Birds of Paradise
| Dates: | 31 August 2025 - 11 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Locations: | West Papua |
| Group size: | Limited to 3 participants |
| Activity level: | Moderate |
| Experience: | Wildlife, Culture |
Join our bespoke Indonesia Birds of Paradise photo workshop, tailored for just three adventurous photographers, to capture powerful and emotive images of magnificent birds of paradise during their peak display season. Experience unparalleled photography with exclusive-use access to both elevated and ground-level hides, ensuring exceptional opportunities to photograph the legendary display behaviors up close. As part of this workshop, we have arranged a full takeover of a Bird of Paradise reserve and jungle lodge, which will give our group private access to the hides and field locations. Species of Birds of Paradise we will be targeting include the Greater, Red, Wilson's, and King, alongside opportunities to photograph hornbills, kingfishers, and other tropical forest birds.
On this workshop we prioritise being out in the field at optimum times, which typically involves pre-dawn starts to be in position well before the activity begins. This workshop is suitable for all levels of photographer, with in-depth one-to-one photographic tuition in the field.
The accommodations we stay in range from comfortable resorts to basic jungle lodges. Meals are freshly prepared and most dietary requirements can be catered to.
Spaces are very limited for this incredible adventure — reserve your place now to avoid missing out!
Itinerary
Day 1: West Papua
Today is the arrival day into the town of Sorong. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel and the day is yours to refresh after your flights. We meet tonight for a group welcome dinner and to discuss the adventure ahead.
Days 2 - 3: West Papua
After breakfast we transfer to the ferry terminal for the 2-hour journey across to the island of Waigeo. We will arrive in the late morning and transfer to our lodging. Waigeo is home to the Wilson's and Red Birds of Paradise, along with a variety of other rainforest birds. We have arranged exclusive use of the Bird of Paradise hides for our morning photography sessions, when the birds are actively displaying. In the afternoons we will explore the rainforest to photograph a range of tropical bird species including hornbills, kingfishers, and parrots.
Day 4: West Papua
This afternoon we take the return ferry to Sorong.
Day 5: West Papua
Today is a transit day with a domestic flight to our next location.
Days 6 - 9: West Papua
This morning we begin the transfer to our jungle lodge, and will arrive in the late afternoon. For the ultimate photography experience at this very special location we have taken over the entire lodge and Bird of Paradise Reserve for our group's exclusive use. This gives us unrestricted access to the bird hides and field locations for uninterrupted photo sessions during our 4-day stay. The Greater and King Birds of Paradise are found in this area and we enjoy multiple opportunities capturing their intricate displays.
Day 10: West Papua
There is one more opportunity for dawn photography before we begin the return journey back to the township.
Day 11: West Papua
Today is a transit day for our return domestic flight.
Day 12: Depart
Transfer to the airport to connect with your homeward-bound flights.
What to Expect
This workshop takes place during the dry season. All of our locations are either at or very close to sea level. The temperature range is typically 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). We will mostly be under the cover of the jungle when we are photographing.
Activity Level
Moderate
Guests should be in good health and able to:
• Take short to medium walks of approximately an hour on flat and/or undulating, rising terrain on well-formed trails and jungle tracks
• Porters are available to carry your camera equipment on walks
Visas
A very easy online purchase of a Visitor Visa is all that is required for most nationalities to enter Indonesia for up to 30 days. ASEAN country citizens can enter visa-free.
Transportation
In addition to the domestic flights, this workshop utilizes a mixture of land and sea transportation. All of our transportation partners are highly experienced with excellent safety protocols.
Workshop Fees
IDR 193,000,000 double occupancy
IDR 197,000,000 single occupancy
All amounts are in Indonesian Rupiah and are per person.
To confirm your place on this workshop we require a deposit payment of 50% of the total fee. Balance of the workshop fee is due on 30 April 2025. Payments may be made by internet bank transfer or international bank transfer.
What's Included
- Accommodation in comfortable, private rooms for 11 nights
- All-inclusive meals from dinner on Day One until breakfast on the departure day
- Domestic flights as listed in the itinerary
- Local transportation
- Local taxes and fees
- Local guide fees
What's Not Included
- Any other travel services required to arrive at the workshop commencement location and all associated taxes, levies and insurances
- Any personal items including meals where not included, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs and travel insurance
- All Covid-19 vaccination, pre-flight and immigration associated costs according to current travel and arrival regulations
- Gratuities for drivers and guides
- Immigration, duty, passport and visa fees where applicable
Terms and Conditions
Please ensure you read our terms and conditions.
Trip Leader
Phillip Bartlett
Phillip is a professional nature and wildlife photographer, workshop instructor, and expedition leader whose exploration of Indonesia began in 1992. Together with his gifted wife Engelina, a descendant of the Royal Kingdom in Central Java, they began leading Indonesia photo workshops and photography tours in 2015.
Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, Phillip has a deep understanding of its diverse cultures. His ability to communicate fluently has enabled him to establish a wide network of relationships across the archipelago, ranging from remote Papuan hill-tribes to the President's personal security detail — a tale in itself.
With over two decades of experience as a full-time photographer, Phillip generously shares his knowledge and passion for Indonesia with photographers from around the world. His commitment to providing exceptional experiences has led to collaborations with respected international photo workshop providers.
Phillip is also credited with pioneering New Zealand multi-region photography workshops. In 2005, he founded Capture New Zealand, offering exclusive photography workshops in New Zealand.
Currently, Phillip is focusing on photographing Indonesia's most elusive and endangered wildlife species, celebrating the natural wonders that call the world's largest archipelago home.
Reviews
Phillip runs exceptional tours in both New Zealand and Indonesia. I have had the chance to try both countries. Phillip does an excellent job of opening up Indonesia to foreign photographers and tourists. He speaks the language and also understands the culture making it easy for trip participants to experience local culture in an true, non-tourist way. (Excerpt from Google review).
Neil Bainton
Did a recent trip with Phillip and top notch from start to finish, have been on many many trips with him and there is a reason - extremely well planned, top notch subject matter, and lots of fun. Highly recommended.
David and Wipada Salmanowitz
Read more feedback from our clients on our testimonials page.