Beyond the Reef: A Birder’s Paradise Awaits in Raja Ampat

This archipelago has a breathtaking terrestrial front, making it an appealing spot for birds and bird watchers alike. 

The thick rainforests and mangroves found on the islands are home to numerous species of birds in Raja Ampat, making it the perfect place for bird watching expeditions.

The Western Crowned Pigeon, Palm Cockatoo and various species of parrots and kingfishers are some of the many bird species found among Raja Ampat’s canopies.

Raja Ampat’s varying habitats, which include coastal mangroves as well as mountainous rainforests, provide diverse ecosystems that support these birds, making every trip to the region unique.

Read our full guide on How to Get to Raja Ampat.

One of the crown jewels of Raja Ampat’s birdlife is the iconic Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise. It is renowned for their elaborate courtship dance. 

Early in the morning, the males will clean up a patch of ground, taking away leaves and twigs that litter the soil, in the hopes of attracting a female.

You’d have to catch this show at sunrise, but it is well worth it! Witnessing it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for bird enthusiasts, showcasing the intricate beauty and behavior of one of nature’s most spectacular species.

The Red Bird-of-Paradise is endemic to this area. The male’s extravagant plumage and courtship displays are a sight to behold, attracting birdwatchers from all corners of the globe.

High in the green canopies of Raja Ampat’s forests, try to spot the flitting red feathers from which this famous Bird-of-Paradise got its name.

The vibrant, multicolored birds-of-paradise are found exclusively in Indonesia, and were supposedly named by European explorers who believed the bird could only have come from God’s paradise! 

Believe us; they are very real, and we can show them to you!

Beyond the iconic Birds-of-Paradise, Raja Ampat offers a haven for an incredible diversity of avian life. Kri Island, for instance, is a hotspot for sightings of brightly colored kingfishers, known for their distinctive calls and hovering hunting techniques. 

Soaring high above the crystal-clear waters, majestic sea eagles are also frequent visitors to the island, often spotted near resorts where they keep a watchful eye out for unsuspecting prey.

When cruising around Mayalibit Bay, you can spot and hear hornbills flapping their wings through the air and around the branches. Look out for their giant beaks, through which they can make some interesting calls that can sound like dog barks or even laughing. 

On these cruises through the Mayalibit Bay, you can also find parrots and cockatoos flying through the sky, or resting on a branch high above, munching on fruits.

We may be Papua Diving Resorts by name, but rest assured, we will help  you explore the diverse and beautiful natural ecosystems of Raja Ampat – above and below the waves. 

Papua Diving Resorts’ offerings and services cater to the growing number of nature enthusiasts eager to explore birds in Raja Ampat’s terrestrial wonders.

Papua Diving Resorts has two renowned resorts,  Kri Eco Resort and Sorido Bay Resort, both of which are strategically located to provide easy access to some of the best birdwatching sites in the region.

On resort grounds, you can easily spot kingfishers, sea eagles and even cockatoos. Don’t forget to look up at the trees when you stay with us.

Our resorts also offer guided birdwatching tours led by knowledgeable local staff with an intimate understanding of the birds in Raja Ampat and their habitats.

Some highlights of Papua Diving Resorts’ tours include treks to see the birds of paradise. Early risers can spot Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise – departing at 4 a.m. to Waigeo Island by boat, followed by a brisk 45-minute hike to see the birds. 

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to sleep in, you can see the Red Bird-of-Paradise among the canopies on tours departing by boat at 3 p.m. After walking through a neighboring village, take a 45-minute hike to a location where you can sit with your binoculars on, spotting the iconic red colors of these birds of paradise. 

Read more about our offer of Birdwatching in Raja Ampat with Papua Diving Resorts.