Arfak Birding Trip

Arfak Mountains
Maibri Birding Ecolodge Birding Packages

Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Upon your arrival at Manokwari Airport, we will embark on an exhilarating adventure as we journey directly to the breathtaking Arfak Mountain. Comfortably seated in our 4WD vehicle, we’ll navigate through lush landscapes, arriving at the Arfak Maibiri Birding Ecolodge in approximately two hours.

Once we check in and unwind with a delicious lunch featuring local flavors, we’ll prepare for an afternoon filled with the vibrant sounds of nature. At around 2:00 PM, we’ll take a 30-minute stroll down the main road to a designated bird hide. This prime location offers us the unique opportunity to observe several spectacular species of Bird of Paradise in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for the captivating female Magnificent Bird of Paradise, the stunning Black-billed Sicklebill (both male and female), the delicate female Lesser Bird of Paradise, and the enchanting Vogelkop Superb Bird of Paradise. If we’re fortunate, we may also catch a glimpse of the elusive Greenback Robin.

By 11:30 AM, we will return to the guesthouse for a hearty lunch, re-energizing before our next birdwatching venture. After lunch at approximately 1:30 PM, we will head back to the hide, where we can continue our birdwatching experience until 5:00 PM. The serenity of Arfak Mountain, combined with the chance to witness these extraordinary birds in their natural surroundings, promises an unforgettable experience. After a fulfilling day, we will gather back at the guesthouse for a delightful dinner, sharing stories and highlights from our birdwatching adventures.

Day 2
We woke up bright and early for breakfast at 5:00 am, anticipating another exciting day filled with birdwatching. By 5:30 am, we set off on our walk toward the Western Parotia hide, which is nestled in the lush greenery of the rainforest. The journey from the main road to the hide typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and we relished the tranquility of the early morning as we listened to the symphony of bird calls around us.

After an exhilarating morning of watching the Western Parotia, we returned to the guesthouse at 11:00 am to enjoy a hearty lunch. The mid-day meal was a delightful spread of local delicacies that replenished our energy for the afternoon's adventures. At 1:30 pm, we embarked on another trek, this time towards the elusive Vogelkop Bowerbird. The path from the main road to the site required at least 20 minutes of walking, and the anticipation built as we navigated through the vibrant flora.

As evening approached, we made our way back to the guesthouse at 5:00 pm, tired but satisfied with the day's sightings. Dinner awaited us, as usual, with the promise of sharing stories and experiences from our birdwatching encounters.

Day 3
On the third day, we again rose with the sun, grabbing breakfast at 5:00 am. At 5:30 am, we headed to the Superb Bird of Paradise hide, taking in the rich scents of the forest during our 30-minute descent and ascent along the trails. The excitement was palpable as we anticipated the stunning display of the males and their vibrant courtship rituals.

Following another successful morning of birdwatching, we returned to the guesthouse at 11:00 am for lunch. The meal was not just a time to refuel, but also a chance to reflect on the morning's sightings. Around 1:30 pm, we gathered to discuss the afternoon's plans. We could either revisit the Superb Bird of Paradise hide for another chance to witness the incredible performances of these birds or switch our focus to another species we hadn’t yet observed. The decision was made with enthusiasm, and whatever we chose would keep us engaged until 5:00 pm, after which we would return to the guesthouse for our evening meal and more storytelling about our birdwatching adventures.

Day 4
On this last day of our adventure, we rise early as usual at 5:00 AM, greeted by the soft light of dawn. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we prepare for a day filled with natural wonders. At 5:30 AM, we make our way to the hide for the Magnificent Bird of Paradise, a journey filled with anticipation. We settle in and spend the next several hours mesmerized by the bird’s stunning displays and vibrant plumage, capturing its beauty through our lenses until 11:00 AM.

Once our photography session concludes, we return to the guesthouse, our hearts full from the morning’s sights. A delicious lunch awaits us, providing a moment to share our experiences and review the incredible images we captured. After our meal, we head out again in the afternoon for more birdwatching, eager to see what new avian wonders the lush landscape may reveal.

Day 5
As the sun begins to rise once more, we wake up promptly at 5:00 AM for our breakfast, filled with the excitement of our final photographic opportunities. By 5:30 AM, we’re on our way to the hide for the Superb Bird of Paradise. The trek to the hide involves a brisk 30-minute walk, winding through the forest and immersing us in the sounds of nature coming to life.

After another fruitful session that lasts until 11:00 AM, we head back to the guesthouse, our minds buzzing with the thrill of the morning’s captures. After lunch at noon, we take some time to relax and reflect on our experiences. At 1:30 PM, it’s time for our departure; we check out from the peaceful retreat in Arfak and make our way to Manokwari for an overnight stay, filled with gratitude for the unforgettable moments we’ve shared amidst the wonders of nature.

Day 6: Departure from Manokwari to Your Next Destination
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Manokwari, where you can enjoy local delicacies and a selection of international favorites. After your meal, we will assist you with the checkout process. Once everything is settled, we will transfer you to the local airport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey. Take a moment to soak in the beautiful surroundings of Manokwari before you depart, reflecting on the experiences you've had so far. Whether you're continuing your adventure to explore more of Indonesia or heading home, we wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you back in the future!

Arfak: Key Bird Species Lower Area

Vogelkop Bowerbird: A drab brown bird that excites many birders anyway. It’s not the bird, it’s what he makes. The male is a real building artist and he impresses females and birders with an enormous construction that is beautified with blue items.

Arfak Catbird: Nice endemic member of the Bowerbird family, not specialised in construction, but big with a bright green back and a nicely patterned head. If you think you hear a cat in the forest, you’re close to watching this special bird.

Vogelkop Melidectes: Large and nicely patterned member of the Honeyeater family. Like all members of this family very active and relatively easy to see, altough they are moving fast. Arfak is by far the best place to see this beautiful bird in the wild.

Western Pariota: Odd member of the Birds-of-Paradise family, with 6 antenne-like feathers projecting from the back of the head. The chest is beautifully bronzy-scaled.

Vogelkop Lophorina: Another black Bird-of-Paradise, that stayd largely unnoticed, unless the male is displaying. It dances around, with a beautiful blue and black circling mantle and squeaks with his yellow beak wide open. Unresistable for the modest females and the hidden birders.

Arfak: Key Bird Species Higher Area

Arfak Astrapia: A restricted range Bird-of-Paradise with a black dress, very long tail and the males of course with iridescent feathers on belly and throat. It may not be the most beautiful Bird-of-Paradise, it’s certainly one of the most difficult to encounter and Arfak is the place to be.

Long-tailed Paradigalla: Another endemic member of the Bird-of-Paradise family, large and black, delicately patterned with a yellow wattle, blue line and purple dot. It feeds on fruts and probes mosses on trees for food, so with finding the right trees we might have good looks at this rare species.

Cinnamon-browed Melidectes: Another nicely patterned member of the Honeyeater family, very active and normally quite loud as well.

Vogelkop Scrubwren: If you think that all Papuan birds are spectacular, this tiny drab species proves you are wrong. The modesty is compensated by its very small range and rarity, what makes it very special to see it moving through the epiphytes in the forest.

Other Specialities:

Other special bird species are: Black-billed Cuckoo-Dove (forest, common), White-breasted Fruit-Dove (forest, fairly common), Papuan Mountain-Pigeon (forest and open areas, common),

Practical Info:

Minimum amount of days: 4 (3 nights).
Advised amount of days: 6 (5 nights).
Maximum amount of days: 8 (it’s a tough environment, cool, but humid).
Price level: $… pp/pd.
Needed level of fitness: Above average, hikes are deep in the forest with steep slopes to climb, if you want to go to the higher part you have to camp and walk 6 hours up hill.

Logistics:

Nearest airport: Manokwari, connections to Jayapura, Sorong, Makassar and Jakarta.
Transport: From Manokwari to Arfak with a private 4WD car. In Arfak mostly by foot.

Combinations and extensions:

Good destinations to combine with Arfak: Nimbokrang, Sorong and Biak.

Practical Info:

Minimum amount of days: 4 (3 nights).
Advised amount of days: 6 (5 nights).
Maximum amount of days: 8 (it’s a tough environment, cool, but humid).
Price level: $… pp/pd.
Needed level of fitness: Above average, hikes are deep in the forest with steep slopes to climb, if you want to go to the higher part you have to camp and walk 6 hours up hill.

Logistics:

Nearest airport: Manokwari, connections to Jayapura, Sorong, Makassar and Jakarta.
Transport: From Manokwari to Arfak with a private 4WD car. In Arfak mostly by foot.

Combinations and extensions:

Good destinations to combine with Arfak: Nimbokrang, Sorong and Biak.