An area of beauty...
Just about an hour north of the city of Manado (North Sulawesi), you can find yourself wondering the woods of the Tangkoko Nature Reserve on a mission to get a glimpse of its unique wildlife roaming the rolling hills and valleys in the shadows of Mounts Dua Saudara and Tangkoko. The beauty of this reserve is being able to walk among the varied flora and fauna to observe its amazing wildlife roaming free.
Immerse yourself in the experience...
Immerse yourself in the experience of viewing such creatures as the black crested macaque monkeys, maleo birds, the Sulawesi bear and dwarf cuscus, and the hornbills who make this their habitat. The macaques, endemic to Sulawesi, usually can be seen in large social groups, playing, fighting or grooming themselves. While the cuscus, a pouched animal, can be seen among the trees when one is particularly lucky. But the star of the jungle has to be one of the smallest known primates in the world, the tarsier. Found only in Sulawesi and about the size of a fist, you have to wait until dark to spot this nocturnal big-eyed cutie.
Numerous species found only in Sulawesi...
Of the 127 mammal, 233 bird and 104 reptile and amphibian species found in the Tangkoko reserve, 79 mammal (including the cuscus and tarsier), 103 bird and 29 reptile and amphibian species are endemic to the island. As you will see on your visit, the Tangkoko Nature Reserve offers a nice protective environment to help in preventing the extinction these amazing animals.
When you're ready to venture into the reserve yourself...
- Wear light, breathable clothing that dries quickly; preferably drab colors. Long sleeves and pants (tucked into your socks) help to prevent scratches and bug, leech & mite bites. Make sure to bring insect repellent.
- Bring a waterproof bag in case of a downpour big enough for your camera, binoculars, and flashlight for night viewing.
- Go slowly & quietly to less likely disturb the animals.
- Seek out fruiting trees, especially figs, or pools & streams where the wildlife likes to gather. Take the time to sit and search for minute things that tend to go unnoticed.
- Listen to the sounds around you. Rustling leaves, bird calls, or buzzing insects can often be cues that something may be about to happen.
- When viewing monkeys, let them approach you on their own terms. If you stoop down and avoid looking directly in their eyes they will be less inhibited. Do not chase or pursue monkeys and never feed them. No matter how innocent they may look, wild monkeys bite and carry dangerous diseases.
- When viewing tarsiers at night don't forget to be considerate of their extremely senstitive eyes. Try not to shine your flashlight directly in their eyes.
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