Day 0 – 19 September:
We fly overnight from Jakarta to Manokwari Airport in West Papua.
Day 1 – 20 September:
We arrive at Manokwari Airport early in the morning. From there, we drive for two hours to the beautiful Arfak Mountains. We will stay at Maibri Birding Ecolodge. This area is famous for its incredible bird diversity, including several species of birds-of-paradise. Before lunch, we have the opportunity to visit a feeding station. It’s a 30-minute walk from the road. Here we may see the magnificent bird-of-paradise, black-billed sicklebill, lesser bird-of-paradise, Vogelkop superb bird-of-paradise, and, if we’re lucky, the elusive green-backed robin.
Around 11:30 we return to the lodge for lunch. At 13:30 we head to a hide to photograph the magnificent bird-of-paradise. The walk from the road to the hide takes about 20 minutes. We spend the afternoon here until 17:00.
Day 2 – 21 September:
Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains.
The day starts early with breakfast at 05:00. By 05:30, we head to the hide for the Western Parotia. The walk takes 20–30 minutes.
Around 11:00 we return to the guesthouse for lunch, sharing the morning’s highlights and recharging for the afternoon activities. At 13:30, we set out again to the hide for the magnificent bird-of-paradise, about 20 minutes’ walk from the main road. Expectation runs high as we anticipate seeing these spectacular birds.
After a rewarding afternoon of photography, we return to Maibri Birding Ecolodge by 17:00 for dinner. As the sun sets behind the mountains, we reflect on the day’s incredible experiences and enjoy a peaceful night in this natural oasis.
Day 3 – 22 September:
Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains.
We start early with breakfast at 05:00, then head to the hide for the superb bird-of-paradise at 05:30. The trail is a mix of gentle paths and uneven terrain, taking about 30 minutes. We remain at the hide until around 11:00 before returning to the lodge.
The afternoon is free for additional discoveries.
Day 4 – 23 September:
Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains.
After another early breakfast, we focus on the fascinating masked bowerbird. Known for its intricate courtship displays and elaborate bowers, this bird is challenging to spot, making the outing even more exciting. We spend the morning searching for this remarkable species until lunch.
In the afternoon, guests have the option to revisit any hide for further photography, with a chance to observe other species, such as the mountain nightjar.
Day 5 – 24 September:
Maibri Birding Ecolodge, Arfak Mountains.
Our last morning in the Arfak Mountains is devoted to observing the magnificent bird-of-paradise, renowned for its vivid colors and elaborate courtship displays – an unforgettable experience for keen birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
After the morning session, we return to the lodge by 11:00 for lunch, refresh, and prepare for our journey back to Manokwari. In the evening, we check into a local hotel for an overnight stay before our flight to Sorong.
Day 6 – 25 September:
Travel day: We fly from Manokwari to Sorong, departing between 11:00–12:00. Flight time is about 55–60 minutes, offering stunning views of the surrounding islands. Upon arrival, we enjoy lunch at the Swiss-Bel Hotel, sampling local flavors.
At 14:00, we set out on an exciting boat trip. Onboard an express boat, we sail for about two hours, enjoying the stunning coastline as we head to Waigeo/Waisai Island. Upon arrival, a short transfer takes us to our hotel for a three-night stay surrounded by natural beauty.
The drive from the harbor to the hotel takes about 30 minutes, offering glimpses of the island’s lush landscape. In the afternoon, we explore the hotel surroundings and local village, birdwatching along the way.
Day 7 – 26 September:
Birds-of-paradise adventure in Waigeo. Today’s focus is the incredible Wilson’s bird-of-paradise, famed for its vibrant colors and extraordinary courtship displays.
Specially built hides near the display areas allow close observation and photography of males in full display. The best time to see these birds is early morning, from 05:45 to 08:00, when they are most active.
After an exciting morning, we return to the hotel for lunch and rest. In the late afternoon, we continue exploring the roadsides, looking for other endemic species, including the little bird-of-paradise and red-naped trogon.
Day 8 – 27 September:
Red bird-of-paradise in Waigeo.
We start very early with breakfast at 04:30 and depart at 05:00 for a 30-minute drive across Waigeo’s stunning landscape. Upon arrival, we walk 15 minutes to a hide for photographing the red bird-of-paradise, active from 06:00–07:30.
Waigeo is also home to many unique species, including beach kingfisher, yellow-billed kingfisher, rufous-bellied kookaburra, parrots, frogmouths (nightjars), hornbills, and more.
Day 9 – 28 September:
Waigeo – Sorong.
Morning free for additional birdwatching along the roadsides. After a few hours, we return to the resort for lunch and reflect on the day’s incredible sightings.
By 13:00, we travel to the harbor to take a public express boat back to Sorong, enjoying scenic views along the way. Overnight stay at Swiss-Bel Hotel.
Day 10 – 29 September:
Sorong to Aru Islands.
We fly to a new island in West Papua: Aru. Landing at Dobo Airport, we take a 3–4 hour speedboat ride, followed by a one-hour walk to Badi Gaki Resort. Porter assistance is provided. The lodge is in the heart of the jungle, a truly amazing experience.
Days 11–15 – 30 September to 4 October:
We rise at 05:00 and head to hides for two bird-of-paradise species: the king bird-of-paradise (displays on the ground) and the greater bird-of-paradise (displays in the trees). To photograph the greater bird-of-paradise, guests are lifted safely into a tree platform, with birds displaying on branches around you and incredible rainforest views.
The hide is about 20–25 meters above the ground, simple but very safe. Guests of all ages have successfully used this system, which employs ropes, pulleys, and harnesses. It is completely safe when instructions are followed: sit back, relax, and enjoy.
It is also possible to observe the birds from the ground if preferred, though the angle is steeper.
Watch the king bird-of-paradise here: The King Bird-of-Paradise
Watch the greater bird-of-paradise here: A Morning with the Greater Bird-of-Paradise
Day 16 – 5 October:
Last morning for photography in the hides before returning to Dobo.
Day 17 – 6 October:
Fly home via Jakarta after an incredible adventure.
Note: These are wild birds in challenging terrain in one of the least accessible areas on Earth. Good photos cannot be guaranteed for every species described. Dates for Aru are indicative only, as flights operate three times per week, and schedules for autumn 2026 are not yet confirmed. An extra overnight may be required. Flights to Aru go via Ambon in the Maluku Islands (Sorong → Maluku → Aru).
