Birdwatching in Muaro Sako (Sumatra)

Muaro Sako

If you have time to spare after visiting Mt Kerinci, a day at Muaro Sako could be very rewarding. The bird-watching is easy-you can see a wide range of birds, including half a dozen endemics, just by walking or driving along the scenic main road through the forest.

Key species

Argus Pheasant, Helmeted Hornbill, Spot-necked and Cream-vented Bulbuls, Blue-masked Leafbird, Sumatra Drongo, Sumatra Treepie and Lesser Forktail.

Getting there

Muaro sako is village on the road between Sungai Penuh and Tapan. Buses leave Sungai Penuh for Tapan at 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. The 3-hr journey costs IDR 6,000.

Accommodation/dining

Facilities in Muaro Sako are very basic. ask at the restaurant for a room (IDR 15,000/night). The food does not come highly recommended. If you have your own transport, a long day-trip out of Sungai Penuh might be preferable.

General Information

For the best birding, simply walk back along the main road towards Sungai Penuh. The road winds through excellent forest, affording views of a wide range of species. Better still, leave the village early and hitch back up to the two warung about an hour out of Muaro Sako on the Sungai Penuh road. Then walk back down to the village (10-12 hrs).

Birdwatching in Lake Belibis (Sumatra)

Lake Belibis

On the western flank of Mt Kerinci, “duck lake” sounds promising. The 3-ha lake, with its beautiful views of Kerinci, is charming, but the forest along the 2-km, leech-infested trail from forest along the 2-km, leech-ifested trail from the edge of the plantation was badly damaged by illegal logging in the 1980s and the birding is relatively poor. You will need a guide to find the start of the trail, which is a 1 hr 50-min (2-hr) walk from Kerisik Tua.

Ladeh Payang

Not yet on the birding map, this 100-ha swamp to the west of Mt Kerinci is said to be one of the best areas in the park to see tigers. The trail starts at Kebun Baru, a 18-km road and drivable track from Kerisik Tua. It is said to be a 1.5-hr walk through cultivation to the edge of the forest and then 5.5 hrs through the forest to the swamp, where you can camp by a 3-storey watchtower. Lake Sakti is a further 2 hrs from the edge of the swamp.

source Birding Indonesia. Periplus Publishing. Singapore