Birdwatching in Manupeu (Nusa Tenggara)

Manupeu

The beautiful, steep-sided Manupeu valley is dominated by the spectacular Matayangu waterfall and supports the highest known densities of Sumba Hornbill. It is an easy day trip by car from Waikabubak. The track to the valley passes through a mosaic of forest and grassland clearings. There is no accommodation in the area. The valley is known locally as a place of evil spirits, and several visitors who have camped in the valley have reported disturbing dreams.

Getting there

No public transport. A 1-day charter from Waikabubak will cost about $45. at Wailawa, 16 km from Waikabubak, turn south along an asphalt side road. The asphalt gives out after 10 km, 500 m before the forest edge. A 4WD can continue along a track for a further 3-4 km to the top of the valley, and a jeep track continues a further 5 km to the edge of the Manuperu valley. From there it is a 3-km walk down a steep trail into the valley bottom.

Birdwatching in Luku Melolo (Nusa Tenggara)

Luku Melolo

A spectacular valley, with steep limestone escarpments protecting 7,800 ha of forest. On the eastern side of the valley a mosaic of forest and open grasslands that survives along the top of the escarpment is a great place to see many of sumba’s endemic birds.

Key species

Peregrine Falcon, Short-toed Eagle, Sumba Hornbill, Citron-crested race of Yellow-crested Cockatoo, Sumba Green Pigeon, Sumba Cicadabird, Sumba Flycatcher, Sumba Brown Flycatcher, Red-headed Myzomela.

Getting there

Melolo village is 62 km (2 hrs) by road east of Waingapu. Buses leave the terminal about every hour (fare IDR 15.000). the turning up to Luku Melolo forest is the first on the right after the bridge in Melolo. Truck-buses are rare, and without your own transport you will have to rely on hitching on one of the infrequent vehicles for the 21 km, uphill drive to the forest.

General information

Bird along the road from km 21 to km 25, with frequent excursions into the forest fragments and to the edge of the escarpment to look over the valley. At the small village of Paberamanera (km 25) a trail leads down to the river.