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​Discover The Birds Of Halmahera

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Halmahera is the largest island in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, located in the eastern part of Indonesia. Here are some key facts about Halmahera:

**Geography**: Halmahera is a volcanic island with rugged terrain and dense rainforests. It is surrounded by coral reefs and has a mountainous interior, including the active volcano Mount Gamkonora.

**Biodiversity**: Halmahera is known for its rich biodiversity, with a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the island. The island is home to unique bird species, such as Wallace's Standardwing and the Ivory-breasted Pitta, as well as other wildlife like tree kangaroos and various reptiles.

**Culture**: The people of Halmahera are primarily of the Maluku ethnic group, with diverse languages and cultures across the island. Traditional customs and rituals are still practiced in many communities, including music, dance, and craftsmanship.

**Economy**: The economy of Halmahera is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and forestry. The island is known for its cloves, nutmeg, and other spices, as well as its rich marine resources. Mining activities, particularly nickel mining, also play a significant role in the island's economy.

**History**: Halmahera has a complex history of colonization and trade. It was once part of the powerful Ternate Sultanate and later came under Dutch colonial rule. During World War II, the island was occupied by Japanese forces. Today, remnants of this history can still be seen in the form of forts, colonial buildings, and wartime relics.

**Tourism**: Halmahera is a destination for ecotourism and adventure travel, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, diving, and exploring its natural beauty. Visitors can experience the island's diverse ecosystems, from rainforests and mountains to pristine beaches and coral reefs.

Overall, Halmahera is a fascinating and diverse island with a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and biodiversity, making it a captivating destination for travelers and nature enthusiasts.

TOUR ITENERARY BIRDING TO HALMAHERA

​5D/4N

5-day/4-night birding itinerary to Halmahera starting from Manado City could be a bit more condensed but still allow you to explore some of the key birdwatching sites on the island. Here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Manado to Ternate

  • Arrive in Manado and transfer to Sam Ratulangi International Airport.

  • Take a domestic flight from Manado to Ternate.

  • Upon arrival in Ternate, get some lunch on ternate and transfer to harbour and head by boat to Sidangoli (Halmahera) check-in to your accommodation and rest for the evening. ( in 

Day 2: Full Birding on Singsingon side

  • In the morning after breakfast, we will visit some of the forest blinds visited by the North Maluku Pitta and the Ivory Chest Pitta. If these blinds are active during our visit, this must be one of the highlights of this tour. The forests there also hold other Moluccan specialities, such as the Spectacled Imperial-Pigeon, Goliath Coucal, Black-chinned Whistler, Halmahera Flowerpecker, Halmahera Golden-Bulbul, and local forms of Common Paradise-Kingfisher and Spectacled. Kings, both potentially split.

  • After lunch we take a break to restore our energy which will be used to continue birding at 3.00 pm

  • At 3.00 pm we will head to plantation forests around settlements, to find the Sombre Kingfiher, Blue and white Kingfisher, Beach Kingfisher, Moluccan Flycatcher, Shining Flycatcher, Halmahera Paradise-crow, Moluccan Hanging-parrot then continues owling

  • Owling around the secondery near the road to find the Moluccan Scops-owl, Owlet Nightjar, Moluccan Boobook

  • Back to Homestay get some dinner and rest.

Day 3: Head To Subaim

  • After breakfast, we will depart for our next location, Subaim, along the way we will do some birding and stop at a small hill, Gunung Roni, en route in the hope of spotting the rare Azure Roller (Purple Dollar Bird), which has become increasingly difficult to find in recent years. The next two nights will be spent at a guesthouse used to cater for birding groups in the town of Subaim.

  • because the journey to Subaim is quite time-consuming, we will get some lunch on some where on the way and  arrive to Subaim approximately at evening.

  • Check-in at the guesthouse,  have some dinner and rest.

Day 4: Foli & Gunung Uni-Uni (Halmahera)

  •  One days we will be looking for some of Halmahera's flagship birds, one of which is Wallace's Standardwing. As dawn approaches, the flapping of wings will be heard, then the poor chirping of excited males will pierce the darkness, before full light reveals the full splendour of the males, with their green "ties" raised, and their fine white feathers fluttering during their energetic rainforest dance, performed daily to attract those ever-elusive females. Other endemic and specialised birds in the area include the Red-breasted Fruit Pigeon, White Bernaped King, Sombre's Pekakak, Cinnamon-bellied Imperial Pigeon, and the Crow of Heaven (actually a quiet bird of paradise). Other great birds there include the stunning Chattering and Purple-necked Lories, as well as the Great Cuckoo Pigeon. After one days in the region, we will have collected quite a few endemic birds, including some nightjars, as all three endemic species are found near the town: Moluccan Owlet-Nightjar, Halmahera Boobook and Moluccan Scops-Owl. We will be based in Subaim for two nights and visit Mount Uni-Uni and Foli during that day.

Day 5: Return to Manado

  • Transfer back to Ternate and catch a flight to Manado.

  • Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to explore Manado before departing or connecting to your next destination.

This itinerary provides a compact but fulfilling birding experience in Halmahera, focusing on key birdwatching sites and endemic species. Adjustments can be made based on your preferences and available time. Hiring a local guide and being prepared for outdoor conditions will enhance your birdwatching adventure in Halmahera. 

Prepare yourself

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