10 Days West Papua Birdwatching
Trip Summary
West Papua Birdwatching Tour
This birdwatching trip offers a complete West Papua birding experience, covering both mountain forests and coastal habitats. We focus on Birds-of-Paradise such as the Western Parotia and Crescent-caped Lophorina in the Arfak Mountains, as well as Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise and the Red Bird-of-Paradise in Waigeo. This expedition is specially designed for photography.
- Simple accommodation in Birdwatching Spot. Based on two people sharing a room.
- Hotel with AC & Hot Water in City
- This tour is guided by Alex Waisimon
Travel Style: Birdwatching, Wildlife, Expedition
Best For: Small group, Birders, wildlife photographers
From /to Sorong
Price in IDR on request
start from € 3000
Price per person | for minimum 4 guests
€ on request
Price per person | for minimum 2 guest
€ on request
Price per person | for minimum 6 guest
€ on request
for 1 single guests
Enquire for solo travelers or larger groups. Rates vary depending on group size
- 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
Trip highlight
- Treeking level: Moderate/Advanced.
- Need a car to the spot.
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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, etc.
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, etc. - Walking Difficulty: In Raja Ampat area trails or birdwatching paths is easy are mostly short, with some optional longer birdwatching routes (a few hours / ~6 hours at a birding pace), however especially in the Arfaks many sections will be steep and/or muddy. As such, good balance is essential (a couple require quite direct and dedicated predawn hikes of ~1.5 hours). A few longer walks (~6 hours)
Inclusions:
- Accomodation (Simple accommodation in Birdwatching Spot and hotel with AC & Hot Water in City)
- Meals (fullboard during the trip)
- Transportation for all transfers by private vehicle (including return airport transfers by private vehicle and return public ferry tickets from Sorong to Waisai)
- All activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary is private tour, including entrance fees, hide fee and english speaking guide.
Exclusions:
- Fights and Visa
- Travel insurance
- Additional drinks and personal expenses
- Raja Ampat Marine Park entry permit (PIN)
Additional Information:
- International Airport (the airport of arrival is in Bali or Jakarta).
- Domestic flight ( the airport of arrival and meeting point is Sentani Airport).
- Please read the terms and conditions before making a booking.