Trek deep into the cloud-forested hillsides above the bay with an ornithologist guide for the chance to witness wild Birds-of-Paradise displaying in their natural lek — one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on the planet.
What to expect
You depart by tender before dawn and are driven to a trailhead where your guide — a certified birding expert — hands you binoculars and sets a quiet, respectful pace through primary rainforest. The soundscape alone is extraordinary: cicadas, hornbills, and the electric calls of Magnificent Riflebird building to a crescendo. At a pre-scouted lek, you settle silently to observe males fanning iridescent plumage in competitive display, utterly oblivious to your presence. The return walk includes endemic orchids, pitcher plants and towering strangler figs, with a full species list provided at the close.
Good to know
Depart ship at first light — pre-arrange tender access the evening before. Wear neutral earth tones, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes. Carry insect repellent. Maximum 6 guests per trek to minimise disturbance. Allow full morning; confirm all-aboard time is afternoon departure.