Crystal clear waters as far as the eye can see, dramatic natural landscapes and friendly locals welcome you as your speedboat hops from one island to another throughout Raja Ampat in eastern Indonesia.
Located in “the heart of the Coral Triangle,” the archipelago-within-an-archipelago comprises over a thousand islands — including the major islands of Waigeo, Salawati, Misool and Batanta — that house more than 500 coral species, 600 mollusc species and 1,300 fish species.
Given that Raja Ampat encompasses such a vast region, this guide serves as a starting point containing the essentials of travel in the region, and not as an exhaustive to-do list. If you intend to visit Indonesia’s slice of heaven on earth, below are five things to know about Raja Ampat:
How to get there
Sorong, a major city in Indonesia’s West Papua province, is the starting point for trips to Raja Ampat. Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia and Batik Air fly directly to the city from Jakarta in a trip that takes approximately four hours. If you’re coming from Bali, you would have to transit in Jakarta and/or Makassar before continuing on to Sorong, and the trip would take at least nine hours including the layovers.
From Sorong, you would need to take a speedboat — either on charter or as part of a group tour — to any of the Raja Ampat islands.
Local authorities require people visiting Raja Ampat for ecotourism and leisure to purchase a TLPJL (Tariffs for the Maintenance of Environmental Services) card via email or phone prior to departure. The card costs IDR425,000 for local tourists and IDR700,000 for international tourists, and is valid for one year.
Where to go
Aditya ‘Adit’ Dwi Saputra, a freelance tour guide who has taken visitors to Raja Ampat since 2014, recommends the spectacular tourism hotspot called Piaynemo. Described as the miniature version of the iconic Wayag Islands further north, visitors are encouraged to climb 320 steps to a viewing platform, where they can be treated to a panoramic view of islets that emerge from the turquoise waters.
Another spot to visit is the Love Lagoon in the South Misool district. As the name suggests, one will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of a naturally-occurring heart-shaped lagoon — again, only after climbing hundreds of steps.
What to do
“In Raja Ampat, diving definitely stands out,” Herry N. Legi, resort manager at Raja Ampat Dive Lodge on Mansuar island, tells Coconuts about the archipelago’s tourism draws.
Adit, the tour guide, says Arborek village is a recommended diving off point. Raja Ampat is also a snorkeling haven, with the village of Sauwandarek — also spelt Sawandarek — in the district of Meos Mansar a particularly great spot to take the plunge.