Sulawesi and Halmahera,
Where worlds meet – a unique transition zone
18 Days 17 Nights Birdwatching Wallacea’s Unique Endemics
This journey has been designed as an in-depth naturalist exploration of two major regions of Wallacea: Sulawesi and the neighboring island of Halmahera. At the crossroads of the Asian and Australian realms, these islands host an exceptionally unique avifauna and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Day 1 – Arrival in Makassar
Meet and greet at Makassar International Airport. Schedule will vary depending on your arrival time.
Day 2 – Lore Lindu National park
Early morning domestic flight to Palu, followed by a road transfer to Lore Lindu National Park. First birdwatching stops along the way, then late afternoon excursions in the park.
Day 3 to 5 – Lore Lindu National park
Three full days are dedicated to exploring the forests of Lore Lindu National Park, whose altitudinal diversity allows us to experience a variety of complementary habitats.
Day 6 – Palu
Final morning of birdwatching in the forests of Lore Lindu National Park, followed by the return journey to Palu after lunch.
Jour 7 and 8 – Mount Mahawu
Very early morning flight from Palu to Manado, followed by a road transfer to Tomohon. Explore the highland forests around Tomohon in the afternoon, with birdwatching continuing throughout the following day.
Day 9 – Halmahera
Morning flight to the volcanic island of Ternate, in the heart of North Maluku. Fast boat transfer to Sofifi on Halmahera’s west coast, then a road journey to Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park through largely forested landscapes.
Day 10 to 13 – Aketajawe-Lolobata National park
Four full days are dedicated to exploring Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park, between Binagara and Subaim, one of eastern Indonesia’s premier birdwatching destinations.
Day 14 – Ternate
After a final morning birdwatching excursion in Halmahera’s forests, we drive back to Sofifi. The journey takes around two to three hours and may offer additional birdwatching opportunities along the way. We then cross the Halmahera Strait to return to Ternate.
Jour 15 to 17– Tangkoko natural reserve
In the morning, take a return flight to Manado (about one hour), followed by a road transfer to Tangkoko Nature Reserve on Sulawesi’s northeast coast, where we will be based for the next three days.
Day 18 – Manado
Depending on the schedule of your international flight, enjoy a final morning excursion in the forest, followed by the road transfer back to Manado.
Want to travel on different dates or customize your itinerary? We offer fully tailor-made and private trips — contact us to start planning!
Our prices include :
- The services of an English-speaking tour leader,
- Accommodation on the basis of a double or twin room in the hotels mentioned or equivalent,
- Full board meals,
- Transfers and transport on site,
- Domestic flights
- Entrance fees,
- Guide fees.
Our prices do not include :
- International flights,
- The single room option if desired and subject to availability. Price upon request,
- Non-meals drinks and alcoholic drinks,
- Tips and other personal expenses.
- In the case of air transport, air surcharges in the event of excess baggage or increased fuel.
- Multi-risk travel insurance (optional)
- Expenses related to force majeure (adverse weather conditions, geopolitical issues, etc.)
When to go?
The best time for a birdwatching trip to Sulawesi is generally during the dry season, from April to October. During this period, the weather is more stable, forest trails are easier to access, and bird activity is at its peak.
Moderate. Excursions regularly involve walking along forest trails or tracks, which can sometimes be uneven. A reasonable level of fitness is required, though the walks are not considered strenuous.
We walk a few hours a day at the pace of leisurely walking with many breaks for observation. You are in good health and able to walk at a normal pace, with a small backpack containing hydration.
Accommodation ranges from superior hotels in the cities, standard lodges in Tomohon and Tangkoko, to simple guesthouses in the more remote areas of Lore Lindu and Halmahera.
Transfers will be by minibus, 4x4 vehicle, ferry, and airplane.
Information concerning health and administrative formalities may constantly evolve. It is necessary to check for updates with official bodies.
Visa:
To enter Indonesia, you must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival and obtain a visa on arrival (VOA). This can be issued at major international airports (Jakarta, Denpasar/Bali, Makassar, etc.). The current fee is approximately 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah. Payment can be made in local currency, by credit card, or in cash, and it is also possible to pay in USD or euros—having the exact amount is recommended to facilitate the process. An Arrival Card must also be completed online within 72 hours prior to departure. Please contact us for further details.
Health :
No vaccination is required unless you are arriving directly from Africa or South America, where in this case you will need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Feel free to contact us for any clarification or special request.
- Registration: your request is made through the Booking form. We prepare a quote with all the information related to your trip that you will receive by e-mail within 2 to 5 days of your request.
- Confirmation : Your registration will be final and taken into account by the validation of the quote, our general conditions of sale and the payment of a deposit of 40%. The balance payment must reach us no later than 45 days before the departure date.