Rise before dawn to trek into the rainforest of Gam Island with an expert local birding guide in search of the Wilson's Bird of Paradise and Red Bird of Paradise — two of nature's most breathtaking spectacles, found nowhere else on Earth.
What to expect
You depart by small boat in darkness, reaching the forest edge as the first birds begin to call. Moving quietly along a well-kept trail, your guide leads you to a known display lek where male Wilson's Birds of Paradise perform their electric blue-and-crimson courtship dance in the canopy above. The Red Bird of Paradise — with its twin tail wires and brilliant plumage — may appear along the ridge. A jungle breakfast of local papaya, coffee, and sweet potato rounds out the morning.
Good to know
This excursion departs at approximately 05:30 and returns by 09:30 — confirm it fits within your port schedule. Wear dark, non-rustling clothing and closed shoes. Bring binoculars if possible; a good guide will have a spotting scope. Silence is non-negotiable on the trail. Pre-book at least 2 weeks in advance as guide slots are strictly limited.