Ilham Hi Abdullah is the co-founder of HalmaheraBirding.com and a native of Halmahera Island, where his deep connection to nature and local culture was formed from an early age.

Born and raised in this remote part of North Maluku, Ilham grew up surrounded by tropical forests, rich wildlife, and traditional village life—experiences that continue to shape his approach to responsible and immersive travel.

After completing a degree in tourism in Bali, he began his professional career as a guide, gaining hands-on experience while exploring diverse destinations across the Indonesian archipelago.

Since 2007, Ilham has worked with several established travel companies throughout Indonesia, steadily building a strong reputation as a knowledgeable birding guide, particularly specializing in the Maluku Islands. His in-depth understanding of local habitats, bird behavior, and endemic species makes him an invaluable guide for birdwatchers seeking Wallacean and Moluccan specialties.

In March 2015, he founded his own travel company with the vision of promoting Halmahera and surrounding islands as world-class birding destinations. Passionate about travel, wildlife, and conservation, Ilham takes great pride in sharing Indonesia’s extraordinary avian diversity, successfully combining his love for nature and birds into a professional career dedicated to authentic and meaningful journeys.