Tomohon, I Am Back - Day 4 Part 4 (Post 15)

After getting to know more about the Minahasan culture at the Waruga (Minahasa Sarcophagus), we’re off to explore more of Tomohon.

But first, it’s time for lunch! We found a lovely restaurant nestled in a gorgeous garden right across from the stunning Mount Lokon, which is very much alive and kicking.

This is my second time here, and I am totally enjoying it.

It’s so nice to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature with an amazing view of the volcano.

Every now and then, colorful birds would flutter by, adding a bit of magic to our lunch.

We definitely kept our hands busy, juggling our utensils and snapping photos at the same time!

After we finished eating, we took a leisurely stroll around the garden, soaking in all the beautiful flowers.

And of course, there were plenty of birds to admire too!

 I’ll be sure to share more about them in my next blog post. Stay tuned!
 

Sarcophagus of Minahasa - Day 4 Part 3 (Post 14)

I’ve heard so much about the vibrant traditions of the Minahasan people, so I couldn’t resist the chance to visit the Waruga, or the sarcophagus of Minahasa, while we were on our way to Tomohon from Tangkoko.

These ancient tombs are truly fascinating, holding the echoes of the past within their stone walls. Each Waruga is not just a resting place; it’s a beautiful piece of art, adorned with intricate designs that showcase the cultural identity and spiritual beliefs of the Minahasa people. 

These sarcophagi are a remarkable testament to a unique burial practice that honors ancestors while celebrating life in a colorful way. Each one, carved into shapes that resemble human figures, tells the stories of noble warriors and respected leaders who once walked this lively land.

The skill involved in creating these pieces reflects the deep respect the Minahasa have for their ancestors, highlighting the close bond between the living and those who have passed on. The traditions around the Waruga encourage storytelling and the sharing of oral histories, helping each generation stay connected to their roots and the values handed down by their forebears.

Visiting the Waruga is also a wonderful opportunity for cultural learning, attracting people like me who want to appreciate the deep significance of these remarkable relics. In my view, the Waruga represents more than just a burial practice—it’s a powerful symbol of identity, continuity, and respect for the cycle of life and death woven into the rich tapestry of Minahasa culture.

Based on the Minahasa beliefs and practices, instead of burying their dead, the bodies were placed in Waruga, akin to the position of a fetus in the womb, as it is believed that they will be reborn. 

It’s interesting to note that this practice was banned in 1828 by the Dutch, who were concerned about disease outbreaks and the shift to Christian burial practices.

And just a little side note—don’t confuse the Waruga with the name of a brown ibis-like bird with a “hammer-head”. They can be found near wetlands or rivers in Africa!

Tomohon, Here we come - Day 4 Part 2 (Post 13)

After enjoying a delicious lunch, we checked out of our cozy homestay and set off for Tomohon. Since Temboan Hill Lookout was on our route, we decided to make a quick stop there before continuing our adventure.

As soon as we parked, we were thrilled to spot an Ivory-backed Woodswallow, which was a brand-new sighting for me!

Then, we listened carefully and managed to find a Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo, which looks a lot like the Plaintive Cuckoo. 

Just as we were getting into the groove of birdwatching, the rain began to fall, and we were lucky enough to see the stunning Finchbill Myna.

Right above us, a male Sahul Sunbird was perched on a banana tree, in the same spot as the female we had seen yesterday.

As we walked along the path, we caught sight of a Black Sunbird with its beautiful golden crown, which tends to look greenish when the sun hits it just right.

Its back shimmered with a glossy black finish.

On that same tree, we also spotted a Black-crowned White-eye. Just before we hopped back in the car,

we had a glimpse of a White-necked Myna, adding to our birdwatching excitement.

We continued our journey on the new highway that winds through the region from east to west toward Tomohon. What a fantastic day of exploration!

Checking Out of Tangkoko - Day 4 Part 1 (Post 12)

Today marks the end of three thrilling days filled with fascinating wildlife experiences at Tangkoko! I woke up early to soak in the beautiful views of our homestay in the soft morning light before we set off for Tomohon later.

We couldn't resist taking one last stroll through the Tangkoko forest before our journey to Tomohon. As we wandered, I spotted the lively Collared Kingfisher darting around, busy catching its breakfast.

I also glimpsed a parrot perched on a distant tree, though I think it is probably an Azure-rumped Parrot.

When I ventured into the thicker part of the forest, I was lucky to get a great look at the Greenbacked Kingfisher. It was so focused on its meal, proudly holding a big, juicy worm in its beak!

As always, the Sulawesi babbler flitted from branch to branch in the underbrush, adding to the lively atmosphere.

On our way out, we even spotted a charming flock of Grey Cheeked Green Pigeons! 

And just as we were enjoying our breakfast, I noticed an Isabeline Bushhen taking a refreshing shower in a puddle left by the earlier rain. What a delightful way to wrap up our adventure!

Amazing Tangkoko - Day 3 Part 2 (Post 11)

As soon as we got to our homestay, our friendly host excitedly mentioned that a Ruddy Kingfisher had been spotted near the river flowing right by us. 

After enjoying the sight of the kingfisher, we were thrilled to see probably a female Black Naped Fruit-Dove land in the tree right in front of us! 

But the bird action didn’t stop there! We also spotted Finchbill Myna joining the lively gathering of birds,

along with the eye-catching Sulawesi Hanging-Parrot. 

And just before lunch, we were delighted to see a Black-naped Fruit-Dove appear among the mix! 

After a little break, we headed back into the forest. While wandering through the undergrowth, we caught a glimpse of some shadows darting around. After a bit of chasing, we were lucky enough to identify a Philippine Megapode, despite the tricky lighting. 

After spending over an hour exploring, we finally spotted another amazing bird of Tangkoko: the Ochre-bellied Boobook! 

To wrap up our Day 3 at Tangkoko, we spotted a Lesser Coucal.

Later that evening, I took a stroll around our homestay in the light drizzle, soaking in the last moments here before we head to Tomohon tomorrow. It's hard to believe that three incredible days of birdwatching have flown by so quickly! 

Oh, and when the rain let up, we noticed swarms of termites buzzing around!

Temboan Hill Lookout - Day 3 Part 1 (Post 10)

On our third day at Tangkoko, we're off to explore the stunning Temboan Hill Lookout, which is just a short 20-minute drive away!

I fondly recall that this area was buzzing with parrot sightings on my last visit, and sure enough, the first bird we spotted was a vibrant Sulawesi Hanging-Parrot.

Just a little further along, we came across a White Necked Myna.

Then, to my delight, the Sulawesi Cicadabird made an appearance—this was a brand new species for me!

We also spotted another Bay Coucal, which seems to be quite common around here. Interestingly, even though they belong to the cuckoo family, coucals don’t engage in brood parasitism. 

The excitement hit a high when we laid eyes on the Sulawesi Dwarf Hornbill, also known as the Sulawesi Hornbill. The male features a striking yellow face and throat, while the female is entirely black.

As if that wasn’t enough, we were thrilled to see a pair of Knobbed Hornbills!

Just as the rain began to fall, a Sahul Sunbird appeared, looking quite similar to the Ornate Sunbird.

This place is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, and macro photography enthusiasts will love it too! There are plenty of opportunities to capture tiny creatures, like these wasps whose species I’m not sure of,

and some interesting flies.

I noticed a katydid resting on each flower,

and I spotted some birds perched on a wire that I believe were Gray-rumped Treeswifts.

While we were watching the treeswifts, a beautiful White-bellied Imperial-Pigeon flew gracefully across the sky. 

Following closely behind, a flock of Finchbill Mynas joined in the fun, 

landing nearby for a closer look.

One "rare" highlight was spotting a non-endemic bird, the Sooty Headed Bulbul,

along with another non-endemic visitor, the Black-naped Oriole.

I even caught sight of a Grey-sided Flowerpecker perched atop a Sahul Sunbird.

As we wrapped up our adventure and prepared to head back to our homestay, a pair of Barred Rails made a delightful final appearance, making our day even more special!