Birds of Paradise
12 Days from IDR191,500,000
| Dates: | 4 September 2028 - 15 September 2028 |
|---|---|
| Locations: | West Papua |
| Group size: | Limited to 4 participants |
| Activity level: | Moderate |
| Experience: | Wildlife, Culture |
Experience our exclusive 2028 Indonesia Birds of Paradise Photo Workshop, created for a small group of just four dedicated photographers. Imagine waiting patiently in a rainforest hide as the jungle awakens, and male Birds of Paradise with full plumage emerge to perform their remarkable courtship displays just metres away. This workshop offers an exceptional opportunity to photograph these magnificent birds at the height of the display season, in remote and rarely visited locations.
Our days begin well before sunrise to ensure we are in position and fully prepared before the birds arrive to display at first light. After the morning session, we return to our accommodation for breakfast and to prepare camera equipment for the afternoon. Depending on the site, we head back into the field from early to mid-afternoon, continuing to photograph until the last light fades.
This field-intensive workshop offers an exciting opportunity to produce a distinctive and significant body of work, one which may even become a defining moment in your journey as a photographer.
Highlights
- Only 4 photographers gives you exceptional photography opportunities and individually-tailored instruction
- Exclusive use of elevated and ground-level hides, offering unparalleled eye-level views of courtship behaviors
- Exclusive access to a remote Bird of Paradise reserve and jungle lodge, reserved entirely for our group
- Target species include Greater, Red, Wilson’s, Lesser, Magnificent, and King Birds of Paradise
- Additional chances to photograph hornbills, kingfishers, and other tropical birds
Workshop Ethics
- Observe and photograph the birds without impacting behavior
- Hides are carefully positioned to avoid disturbance
- No baiting or intrusive techniques
Experience Level
This workshop is open to photographers of all experience levels. Those with a working knowledge of their camera equipment will benefit the most, as some sessions involve shooting from single-person hides. Workshop leader Phillip Bartlett will tailor generous one-to-one instruction and advice based on your individual needs.
Logistics
Our lodgings are comfortable and clean for the duration of the workshop and include 4-star hotels, a 3-star island resort, and a basic lodge. The lodge is positioned in the heart of the Bird of Paradise Reserve, in a very remote location. Due to its remoteness, electricity is provided by a generator and is specifically for use to charge camera batteries and provide lighting in the common area. There is no electricity in the individual lodge bungalows. Lighting is currently from solar-powered lamps. Bathrooms feature a basin, cold-water shower, and a dry-style Western toilet.
Meals are freshly prepared and most dietary requirements can be catered to.
Reserve Your Place Now
Because of the remote access and private reserve takeover, this is a strictly limited experience capped at just four photographers. This allows for more personalised instruction, more time in hides, and a more productive and rewarding experience overall.
If you are excited by the opportunity to capture sensational images of Birds of Paradise in their peak display season register online now.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Sorong, the gateway to West Papua. After airport pickup, transfer to your hotel and take time to relax and recover from your flights.
In the evening, join the group for a welcome dinner and trip briefing as we prepare for the adventure ahead.
Days 2 - 4:
After breakfast, we transfer to the fast ferry terminal for the two-hour journey to Waigeo Island. We expect to arrive by late morning and will continue directly to our lodge, which provides convenient access to the island’s birding locations.
Waigeo is home to both Wilson’s and Red Birds of Paradise, as well as a wide variety of other rainforest species. For the duration of our stay, we have arranged exclusive access to the Bird of Paradise hides for our morning photography sessions. These sessions are timed to coincide with the peak activity period when the birds perform their elaborate courtship displays—ideal for capturing compelling behavioral images.
In the afternoons, we’ll explore the surrounding rainforest on foot to photograph a broader range of tropical birds, including hornbills, kingfishers, parrots, and other species unique to the region. This combination of structured hide sessions and exploratory walks offers a wide variety of photo opportunities.
Following the morning photography session on Day 4, we will return to our accommodations and prepare for the return ferry transfer to Sorong.
Day 5:
We begin the day with an early morning departure, driving to a remote valley where local villagers have established a protected forest reserve. This area is home to several remarkable species, including the Lesser, Magnificent, and 12-Wired Birds of Paradise.
Thanks to the leadership of a long-time friend and local conservation advocate, the community has embraced eco-tourism and actively ended the capture and trade of birds in the area. Their efforts have created a sustainable model that benefits both wildlife and the local economy.
Purpose-built photography hides have been installed in key display areas, offering excellent viewing and shooting conditions. Ongoing improvements to tracks and basic infrastructure continue to support both conservation and access.
After our morning photography of the birds, we return to Sorong in the afternoon.
Day 6:
Today is a transit day as we take a domestic flight to relocate to our next Bird of Paradise location. Upon arrival, we will transfer to accommodations where we will stay overnight, allowing us to rest and prepare for the next phase of the expedition.
Days 7 - 10:
This morning we begin our transfer to the jungle lodge, arriving in the afternoon. Over the course of our four-day stay, we will focus on photographing the Greater and King Birds of Paradise, two of the region’s most visually stunning species. These birds are known for their elaborate and highly entertaining courtship displays, which provide incredible opportunities for capturing dynamic behavior, intricate plumage details, and unique poses.
The privacy and remoteness of the lodge and reserve means that we will have this area entirely to ourselves. As this is a full takeover of the lodge and Bird of Paradise reserve our group will enjoy unrestricted use of the bird hides and surrounding field locations, providing uninterrupted opportunities to photograph the birds when they are most active.
Each day typically includes two dedicated photography sessions in the hides—one starting before dawn to capture the Birds of Paradise during their early morning courtship displays, and a second session in the afternoon when the birds become active again. These sessions are timed to take advantage of the best natural light and bird behavior, maximizing your chances of capturing dynamic and emotive images.
Between sessions, you will have time to rest and review your images. Additional opportunities to photograph other rainforest species are also available during walks and explorations in the vicinity of the lodge.
Day 11:
There is one more opportunity for morning photography before we begin our return journey to the township. This final session allows for the chance to capture different compositions of the Birds of Paradise during their morning displays, maximising our time in this exceptional location.
Day 12:
This morning, we take a short flight to a nearby airport hub, marking the conclusion of our workshop. We thank you for joining us on this journey and wish you safe travels home.
For those with onward flights the following day, we are happy to assist with local hotel bookings or other arrangements as needed.
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 191,500,000 double occupancy
IDR 199,000,000 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 5 June 2028. Payments may be made by internet or international bank transfer. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express payments (+3% card fee).
What's Included
- Accommodation in private rooms for 11 nights
- All-inclusive meals from dinner on Day One until breakfast on the departure day
- Domestic flights as indicated in the itinerary
- Local taxes and fees
- Local guide fees
What's Not Included
- Any travel services required to arrive at the workshop commencement location
- Any personal items such as alcoholic beverages and souvenirs
- All Covid-19 vaccination, pre-flight and immigration associated costs according to current travel and arrival regulations
- Gratuities for support crew, guides, and porters
- Visa and other immigration 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
Great wonderful experience as the trips have had it all--gorgeous landscapes, amazing wildlife, incredible food, friendly people,...I have been on this particular trip 5 times already and will be returning next year cannot say enough good things about it all.
David and Wipada Salmanowitz
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.
Neil Bainton
Read more feedback from our clients on our testimonials page.