Sulawesi is a treasure trove for birders. In addition to the characteristic Oriental families, unfamiliar birds typical of Australasia, abound. Part of the transition zone between Oriental and Australo-Papuan realms, Sulawesi was one of the stomping grounds of the naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace and the region bears his name. Wallacea has a stunningly high concentration of endemics with Sulawesi and its surrounding islands having some sixty of their own. An optional extension to neighboring Halmahera replete with the marvelous Ivory-breasted Pitta and Wallace’s Standardwing will ensure a superb trip and many more outstanding birds.

Day 1: Manado. After arrival in Manado we drive to the reserve of Tangkoko-Batuangus-Duasudara.

Days 2-3: Tangkoko reserve. Tangkoko is diverse, with habitats ranging from coral reefs to forested volcanoes. It is home to 40 Sulawesi endemics and some great mammals. Kingfishers abound, with a staggering ten species found here, including the spectacular Lilac-cheeked and Green-backed. Another very special bird is the boldly marked endemic Rusty-backed Thrush. The other-worldly Finch-billed Myna heads the list of colourful species that we may see, and we have a chance of Small and Large Sulawesi Hanging-Parrots, Yellow-breasted and Golden-mantled Racquet-tails, and Yellow-and-Green Lorikeet. Further possibilities are Sulawesi Goshawk, Sulawesi Hawk-Eagle, Spotted Kestrel, Spotted Harrier, Isabelline Bush-hen, Sulawesi Black Pigeon, Superb Fruit Dove, White-rumped and Pied Cuckoo-Shrikes, Sulawesi Cicadabird, and the strange Sulawesi Crested Myna. Sulawesi is blessed with high primate endemism, and a firm favourite amongst the mammals is the amazing, tiny Spectral Tarsier, a truly extraordinary creature with enormous, oversized eyes. We also hope to encounter a troop of comical Sulawesi (Black) Crested Macaques, and we may find the tree-dwelling marsupial Bear Cuscus.

Day 4: Tangkoko to Makassar. After some final birding in Tangkoko we return to Manado and fly to Makassar.

Day 5: Karaenta Forest to Lore Lindu National Park. The morning will be spent exploring Karaenta forest very close to Makassar, where the highly-localised Black-ringed White-eye, Silver-tipped Imperial Pigeon, and Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill could be found. In the afternoon we take a short flight to Palu in Central Sulawesi, where we drive to the legendary Lore Lindu National Park for a five-night stay.

Days 6-9: Lore Lindu National Park. Lore Lindu is Sulawesi’s largest park and is one of the finest birding destinations in Asia. In a short visit it is possible to see 80% of Sulawesi’s endemics because this mountainous park covers a huge altitudinal range from 1000 ft (300 m) to over 8000 ft (2500 m), most of which is easily accessible. The peculiar Malia is one of the specialties here, a bird that continues to confound taxonomists, who cannot agree whether it is a bulbul or a babbler! Other montane specialists include Streak-headed White-eye, and the stunningly beautiful Fiery-browed Myna. Lore Lindu’s bird list is massive, containing some incredible possibilities such as the distinctive and highly desirable Purple-bearded Bee-eater, the striking Ivory-backed Woodswallow, the elusive Great Shortwing, the beautiful endemic Blue-fronted Flycatcher, the skulking Sulawesi Thrush, and the strange, shy Geomalia. We shall have time to search for some of Lore Lindu’s special nightbirds which include the poorly known, dramatically named Satanic Nightjar, Ochre-bellied and Speckled Boobooks, Sulawesi Scops Owl, and Sulawesi Masked Owl. With a little luck we may see one or more of these enigmatic endemics.

Day 10: Lore Lindu to Manado. We return to Makassar and fly back to Manado.

Days 11-13: Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park. Bogani Nani Wartabone is our next destination, where the lowland and mid-altitude tropical forests offer the remaining endemics including one of the Sulawesi’s true star birds, the unmistakable Maleo. This megapode is the island’s best-known bird, due to its distinctive appearance, unusual calls, and bizarre behaviour. Here we may also encounter Sulawesi Hawk-Eagle, Sulawesi Serpent-Eagle, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, Black-naped Fruit Dove, Stephan’s Dove, Maroon-chinned Fruit Dove, Bay Coucal, Ashy Woodpecker, the beautiful Blue-breasted Pitta, the striking endemic Ivory-backed Woodswallow, Black-crowned White-eye, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, and Purple Needletails soaring at high-speeds overhead.

Day 14: Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park to Manado. A full morning birding the park before returning to Manado, where the tour ends.

Halmahera Extension – Moluccan Endemics

After a transfer to Halmahera via plane and boat we shall be in bird-rich lowland and montane forests, home to over 25 species found only on Halmahera and its neighbouring islands. Here we seek the dramatic, bizarre-looking Wallace’s Standardwing, one of two Birds-of-Paradise on the island. We shall visit an area where we hope to see males displaying by hanging upside-down, spreading their iridescent green breast-shield, and raising their white wing-plumes to attract a dowdy female. We shall also search for the strikingly distinctive Ivory-breasted Pitta, with its gleaming white breast, silvery shoulder-patch, and brilliant red vent. Other highlights here could include Violet-necked and Chattering Lories, Scarlet-breasted Fruit Dove, the unmistakable giant Goliath Coucal, the gorgeous Purple Roller, Paradise Crow, Common Paradise-Kingfisher, and Blyth’s Hornbill. After dark we will seek the charismatic Long-whiskered Owlet-Nightjar.