Black-naped Oriole at Mbeliling Forest
Mount Mbeliling, located in West Manggarai, is the highest mountain of West Manggarai. The top peak is on 1239 ASL. The Mbeliling Forest Reserve, which spans over an area of 15,000 hectares, is the habitat of numerous endemic plant species and birds. Its large variety of flora and fauna make it a perfect trekking destination, especially during the dry season.
There are three main bird sites at Mbeliling Forest. Puarlolo on the side of Flores highway (40 km from Labuan Bajo) as a perfect place to see Flores Monarch at small degraded forest. You can enjoy walk pass the birding path through the forest. Next site is Mount Mbeliling as the main part of the forest, with primary forest and canopy forest, as a potential home for so many bird species. Sanonggoang forest around Sanonggoang crater lake is the best place to see Flores lorikeet, Flores hanging Parrot and Flores Crow.
Many birds that could be the target of birding at Mbeliling Forest; Flores Monarch, Flores Hawk-eagle, Flores Crow, Flores / Leaf Lorikeet, Flores Hanging Parrot, Red-cheeked Parrot, Black-naped Monarch, Black-naped Oriole, Elegant Pitta, Bonelli’s eagle, Nusatenggara paradise flycatcher, Flores white-eye, Crested white-eye, and many more.
During visit Mbeliling, you will be able to enjoy another excursion; Cunca Rami waterfall, remote situation of Nunang village next to Sanonggoang crater lake and beautiful view from Tewasano hill.
Roe Village, situated at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level at the foothills of Mount Mbeliling (1239m), is the ideal starting point for a trek to the mountain. The village is located only 27km away from Labuan Bajo on the Trans flores ‘highway’. The Roe community members not only arrange trekking trips to Mount Mbeliling, but also excursions to the beautiful Cunca Wulang canyon. Furthermore, the villagers are committed to share their lively culture with you, including Caci, an exciting form of martial art which is unique to the Manggarai region. All in all, the Roe community offers you a great opportunity to get in touch with local traditions while experiencing West Florinese nature at its best.
resource: Flores Tourism
