Birding in Sulawesi, Halmahera, and beyond

I would second those who recommend using a professional guide with a track record and established company backup. The logistics in West Papua are tricky, local politics very sensitive and altogether a very fluid situation. We used a company based in Sulawesi – Malia Tours, and couldn’t praise it highly enough.

Nurlin, it’s founder, has visited West Papua many times and established contacts with local guides, accommodation and transport providers. From the moment we were picked up at the airport our visit proceeded smoothly – from our side, at least! Nurlin brought a cook, supplies, fuel etc. While accommodation in Malagafuk was understandably very basic, we had power, fans, bedding, mosquito nets, water, a place to hang out between birding sessions, and many willing helpers. The A-frame suites are old, but perfectly adequate.

In the mountains, we enjoyed an ensuite, evening power and comfortable bedding with mossie nets. Relationships between the villages led to ongoing negotiations, which thankfully we didn’t have to conduct ourselves! Yes, there were unexpected demands for additional money, complicated changes due to rivalries, viewing “boundaries” on the roads etc, but Nurlin and his colleagues managed these without inconvenience to us. This was not always the case for a number of other birders who had been let down by their local guides.

Read the review here:
https://www.birdforum.net/threads/west-papua-guides.483735/

The best birdwatching company and Guide in Sulawesi and West Papua ,Indonesia.
Sep 2026 •

We have just completed two separate tours of Sulawesi/Helmahera and West Papua.
If you’re thinking of Birding there, the number one choice to help organise it would be Nurlin of Malia Tours , based in Palu, Sulawesi. Nurlin and his colleagues are supremely well organised, trustworthy, very very experienced and, most importantly, well connected not only in Sulawesi but also in West Papua and throughout Indonesia. Nurlin is friendly and approachable, easy to negotiate with and always ready with a Plan B. Plus, Nurlin’s patience, knowledge of birds, their calls and habitat is truly awesome!

In addition to established hotspots, Malia also specialises in ‘off the beaten track’ destinations and can tailor the trip to your requirements.

Being a person with boundless energy and strong belief in helping local communities to focus on conservation by demonstrating its benefits, he has started an Eco village near Palu. His vision includes forest regeneration, an educational centre and an Ecovillage where visitors can learn about the environment and how to support it, while encouraging local participation in the project. His work is already bearing fruit in terms of an increase in the number of birds and animals resident and breeding.
If you are interested in any type of nature-related tour within any part of Indonesia, Malia Tours can help you arrange it. Nurlin’s long-term mentoring of local guides means that he can facilitate the perfect match. We have no hesitation in recommending Malia Tours.

Link to the Tripadvisor review:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g680017-d34726790-Reviews-Malia_Tours_birding_and_wildlife_trips_in_Indonesia-Palu_Central_Sulawesi_Sulawe.html