Halmahera Birding

Day 1: Fly to Ternate – Sidangoli – Jailolo

Arrive in Ternate and begin the journey to Halmahera by speedboat. The crossing to Sidangoli takes approximately one hour.  After lunch, drive to KM12 and hike to a birding hide. The first major target is the Ivory-breasted Pitta, with an opportunity to observe and photograph this species from the hide.  Continue birding along the roadside before an evening night-birding session in search of the Moluccan Scops-Owl.  After the night session, continue by road for approximately one hour to Jailolo.  Overnight: Villa Gaba, Jailolo.

Day 2: Jailolo – Sidangoli – Binagara / Aketajawi-Lolobata National Park

Start early with a visit to a hide in search of the North Moluccan Pitta.  From there, continue to another hide for a second opportunity to find the Ivory-breasted Pitta if it was missed on the previous day.  Continue toward Binagara, with birding opportunities along the road. Target species include Goliath Coucal, Moluccan Cuckooshrike, Rufous-bellied Triller, Grey-headed Fruit-Dove, Halmahera Goshawk and other species.  After lunch in Ekor, return to the homestay and prepare for the forest section of the expedition. Pack only a small daypack with essential clothing, insect repellent, personal medical supplies and other necessities.  In the afternoon, hike for approximately 1.5 hours through the forest to reach a riverside campsite prepared by the local guides.  A major highlight follows at Aketajawi-Lolobata National Park, where the itinerary provides an opportunity to observe and photograph Wallace's Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise from a viewing platform while the birds display.  If weather conditions permit and there is no rain, a night safari will also be conducted in search of mammals including Wild Pig and Ornate Cuscus.  Overnight: Campsite.

Day 3: Aketajawi-Lolobata National Park – Gunung Roni – Subaim

The day begins at approximately 04:30.  Hike for around 1.5 hours to reach the viewing platform and spend the morning observing and photographing Wallace's Standardwing Bird-of-Paradise during its display.  At approximately 08:00, walk back to the campsite, pack the equipment and hike back toward Binagara for lunch.  After lunch, collect the remaining belongings from the homestay before continuing by road toward Gunung Roni.  The journey provides further roadside birding opportunities, with possible targets including Azure Dollarbird, Moluccan Imperial-Pigeon, Drab Whistler, Scarlet-breasted Fruit-Dove, Dusky Myzomela, Chattering Lory, Violet-necked Lory, Great-billed Parrot, Halmahera Flowerpecker, Gurney's Eagle and Halmahera Goshawk.  Continue to Subaim and rest before an evening night-birding session targeting Large-tailed Nightjar and Halmahera Boobook.  Overnight: Wisma Kita Homestay, Subaim.

Day 4: Subaim – Gunung Uni-Uni / Buli Roadside

Depart early and drive toward Gunung Uni-Uni.  The morning is spent birding along the Buli roadside, providing another opportunity to look for several Halmahera specialties.  Target species include Chattering Lory, Violet-necked Lory, Red-flanked Lorikeet, Moluccan Hanging-Parrot, Great-billed Parrot, White Cockatoo, Scarlet-breasted Fruit-Dove, Dusky Scrubfowl and Gurney's Eagle.  After lunch, continue toward Gunung Uni-Uni for another opportunity to search for species that may have been missed earlier in the expedition.  Overnight: Wisma Kita Homestay, Subaim.

Day 5: Subaim – Gunung Roni – Sidangoli – Ternate

After breakfast, drive back toward Gunung Roni for another birding session and a final opportunity to search for species missed during the previous days.  Continue toward Sidangoli, then cross back to Ternate by speedboat or ferry.  In the evening, conduct a night safari around the Villa Marasai forest, searching for the Blue-eyed Cuscus.  Overnight: Villa Marasai, Ternate.

Day 6: Ternate – Fly Home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight home.  End of tour services.