The Tangkoko-DuaSudara Nature Reserve sits like a thumbnail on the tip of the peninsula. About 2 hour more drive from Manado, this 8.800 ha reserve is one of the most beautiful and accessible rain forests in Indonesia and, despite its modest size, offers opportunities for treks from beach forest through gently sloping lowland forest and on up to cloud forests that cling to the edges of volcanic c
alderas. The reserve's 3 volcanic peaks are the 1.109 m of Mt. Tangkoko, the ash cone of Batuangus ( 450 m ), which resulted from an eruption in 1839, and the 1351 m twin peaks of Dua Sudara. Batuangus is almost bare of vegetation and has a new lava flow that extends to the sea, where a collapsed lava tunnel has formed a 400 m long cove with coral reefs and the only mangrove habitat in reserve. The north coast is a series of crescent-shaped, sandy bays, separated by rocky headlands. More than 150 of Sulawesi's 379 bird species have been recorded in Tangkoko, including 47 Sulawesi endemics. there are severakl good guides in the village who can be contacted via the PHPA post at the park entrance; with their knowledge of bird calls and the best areas, you should catch up with most of the park's specialities in a 3 or 4 day visit. Tangkoko have many endemic mammals and birds like Tarsius Spectrum ( nocturnal, the smallest primates in the world ), Macacas Nigras ( black monkey ), Hornbills, Kingfishers, Parrots, etc.
Four basic homestays in Batuputih, near the park entrance, all with fullboard and about the same prices as on Bunaken Island: Mama Ros, Londa Linda, Ranger and Tarsius.
Recomendations for Visitors
Dress appropriately. Wear light, breathable clothing that dries quickly. Drab colours are preferable; avoid whites and reds. Although it is hot, long sleeves and pants prevent scratches and insect bites. Use insect repellent and tuck your pants into your socks to minimize insect, leech and mite bites.
Carry good binoculars; without them even the most spectacular birds will be no more than a shiny dot in the canopy. Carry a waterproof bag big enough for binoculars and cameras in case of a downpour.
Go slowly, quietly and in small groups (no more than 5) so animals will be less likely to be disturbed by your presence.
Seek out fruiting trees, especially figs, or pools and streams. These are profitable places to sit and wait for wildlife, particularly birds.
Sit often and for long periods and search for the things that tend to go unnoticed like glossy beetles, graceful butterflies, velvety ants, and exquisite but minute flowers.
Be aware of sounds - the buzzing of insects, calls of birds, rustling in the underbrush. Quite often these cues are the first indication that something is about to happen.
Go early. Most birds and many mammals are active in the morning with their movements dropping off by midday. The afternoon peak is never as energetic as the morning but these are good times to visit streams and water sources.
Dress appropriately. Wear light, breathable clothing that dries quickly. Drab colours are preferable; avoid whites and reds. Although it is hot, long sleeves and pants prevent scratches and insect bites. Use insect repellent and tuck your pants into your socks to minimize insect, leech and mite bites.
Carry good binoculars; without them even the most spectacular birds will be no more than a shiny dot in the canopy. Carry a waterproof bag big enough for binoculars and cameras in case of a downpour.
Go slowly, quietly and in small groups (no more than 5) so animals will be less likely to be disturbed by your presence.
Seek out fruiting trees, especially figs, or pools and streams. These are profitable places to sit and wait for wildlife, particularly birds.
Sit often and for long periods and search for the things that tend to go unnoticed like glossy beetles, graceful butterflies, velvety ants, and exquisite but minute flowers.
Be aware of sounds - the buzzing of insects, calls of birds, rustling in the underbrush. Quite often these cues are the first indication that something is about to happen.
Go early. Most birds and many mammals are active in the morning with their movements dropping off by midday. The afternoon peak is never as energetic as the morning but these are good times to visit streams and water sources.
When viewing monkeys, let them approach you on their own terms. If you stoop down and avoid looking directly in their eyes they will be less inhibited. Do not chase or pursue monkeys and never feed them. No matter how innocent they may look, wild monkeys bite and carry dangerous diseases. When viewing tarsiers at night don't forget your flashlight. However be considerate of their extremely senstitive eyes.
