Halmahera Birding Adventure

Halmahera Birding Adventure – 6-Day Birdwatching Tour in North Maluku

Tour OverviewHalmahera Birding Adventure

Embark on an extraordinary birding expedition across the mysterious island of Halmahera, where the biogeographical realms of Asia and Australasia converge. This 6-day adventure takes you deep into Wallacea’s wild frontier — from coastal mangroves near Sidangoli to the lush montane forests of Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park.

Halmahera is a haven for birders, home to over 24 endemic species, including the dazzling Ivory-breasted Pitta and the elusive Invisible Rail. But the true crown jewel of the trip is witnessing the courtship display of Wallace’s Standardwing, a bird-of-paradise whose breathtaking dance was first described by Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th century.

This journey is not only about ticking lifers from your bird list — it’s also a chance to explore the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, encounter unique flora and fauna, and engage with local communities who call this remote corner of the Moluccas home. Whether you’re a seasoned world birder or a passionate wildlife traveler, Halmahera promises a birding experience unlike anywhere else in Indonesia.

5

Duration: 23 Days, 22 Nights

5

Best Season: March–October

5

Group Size: Max 8

5

Tour Type: Wildlife & Birdwatching

5

Fitness Level: Moderate

Tour Details

Halmahera Birding Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Makassar & Rammang-Rammang Exploration
Upon arrival in Makassar, enjoy an afternoon of birdwatching in Rammang-Rammang forest. Seek out endemic species such as the Sulawesi Hornbill, Sulawesi Hanging Parrot, and Piping Crow. After dark, spot nocturnal birds including the Sulawesi Scops Owl.
Overnight: Rammang-Rammang Ecolodge

Day 2: Karaenta Forest – Fly to Palu – Transfer to Lore Lindu
Early morning drive to Karaenta Forest for a second chance at Sulawesi endemics. Fly from Makassar to Palu, followed by a scenic drive to Lore Lindu with birding stops en route.
Overnight: Nasional Lodge

Day 3–5: Lore Lindu National Park Exploration
Three full days of immersive birding across diverse habitats like Tambing Lake, Anaso Track, and Wanga Wetland. Look for Geomalia, Satanic Nightjar, Sulawesi Thrush, and more. Nocturnal birding and a Tarsier night tour enrich the experience.
Overnights: Nasional Lodge & Kamarora Homestay

Day 6: Lore Lindu to Donggala via Palu
Bird roadside habitats and wetlands, spot Nightjars, Munias, and Bee-eaters. In Donggala, search mangroves for the elusive Great-billed Kingfisher.
Overnight: Anna Jazz Hotel

Day 7: Kebun Kopi Wildlife Watching
Spot the Tonkean Macaque and search for more endemic birds around the roadside forest.
Overnight: Swiss-Belhotel Palu

Day 8: Palu – Fly to Gorontalo – Transfer to Nantu Forest
Fly to Gorontalo, secure park permits, and transfer to Nantu. Afternoon wildlife spotting includes the rare Babirusa.
Overnight: Purwosari Homestay

Day 9: Nantu Forest Wildlife Safari
A full day tracking Babirusa, Anoa, and Macaques in the forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a return visit to the wallowing site.
Overnight: Homestay

Day 10: Nantu to Gorontalo
Final wildlife viewing in the park before the drive to Gorontalo.
Overnight: Grand Quality Hotel

Day 11: Whale Shark Encounter in Batubarani
Snorkeling tour to see whale sharks up close. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Grand Quality Hotel

Day 12: Journey to Tambun via Kotamobagu
A long scenic drive to Tambun with potential for Maleo sightings in the afternoon.
Overnight: Park Ranger House

Day 13: Birding in Bogani Nani Wartabone NP
Morning birdwatching for the Maleo and other specialties. Transfer to Kotamobagu.
Overnight: Sutanraja Hotel

Day 14: Kotamobagu to Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Drive to Tangkoko for mammal watching including the Spectral Tarsier and Crested Macaque.
Overnight: Tangkoko Hill Villa

Day 15–17: Tangkoko & Gunung Mahawu Exploration
Days filled with sightings of Sulawesi’s most iconic birds such as the Sulawesi Pitta, Dwarf Kingfisher, and Racquet-tails. Conclude in Tomohon with birding at Gunung Mahawu.
Overnights: Tangkoko Hill Villa & Novotel Manado

Day 18: Manado – Ternate – Halmahera Transfer
Flight to Ternate, speedboat to Halmahera. Birding begins around Sidangoli for Kingfishers, Pittas, and Starlings.
Overnight: Bolote Hotel, Sofifi

Day 19–20: Aketajawi-Lolobata National Park Adventure
Target species include Wallace’s Standardwing Bird of Paradise. Overnight camping in the forest.
Overnight: Forest Campsite & Subaim Homestay

Day 21–22: Gunung Uni-Uni & Gunung Roni
Birding in rich forested roadsides, looking for parrots, fruit doves, and raptors. Return via Sidangoli to Ternate.
Overnight: Wisma Kita & Villa Marasai

Day 23: Departure from Ternate
Enjoy a short cultural tour before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

End of Tour

Tour Price

Price Per Person: $4,800 – $5,300 (based on 4–6 participants)
Single Supplement: +$400
Private Departure (2 pax): $6,200 per person

Included:
  • All accommodations (homestays, ecolodges, and hotels)
  • All domestic flights & private transportation
  • All meals & drinking water
  • Birding & wildlife guides/rangers
  • Entry fees to national parks
Excluded:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic drinks or personal expenses
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.