Birdwatching in Oel Bubuk Forest (Timor Island)

Oel Bubuk Forest

A tiny (less than 5 ha) remnant of lower montane (1,100 m above sea level) evergreen forest on the way from Soe to Kapan and Mt Mutis.

Key species

Very similar to Buat, but easier to access. Chestnut-backed Thrush once recorded here (but Orange-banded more usual). Mountain White-eye and Blood-breasted Flowerpecker possible.

Getting there

Take the Soe-Kapan road. Stop at km post 14 from Soe, where the road passes through forest (for about 300 m). most of the forest is on a steep hill on the right-hand (east) side of the road. A walking trail follows the southern edge, starting at a wooden-pole gate by the roadside. There are regular bemos from Soe, fare IDR 2,000.

taken from Birding Indonesia. Periplus Publishing. Singapore

Birdwatching in Oelnasi (Timor Island)

Oelnasi

A virtually unexplored, easily-accessible, large area of tall, semi-deciduous forest (450-550 m altitude), only 15 minutes west of Soe.

Key species

Same as Camplong (although 200 m higher in elevation), but more birds to be seen, apparently. Good for pigeons/doves and raptors at times. Spot-breasted Dark-eye commoner.

Getting there

Take the main Kupang-Soe road to km post 95 (about 15 km from Soe) and look for a wooden-pole gate on the northern side of the road (on the left coming from Kupang) with caretaker’s hut, opposite a stone wall. Obtain permission from the caretaker. Starting at the gate, a trail winds right through the middle of tall forest for at least 2 km, passing through several small grassy clearings, good for seeing aerial species and flying pigeons.