An intimate encounter with the Sulawesi Crested Macaque

 After a short break following lunch, we set out to explore the nature reserve as the sun began to set.

When we arrived at the entrance of the forest, we took the opportunity to review the guidelines provided.

The nature reserve rangers' office was closed since it was past regular hours.

However, we could hear some noise coming from the floor above and suspected that the office had turned into a playground for the crested black macaques.

One of our primary objectives was to observe these primates in their natural environment,

and we were eager to see them up close.

They have reddish-brown eyes, prominent cheekbones, and a long tuft of hair on their heads, which is why they are called Sulawesi Crested Macaques. Unusually for primates, they possess a very short tail that is nearly invisible. This likely explains why they spend over half of their time on the ground foraging for food and socialising.

As darkness fell, we continued deeper into the forest in search of another primate species, the Tarsier. Near the entrance, we noticed a striking monument honoring Alfred Russel Wallace, which celebrated his significant discovery of the Wallace line in 1859, a boundary that separates the biogeographical regions of Asia and Indonesia.

As night took over, the forest trail buzzed with life, featuring many frogs and millipedes.

We successfully spotted our second target of the day, the Tarsius tarsier, one of the smallest known primates.

By this time, the crested black macaques had likely retreated to their safe resting places for the night.

An Enchanting Revisit to North Sulawesi Awaits

Enthralled by the avifauna of Sulawesi, the prospect of returning is already in the works since my last visit twelve years ago. The idea gained momentum when I shared it with a friend of mine, Euphtw. After years of discussion, we finally booked our tickets and embarked on our journey.

Significant changes have transpired since my last visit to Tangkoko Nature Reserve in North Sulawesi. The only constant remains the rainfall. It was torrential on the day of our departure to Tangkoko.

Scoot is the sole carrier that offers direct flights to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, from Singapore. I opted for a simple tortilla wrap for breakfast during our flight to Manado.

Our arrival took approximately three hours and forty-five minutes. The immigration process was efficient, and I was pleasantly surprised to encounter advertisements in Chinese language. This usage of Chinese in the country has been largely absent for an extended period.

We were warmly welcomed by Mr. Freedy, the consistently friendly staff of ManadoSafaris, who has been my preferred guide since my initial visit two decades ago.

The journey from the airport to Tangkoko was significantly reduced by the completion of a new highway that traverses the region from east to west.

Mount Tangkoko, depicted on the right of the photograph, is the lowest among the Dua Saudara Volvanoes. It is believed to be a parasitic ash cone formed as a result of an eruption in 1893.

A notable distinction compared to my previous visit is the enhanced availability of superior accommodation options.

I was thoroughly impressed with the service and facilities provided during this trip.

In Sulawesi, each bird species is remarkably unique and likely endemic. To ensure we captured every sight, we diligently captured photographs, which unfortunately revealed a Red Jungle-fowl, not included in the list of endemic birds. Can't wait to explore this Endemic Bird Area (EBA) again.

 

Reopening of Chinese Garden

After more than 10 years of redecoration and refurbishment, the Chinese Garden has finally reopened its doors to visitors. It is an excellent location for a leisurely stroll in the garden.

The old wooden bridge that led to the entrance of the garden has now been replaced with a new concrete bridge.

A lot has changed, including the resident birds in the garden. The usual spot for the Collared Kingfisher can no longer be found.

Pied fantails, which were previously abundant in this area, are no longer observed.

Hopefully Little Terns that are found here previously will be back soon.

Due to the scavenging nature of Monitor lizards, it seems that they are not affected by the works here.

It is a relief that common birds such as the Spotted Dove have returned to his garden.

Dollar birds can be seen here actively hunting for flying insects.

One of the new addition to the garden is this green walls

and the Sunken Garden.

The Lotus Lake at The Tea Pavilion provides a peaceful atmosphere.

White Breasted Waterhen can be spotted walking freely on the leaves of the lotus plant.

Butterflies are attracted to the Cat Whiskers plants around the garden.

Many different varieties of Water Lily families can also be found in the garden. From white 
to yellow

Red

and pink.

For an optimal birding experience, this garden may require an additional year or so to become established and mature in order to re-attract the feathered friends that once called it home. Nonetheless, it is a pleasant location for a stroll in the garden.