Babirusa Endemic Tour – Nantu Forest, Gorontalo

Babirusa

The babirusas, also called deer-pig (Indonesian: babirusa) are a genus, Babyrousa, in the swine family found in Wallacea, or specifically the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Sula and Buru. All members of this genus were considered part of a single species until 2002 as the babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa), but following the split into several species, this scientific name is restricted to the Buru babirusa from Buru and Sula islands, whereas the best-known species, the North Sulawesi babirusa, is named Babyrousa celebensis. The remarkable “prehistoric” appearance of these mammals is largely due to the prominent upwards incurving canine tusks of the males, which actually pierce the flesh in the snout.

The North Sulawesi babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis) has a head-and-body length of 85–110 cm (33–43 in) and weighs up to 100 kg (220 lb). It is virtually hairless (easily revealing its greyish skin), and the tail-tuft is also nearly hairless. In males, the relatively long and thick upper canines are strongly curved. They emerge through the roof of the snout, while the long lower canines emerge through the side of the mouth. The upper canines can grow backwards in a curve until they penetrate the skull of the male babirusa.
In females, the canines are far shorter and typically do not protrude. In comparison, the Buru babirusa has relatively long, thick body hair, a well-developed tail-tuft, and relatively short and slender upper canines in males, while the Togian babirusa is larger, has a relatively well-developed tail-tuft, and the upper canines of the male are “short, slender, rotated forwards, and always converge”

The common and scientific names are various transcriptions of its local name, which literally translated means “deer-pig” (from Indonesian babi “pig” + rusa “deer” – see also Javan Rusa) in reference to the huge tusks of the male suggestive of a deer’s antlers.

Babirusa Endemic Tour 5D/4N – Itinerary

Day 01:  Manado – Gorontalo   (L, D)

Pick up from city hotel at 08.00 and depart to Gorontalo by a private car (the trip will be approximately 9-10 hours). Along the trip you can enjoy the scenery. Lunch will be served at a restaurant on the way about halfway to Gorontalo. Check into hotel in Gorontalo and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 02:  Gorontalo – Adudu Nantu Forest   (B, L, D)

After breakfast (starts at 7 AM ) check out 8 AM and continue to Nantu (the trip will take approximately 4 hours). Lunch box will be provided or stop at a local restaurant and we will continue the trip to Nantu. Lodging will be a homestay in the village with dinner. (Option- go in for ½ day if time allows – extra charge applies)

Day 03: Deer-Pig Observation, Babirusa (Babyroussa celebensis)   (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the homestay. Depart 7 AM sharp, trekking to Nantu Forest (40 minute walk from homestay) to the ranger station (check-in) and then another 20 minutes to the “hide” observation point. Lunch at the camping ground/ranger station, then in the afternoon back again to the forest for another viewing. Lodging will be a homestay in the village with dinner.

Day 04: Deer-Pig Observation, Babirusa   (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the homestay. Depart 7 AM sharp, trekking to Nantu Forest (40 minute walk from homestay) to the ranger station (check-in) and then another 20 minutes to the “hide” observation point. Lunch at the camping ground/ranger station, then in the afternoon back again to the forest for another viewing and stay until approximately 3 PM. Trek back to homestay, shower and then drive to Gorontalo , four hours (arriving in Gorontalo around 9 PM). Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 05: Gorontalo – Manado  (B, L)

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Manado (the trip will take approximately 9-10 hours). Lunch at a local restaurant. Drop to airport or next resort location. End of services.