Bird watching

Indonesia’s reputation as a paradise is held up not only by idyllic beaches and lush jungles but also by a rich variety of wildlife. The tropical weather and untouched rainforests have sustained the existence of at least 380 endemic species and hundreds more migratory species. Discover the best spots to bird watch in Indonesia.
West Papua
It may be a bit trickier to reach and to travel around, but West Papua is the jewel in the crown of Indonesia’s many birding hotspots. Home to many amazing species, including birds of paradise, this tropical wilderness is a birder’s dream destination. Exploring ecosystems as varied as snow-capped mountain ranges and tropical lowlands reveals a huge variety of ornithological oddities that few humans have ever laid eyes on. The untouched nature of West Papua requires a fairly intrepid trip without home comforts, but the sheer number of species and the thrill of the diverse habitats are worth the effort.  
Way Kambas National Park, Sumatra
It’s the variety of ecosystems that makes this park such a rewarding location for birders. It sits in the lowlands in the south of Sumatra, encompassing swamps, grasslands, rivers and coasts, and boasts almost 300 species of birds. Some of the most sought-after species which attract birdwatchers from all over the world are the white-winged duck and the Storm’s stork, both of which are extremely rare. It is also a prime location for nocturnal birding adventures, where sightings of oriental bay-owls, reddish scops-owls, large and Gould’s frogmouths, and also Bonaparte’s nightjars are common.
Lore Lindu National Park
Hundreds of exotic bird species live naturally in this national park in Central Sulawesi, over 50% of which are endemic to Sulawesi. No need to scour the massive natural reserve, as the best bird watching is concentrated in an area around Lake Tambing and Anaso Track. Just walking around the lake will almost guarantee you encounter the Blue-fronted Flycatcher, Malia, Cerulean Cuckooshrike, and if you’re lucky, the shy Great Shortwing and Maroon-backed Whistler. The Anaso Track lies upwards and further into the jungle. As you walk further upwards, you can see the bird habitat changing slowly, with the chance to spot Satanic Nightjars, Geomalia, and Great Shortwing after about 2-3 km.
Karimunjawa
This archipelago off the shores of Central Java is often dubbed the Caribbean of Java due to its marine and coastal beauty, with hundreds of exotic fish and coral species. But beyond that, the wildlife richness and diversity extend to above sea level. From the bird-watching tower in the middle of the mangrove forest or by walking through the jungles on the islands, tourists can observe various outlandish bird species, such as the White-bellied Sea Eagle, Collared Kingfisher, Olive-backed Sunbird, Cave Swiftlet, and more. Not only birds, but tourists can also observe other tropical species including turtles and monkeys.