Hutan Harapan Birdwatching Expedition
Where Hornbills Reign: Join for an Exclusive journey into the rare avian biodiversity of Hutan Harapan.
Birdwatching at the Heart of the Hutan Harapan Ecosystem
If you are a passionate birdwatcher or nature enthusiast looking for a purposeful, low-impact adventure, this is for you. We are offering a rare opportunity to explore Hutan Harapan, the "Forest of Hope", and a vital landscape in Jambi and South Sumatra that remains a stronghold for some of the world’s most threatened bird species.
Rough itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Harapan Rainforest Basecamp. Receive a full participant briefing on safety procedures and the conservation code of conduct. Enjoy an introductory afternoon birding session along the secondary forest edges.
Day 2: Early morning birdwatching in the restoration trails and lowland forest to catch peak activity. Afternoon session in riparian zones to observe water-associated and crepuscular species.
Day 3: Intensive exploration of primary forest and mature restoration zones. We will be targeting endemic and forest-dependent species. Evening: A specialised nightbird observation for owls and nightjars.
Day 4: Thematic birdwatching focused on the canopy level—keep your binoculars ready for the iconic Helmeted and Rhinoceros Hornbills. Afternoon discussion and species identification session at camp.
Day 5: Exploratory birdwatching on new trails and mixed forest habitats to expand our species records. Afternoon leisure birding at the forest edge to observe complex bird behaviours.
Day 6: A final morning session at selected prime locations to confirm target species sightings. Afternoon visit to the surrounding villages for community interaction and to learn about local conservation engagement.
Day 7: Final evaluation and species checklist review. Reflect on the week’s findings before our closing session and departure.
Key Information
Length: 12-15 days (7-day itinerary plus travel days)
Price: €2500 per person (minimum 5-person group required)
Location: Hutan Harapan (Batang Hari & Sarolangun Regencies)
Focus: Over 200 species, including Hornbills (Bucerotidae), Pittas, Trogons, and Raptors.
Inclusions: Expert local guides, orientation and basic birding training, all meals (local sourcing), accommodation at Harapan camp/field stations, and field transportation.
Attire & equipment: Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright whites/colours), non-slip footwear/rubber boots, quick-dry clothes, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, field notebook, mosquito repellent, suncream, reusable water bottle, rain jacket, and headtorch for night sessions.
Additional info: Hutan Harapan is an ecosystem restoration area. Access involves a 4-6 hour drive from Jambi City via 4WD vehicles. Respect for local customs is mandatory; please ask for permission before taking photos of community members.
Please note: Medical emergencies will be referred to Siloam Hospitals or RSUD H. Abdul Manap in Jambi City. Participants must stay with the guided group at all times due to the presence of large mammals (elephants and tigers).
Additional Information about the Hutan Harapan Conservation Area
Hutan Harapan, located in Jambi and South Sumatra Provinces, represents one of the last remaining lowland tropical rainforest landscapes on the island of Sumatra that still retains relatively intact ecological functions. The area holds exceptionally high strategic value for biodiversity conservation, particularly for birds (avifauna), as it provides critical habitat for Sumatran endemic species, migratory species, and a wide range of globally protected and threatened birds. The diversity of forest structures—ranging from remnant primary forest and naturally regenerated secondary forest to riparian areas and community-managed landscape mosaics—creates ideal ecological conditions that support high bird species richness and abundance.
Why do we support birdwatching activities?
In the context of nature-based activities, birdwatching is a low-impact ecotourism activity with significant potential to support conservation objectives. Beyond serving as a form of recreation and environmental education, birdwatching functions as a strategic tool to raise public awareness, strengthen the sustainable economic value of forests, and create alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities living in and around forest areas.
What birds are present in Hutan Harapan?
The number of bird species recorded in this area is estimated to exceed 200 species. The most prominent group includes hornbills (family Bucerotidae), such as the Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil), Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), and Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus). In addition to hornbills, Hutan Harapan provides habitat for a variety of understory forest birds and habitat-sensitive species, including pittas (family Pittidae), trogons (family Trogonidae), and numerous babblers and flycatchers. Woodpeckers (family Picidae) are also commonly encountered in Hutan Harapan, utilising old trees and dead wood for foraging and nesting. In the upper canopy and more open areas, various fruit- and nectar-feeding birds, such as bulbuls, green pigeons, and sunbirds, further enrich the area's avifauna.
Hutan Harapan also serves as a home range for birds of prey (raptors), including eagles, falcons, and serpent eagles, which occupy the highest trophic levels within the ecosystem. The presence of raptors reflects adequate prey availability and a stable food chain. In addition, riparian zones and wetland areas within Hutan Harapan support waterbirds and riverine species that utilise these habitats for foraging and resting.
