Explore Indonesia’s Forgotten Islands—Where Birds-of-Paradise and Endemics Await
The Maluku Islands, often called the Spice Islands, are among the most underrated birding destinations in Indonesia. Stretching between Sulawesi and New Guinea, this archipelago is a hotspot for endemic birds, rare island species, and Wallacean biodiversity. With Sultan Birding Indonesia, explore key islands like Halmahera, Seram, Buru, and beyond—each offering a unique list of specialties that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.
Why Birding in Maluku?
These islands lie at the heart of Wallacea, where the fauna of Asia and Australasia collide, giving rise to an exceptional level of endemism and ecological diversity. Birding here means exploring remote rainforests, coastal mangroves, and island interiors, often far from the tourist trail—making for a true birding adventure.
Birding Sites in Maluku
Halmahera – The Heart of North Maluku
Halmahera is the premier birding destination in the Maluku region, famous for the Wallace’s Standardwing, one of Indonesia’s most iconic birds-of-paradise. The forests around Foli, Sidangoli, and Subaim offer excellent access to rare species like the Ivory-breasted Pitta, Halmahera Oriole, and Scarlet-breasted Fruit-Dove. Night birding is excellent here too, with Halmahera Boobook and Moluccan Owlet-Nightjar often seen.
Seram – Endemics of the Central Moluccas
Home to the Seram Thrush, Seram Myzomela, and Seram Boobook, this island’s montane forests are rich with birds found nowhere else. The island’s remoteness rewards birders with high-quality sightings and less birding pressure.
Buru – Western Moluccas Hidden Gem
Birders on Buru target the rare Buru Thrush, Buru Racket-tail, and Buru Golden Bulbul. This lesser-known island is perfect for those wanting to go deeper into Indonesia’s endemic scene.
Obi, Tanimbar, and Kai Islands (optional extensions)
These more isolated islands harbor additional range-restricted birds like the Tanimbar Corella, Obi Paradise-crow, and Kai Cicadabird, offering ideal add-ons for serious listers.
Target birds in Maluku
- Wallace’s Standardwing (Semioptera wallacii) – a dazzling bird-of-paradise seen only on Halmahera
- Moluccan King Parrot, Moluccan Monarch, and Moluccan Scops Owl
- White-naped Monarch, Cinnamon-bellied Imperial Pigeon, Azure Dollarbird
- Seram Boobook, Buru Thrush, Black-tipped Monarch, and Blue-capped Fruit-Dove
- North Moluccan Pitta, Dusky-brown Oriole, and Halmahera Flowerpecker
Sultan Birding Trips in Maluku
From the vibrant forests of Halmahera to the untouched slopes of Seram and Buru, the Maluku Islands offer one of the most exciting birding circuits in Indonesia. With Sultan Birding Indonesia, your journey through Wallacea’s wildest islands is in expert hands.
