The magical island of Bali forms part of the chain of tropical islands in the Indonesian archipelago and, although it’s most famous as a beach tourism Mecca, Bali has a lot to offer the birder and naturalist. Situated at the eastern end of the Greater Sundas, Bali provides superb birding and wildlife viewing. The island’s most iconic bird, the beautiful and very rare Bali Myna or Bali Starling, will be top of the hit list during our Bali birding extension. Most of our time will be spent at the world-renowned Bali Barat National Park. Here we will search for some of the last few wild Bali Mynas in existence, and we will also be treated to numerous other avian treasures, many of which are only shared with neighbouring Java. These include the endangered Black-winged Starling, Beach Stone-curlew, the dazzling Cerulean Kingfisher, Green Junglefowl, Javan Plover, Java Sparrow and the spectacular Javan Banded Pitta!

Our trip also ventures into the highlands where specialities include Crescent-chested Babbler, Javan Whistling and Sunda Thrushes, Yellow-throated Hanging Parrot, the delightful Sunda Warbler, Blood-breasted Flowerpecker and Grey-throated Ibon. The Bali countryside is eye-catching, and we will additionally find ourselves enjoying such wonderful and range-restricted species as White-capped and Javan Munias, the stunning Javan Kingfisher and Cinnamon Bittern while gazing across emerald-green rice paddies, uniquely punctuated with Hindu temples and soaking in the island’s incredible beauty. Bali makes for a splendid week-long birding adventure, offering exceptional island birding, sensational scenery, world class coral reef snorkelling and fascinating art and culture.