Waigeo Arfak Nimbokrang
Best of Bird of Paradise Photo Trip Cover Waigeo, Arfak and Nimbokrang in Papua Read moreWaigeo Arfak Nimbokrang Overview
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Papua through our exclusive birdwatching trips. Our journey begins on Waigeo Island, where you’ll have the chance to spot incredible species like the Wilson’s Bird of Paradise, with its stunning courtship displays, and the vibrant Red Bird of Paradise, known for its dazzling plumage. Other highlights include the iridescent Glossy Manucode, the majestic Western Crowned Pigeon, the striking Palm Cockatoo, and the colorful Beach and Yellow-billed Kingfishers. Don’t miss the opportunity to observe the unique Hook-billed Kingfisher, the charming Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, the elusive Papua Frogmouth and Marble Frogmouth, and the enchanting Papuan Boobook.
Next, we’ll ascend to the enchanting Arfak Mountains, a haven for bird enthusiasts. Here, gaze in awe at the Western Parotia, a marvel of nature with its elaborate dance. Witness the breathtaking plumage of the Magnificent and Superb Birds of Paradise and the striking Black-billed Sicklebill. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the Masked and Vogelkop Bowerbirds and the elusive Feline Owlet Nightjar.
Our adventure continues to the lush lowlands of Nimbokrang, where you can spot the mesmerizing Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, the delightful Lesser Bird of Paradise, and the vibrant King Bird of Paradise. The area is also home to the beautiful Papuan Pitta and Eastern Hooded Pitta, along with the stunning Common Paradise Kingfisher.
Price starts from:
USD / person (min 5-6 persons)
Single Supplement US$ 690
Included
Domestic flight tickets, Accommodation during the trip with 3 meals a day, Private Car with fuel and good driver, experienced local bird guide, Entrance fee, VIP room at express public boat, Land Owner fee and Hide fee
Waigeo Arfak Nimbokrang Bird Photo Trip 15D14N
Here is a clear, well-organized rundown and summary of your Waigeo, Arfak, and Nimbokrang Bird Photo Trip (15 Days / 14 Nights):
Trip Route Overview
Starting City: Sorong, Southwest Papua
Ending City: Sentani / Jayapura, Papua
Group Size: Maximum of 7 participants (accompanied by 1 Tour Leader and Local Bird Guides)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Sorong → Waigeo Island
Arrive in Sorong and transfer via an express boat to Waigeo Island (Raja Ampat). Check into a comfortable beach-and-forest resort for a 3-night stay. Prime target birds: Red Bird-of-paradise and Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise (short 30-minute walk to display sites).
Day 2: Waigeo Island (Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise)
04:00 AM: Early wake-up call and breakfast.
04:30 AM: 15–20 minute drive to the stop point, followed by a 5–10 minute walk to the hide. Spend the morning observing Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise until lunch, followed by an afternoon birding schedule.
Day 3: Waigeo Island (Red Bird-of-Paradise & Lowland Specialties)
Morning visit to the Red Bird-of-Paradise hide (20-minute drive + 30-minute walk). Lowland birding targets include: Raja Ampat Pitohui, Western Crowned Pigeon, Great-billed & Moluccan King-Parrots, Fruit-Doves, Palm Cockatoo, Papuan Pitta, and Waigeo Cuscus. Afternoon birding session.
Day 4: Waigeo Island → Sorong
Morning birding around the village before lunch. Afternoon express boat back to Sorong. Afternoon lowland forest birding excursion in Sorong (major target: Blue-black Kingfisher).
Day 5: Sorong → Manokwari → Arfak Mountains
Fly from Sorong to Manokwari. Take a 4WD vehicle (~2 hours) up into the Arfak Mountains (Vogelkop Peninsula) to an elevation of 5,250 ft / 1,600 m. Check into a community guesthouse for a 5-night stay.
Days 6 to 9: Arfak Mountains Birding (4 Full Days)
Explore high and low elevation forests, gardens, and secondary habitats.
Key Targets: Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise, Western Parotia, Vogelkop Superb BoP, Vogelkop Bowerbird (famous architect with elaborate bowers), Long-tailed Paradigalla, Black & Black-billed Sicklebills, Jewel-Babblers, and Owlet-Nightjars. Rare possibilities: Masked Bowerbird, Vulturine Parrot, New Guinea Harpy Eagle.
Day 10: Arfak Mountains → Manokwari
Spend the morning chasing final mountain specialties in the Arfaks., Return to Manokwari for an overnight stay in a comfortable city hotel.
Day 11: Manokwari → Jayapura → Nimbokrang
Morning flight to Sentani, followed by travel to the lowland forests of Nimbokrang for a 3-night stay. Afternoon clearing stakeout for raptors, pigeons, and parrots.
Days 12 & 13: Nimbokrang Lowland Birding
Hot and humid jungle birding targeting specialized species: King Bird-of-paradise, Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise, and multiple kingfisher species (Hook-billed, Shovel-billed, Blue-black).
Day 14: Nimbokrang Birding → Sentani.
Final day of lowland jungle birding in Nimbokrang, Transfer back to Sentani for a comfortable night with modern amenities.
Day 15: Sentani / Jayapura → Departure, Say goodbye to the team and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Pricing & Financial Summary
Base Cost: Quoted in US Dollars (USD) per person on a twin-share accommodation basis. Single Room Supplement: US$ extra for travelers preferring private accommodation.
What’s Included:
Accommodation: Comfortable twin-share lodging (resort, guesthouse, and city hotel).
Meals & Hydration: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring local cuisine) plus mineral water throughout.
Transportation: All necessary land transport (including 4WD in Arfak) and express boat transfers (Sorong ⇄ Waigeo).
Guiding: Experienced English-speaking bird guide and knowledgeable local bird guides.
Fees: Park entrance fees, birdwatching hide fees, and local landowner fees.
What’s Excluded:
Domestic Flights: Travel arrangements to and from Sorong and Sentani/Jayapura.
Camera Porter Service: Optional jungle assistance available at IDR 300.00 per day.
Optional Tours: Additional excursions outside the itinerary.
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended.
Tips & Gratuities: Customary tips for local guides, drivers, and landowners.
Specialty Extras: Seafood specialties (lobster, shrimp, large fish) and cold/alcoholic drinks (beer, juices).
