Sulawesi Birding Expedition
Tour OverviewSulawesi Birding Expedition
Discover the astonishing biodiversity of Sulawesi, one of Indonesia’s most unique islands, on this expertly guided 18-day birding and wildlife adventure. Journey through a diverse tapestry of lowland forests, highland montane zones, coastal wetlands, and mangrove systems—each teeming with endemics found nowhere else on Earth.
This expedition connects five major wildlife regions—from the dramatic limestone forests of Rammang-Rammang in the south, through the moss-draped ridges of Lore Lindu and the ancient salt flats of Donggala, to the mythical Nantu Forest where Babirusa and Anoa roam, and finally to the vibrant lowland rainforests of Tangkoko and volcanic slopes of Gunung Mahawu.
Guided by local experts, you’ll seek out dozens of Wallacean avian endemics like the Satanic Nightjar, Maleo, Purple-bearded Bee-eater, Sulawesi Pitta, and Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, while also encountering charismatic mammals like Tarsiers, Tonkean Macaques, and Bear Cuscus. Plus, a magical Whale Shark snorkeling experience in Gorontalo adds a marine highlight to the terrestrial bounty.
Whether you’re a dedicated birder or a wildlife traveler chasing rarity and spectacle, this Sulawesi journey offers once-in-a-lifetime natural encounters, deep cultural immersion, and conservation-focused travel at its best.
Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights
Start/End: Makassar – Manado
Group Size: Max 8 pax
Accommodation: Ecolodges, Homestays, Ranger Houses, Hotels
Best Season: March to October
Difficulty Level: Moderate
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Tour Details
Sulawesi Birding Expedition
Day 1: Arrival in Makassar – Rammang-Rammang Forest
Meet your guide and explore the limestone forest for Piping Crow, Sulawesi Pitta, White-necked Myna, and Moor Macaque. Optional night birding.
Overnight: Rammang-Rammang Ecolodge
Day 2: Karaenta Forest – Fly to Palu – Lore Lindu
Bird Karaenta for Sulawesi Hornbill and Black-headed Kingfisher. Fly to Palu and drive to Lore Lindu NP.
Overnight: Nasional Lodge
Day 3–5: Lore Lindu National Park
Explore Tambing Lake, Anaso Track, Wanga Wetlands, and surrounding roadsides for Geomalia, Hylocitrea, Myza, Nightjars, and Spot-tailed Sparrowhawk.
Overnights: Nasional Lodge & Kamarora Homestay
Day 6: Kadidia & Savanna Birding – Donggala
Target open country species and unique grassland birds like Pale-headed Munia, Savanna Nightjar, and Javan Plover.
Overnight: Anna Jazz Hotel
Day 7: Kebun Kopi – Tonkean Macaque Viewing
Early morning for endemic monkeys and endemic forest birds like Grosbeak Myna and White-necked Myna.
Overnight: Swiss-Belhotel Palu
Day 8: Fly to Gorontalo – Transfer to Nantu
Arrive in Gorontalo, get park permits, and continue to Purwosari village. Evening mammal viewing.
Overnight: Village Homestay
Day 9: Full Day at Nantu Forest
Watch Babirusa wallow, scan for Anoa, Hacky Macaque, and endemic birds.
Overnight: Village Homestay
Day 10: Morning Wildlife & Drive to Gorontalo
Morning birding or wildlife watching, return to Gorontalo.
Overnight: Grand Quality Hotel
Day 11: Whale Shark Snorkeling – Gorontalo
Outrigger boat trip and in-water encounter with Whale Sharks.
Overnight: Grand Quality Hotel
Day 12: Drive to Tambun via Kotamobagu
Long drive to Maleo nesting grounds with optional afternoon birding.
Overnight: Ranger Station (Basic)
Day 13: Maleo Observation – Kotamobagu
Observe nesting Maleo at dawn. Look for Blue-faced Rail and Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher.
Overnight: Sutanraja Hotel
Day 14: Kotamobagu to Tangkoko
Drive north to Tangkoko with afternoon mammal tracking for Crested Macaque, Tarsier, and Bear Cuscus.
Overnight: Tangkoko Hill Villa
Day 15: Full Day Birding in Tangkoko
Seek lowland specialties like Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher, Red-backed Thrush, Minahasa Racquet-tail, and Sulawesi Bush-hen.
Overnight: Tangkoko Hill Villa
Day 16: Temboan Hill & Mangrove Birding
Visit Temboan Hill and nearby mangroves for Kingfishers and Parrots. Night birding for Minahasa Masked Owl.
Overnight: Tangkoko Hill Villa
Day 17: Gunung Mahawu – Transfer to Manado
Final birding for highland species including the elusive Scaly-breasted Kingfisher.
Overnight: Novotel Manado
Day 18: Departure from Manado
Transfer to airport. End of tour.
Tour Price
Price Per Person: $4,250 – 4,600 (based on 4–6 participants)
Single Supplement: +$400
Custom quotes available for private or smaller group departures.
Included:
- All accommodations (hotels, ecolodges, homestays)
- All meals & drinking water
- Domestic flights: Makassar–Palu, Palu–Gorontalo
- Private ground transport with driver
- Experienced local birding & wildlife guide
- National park fees & permits
- Whale Shark tour & boat services
Excluded:
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Guide gratuities
Payment Terms & Conditions
To secure your reservation, a deposit of at least 50% of the total trip cost is required. Please note that your booking will remain tentative until this payment is received. We will hold your reservation for up to 7 days from the time of booking to allow time for the deposit transfer. If payment is not received within this period, we reserve the right to release the booking without further notice.
Booking Amendments:
Date changes may be accommodated after a deposit has been made, depending on availability at the time of the request.
Cancellation & Final Payment Policy
- Deposit: Non-refundable under any circumstances.
- No Show: Will incur a 100% cancellation charge.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days before your scheduled arrival date.
- All payments must be made in full and free of any bank or transfer fees, which are the responsibility of the sender.
Rangga Trails – Tour Terms & Conditions
Booking & Deposit
- To confirm your reservation with Rangga Trails, a minimum deposit of 50% of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking.
- Reservations will be held for up to 7 calendar days to allow time for payment. If the deposit is not received within this period, the booking may be automatically released.
Final Payment
- The remaining balance must be paid in full at least 30 days prior to the tour start date.
- For bookings made less than 30 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
- All payments must be net of transfer fees or bank charges, which are the responsibility of the guest.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
| Cancellation Period | Refund / Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days before tour | Full refund of deposit minus fees |
| 30–59 days before tour | 50% of deposit retained |
| Less than 30 days before tour | Deposit is non-refundable |
| No Show or Same-Day Cancellation | 100% of total cost charged |
Refunds (if applicable) will be processed within 30 days of cancellation notice and may be subject to service or bank charges.
Changes & Modifications
- Requests to change tour dates, names, or services are subject to availability and may incur an administrative fee.
- Rangga Trails will do its best to accommodate reasonable changes.
Minimum Numbers & Tour Cancellation
- Some tours have a minimum participant requirement. If this is not met, Rangga Trails reserves the right to cancel or propose alternatives.
- In case of cancellation, all payments will be refunded in full. Rangga Trails is not responsible for related travel or accommodation costs.
Travel Insurance
- All guests are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, accidents, delays, personal belongings, and high-risk activities.
- Proof of insurance may be required for certain adventure tours.
Health & Fitness Requirements
- Participants must ensure they are physically fit and medically cleared for the activities in the tour.
- Any relevant medical conditions, allergies, or dietary needs must be disclosed during booking.
- We reserve the right to decline or remove a guest from a tour if their participation endangers themselves or others.
High-Risk Activities
- Tours involving white water rafting, mountain climbing, paragliding, and similar activities carry inherent risks.
- Guests agree to follow all safety instructions provided by guides or partners.
- Participants may be asked to sign a waiver of liability before joining high-risk activities.
Equipment
- Rangga Trails provides standard equipment where specified.
- Participants are responsible for the care of provided equipment. Damage or loss due to negligence may incur replacement costs.
Changes to Itinerary
- Rangga Trails reserves the right to modify itineraries due to weather, local conditions, or safety concerns.
- We will strive to provide equivalent alternatives where possible.
Liability Disclaimer
Rangga Trails, its employees, guides, and partners are not liable for any injury, illness, accident, loss, or delay caused by circumstances beyond our control, including:
- Natural disasters
- Strikes or labor disputes
- War, terrorism, civil unrest
- Government restrictions, health protocols
- Transportation failures or delays
- Force majeure
Photography & Media Use
- Photos/videos taken during the tour may be used for Rangga Trails’ marketing and promotional purposes.
- Guests who do not wish to appear in media must notify us in writing before the tour.
Code of Conduct & Environmental Responsibility
We expect all participants to respect local cultures, traditions, and communities.
Minimize environmental impact and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Indonesia.
Any disputes will be handled under the jurisdiction of Indonesian courts.
Wildlife Sightings Disclaimer
- While Rangga Trails designs its birding, wildlife, and nature tours based on in-depth knowledge of local habitats, species behavior, and the best seasonal conditions, we cannot guarantee sightings of specific wildlife.
- Wildlife encounters depend on many factors beyond our control. Our team will always use its expertise, local connections, and best practices to maximize your chances for sightings.