Nimbokrang and Arfak Mountain

10days, 9nights | Request a Quote

Trip Summary

Nimbokrang and Arfak Mountain

This trip is designed to visit must-see destinations frequently explored by birdwatchers in West Papua to observe birds-of-paradise and endemic bird in each destination. We have carefully planned this trip, considering the many senior birders who often travel with us. Therefore, we have also taken into account convenient ground transportation and a well-paced itinerary to ensure a comfortable and unhurried journey.

 

In West Papua, having reliable contacts who can coordinate on the ground is essential. We work directly with expert local guides who have access to all spot and hides. 

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Exclusions: 

Additional Information:

Trip highlight

his journey offers a comprehensive birdwatching experience across the lowlands, mountains, and coastlines of West Papua, from the Bird’s Head Peninsula to the Northern Lowlands bordering Papua New Guinea. Witnessing the mesmerizing dance of the Western Parotia, the Black Sicklebill’s dawn transformation, and Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise glowing like fire in the dark forest is truly unforgettable. Adding to the spectacle are the Masked Bowerbird, Magnificent Riflebird, Pale-billed Sicklebill, and Victoria Crowned Pigeon, along with close-up displays of the Twelve-wired, King, and Lesser Birds-of-Paradise.

 

Day 1 

Arrive in Sentani Airport and transfer to Nimbokrang

Day 2 -4 

Full day tour in Nimbokrang 

Day 5 

Depart from Nimbokrang to Sentani

Day 6

Arrive in Manokwari Airport and transfer to Arfak

Day 7-8

Full day tour in Arfak Mountain

Day 9

Return to Manokwari and tour ends.

 

Detail Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Nimbokrang

The tour starts with arrivals into Sentani Airport in Jayapura (DJJ) continuing to the lowland forests of Nimbokrang at the base of the imposing Cyclops Mountains, where we will be based for the next four nights at a basic guesthouse. The remainder of the day will be spent exploring this bird-rich area. Night at Nimbokrang.

 

Note: Jayapura birding session may be possible depending on your arrival time in Sentani Airport.

Pale-billed sicklebill

Day 2

Birdwatching in Nimbokrang

Today, we will begin our journey exploring the spots located in the forest behind the lodge. Just a 10-minute walk from the lodge, you will reach the first spot where you can observe one of the bird-of-paradise species.

 

For the day, we will focus on spotting 3–4 types of birds-of-paradise found in the forest. On our way back to the lodge, we will take a break at the highest hill in the forest, where you can witness birds flying.

King bird of paradise

Day 3

Full day of birding in Nimbokrang

Today, we will focus on the Victoria Crowned Pigeon, starting our journey very early in the morning. This trip requires good stamina as we will navigate swampy areas to reach the display spot of this extraordinary bird. 

 

The area we will explore is also home to the Northern Cassowary, and if we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of it as we walk through the forest.

Victoria Crown Pigeon

Day 4

Full day of birding in the south

Today, we will focus on the Magnificent riflebird, starting our journey very early in the morning. This trip requires good stamina as we will trek through rocky forest terrain to reach the display spot where this bird performs. 

The area we will explore is also home to brush turkey, and if we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of them as we walk through the forest.

Magnificent riflebird

Day 5

Transfer to Sentani

Today, we will conclude our trip with a final morning birding session in the forest behind the lodge, followed by breakfast at the lodge before heading to Sentani.

Lesser Bird of Paradise

Day 6

Arrive in Arfak Mountain

The tour starts with arrivals into Manokwari Airport continuing to the Arfak Mountain, where we will be based for the next three nights at a basic guesthouse with sharing bathroom. The remainder of the day will be spent exploring the kingdom of bird. Night at Arfak Mountain.

Arfak Mountain

Day 7

Birdwatching in Arfak Mountain

Today, we will begin our journey exploring the spots in these remote mountains, we will search for unique mountain birds, including some of the most sought-after species in New Guinea. The highlight of our second day here will likely be the chance to witness the dance displays of the Western Parotia.

Western Parotia

Day 8

Full day of birding in Arfak Mountain

Today, our exploration will focus on finding other endemic birds-of-paradise of these mountains: Black-billed and Black Sicklebills, and The Vogelkop superb bird-of-paradise. We also encounter the remarkable Magnificent Bird-of-paradise, Masked and Vogelkop Bowerbirds and much more beside.

Masked bowerbird

Day 9

Birdwatching in Arfak Mountain

The last day we will with perfectly positioned to explore all the different altitudes, we will get started straight away by using the early hours to visit one of the many hides constructed by local villagers, crossing our fingers that we can witnes to see the mesmerising dance of a Crescent-caped Lophorina at point-blank range!

Greater lophorina

Day 10

Transfer to the airport

Today, we will conclude our trip with a final morning birding session in the forest, followed by breakfast at the lodge before heading to the airport.

Magnificent Bird of Paradise

Accommodation

  • Basic Lodge with ensuite bathroom in Nimbokrang
  • Basic homestay with sharing bathroom in Arfak

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