West Papua Birdwatching
10days | Request a Quote
Trip Summary
West Papua Birdwatching
This exceptional birdwatching journey offers a complete West Papua birding experience, covering both mountain forests and lowland coastal habitats. From witnessing the legendary courtship dances of Western Parotia and Crescent-caped Lophorina in the Arfak Mountains, to observing the spectacular Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise and Red Bird-of-Paradise in Waigeo, this expedition is designed for true bird enthusiasts. The itinerary focuses on West Papua’s most iconic birding destinations, combining expert local guides, remote habitats, and carefully timed visits to maximize wildlife encounters.
- Arfak Mountain and Waigeo Island
- Min 4 pax
Inclusions:
- Accomodation
- Meals (fullboard during the trip)
- Transportation (Airport transfer, internal flight, ground transportation from and to homestay during the trip)
- All activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary, including entrance fees, and guide fees.
Exclusions:
- International, Domestic flights and Visa
- Travel insurance
Additional Information:
- International Airport (the airport of arrival is in Bali or Jakarta).
- Domestic flight to Papua ( the airport of arrival and meeting point is Manokwari/Sorong Airport).
- Please read the terms and conditions before making a booking.
- Walking Difficulty: To do birdwatching in this area you need a good physic because most of the path way is steep.
Trip highlight
Travel Style: Birdwatching, Wildlife, Adventure
Best For: Birders, wildlife photographers, nature explorers
Day 1
Arrival in Arfak Mountains
Day 2-4
Full Day Birdwatching in Arfak Mountains
Day 5
Arfak – Manokwari
Day 6
Manokwari – Waigeo Island
Day 7-8
Full Day Birdwatching in Waigeo Island
Day 9
Waigeo – Sorong
Day 10
Departure from Sorong
- Need a car to the spot.
- Treeking level: Moderate & Difficult.
- Waigeo : Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise, Red Bird-of-Paradise, Raja Ampat Pitohui, Western Crowned Pigeon, Imperial Pigeon, Olive Honeyeater, Supertramp Fantail, Violet-necked Lory.
- Arfak: Western Parotia, Greater Lophorina, Magnificent Bird-of-paradise, Black-billed Sicklebill, Masked Bowerbird Mountain, Vogelkop Owlet-nightjars, Arfak Astrapia, White-striped Forest Rail, West Papuan Lorikeet, Josephine’s Lorikeet, Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot, White-eared Bronze Cuckoo, Wallace's Fairywren, Orange-crowned Fairywren, Spotted Jewel-babbler, Vogelkop Melidectes, Arfak Honeyeater, Lesser Melampitta, Vogelkop Scrubwren, Goldenface, Papuan Treecreeper.
- Create custom plans?
- Tour Type: Private Tour / Small Group
- Do you have any questions?
Detail Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Arfak Mountain
Arrive at Manokwari Airport and transfer directly to the Arfak Mountains, one of New Guinea’s premier highland birding destinations. The journey offers scenic mountain views as you ascend into cool montane forest. Relax or afternoon birding after long journey.
Overnight: Arfak Mountains Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Magnificent Bird of Paradise
Day 2 - 4
Full day tour in Arfak Mountain
Spend three full days exploring various birding sites in the remote Arfak Mountains. Daily early morning excursions target some of New Guinea’s most sought-after species. Key species include Western Parotia, Black-billed & Black Sicklebill, Vogelkop Superb Bird-of-Paradise, Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise, Masked & Vogelkop Bowerbirds, and Crescent-caped Lophorina. Other highlights may include Arfak Astrapia, Vogelkop Owlet-nightjar, Spotted Jewel-babbler, and many endemic honeyeaters and fairywrens.
Overnight: Arfak Mountains Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Western Parotia
Day 5
Transfer to Manokwari
Enjoy a final morning birding session before breakfast. Afterward, descend from the mountains and transfer to Manokwari.
Overnight: Manokwari Meals: Breakfast
Masked Bowerbird
Day 6
Arrive in Waigeo Island
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Sorong, then continue by boat to Waisai, Waigeo Island in Raja Ampat. Check in to your island resort and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Overnight: Waigeo Island Meals: Dinner
Lesser Bird of Paradise
Day 7-8
Full day tour in Waigeo Island
Two full days exploring Waigeo’s lowland forests. The main highlight is Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise, observed from purpose-built hides just meters from active display courts.
Continue searching for Red Bird-of-Paradise lekking sites in the forest canopy, along with Western Crowned Pigeon, Raja Ampat Pitohui, Imperial Pigeon, and colorful parrots and honeyeaters.
There is also a chance to encounter the endemic Waigeo Cuscus.
Overnight: Waigeo Island Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wilson Bird-of-pradaise
Day 9
Transfer to Sorong
After a relaxed morning, return by boat to Sorong. If time allows, enjoy late afternoon birding near town.
Overnight: Sorong Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Great-billed Heron
Day 10
Transfer to Sorong Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Sorong Airport for your onward flight. End of Services
Meals: Breakfast
Western crowned pigeon
Accommodation
- Basic homestay with sharing bathroom in Arfak
- Hotel in Manokwari and Sorong City
- Resort in Waigeo Island
By booking with us, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.