14 Oct 2026 - 19 Oct 2026 (6 days)
USD4,695 - 2 Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Paul Varney
Pricing notes : Single Supplement is not available
Tour price (Per person): USD4,695 * GBP3,713 * EUR4,480 * AUD7,381
Flight costs: USD110 * GBP87 * EUR105 * AUD173
Can be linked with: Indonesia - Remote West Papuan Islands Cruise 2026
Embark on an unforgettable birding adventure through the lush Arfak Mountains of New Guinea. This tour offers a unique opportunity to see some of the world's most spectacular birds-of-paradise. Diverse habitat, from lowland forest to high-elevation cloud forests, seeking out endemic species such as Lesser Melampitta, Vogelkop Melidectes and the elusive Arfak Astrapia. Marvel at the vibrant colours and elaborate courtship displays of the Western Parotia, Magnificent Bird-of-paradise, and Long-tailed Paradigalla. We’ll spend time in specially constructed blinds, providing unparalleled views of otherwise very tricky species. Join us for an extraordinary journey into the heart of New Guinea's avian treasures.
Lesser Melampitta; Western Parotia; Arfak Astrapia; Magnificent Bird-of-paradise; Black & Black-billed Sicklebills; Crescent-caped Lophorina; Long-tailed Paradigalla; Arfak Honeyeater; Mottled Berryhunter; Vogelkop & Masked Bowerbirds; Arfak Catbird; Black Pitohui; Obscure Berrypecker; Bronze Ground Dove; Grey-banded Mannikin; Papuan Grassbird; Mountain, Feline & Vogelkop Owlet-Nightjars; Sooty Owl; Pheasant Pigeon; White-striped & Chestnut Forest Rails; Lesser Ground Robin; Smoky, Slaty, Ashy, Garnet & Green-backed Robins; Papuan Logrunner; Spotted Jewel-babbler; Perplexing, Vogelkop & Pale-billed Scrubwrens; Vogelkop Whistler; Papuan Treecreeper.
lowland and montane rainforest, grasslands, wetlands
weather is unpredictable and somewhat dependent on local topography. While mostly dry and sunny, it can be rather hot and humid in the lowlands. At higher elevations, temperatures are pleasant during the day, but can get very cool at night.
4 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
DIFFICULT: This is a high-intensity “mega” tour designed for passionate listers and serious birders who enjoy a fast-paced schedule. Due to its demanding nature, it’s not recommended for avid photographers, inexperienced birders, or anyone with mobility or health limitations.
This is not an easy tour, you should have a GOOD level of fitness & stamina, as well as be in good health. This tour is NOT suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced birders; or anyone with mobility or health challenges. Our Mega tours are very fast-paced birding adventures designed for the dedicated lister and serious birder. The focus of the tour is to see as many of the endemics and area specials as possible in our given time. In order to cover the necessary route to maximise the species list we tend to spend a single night at most sites and travel large distances. There is very little down time aside from that spent driving from one site to the next. These tours are not suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced or new birders; as well as anyone with serious mobility or health challenges.
Reasonable, simple to rather basic in the Arfaks.
Moderate to difficult. Bird density is low, many visuals are high in the canopy. Several difficult target species.
Reasonable, typical rainforest conditions of variable light & rain.
This was an adventure to be sure. The places we traveled were indeed remote and with the exception of larger cities like Ambon & Sorong inhabited by few people. This was my first trip to Indonesia and was an adventure to even get to Ambon. However, the Indonesian people must be the kindest most helpful people in the world. The boat was lovely and this amazing trip had so many interworking pieces -- moving from the Indo Seamore to the shore for the next adventure, disembarking at various kinds of dock, piers, rocks, etc, meeting up with our vehicles for rides up into the hills -- everything worked like clockwork. We saw so many fabulous birds thanks to our super guides, David Hoddinott and Lev Frid. The two guides were so helpful and informative; I would gladly travel with either of them or both in the future. However, I have to say that this trip was just about at the limit of my ability. I would never have seen the birds I did without the help of David & Lev and our various local guides and drivers. I think only Rockjumper could have pulled this tour off.
Both my husband and I found Lev to be an excellent guide. He was both personable and knowledgeable. I especially appreciated his calm demeanor when I was unable to immediately get on a bird in the field. His photographic skills also assisted in occasionally clinching an ID of a far-off bird. And, I and others on the Tour appreciated his willingness and ability to digiscope special birds - to be be later airdropped with each other! Lev is a real, and multi-faceted, gem.
Glen and Paul did a fantastic job on this tour. Glen is an excellent birder, guide and a wonderful personality. This is the second trip I have done with Glen and hope to join many more in the future.
The ultimate birding trip: stunning destinations, endemics galore, cruising through the Raja Ampats and Maluku on a lovely wooden boat with wonderful crew and great food, gorgeous sunsets, awesome snorkelling and two of the best Rockjumper guides - Keith and Glen Valentine. And to top it off, Wilson's Bird-of-Paradise!!!!!!!!!
Glen and Keith Valentine worked seamlessly together to make this one of the best Rockjumper trips! The logistics went well, local guides were great, and the boat was quite comfortable and offered good food and variety. Best of all, the birds were plentiful and everyone got lifers galore. The bros Valentine did everything possible to be sure that everyone got onto the birds and they worked tirelessly doing so. I would travel with either or both of them anywhere, thanks guys!
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