Birds of Paradise
8 Days from IDR154,000,000
| Dates: | 4 September 2028 - 11 September 2028 |
|---|---|
| Locations: | Private Reserve |
| Group size: | Limited to 4 participants |
| Activity level: | Moderate |
| Experience: | Wildlife, Culture |
In 2028, we will return to one of Indonesia’s most remote rainforests for a rare Birds of Paradise photography experience, limited to just four photographers.
This is the only place in Indonesia offering this type of photographic experience. The birds are completely wild; there are no feeding stations, baited posts or artificial set-ups. Nothing is placed to attract or manipulate their behaviour. We work entirely on their terms.
The males return naturally to their display leks at predictable periods around sunrise and again in the middle of the afternoon. We use this natural rhythm to plan our time in the forest, entering before dawn and being in position before the birds arrive. After a break at the lodge, we return for the afternoon display and remain in the forest until the activity finishes.
The long hours are essential. This is not a set-piece wildlife encounter where the subject is brought to the photographer. We spend extended periods in the forest observing the birds, anticipating their behaviour and waiting for the moments to unfold naturally.
With only four photographers, the experience remains exclusive and highly focused, allowing each participant the time and space to work towards their own images.
Deep in a remote Indonesian rainforest, with truly wild Birds of Paradise and no artificial attraction or staging, this is an experience that is yet to be replicated anywhere else.
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 use of a remote Bird of Paradise reserve and jungle lodge, reserved entirely for our group
- Additional chances to photograph other forest 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 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
Days 1 - 6:
This morning we begin our transfer to the jungle lodge, arriving in the afternoon. Over the course of our 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 7:
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 8:
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.
Workshop Fees
IDR 154,000,000 double occupancy
IDR 154,000,000 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 4 May 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
- All-inclusive meals from lunch on Day One until breakfast on the departure day
- Local taxes and fees
- Local guide fees
- Exclusive use of jungle lodge at Bird of Paradise Reserve
- Porter services of one camera bag per person for field excursions
What's Not Included
- Any travel services required to arrive at the workshop commencement location
- Any personal items such as alcoholic beverages and souvenirs
- 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 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, which is 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
I recently returned from the Birds of Paradise workshop. It was an incredible adventure and a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. This was far more than a casual birdwatching tour. We had exclusive access to a remote private nature reserve. The friendliness of our hosts and guides, even though neither of us could speak the other's language, quickly made it memorable. In return for our efforts, we had an extraordinary opportunity to photograph these spectacular birds at eye level, in a truly wild and untouched environment. It was challenging, uncomfortable at times, and unlike any conventional bird photography trip, but that is precisely what made it so memorable.
This was my fourth wildlife adventure in Indonesia with Phillip, and once again, everything was exceptionally well planned and executed. As a long-time resident of Indonesia, Phillip brings invaluable local knowledge and connections. His ability to speak the language lets us travel well beyond the typical tourist experience, and this amazing adventure was another example of how his knowledge and connections open doors to truly unique experiences.
Dale Grosbach
Birds of Paradise workshop. It was truly an incredible and unforgettable journey. At the beginning, I kept asking myself, “Why did I come here?” There were very few conveniences, the journey was challenging, and at times, it was definitely outside my comfort zone. But when the trip came to an end, I found myself feeling so grateful. Grateful to myself for taking the chance and stepping outside my comfort zone, and grateful to every single person who helped make this amazing journey possible. A special thank you to the entire team. You are all truly professional, dedicated, and amazing at what you do.
This trip may not have been easy, but it was absolutely worth it. I’m leaving with a heart full of wonderful memories and gratitude.
Wipada Salmanowitz
I recently joined the Bird of Paradise workshop, my 7th or 8th trip with Indonesia Photo Workshops. Phillip had warned us well in advance that this would be an off-grid adventure, with basic cabins deep in the jungle and none of the usual comforts. He wasn’t kidding!
Reaching the Bird of Paradise reserve was an adventure in itself, involving travel by land, air, sea and finally on foot. But once we arrived, it was all absolutely worth it. Being able to witness these incredible birds performing their spectacular displays, and photograph them at eye level, was a truly unforgettable experience.
Everything came together perfectly - the logistics ran smoothly, the photography opportunities were superb, and the birds certainly didn’t disappoint. It was an amazing experience from start to finish, and one I’ll remember for a long time. I want to visit again!
David Salmanowitz
Phillip's Bird of Paradise workshop was a true adventure. Purpose built hides high in the trees of a remote forest enabled eye-level views that few photographers have experienced. The surround-sound effect of the Greater Bird of Paradise as they assembled at dawn near the lek in preparation for their elaborate courtship displays was a very special experience. The local guides and staff are kind and attentive, doing everything they can to assist, but even so this was a physically challenging trip. Very simple accommodations, early starts, long walks over unmade paths in the pre-dawn darkness and the effort to access the hides themselves were all tiring, but the photographic opportunities more than made up for the hardships! Once again, Phillip's outstanding local knowledge, fluency in Indonesian and unwavering attention to detail made the whole trip appear seamless.
Anne Owen
Read more feedback from our clients on our testimonials page.