Maleo Bird Watching in Tambun Sanctuary, North Sulawesi

If you’re looking for a truly unique wildlife experience in Indonesia, Tambun Sanctuary in North Sulawesi is the place to be. This is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the rare and endangered Maleo bird (Macrocephalon maleo) in its natural habitat.

What is the Maleo Bird?

The Maleo senkawor is an endemic bird found only on Sulawesi. With black feathers, yellow skin around the eyes, reddish-brown irises, gray legs, and a distinctive horn-like casque on its head, the Maleo is one of Indonesia’s most iconic species. Unfortunately, it is also critically endangered, making conservation sites like Tambun essential for its survival.

Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park

Tambun is located inside Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, the largest protected area in North Sulawesi and Gorontalo, covering over 280,000 hectares. The park is home not only to Maleo nesting grounds but also to:

• Hornbills (Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Hornbill)

• Colorful kingfishers like the Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher and Green-backed Kingfisher

• Sulawesi Pitta and various endemic doves and parrots

• Celebes Crested Macaque (Macaca nigra) and other primates

This rich biodiversity makes Bogani a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Why Visit Tambun Sanctuary?

Tambun in Bolaang Mongondow Regency is one of the most accessible and well-developed nesting sites for ecotourism and research. From Kotamobagu, the trip takes just 1.5 hours by car, while from Manado it’s about 6 hours.

At Tambun, you can:

• Observe Maleo birds laying eggs (best between 05:00 – 10:00)

• See eggs being relocated to the hatchery for protection

• Join the release of Maleo chicks into the wild

• Enjoy birdwatching of other Sulawesi endemics

• Relax in natural hot springs

• Explore caves with stalactites and stalagmites

• Trek to Goa Kelelawar (Bat Cave), about 4 hours on foot

Birdwatching Schedule at Tambun

To maximize your experience, choose one of the guided sessions:

• Morning birdwatching: 05:30 – 10:00 (4–5 hours)

• Afternoon birdwatching: 15:00 – 18:00 (3 hours)

Travel Package Details

Our all-inclusive Tambun Maleo birdwatching package includes:

• Transport from Kotamobagu hotels or Bolaang Mongondow Selatan (Bolsel)

• Professional local guide

• Park entrance fees

• Meals, bottled water, coffee/tea, and soft drinks

• Rain jacket for trekking

Total trip duration:

• Transport: ±1.5 hours each way from Kotamobagu

• Birdwatching activity: 4–5 hours in the morning or 3 hours in the afternoon

Quick Facts

• National Park area: ±280,000 hectares

• Tambun site area: ±1,000 hectares

• Best visiting hours: 05:00 – 18:00

• Location: Tambun, Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi

Book Your Maleo Birdwatching Tour

Join us for an unforgettable wildlife experience in North Sulawesi. Witness the endangered Maleo bird and explore the beauty of Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park.

📱 WhatsApp: +62 813 3739 5221
📧 Email: info@bogani-explorer.com
🌐 Website: bogani-explorer.com
📍 Location: Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi, Indonesia