phone-icon 1-888-990-5552 email-icon info@rockjumper.com
user-icon
Log in / Register

Indonesia - Sulawesi & Halmahera: Wallacean Endemics

© Scaly-breasted Kingfisher by David Hoddinott

Nestled in the tropical waters of Wallacea, the islands of Sulawesi and Halmahera are seldom-visited parts of the Indonesian archipelago as varied in habitat as they are rich in special and endemic birds. From the highland mountains and luxuriant lowland rainforest of Sulawesi to the Australasian influenced Halmahera in the Moluccan ‘Spice Islands’, our tour covers a comprehensive view of the available habitats, maximising our chance of finding the more than one hundred range-restricted bird species confined to this region. A colourful host of parrots, fruit doves, and an awesome assortment of endemic kingfishers are combined with such sought-after avian gems as Ivory-breasted and Sulawesi Pittas, the incredible Maleo, brilliant Purple-bearded Bee-eater, remarkable Knobbed and Sulawesi Hornbills, Purple-winged Roller, monotypic Hylocitrea and an opportunity to watch an extraordinary bird-of-paradise, the Standardwing at its display site.

The largest island of the Moluccan Archipelago, Halmahera was once a vital part of the historical trade of cloves, nutmeg and mace that gave this region the nickname ‘Spice Islands’. The flight into Ternate is spectacular due to its location on an imposing cone-shaped volcanic island, rising over 1,700m above the surrounding sea.

Top Birds

Hylocitrea; Maleo; Geomalia; Malia; Standardwing; Sulawesi & Ivory-breasted Pittas; Knobbed & Sulawesi Hornbills; Moluccan & Sulawesi Scops Owls; Sulawesi Masked Owl; Ochre-bellied, Cinnabar, Halmahera & Speckled Boobooks; Sulawesi & Satanic Nightjars; Purple-bearded Bee-eater; Purple-winged Roller; Moluccan Goshawk; Sulawesi Serpent Eagle; Isabelline Bush-hen; Yellow-flanked Whistler; Black-faced & Pale-headed Munias; Black‐ringed White‐eye; Sulawesi Ground Dove; Grey-headed & Silver-tipped Imperial Pigeons; Sombre Pigeon; Sulawesi Babbler; Fiery-browed Starling; Pale-bellied Myna; Sulawesi Myzomela; Sulawesi & Red-backed Thrushes; Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker; Lilac, Scaly-breasted, Green-backed & Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfishers (amongst 12 species of possible kingfishers); Matinan Blue Flycatcher; Lompobattang & Sulawesi Streaked Flycatchers; Lompobattang Leaf Warbler; Ashy Woodpecker; Yellow-breasted & Golden-mantled Racket-tails.

Top Mammals

Celebes Crested, Moor & Tonkean Macaques; Spectral Tarsier; Bear Cuscus; Sulawesi Dwarf Squirrel; Montane & Lowland Long-nosed Squirrels.

Habitats Covered

montane and lowland forests, volcanic mountains, rice paddies, rivers, islands, beaches

Expected Climate

mostly hot to humid with cooler nights and mornings in the highlands

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader

Tour Pace & Walking

moderate pace with some longer hikes

Accommodation

mostly rustic yet clean and comfortable, including some nights in excellent accommodation

Ease of Birding

moderate but can be challenging at times

Number of Species Expected

+-240 (with over 80 possible endemics!)

Photographic Opportunities

average to reasonable

What our clients say about us

David Hoddinott
JT, Indonesia 2022

I was extremely impressed with the organisational skills of all involved in this tour. All the guides Rockjumper and local were highly skilled and completely considerate of the non birding needs of the participants. I would like to say that not having an upset stomach at any point during the tour was a big plus to my enjoyment. There were some safely issues that in such a remote part of the world can only be expected, I was very happy to be part of this exciting tour and not sure that it would be possible to micro manage all the safety issues.

Keith Valentine
SL, Remote Indonesian Islands Cruise 2017

The ultimate birding trip: stunning destinations, endemics galore, cruising through the Raja Ampats and Maluku on a lovely wooden boat with wonderful crew and great food, gorgeous sunsets, awesome snorkelling and two of the best Rockjumper guides - Keith and Glen Valentine. And to top it off, Wilson's Bird-of-Paradise!!!!!!!!!

Glen Valentine
MB - Lesser Sundas 2022

"This trip was my very first with Rockjumper and I was not disappointed. Birding and logistics were very well organized and everything was done to optimize our time in order to see as many species as possible while naturally giving priority to endemics. Glen Valentine is not only a top guide and a top birder, he is also a nice person excellent in communication, very friendly with a good sense of humor. I really enjoyed doing this trip with him as well as the good state of mind of the group. As a Frenchman I sometimes had difficulties speaking or understanding English and everyone was patient and helpful with me. Great! I got a large number of lifers in this trip and the search for endemics was exciting. A big thank you to Glen, our group members and Rockjumper!"

Lev Frid
AS & FS, Indonesia 2022

We had a fantastic time. Everyone looked after us so we’ll, very well organised! Many thanks for putting a together a brilliant birding tour. It was everything we hoped for and more

Glen Valentine
MM, Remote Indonesian Islands Cruise 2017

My thanks to Keith and Glen Valentine for taking so much time in getting me on the birds. They are so patient and really nice.

Indonesia - Sulawesi & Halmahera: Wallacean Endemics (Small Group) 2025

25 Jun 2025 - 10 Jul 2025 (16 days)

USD7,595 - No Spaces Available

Wait List
client-img

Tour Leader: Glen Valentine

Tour price (Per person): USD7,595 * GBP5,902 * EUR6,986 * AUD11,583

Single Supplement: USD520 * GBP404 * EUR478 * AUD793

Flight costs: USD890 * GBP692 * EUR819 * AUD1,357

Can be linked with:

Indonesia - Sulawesi & Halmahera: Wallacean Endemics 2025

16 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025 (16 days)

USD6,595 - 4 Spaces Available

Book Now
client-img

Tour Leader: Julian Parsons

Tour price (Per person): USD6,595 * GBP5,125 * EUR6,066 * AUD10,058

Single Supplement: USD520 * GBP404 * EUR478 * AUD793

Flight costs: USD890 * GBP692 * EUR819 * AUD1,357

Can be linked with: Indonesia - Bali Birding Extension 2025

Indonesia - Sulawesi & Halmahera: Wallacean Endemics (Small Group) 2026

24 Jun 2026 - 09 Jul 2026 (16 days)

USD7,900 - Spaces Available

Book Now
client-img

Tour Leader: Glen Valentine

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): USD7,900 * GBP6,139 * EUR7,266 * AUD12,048

Can be linked with:

Indonesia - Sulawesi & Halmahera: Wallacean Endemics 2026

15 Jul 2026 - 30 Jul 2026 (16 days)

USD6,900 - Spaces Available

Book Now
client-img

Tour Leader: André Bernon

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): USD6,900 * GBP5,362 * EUR6,346 * AUD10,523

Can be linked with:

  • Your details

  • Hidden

  • Contact permission

    We would love to send you Newsletters (twice yearly).via Type a message, Promotions/Discounts (weekly), Blog Articles/Image of the Month (monthly) and other content that we think you would find interesting. If you are happy with this then please select your preferences below. If you would like to unsubscribe from previous subscriptions, or leave our mailing list entirely, then please do so by visiting the Preference Centre link at the bottom of these emails.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Route Map

Tour Route Map

map-direction-img
Download Tour Itinerary
English