding along the way where time and conditions allow, then stay at Sutan Raja Hotel.
Day 7
Maleo search at Tambun or Muara Pusian
Leave early for either Tambun Maleo Sanctuary or Muara Pusian Maleo Sanctuary. The guide selects the site according to current Maleo activity. After the field session, return to Manado for the final overnight.
Day 8
Manado departure
Check out and transfer to Manado Airport for the onward flight. The exact transfer time is coordinated with the confirmed itinerary and domestic-flight schedule.
Locations & map
- Tangkoko and North Sulawesi route - North Sulawesi Indonesia (A broad route from lowland and mangrove habitat to upland sites; exact conditions vary by location.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available on request; timing may change with weather, access, flights and current bird activity.
Included
- Private road transport - Car, fuel, parking fees and private driver.
- Twin-share accommodation - Shared twin room.
- Bird-hide fees
- Local landowner fees
- Local fishing boat - For the planned mangrove outing.
- Meals - Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Mineral water
- National park entrance fees - Entrance fees for every national park in the confirmed itinerary.
- English-speaking guide
- Snacks and hot drinks - Snacks, coffee, tea and milk.
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Guide and porter tips
- Porter fees
- Soft drinks
- Laundry service
- Alcoholic drinks
Transport & stays
Accommodations
- Tangkoko lodge or cottage (days 1-4)
- Villa Emita Hotel (day 5)
- Sutan Raja Hotel (day 6)
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are the listed birds guaranteed?
No. The species list describes possible targets. Sightings depend on season, weather, access and current bird activity.
What is the current price and group size?
The quoted price is USD 1,960 per person for six to eight participants. The single supplement is USD 50 per person per day. Send an inquiry through BirdWatch.info to confirm availability and the final written arrangement.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.