Arfak Birding Trip
Arfak is by many birders known as the best birding location in West Papua Read MoreArfak Birding Trip Overview
Arfak is by many birders known as the best birding location in West Papua. Because it’s situated in the mountains, the species here are almost completely different from other places that are located in lowlands and foothills. Birds don’t come easy here in the dense forest, but for a couple of most desired species hides have been made, so that they can be observed from close range.
In fact you can divide Arfak in two sectors: the “lower” one at about 1600m altitude and the “higher” one at about 2000m altitude. The lower one has decent accommodations and birding is moderately easy, the higher one needs camping and long and steeps walks. Both have their own set of special species. The whole area is relatively cool and the forest are loaded with epiphytes and boasts with all kinds of wildlife. This makes Arfak the place to go in Papua.
Price starts from:
USD / person
Included
Accommodation based-in Maibri Birding Ecolodge with 3 delicious meals a day, room with mosquito net, Free tea or coffee all day long, Sharing-Hot-Water Shower, Starlink WIFI for free, Private 4WD Car, experienced local bird guide, Entrance fee, Hide fee, and Land Owner fee
Summary
D1 Manokwari Airport - Arfak
D2 Arfak
D3 Arfak - Next destination. end
Bird target lists on 3-days trip:
Arfak Mountains: Western Parotia (hide), Magnificent BoP (hide), Superb BoP (Hide), Black-billed Sicklebill(feeding area), Feline-Owlet Nightjar, Green-backed Robin, Vogelkop Bowerbird,
Our accommodation during your trip
In Arfak, you will stay at our Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Nice room, Sharing Bathroom-with hot water shower using gass, we provided STARLINK WIFI, and excellent food daily, Transportation with 4WD.
Our Price for 3-days trip below:
Our price per persons US$ (email us) per person
Your birding package offers a comprehensive experience that includes:
* Accommodation: Comfortable lodging based on a twin-share room arrangement.
* Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring a variety of local cuisine.
* Beverages: Provision of mineral water throughout your stay.
* Transportation: All necessary land transport will be organized for your convenience.
* Guiding Services: An English-speaking bird guide will accompany you to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of the local avifauna.
* Fees: All applicable park entrance fees, hidden fees for bird photography, and local landowner fees are included in the price.
Please note that the following expenses are not covered (not includes) in the package:
* Domestic Flight Tickets: Travel arrangements to and from the starting and ending cities are not included.
* Camera Porter: Optional service for assistance in the jungle, available at IDR 300.00 per day.
* Optional Tours: Any additional tours outside the itinerary can be arranged at an extra cost.
* Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected incidents.
* Tips: Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and landowners are not included. It's customary to tip based on your satisfaction with their services.
Arfak Itinerary
Day 1: Manokwari Airport – Arfak Maibri Village
Upon arrival at Manokwari Airport, we will board a rugged 4WD vehicle for the scenic drive to Arfak Mountain, which will take approximately two hours. Once we reach the Maibri Birding Ecolodge nestled in the Arfak Mountains, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the feeding station after lunch. The trek from the main road to the hide is about a 30-minute walk, offering a chance to absorb the vibrant flora and fauna along the way. This area is renowned for its incredible avian diversity, where we may spot several species of Birds of Paradise. Look out for the stunning female and Male Magnificent Bird of Paradise
Day 2: Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains
On the fifth day, our day begins early with breakfast served at 5:00 AM. By 5:30 AM, we will set off toward the Western Parotia hide, which requires a fulfilling trek of approximately 20 to 30 minutes from the main road. Around 11:00 AM, we will return to the guesthouse for lunch, sharing our morning's highlights and rejuvenating before the afternoon activities. At 1:30 PM, we will embark on another excursion to the hide of the Magnificent Bird of Paradise, which is also about a 20-minute walk from the main road. We will make our way back to the Maibri Birding Ecolodge by 5:00 PM for dinner.
Day 3: Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains – Next Destination.
The day began early, as it will for the duration of our stay here, with breakfast served promptly at 5:00 AM. By 5:30 AM, we set off towards the birding hide, our hearts set on seeing the elusive Superb Bird of Paradise. The trail, a mix of gently sloping paths and rugged terrain, took us about 30 minutes to navigate. We remained patient until around 11:00 AM, and we made our way back to the guesthouse for a well-deserved lunch, recounting our morning experiences and relishing the delicious local cuisine. After that we will transfer you to Manokwari Airport for your next destination.
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.
Summary
D1 Manokwari-Arfak
D2 Arfak
D3 Arfak
D4 Arfak-Manokwari
Arfak bird lists Western Parotia, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Superb Bird of Paradise (need to wait such a long time in the hide because we never know when the birds landing on the spot), Black-billed Sicklebill visit feeding area, Masked Bowerbird (we have to be lucky because this bird is very hard to find the bower), Vogelkop Bowerbird, and if we are lucky, we might photograph Feline-Owlet Nightjar, Mountain Nightjar, Green-backed Robin.
Your accommodation during your trip
In Arfak, you will stay at our Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Nice room, Sharing Bathroom-with hot water shower using gass, we provided STARLINK WIFI, and excellent food daily, Transportation with 4WD.
Price for 4-days trip below:
Our price per persons US$ (email us) per person
Your birding package offers a comprehensive experience that includes:
* Accommodation: Comfortable lodging based on a twin-share room arrangement.
* Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring a variety of local cuisine.
* Beverages: Provision of mineral water throughout your stay.
* Transportation: All necessary land transport will be organized for your convenience.
* Guiding Services: An English-speaking bird guide will accompany you to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of the local avifauna.
* Boat Transfers: Public express boat services from Sorong to Waigeo and back, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
* Fees: All applicable park entrance fees, hidden fees for bird photography, and local landowner fees are included in the price.
Please note that the following expenses are not covered (not includes) in the package:
* Domestic Flight Tickets: Travel arrangements to and from the starting and ending cities are not included.
* Camera Porter: Optional service for assistance in the jungle, available at IDR 300.00 per day.
* Optional Tours: Any additional tours outside the itinerary can be arranged at an extra cost.
* Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected incidents.
* Tips: Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and landowners are not included. It's customary to tip based on your satisfaction with their services.
* Seafood and Beverages: Extra charges for specialty seafood items such as lobster, shrimp, and large fish, as well as cold drinks like beer and juices, will be billed separately.
Itinerary
Day 1
Manokwari Airport – Arfak/Maibri
Upon Arrival at Manokwari Airport, directly drive to Arfak Mountain using 4WD. We drive around 2 hours to reach the Maibri Birding Ecolodge in Arfak. after lunch, we can visit the feeding station. Walk down from the main road to the hide for around 30 minutes. There are some species of Bird of Paradise in that spot, including female Magnificent Bird of Paradise, female and male Black-billed Sicklebill, female Lesser Bird of Paradise, female Vogelkop Superb Bird of Paradise, and sometimes Greenback Robin also shows up
Day 2
Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains
Breakfast starts at 05.00 am in the morning and then at 05.30, we go to the Western Parotia hide. The range between the main road and the hide is around 20 to 30 minutes walk. At 11.00 am go back to the guesthouse to have lunch. At 01.30 pm we continue to the hide of the magnificent Bird of Paradise. We need at least 20 minutes walk from the main road. At 05.00 pm return to the Maibri Birding Ecolodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains
Just like yesterday, breakfast at 05.00 am and 05.30 walk to the hide. Superb Bird of Paradise is our destination this morning. We walked down and up for around 30 minutes. Stay there till 11.00 am and back to the guesthouse for lunch. The afternoon schedule will be following.
Day 4
Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains - Manokwari
After breakfast, we will transfer you by 4WD car to Manokwari Airport for your next destination. End of the trip
Summary
D1 Manokwari-Arfak
D2 Arfak
D3 Arfak
D4 Arfak
D5 Arfak – Manokwari
Arfak bird lists Western Parotia, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Superb Bird of Paradise (need to wait such a long time in the hide because we never know when the birds landing on the spot), Black-billed Sicklebill visit feeding area, Masked Bowerbird (we have to be lucky because this bird is very hard to find the bower), Vogelkop Bowerbird, and if we are lucky, we might photograph Feline-Owlet Nightjar, Mountain Nightjar, Green-backed Robin.
Your accommodation during your trip
In Arfak, you will stay at our Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Nice room, Sharing Bathroom-with hot water shower using gass, we provided STARLINK WIFI, and excellent food daily, Transportation with 4WD.
Price for 5-days trip below:
Our price per persons US$ (email us) per person
Your birding package offers a comprehensive experience that includes:
* Accommodation: Comfortable lodging based on a twin-share room arrangement.
* Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring a variety of local cuisine.
* Beverages: Provision of mineral water throughout your stay.
* Transportation: All necessary land transport will be organized for your convenience.
* Guiding Services: An English-speaking bird guide will accompany you to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of the local avifauna.
* Boat Transfers: Public express boat services from Sorong to Waigeo and back, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
* Fees: All applicable park entrance fees, hidden fees for bird photography, and local landowner fees are included in the price.
Please note that the following expenses are not covered (not includes) in the package:
* Domestic Flight Tickets: Travel arrangements to and from the starting and ending cities are not included.
* Camera Porter: Optional service for assistance in the jungle, available at IDR 300.00 per day.
* Optional Tours: Any additional tours outside the itinerary can be arranged at an extra cost.
* Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected incidents.
* Tips: Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and landowners are not included. It's customary to tip based on your satisfaction with their services.
* Seafood and Beverages: Extra charges for specialty seafood items such as lobster, shrimp, and large fish, as well as cold drinks like beer and juices, will be billed separately.
Itinerary
Day 1
Manokwari Airport – Arfak/Maibri
Upon Arrival at Manokwari Airport, directly drive to Arfak Mountain using 4WD. We drive around 2 hours to reach the Maibri Birding Ecolodge in Arfak. after lunch, we can visit the feeding station. Walk down from the main road to the hide for around 30 minutes. There are some species of Bird of Paradise in that spot, including female Magnificent Bird of Paradise, female and male Black-billed Sicklebill, female Lesser Bird of Paradise, female Vogelkop Superb Bird of Paradise, and sometimes Greenback Robin also shows up
Day 2
Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains
Breakfast starts at 05.00 am in the morning and then at 05.30, we go to the Western Parotia hide. The range between the main road and the hide is around 20 to 30 minutes walk. At 11.00 am go back to the guesthouse to have lunch. At 01.30 pm we continue to the hide of the magnificent Bird of Paradise. We need at least 20 minutes walk from the main road. At 05.00 pm return to the Maibri Birding Ecolodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains
Just like yesterday, breakfast at 05.00 am and 05.30 walk to the hide. Superb Bird of Paradise is our destination this morning. We walked down and up for around 30 minutes. Stay there till 11.00 am and back to the guesthouse for lunch. The afternoon schedule will be following.
Day 4
Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains
After breakfast, Masked Bowerbird will be our focus today until lunchtime. In the afternoon you will choose which hide you will visit again for the last time.
Day 5
Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains - Manokwari
After breakfast, we will transfer you by 4WD car to Manokwari Airport for your next destination. End of the trip
Arfak Birding 6D5N
Arfak Mountains Birding Packages based-in Maibri Birding Ecolodge Birding
Summary
D1 Manokwari - Arfak, Maibri
D2 Arfak
D3 Arfak
D4 Arfak
D5 Arfak-Manokwari
D6 Manokwari - Next destination
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!
