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If you really like diving, after you’ve seen Raja Ampat, you might not want to return home.

Raja Ampat archipelago covers an area of 43,000 km2. It has more than 610 islands, located at the west side of Papua Island. Here, you can find more than 540 types of reefs, 1000 types of reef’s fish, and 750 types of mollusks. Raja Ampat offers 75% of the world’s reef!

You can also witness other unique species such as pigmy seahorse, webbegong, manta ray and endemic fish called eviota raja (king eviota).

One of the best spots is Chicken Reef, where you’ll be surrounded by thousands of fish, bamboo sharks and snappers. There are just too many species in Raja Ampat, so unless you’re a scientist, it’s best to enjoy watching them rather than naming every one of them!

One of the most breathtaking diving experiences is the encounter with school of barracuda (an expert assistance will be needed in certain diving spot), reef sharks, and tortoise shells. In certain dive spots like Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo you can even find Dugongs or mermaids. Although probably not as beautiful as the ones in the myth, dugong fish have certain charms and allure.

Not only underwarter, Raja Ampat also offers amazing experiences inland. The sunset view is legendary. Lots of caves and historical sites to explore. Plus traditional villages you can visit. Here, there are as many experiences as the number of marine species. So when you visit Raja Ampat, forget about counting the wonders. Just enjoy them.

“No doubt about it, Raja Ampat is definitely the richest place for fish, that I have ever been.” –Dr G.R. Allen

“I was like a five-year-old, seeing a reef for the very first time. I was awestruck, held by the incredible power of this richest reef. We must, with all available resources, preserve the beauty of Raja Ampat. This may be the last frontier.” –Michael Aw

“I love the people, I love the diving, it’s super! I’ve never been for a second time to the same dive destination but now I’m thinking about going back for the third time! Should I say more?” –Peter van Dalen

(These testimonials are taken from www.iriandive.com)

Getting There

* Take a six-hour flight from Jakarta to Sorong, via Manado. There are  scheduled flights everyday (you can check the airport or airlines to specify the flight schedules) Airlines serving these domestic flight routes are Silk Air, Garuda Indonesia, Pelita Air and Merpati
* If your airline does not connect your flight to Sorong, you can choose to go to Manado and proceed with a two-hour flight from Manado to Sorong by jet. Extra luggage is usually allowed
* To access the diving spots, please contact and use the professional diving organizers in Sorong
* Before going to the dive spots, you’ll need to obtain a permit from the local Papua police station. So you need to bring your passport and three (3) copies of the passport page with the Indonesian Visa. The diving organizers can help you with these formalities
* From Sorong, there are two type of boats available; Speed Boat (40 minutes – 1 hour boat trip, carries 15 passengers and costs Rp2 million/US$208.55); Long Boat (2-3 hour boat trip and could carry 10 passengers for the cost of Rp1,2 million/ US$126). Please note that all rates are subject to change without notice

Getting Around

You may rent a small boat if you wish to make personal discoveries along the line of the beaches. Because Raja Ampat Islands have four mountainous main islands, namely Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, and hundreds of small islands in their vicinity. In addition, the Karst area is a beautiful and original natural phenomenon, as it has various unique flora and fauna as its attractions e.g., Bird of Paradise (Cenderawasih) Botak, Red Cenderawasih, Maleo Waigeo, Kus-kus, orchids, palm etc.

You can also trek around the islands to find hidden beauties, like waterfalls and ancient caves.

To Do

Raja Ampat is a true natural phenomenon with enormous biological diversity. So underwater photography should be on the top your list.

However, Raja Ampat’s also rich in other experiences, with its natural conditions, high endemic level of land, sea biodiversity, coastal ecology, and local culture & tradition. So you may also consider:

* Wreck diving
* Sailing
* Kayaking
* Exploring the islands by boat
* Visiting the Red Bird of Paradise
* Enjoying the karst islands around Wayag Island
* Exploring the bat caves (literally, not the Dark Knight variety)
* Make your own wood sculpture guided by an Asmat artisan
* Fishing using traditional Papuan techniques
* Trekking to discover waterfall
* Feeding couscous
* Snorkeling
* Watching The Sea Ghost

On North and West Waigeo, you could see the traditional bamboo flute (suling tambur) performances. This art is usually performed during religious festivals, the Independence Day, (August 17th) and visits by important officials or leaders. In East Waigeo, particularly in front of Urbinasopen and Yesner villages, there’s a very interesting and unique natural phenomenon which can only be seen every year-end. A light comes out from the ocean and wanders around on its surface for about 10 – 18 minutes. After that, it disappears and can only be seen again at the following years-end. Local inhabitants in both villages call this phenomenon the “Sea Ghost”.

In Tomolol, you’d definitely be amazed by the caves in the area, where you could see paintings of huge human palms and animals believed to be painted by ancient cave dwellers. While on North Waigeo, you may also choose to visit the World War II caves. The Dutch and the Japanese army built bunkers in those caves. The locals will sometimes perform the Wor dance. And there’s always the waterfalls of Salawati, a sight you should never miss.

In addition, there are also several exotic locations such as Ayau islands consisting of small islands on a very large atoll. Islands in this archipelago usually have white sands with a large seabed connecting one island to another. But there are also islands with unique sands that the local community calls “zandplaat”, which becomes a unique habitat for the vegetation on top of it. On these islands, mothers and children of local tribes collectively catch sea-worms (insonem).

Diving enthusiasts usually prefer South Waigeo. But while in here, you could also visit Kabui Bay with many karst islands, goa tengkorak (cave of skulls), and the historical sites of Raja Ampat in Kali Raja. You can see a variety of birds in Yenwaupnor and Sawinggrai, the Salay dance in Saonek, and plaited handicrafts in Arborek. In Arborek, visitors could dive and watch groups of stingrays. In Sawandarek, there’s a white sand beach with sea ducks and beautiful corals. In addition, there is a traditional village where you could walk around in and enjoy its unique environment.

In addition to South Waigeo, you could also dive in West Waigeo, Batanta, and Kofiau. These potential destinations are great places to visit by houseboats. The Karst islands in Wayag, especially, have a very interesting natural panorama to enjoy.

To Stay

Presently on Saonek Monde, a Tourist Center and harbor are being constructed. In the near future, three resorts will also be built on Nyandebabo, and Batbitiem, Waiwo, and Waigeo Selatan Islands. But in the meantime, you can choose from the alternatives below:

* Sorido Bay Resort, which is famous for the house reef
* Kri Eco Resort, a traditional resort built over the water
* Island camp
* Boathouse (most diving agents provide this service)

And even though Raja Ampat islands have only few visitors, there are already hotels and homestays on Saonek, Mansuar, and Yenwaupnor islands.

To Eat

Dining services are provided by the diving organizer, from international menu to local traditional food made fresh by the local people. Naturally, there will be a variety of seafood dishes. Do try the fish soup. There’s a local specialty called Sup Ikan Kuning (Yellow Fish Soup), served with local spices.

To Buy

Many divers say that the best souvenir ever after visit Raja Ampat is the stories/experiences to tell. And of course, photographs to brag about. But if you wish to keep your friends or family from nagging, try bringing them:

* Asmat sculptures
* Traditional cloths
* Traditional music instruments
* Suling (traditional flute)
* Tambur (traditional drum)

These are usually available in giftshops in Papua, so it’ll save you the hassle of bringing too many things from Raja Ampat. Although, you may also consider buying plaited handicrafts in Arborek if you happen to visit the village while in Raja Ampat.

Tips

* October or November is the best season for diving in Raja Ampat because the sea wave is typically flat and perfect for photography
* Bring your underwater camera AND the underwater photography know-how. Because taking underwater photos is not that easy
* To organize your travel you can arrange it using travel agents services in Indonesia. So just contact the agents in any international gateways in Indonesia (Bali, Jakarta, Medan, Batam, etc)
* Sun blocks, sunscreens and hats are required
* Bring anti-mosquito repellants and anti-malarial medicines

For more information, you can contact Raja Ampat Tourism Office at:

Kampung Waisai,Distrik Waigeo Selatan

* Head of Office: Kalasina Rumbekwan (+62)81344644434
* Staff: (+62) 81344422779

Tags: Asmat, Chicken Reef, Distrik Waigeo Selatan, Fishing, Garuda Indonesia, Indonesian Visa, Kampung Waisai, Kayaking, Merpati, Pelita Air, Raja Ampat archipelago, Sailing, Salawati, Silk Air, snorkeling, Wreck diving

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