Best 5 islands in Maldives

Raja Ampat is a group of islands on the western tip of Papua in Indonesia, famous for its diving experience. Most of the world’s coral reefs biodiversity and rare species of marine life can easily be found in an archipelago.

There are 612 islands, but four are the major islands Waigeo, Misool, Salawati, and Batanta. Estimates by conservation groups show that the diversity of marine life in Raja Ampat is among the highest in the world, with over 1,300 species of fish, 700 species of mollusks, and 537 species of coral.

Photo credit: Kozyndan / Flickr

Marine life in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is one of the few places on the planet where you will see such a wide range of marine life in their natural habitat.

With its location in the great Coral Triangle between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Raja Ampat offers a snorkeling experience you’ll never forget. While scuba diving, you will find wobbegong, dolphins, manta rays, turtles, whales, nudibranchs, lionfish, sea dragons, giant trevallies and so much more.

The reefs of Raja Ampat are in perfect condition, with many giant corals, purple corals, and sea squirts, hard coral tables, deer antler corals, green and brown moose antler corals.
Experience the joy and relax of sailing with a boat in the style of a traditional Melanesian outrigger.

One of the best diving spots around here is Batu Lima (Five Rocks). Check rates and availability: Raja Ampat Dive Resort

Photo credit: Mikeyru2 / Flickr

Papua Explorers resort

Papua Explorers is an eco-friendly dive resort in a traditional Indonesian setting with quick access to some of the best dive sites in Raja Ampat. Papua Explorers is located near the Dampier Strait, where many of Raja Ampat’s best dive spots are located. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the ocean and rainforest, while you tasty some of the most deliscious traditional Indonesian cuisine

Papua Explorers is one of Raja Ampat’s latest resorts but has already built a reputation for exceptional service, amazing natural experiences and a commitment to conservation and sustainable practices.

Photo credit: Alexsaurel / Flickr

Piaynemo Lookout

Over-water bungalows in a unique location between a wide sandy bay and a mangrove fringed lagoon. The view from the tops is amazing, but first you have to climb lots of stairs.
You can see an iconic karst island seascape from the top. These mushroom-shaped rocks are towering from the unnaturally blue and crystal clear water.

This spot is great to watch stars and night sky.

Photo credit: Marcuspai / Flickr

Kri Eco Resort

Kri Eco Resort opened in 1994 with traditional houses built with local materials from the jungle and each contains two rooms and a sitting area.

Great food and a relaxed friendly atmosphere in a peaceful location. Kri Island is located on the northwest tip of West Papua in Indonesia, about 2 hours by boat from Sorong. If we have to describe it with a few words is golden sand surrounded by clear shallow waters.

Check this video in 4K from Wissberg

Star Lagoon

A formation of coral islands on the water forming a star. To see this fabulous lagoon, tourists must climb an approximately 30 meters coral hill.

If you take a trip to Pianemo, you will absolutely stop by this lagoon because it is only 10 minutes away from Pianemo Island by speedboat.

Photo credit: Maesto / Flickr

Pianemo

Pianemo Island is one of the most epic spots in Indonesia and one of the most picturesque spots in Raja Ampat. You will witness a terrific landscape made up of turquoise waters underneath a blue sky, representing the raw beauty of this destination. It is also popular due to its karst hills and stunning underwater scenery.

Hiking is also very popular thing to do. There are several karst hills, on which tourists can climb.

Most of the Raja Ampat Diving Liveaboards include Pianemo viewpoint in their itinerary. You can compare liveaboards and to check the availability and pricing of the tours from their website.

Want to learn more about sustainable travel? Check our other posts about sustainable travel.

Raja Ampat is one of the richest in bio-marine life in the world, located in the center of the Coral Triangle. Enjoy the crystal-clear water by diving, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming or sailing. Raja Ampat is located on the island of New Guinea, the world’s second-largest island in Oceania. The island is divided between two countries: Papua New Guinea to the east, and Indonesia to the west.

What Should You Take?

Outside the main towns there are very few shops selling anything but snacks, and definitely no ATMs.

Having the right gear can make all the difference to your snorkeling trip. You don’t need to bring much for island hopping in Raja Ampat, but here are a couple of things we think are essential to pack.

• Waterproof Bag | This water-resistant bag you can use to protect your electronics during water activities.
• Snorkel Mask & Fins | If you plan on snorkeling snorkel mask is a must and helps you save energy, and dive easier.
• Water Bottle | Raja Ampat is one incredibly beautiful place in the world, don’t litter plastic, use SteriPen.
• Phone Waterproof Case | You need a good waterproof case for your phone.
• GoPro | This adventure underwater camera is a must, especially snorkeling.
• Sunscreen | Sun is way too strong on the equator and if you are spending all day in the water, so need a quality sunscreen. Please, make sure you use a reef-friendly biodegradable sunscreen for snorkeling.

The risk of contracting malaria isn’t high, but it’s a possibility, so wear light long-sleeved clothes in the evening and sleep under a mosquito net at night.

Many of the smaller islands don’t have shops so pick up things like toilet paper, snacks, and drinks before you leave Sorong.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, and it is the most popular insurance as they cover travelers from over 150 countries around the world, offer great rates.

How to get to Raja Ampat

To get to Raja Ampat, you’ll first need to fly to the airport at Sorong. Garuda Indonesia and Sriwijaya airlines have daily flights from Jakarta to Sorong and from there you’ll have to fly to Raja Ampat.

You need a permit to visit Raja Ampat and you can purchase one at the Tourism Information Centre in Sorong or at designated spots in airports and ports.
You can also fly there from a few other cities in Southeast Asia such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Davao.

Photo credit: Dennis Keller / FLickr

Wreck Diving

Wreck diving is one of the top activities on Raja Ampat. Other points of interest include Kabui Bay and its dramatic karsts of limestone, as well as Sawandarek, which features lovely coral and white sand beaches.

Experience the beauty of sailing, as the majority of connection between the islands, is by boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel. Smooth sailing depends on the weather, so itinerary changes may occur at the last minute if the weather becomes unfavorable.
There are two main ways to experience the area as a diver – on a liveaboard or with a resort.

Remember to pack sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Best Time to Visit the Raja Ampat Islands

Raja Ampat is close to the equator and the temperatures don’t vary much and range from around 25-32° with an average humidity 83%. The best months are from October to December. You may want to avoid June – September, the summer months – when there are more heavy rains and storms.

Raja Ampat really is an incredible part of the world and is definitely worth visiting, but preparing for the trip is always important.

Make sure to double-check that you have all relevant legal documents before you go on your journey – passport, visa, proof of a return ticket, insurance policies, dive certifications.

If you want to read more about check What Things to do in Raja Ampat

Want to learn more about sustainable travel? Check our other posts about sustainable travel.