North Sulawesi Birding
Explore North Sulawesi on a 7-day birding trip covering Tangkoko, Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park and Gunung Mahawu, with opportunities to see Maleo, Sulawesi Pitta, Scaly Kingfisher and Sulawesi Nightjar.
Trip Overview
From the Forests of Tangkoko to the Highlands of Gunung Mahawu
This 7-day North Sulawesi Birding Trip is designed around some of the region's key birding landscapes, combining the wildlife-rich forests of Tangkoko Nature Reserve, the lowland habitats around Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park and the highland forest of Gunung Mahawu.
The journey begins in Manado and heads directly to Tangkoko, where several days are dedicated to forest and mangrove birding, along with opportunities to observe mammals. From Tangkoko, the route continues toward Kotamobagu and Tambun, with an early-morning visit to Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park in search of the Maleo. The final part of the trip takes you into the highlands around Tomohon and Gunung Mahawu, where the itinerary includes opportunities for Sulawesi Pitta, Scaly Kingfisher and a night-birding session for the Sulawesi Scops Owl, Sulawesi Nightjar, Sulawesi Maked Owl.
This is an active birding trip with early starts, forest walks, roadside birding, boat-based exploration and night birding. The route is compact enough to focus on North Sulawesi while still covering several distinct habitats.
Trip Highlights
- Tangkoko Nature Reserve and
- its endemic and specialty birdlife
- Two full days of birding around Tangkoko
- Mangrove birding by traditional outrigger boat
- Forest and mammal watching in Tangkoko
- Temboan Hills roadside birding
- Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park
- Early-morning search for the Maleo
- Highland birding around Gunung Mahawu
- Search for Sulawesi Pitta
- Search for Scaly Kingfisher
- Night birding for the Sulawesi Nightjar, Sulawesi Scops Owl, Sulawesi Masked Owl
- Local birding guides and accommodation close to the main birding areas
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Manado – Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Days 2–3: Birding in Tangkoko
Day 4: Tangkoko – Kotamobagu
Day 5: Kotamobagu – Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park
Day 6: Kotamobagu – Tomohon – Gunung Mahawu
Day 7: Gunung Mahawu – Manado
North Sulawesi Birding
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Manado – Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Your North Sulawesi birding adventure begins with airport pick-up in Manado and a transfer to Tangkoko Nature Reserve.
After arriving in Tangkoko, meet the local bird guide and begin exploring the area. The first afternoon provides an opportunity to start birding and observing mammals around the reserve before checking in at Tangkoko Hill Villa.
Enjoy dinner and settle in for the first night near the forest.
Overnight: Tangkoko Hill Villa
Meals: Dinner included.
Days 2–3: Birding in Tangkoko
Spend two full days exploring Tangkoko Nature Reserve, focusing on the area's endemic and specialty bird species.
The birding is not limited to the forest. Part of the exploration takes place in the mangrove forest by outrigger boat, offering a different perspective and additional opportunities to observe birds and wildlife.
These two days provide time to explore the Tangkoko area without rushing from one site to another.
Overnight: Tangkoko Hill Villa or similar accommodation near the park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 4: Tangkoko – Kotamobagu
After breakfast, begin the day with birding along the Temboan Hills roadside.
This session provides another opportunity to search for bird species that may have been missed during the previous days in Tangkoko.
After birding, continue by road toward Kotamobagu, a journey of approximately 5–6 hours. Kotamobagu is located close to Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, making it a practical base for the following day's early start.
Check in at the hotel and take some time to rest.
Overnight: Sutanraja Hotel, Kotamobagu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 5: Kotamobagu – Tambun – Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park
The day starts early, around 04:00, with a drive of approximately 1.5 hours to Tambun.
Upon arrival at Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, spend the morning birding in the park with the main target being the Maleo, along with other bird species that may not have been encountered earlier in the trip.
After the morning birding session, return to the accommodation in Kotamobagu.
Overnight: Sutanraja Hotel, Kotamobagu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6: Kotamobagu – Tomohon – Gunung Mahawu
After breakfast, depart around 07:00 for the drive to Tomohon. The journey takes approximately six hours.
After arriving in Tomohon, continue into the Gunung Mahawu forest for highland birding.
The evening brings a different type of birding experience with a night session focused on finding the Diabolical Nightjar.
Overnight: Villa Emitta, Tomohon
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 7: Gunung Mahawu – Manado
Enjoy a final morning of birding around Gunung Mahawu.
The day's target birds include the Sulawesi Pitta and Scaly Kingfisher, along with other highland bird species.
After the morning birding session, descend toward Manado and check in at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Near Aiport
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
The tour services end after the final overnight in Manado.