All tours offered by Sultan Birding Indonesia are subject to the following terms and conditions:
- If you have never joined a birding tour, please contact us and ask us more about what a birding tour really involves, before signing up. Some people are surprised how tiring some birding tours can be, or how focused they are on searching for birds.
- All tour participants are strongly advised to obtain adequate medical cover prior to any tour, to take steps to ensure that all valuables are covered against damage, loss or theft and to obtain travel insurance for loss of luggage, unforeseen delay or cancellation of their trip due to events such as delayed flights, adverse weather conditions or civil unrest.
All tour participants are also advised to purchase comprehensive trip cancellation insurance, as Sultan Birding shall not give a refund on the deposit or balance payment if you cancel your participation in the trip, for any reason whatsoever (including, but not limited to illness and death). - A tour will only be considered confirmed and provisional bookings will only be made once a non-refundable deposit of 50% has been received by Sultan Birding for each participant. Full payment for the tour must be made at the latest 1 month prior to the starting date of the tour.
- Please do not book international flights until you have first checked with Sultan Birding.
- Tours are conducted in English unless otherwise indicated.
- Smoking in the tour vehicles and indoors is not permitted. If you do smoke outdoors, please, of course, be considerate and move away from the group.
- Sultan Birding reserves the right to modify an itinerary whilst on tour, if necessary, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Sultan Birding, such as, but not limited to, road maintenance, adverse weather conditions, closure of lodges, guest houses, etc. itineraries shown on our website or elsewhere also sometimes have to be modified (in advance of your tour) according to availability of accommodation and other factors, and if because of recent knowledge (such as better lodges opening or birds becoming easier to see elsewhere) we believe that by making (usually small) changes to the itinerary it will lead to an improved experience for you, then we certainly try to make these changes.
- Tour participants undertake to comply with the instructions of Sultan Birding and its employees during the tour.
- Any loss or damage to the property of Sultan Birding caused either by the willful conduct or negligence on the part of any participant shall be refunded in full to Sultan Birding.
- In case of delay, every effort is made to avoid delays and changes to the itinerary, but due to the nature of our trips, there will be occasions when they do happen. Where a delay does occur, we shall do everything possible to minimize its effects, but we cannot be responsible for the result of delays.
- On overland trips, we strongly advise against flying out on the day the tour ends. Sultan Birding will not be responsible for any missed flights on this day, we generally travel long distances and late arrival can occur.
- In the event of any person leaving the trip of their own accord or in extenuating circumstances being asked to leave by the tour leader/guide, that person will be liable for their own maintenance and expenses and have no claim against us whatsoever.
- Clients accept that any personal possessions such as valuables, cameras or any money that is carried on any of our vehicles or any other form of transport, or that is left in accommodation provided by Sultan Tours or its suppliers during a trip are carried at the client’s own risk. Sultan Birding does not accept responsibility for client personal possessions or valuables that are lost, damaged or stolen during the course of a tour.
- Sultan Birding Indonesia acts only in the capacity of an agent for tour arrangement, hotel, car rental, boat and others contractor and will therefore have to disclaim responsibility of any loss, damage, accident, injury, including death, delayed or cancelled transportation services, changes of schedules, strikes or any other irregularities caused or arising from circumstance beyond our control.
Some Things We Recommend You to Bring (General list for West Papua Birdwatching/Birdphotograph tours – specific destinations may need further recommendations)
- Binoculars (the guides cannot lend theirs)
- A spotting scope and tripod or window mount (optional)
- Field guides
- Any other birding equipment
- Photographic equipment (optional)
- Spare batteries for photographic and other gear
- Flashlight/torch/headlamp with spare batteries
- Toiletries
- Sweater
- Personal medication (including anti-malaria drugs). We recommend packing important medication (and a change of clothes) in your hand luggage in the unlikely event of lost luggage
- Rain gear
- Alarm clock
- Passport and if required, visas
- Copies of passport, medical insurance policies, and other important documents
- Money for alcoholic beverages, gifts, tips, items of a personal nature, etc. Traveler’s checks are often difficult to use except in the USA but Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted including for drawing local currency at ATM’s
- Hiking boots plus another pair of shoes and sandals
- Swimming gear
- Cap/hat and dark glasses
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Long-sleeved clothes as a precaution against biting insects.