Compare Remote Sulawesi: Sangihe, Talaud, Peleng, Taliabu and Togian by Birdtour Asia vs Indonesia Adventure: Java & Bali by G Adventures

Day 1:

After arrival in Manado we take the ferry north to the mall island of Sangihe, allowing us two full days to explore the island. Night on Sangihe.

Days 2-3:

With two full days birding on Sangihe, the endemic hanging parrot, scops owl and Elegant Sunbird can all be found in secondary forest but we will need to venture higher on Gunung Sahendaruman to find Sangihe Shrike Thrush and the stunning Cerulean Paradise Flycatcher which was rediscovered here in 1998, both of which are critically endangered. There is also the outside possibility of observing the virtually unknown Sangihe White-eye, although it has not been seen for over 10 years, as well as the critically endangered Sangihe Golden Bulbul. The distinctive Sangihe form of Lilac-cheeked Kingfisher is also possible. Nights on Sangihe.

Day 4:

We fly or sail back to Manado this morning. The remainder of the day will be spent in the remaining forests at Gunung Mahawu, a volcano above Manado where in addition to more widespread Sulawesi endemics we will search for the elusive Scaly Kingfisher. Night in Tomohon.

Day 5:

After some early morning birding at Gunung Mahawu we return to Manado for our flight to Melanguane on Talaud (JT 1162 1045-1150) and will begin our birding in the afternoon. Night on Talaud.

Days 6-7:

We have two full days to explore the island of Talaud. Red-and-blue Lory is still present in good numbers and Talaud Kingfisher is quite common. We will try hard to find Talaud Bush-hen and Talaud Rail, both of which were discovered by Frank Lambert as recently as the late 1990’s, although both are extremely shy and elusive. Other species of interest here include Great-billed, Blue-backed and Blue-naped Parrots, Rufous Paradise Flycatcher, the vocally-distinct inspeculata race of Red-bellied Pitta, Grey Imperial Pigeon and Rufous-tailed Bush-hen. Nights on Talaud.

Days 8:

After some final morning birding we return to Manado connecting with a flight to Makassar. Night in Makassar.

Days 9-13:

After a flight to Luwuk we make the crossing to the island of Peleng on the morning of day 9. During the next 4 ½ days we will split our time between the mountains in the west of the island and the remnant lowland forests in the north-east.

The island shot to fame with the rediscovery of the Banggai Crow – which was refound as recently as 2007 but which has proved common in the mountains there. During our time here we will also be searching for Helmeted Myna, Red-and-black Thrush, Sula Pitta, Sula Scrubfowl, Sula Hanging Parrot, Slaty Cuckooshrike, Henna-tailed Jungle Flycatcher and a bunch of likely future splits such as the resident scops owl and ‘Sula’ Black Pigeon, an undescribed species of leaf warbler and the distinct taxa of Maroon-chinned Fruit Dove which has recently be separated as Banggai Fruit Dove. Nights in local villages.

Day 14:

Today is predominantly a travel day as we board our private chartered boat for the long crossing to the island of Taliabu hoping for some interesting seabirds along the way. Upon arrival we will transfer to a local village for the night.

Days 15-18:

Our four full days on Taliabu will be split between the lower areas of forest and a higher altitude camp. Our time on Taliabu gives a second chance at many of the endemics which it shares with Peleng, but we will also hope to find Bare-eyed Myna, Taliabu Masked Owl, and the sulaensis form of Moluccan Scops Owl which is different from mendeni of Banggai and widely considered a separate species. We will also make an expedition into the high mountains of the island where new Locustella ‘Taliabu Bush Warbler’ and Phylloscopus ‘Taliabu Leaf Warbler’ were discovered in 2009, along with an undescribed form of Island Thrush and good chances to find the impressive Meyer’s Goshawk. Nights camping on Taliabu.

Day 19:

Today we return again by boat to Luwuk where we will spend the night.

Day 20:

This morning we drive north across the central peninsular of Sulawesi to the small coastal town of Bunta from where we will take a chartered speedboat across to the Batudaka the largest of the Togian group of islands and in the afternoon will begin our exploration. Night on Togian islands.

Day 21:

Another full day birding will be concentrated on the two new species to science recently described from Togian islands, namely Togian Boobook and Togian White-eye, although we will also look out for an potentially new taxon of Cyornis flycatcher that might prove to be yet another new species. Night on Togian islands.

Day 22:

After arriving back into Luwuk we fly to Makassar to connect with international flights.

Day 1 Jakarta

Arrive at any time. For your first night out with the group and CEO, visit a favourite Jakarta outdoor bar restaurant. Get to know your fellow travellers over drinks and local delicacies as you take in the bustling capital. Have a toast to new adventures and friends!

Day 2 Jakarta/Bandung

Ride to Bandung and let the scenery guide you to some serenity. Floating villages, tea plantations, rice paddies, and hot springs —this side of paradise is looking mighty fine.

Day 3 Bandung

Spend the day with your group Ciater Tea Plantation. Try different teas and enjoy lunch looking out on the rice paddies. Hike to a waterfall and relax in the hot springs.

Day 4 Bandung/Yogyakarta

Watch the world go by on a scenic train ride to Yogyakarta. Once you arrive, and if you're not feeling too beat, check out Sosrowijayan and Prawirotaman Streets for unwinding with drinks and local eats.

Day 5 Yogyakarta

There's more to discover in Yogyakarta today! See some Javanese temples, the volcanic Mt Merapi, try street food like gudeg (curry made from unripe jackfruit), or soak in the last rays of the sun at the stunning Buddhist Borobudur temple complex — and make sure you don't forget your camera.

Day 6 Yogyakarta

There's more to discover in Yogyakarta today! See some Javanese temples, the volcanic Mt Merapi, try street food like gudeg (curry made from unripe jackfruit), or soak in the last rays of the sun at the stunning Buddhist Borobudur temple complex — and make sure you don't forget your camera.

Day 7 Yogyakarta/Ngadas

Take the scenic route to Ngadas via private vehicle. Here, you'll spend the evening at a local G Adventures-supported community homestay. Get a taste of local culture with a home-cooked dinner and time with a community leader to learn about the region's unique customs and history.

Day 8 Desa Ngadas/Bromo

Today's for reaching new heights. Start the day with a trek along the Ancestor Trail to Mt Bromo, led by a local guide trained through the G Adventures-supported capacity building program. Then get a chance to hike to the volcano's crater (and take some pictures!) before going on to the hotel.

Day 9 Bromo/Red Island

Skip sleeping in today for a pre-dawn hike across the Sea of Sand to Mt Bromo, where you can catch a final glimpse of the moon before the sunrise. Stop to breathe it all in before you head to a beachside surf camp. On your way to Mt Bromo, catch a breath and see the local Buddhist Tenggerese giving offerings to the Supreme God Hyang Widi Wasa.

Day 10 Red Island

Wake up and catch a wave on a morning surf lesson, then take the rest of the day to explore the nearby fishing village, surf some more, or rest easy in a beachside hammock.

Day 11 Red Island/Pemuteran

Head back to Bali for a chill day of relaxing on the beach. Sit back, grab a drink, and soak up some sunshine. This is the place for it.

Day 12 Pemuteran

No need to say goodbye to the beach just yet — it's another day of chilling out in Bali. If you'd like, break up the beachside naps with a snorkelling trip.

Day 13 Pemuteran/Kuta

Take it easy this morning before we cross rich tropical jungle and idyllic rice fields on the ride to Kuta. Catch up on sleep on the drive over — you're going to need it for your big night out tonight. Spend the evening getting to know Legian Street, the legendary party street. Grab a drink on us and dance the night away!

Day 14 Kuta

Today, take it easy in beachside Kuta. Take a surf lesson (which you can book ahead of time), relax on the beach, or head to one of the nearby towns. Tonight, take in the town's nightlife on the dancefloor or by the waves at a beachside bar.

Learn to surf by pre-booking the Half Day Surf Class extra when booking your tour.

Day 15 Kuta/Kubutambahan

It's off to Kubutambahan today. Breathe in the beautiful scenery before stopping for lunch en route at the G Adventures supported Bali Community Training Lunch Program. Tonight, soak in the views and lush jungle vibes at a charming guesthouse, located in a Balinese village. Start your night by watching the sunset over the lush landscape.

Day 16 Kubutambahan

Get ready to liven up your tastebuds with a Balinese cooking lesson. After, you can trek around the village, visit a waterfall, swim in a natural spring, or stop by a nearby dragon fruit farm.

Day 17 Kubutambahan/Ubud

This morning's free for you to explore or relax. Later, check out Ubud and visit the picturesque Gitgit Waterfall or Pura Taman Saraswati, a Balinese Hindu temple with stunning lotus ponds. Both spots are perfect for photo ops!

Day 18 Ubud

Today is full of possibilities. Stop by the monkey forest, a sanctuary for the long-tailed Balinese monkey, before checking out more of Ubud. Take a yoga class, relax with a massage, try babi guling (whole roast suckling pig), visit the holy springs of Tirta Empul to cleanse your body and spirit, and be sure to save some room for some delicious healthy eats — they're abundant here. Tonight, wrap up your time in Ubud with a traditional Kecak dance performance.

Day 19 Ubud/Gili Trawangan

It's off to the beautifully laid-back island of Gili Trawangan today. Slow it all down with relaxing at a beachfront bar, stopping for photos at the Gili Trawangan swing, and — best of all — enjoying walking around freely (the island doesn't allow motorized vehicles). The rest of the day is yours to explore.

Day 20 Gili Trawangan

Spend another day in paradise. Explore the island by bicycle, or just kick back on the beach. Don't forget to catch your last marvelous sunset of the trip on the west side of the island, before celebrating the end of an amazing journey with your fellow travellers for your big night out.

Day 21 Gili Trawangan

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends as the tour ends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and cheers before you head on your way.

Want to take the hassle out of getting back to Bali? Book the Bali Express post-tour Extra. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.

Add the “Bali Express: Gili Trawangan to Kuta” to your adventure and make your way back to Bali with the guidance of a CEO. This nifty post-tour Extra includes a fast boat and land transfer to get you back to Kuta. Onward flights from Denpasar airport must not depart earlier than 20:00 on departure day when booking this extra. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.