North Sulawesi Birding

Explore Sulawesi’s top birding sites on this 8-day expedition. See Maleo, Tarsiers, Sulawesi Kingfishers, and more with expert local guides.

Tour OverviewNorth Sulawesi Birding

We continue through Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, home to the Maleo, a rare megapode species that nests communally in geothermally heated soils. The tour concludes in the volcanic highlands of Gunung Mahawu, one of Sulawesi’s most productive birding sites, where you’ll search for the elusive Scaly-breasted Kingfisher and Sulawesi Pitta.

This 8-day birding expedition in North Sulawesi is crafted for birdwatchers and nature travelers eager to witness the unique avian diversity of the Wallacea biogeographical zone. Beginning in the lush coastal lowlands of Tangkoko Nature Reserve, we’ll search for iconic species such as the Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher, Ochre-bellied Boobook, Red-backed Thrush, and Spectral Tarsier—one of the smallest primates in the world.

This trip combines lush forest trekking, boat rides through mangrove habitats, and highland panoramas—all under the guidance of local experts. Ideal for both seasoned birders and first-time visitors to Sulawesi.

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Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

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Tour Style: Birdwatching & Wildlife Photography

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Start/End: Manado (North Sulawesi)

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Best Season: March to October

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Accommodation: Eco-lodges, hotels.

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Difficulty Level: Moderate

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Group Size: Max 6–8 guests

Tour Details

North Sulawesi Birding

Day 1: Arrival in Manado – Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Arrive in Manado and transfer to Tangkoko. Afternoon birding and wildlife introduction with a local expert.
Overnight: Tangkoko Hill Villa

Days 2–3: Tangkoko Nature Reserve Birding
Full-day birding and wildlife tracking in Tangkoko. Includes boat ride through mangrove forest to find Great-billed Kingfisher and Frigatebirds. Look for Macaques, Bear Cuscus, and Tarsiers.
Overnight: Tangkoko Hill Villa

Day 4: Temboan Hill – Kotamobagu
Birding at Temboan Hill in the morning. Drive 5–6 hours to Kotamobagu, gateway to Bogani NP.
Overnight: Sutanraja Hotel

Day 5: Tambun – Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park
Early visit to the Maleo nesting ground. Full morning in the park to spot other forest species.
Overnight: Sutanraja Hotel

Day 6: Molibagu Roadside Birding
Pre-dawn departure to Molibagu roadside for early morning forest-edge species. Return to Kotamobagu for lunch and rest.
Overnight: Sutanraja Hotel

Day 7: Kotamobagu – Tomohon – Gunung Mahawu
Scenic 6-hour drive to the Minahasa Highlands. Afternoon and evening birding for montane specialties including the Diabolical (Satanic) Nightjar.
Overnight: Villa Emitta, Tomohon

Day 8: Gunung Mahawu – Manado Airport
Final morning birding for Scaly Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pitta, and montane warblers. Drive to Manado and transfer to airport.
Overnight: Novotel Hotel (if departing next day)

Tour Price

Price Per Person: $2,150 – 2,450 (based on 4–6 participants)
Single Supplement: +$400

Custom quotes available for private or smaller group departures.

Included:
  • Airport transfers & private ground transport
  • All accommodations (7 nights)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Experienced local birding guide
  • All park entrance fees & permits
  • Outrigger boat tour in Tangkoko mangroves
  • Daily mineral water & refreshments
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.