Raja Ampat is known for…

  • Diving and Snorkeling
  • Livaboard Cruises
  • Highest marine life diversity in the world
  • Bird Watching
  • Island Hopping
  • Prehistoric Rock Paintings
  • Coral Reefs
  • Whales, Dolphines, Sharks
  • Marine Protected Areas

Why visit Raja Ampat?

It’s one of the most beautiful island chains in Southeast Asia, with its breathtaking scenery of steep jungle-covered islands, white sand beaches, tucked away lagoons, caverns, and mushroom-shaped islets surrounded by clear turquoise waters.

Sail the stunning heart-shaped lagoon of Teluk Cinta or one of the most recognizable island formations in all of Raja Ampat in the northern part of the archipelago, Penemu.

Pure unadulterated beauty isn’t just what attracts people here. Misool Island is home to caves and prehistoric rock paintings, and rare birds. Large, healthy coral reef systems swarming with marine life. Often regarded as the top diving destination on the planet. Dolphins, whales, sharks, archer fish, turtles, gigantic manta rays and 1,500 fish species, more than 500 coral species The variety of marine life is breathtaking.

Hotels & Resorts in Raja Ampat

You can find accommodation options from first-rate diving resorts to homestays. Many travelers who come to Raja Ampat for scuba diving book a trip on one of the 50+ livaboard dive boats that are registered in Raja Ampat, which come in many classes and sizes.

raja Ampat Resorts Hotels Booking

More affordably, you may stay in a palm-thatch hut on the water’s edge or even in the middle of it! Though some rooms provide private bathrooms, most guests will use one of many communal bathrooms.

Standard dive resort packages often include unlimited scuba diving (including house-reef dives), hotel, food, and sorang transportation (boat) on certain days of the week. Many excursions include snorkeling and bird watching.

Enjoy the stunning views from the porch of your tastefully furnished bungalow, perched right above the clear water below.

Raja Ampat Impressions

raja ampat white sandy beach

Raja Ampat Guide

The Raja Ampat Islands are a group of around a thousand islands located southeast of Sorong, part of South Papua. They are home to less than 65,000 people.

The local legend of a lady who discovers seven eggs is the inspiration for the name Raja Ampat (Raja means king, and empat means four). Out of the seven eggs, four hatch into kings who rule over four of Raja Ampat’s largest islands, while the other three transform into a ghost, a lady, and a stone. Waigeo Island is home to the rare bird of paradise, locally known as Cendrawasih or Wilson’s bird-of-paradise. The other two major islands of the archipelago are called Batanta and Salawati.

You can even try fluorescence diving (also known as UV, fluoro, or glow diving). It’s where you use specialized lights or a white light filter and a mask filter to observe the colorful show put on by corals, invertebrates, and even certain fish.

They say the water is so clear that a snorkeling mask is unnecessary.

Although you should be careful of strong currents in Cape kri, The Farm Islands, Manata Sandy, Pulau Wai and Mioskon. Or you can simply step off the beach in many places with rented snorkel gear in case you forgot to bring your own.

Fresh coconuts will be picked for you to drink after a long day of diving, and it will be obvious that the people of the island care deeply about making visitors feel at home.

Good to Know

Getting to Raja Ampat & Getting around

From Bali, you must get to Jakarta or Makassar and get a flight to Sorong. From there, you may continue on to Raja Ampat.

There are small aircraft that may transport you to Waisai, the capital of the Raja Ampat district, or you can take a boat from the port of Sorong to reach the islands instead.

Raja Ampat has no developed roads and no transportation infrastructure. The only way to get around is on foot on land or by boat.

Nature & Marine Life

On October 12, 2022, a team from UNESCO’s Global Geopark World Geopark arrived in the Raja Ampat region. The two visitors from the UNESCO Global Geopark Secretariat were there to assess how far along the Raja Ampat Geopark was in meeting the criteria for Geoparks across the world. It has been reported by the Regent that Charalampos Fassoulas and Alireza Amrikazemi were guests of the UNESCO Global Geopark Secretariat. The two dignitaries from Greece and Iran spent five days at Raja Ampat. The Regent has said that the region designated as the Raja Ampat Geopark has a wealth of untapped natural resources. And fisheries should be at the forefront of economic growth. Raja Ampat is unique since it is a state-protected conservation area designed for eco-friendly tourism. Better management of Raja Ampat as a UNESCO Global Geopark might lead to economic growth and the backing of the local government.

Raja Ampat Weather

Tropical & Hot

Raja Ampat, like the rest of Indonesia, experiences warm temperatures all year and a yearly monsoon because of its tropical location Raja Ampat is located in Indonesia, south of the equator, so the hottest months are April and December and the coolest months are June, July.

Attractions - Hidden Treasures

Bay of Kabui

The capital of Raja Ampat is an hour’s speedboat ride away from Kabui Bay. The water in the tropical paradise is calm and clear green. In the vicinity of these towering cliffs you’ll find lush woodlands. Unfortunately, you can’t pull over at any cliffs since there is no shoreline. There are stairways built into the side of many cliffs.

Pensil

The famous Batu Pensil on Kabui Bay. The massive boulder is found close to Kabui Bay. Locals saw what they believed was a pencil, but you may not agree. The shape was altered by the elements. A large number of the coral island clusters in Kabui Bay, including Batu Pensil, have been designated as World Geopark Sites.

Friwen

Amazing beauty may be seen in Friwen Beach. The beachfront is adorned with white sand, shade trees, and water that is both pale blue and somewhat stale. The beach’s unique appeal is perfect for unwinding and soaking in the natural world. Many different places provide customers with food and drink. Fried bananas smothered in spicy sauce are an absolute must.

Friwen Wall

In terms of snorkeling, Friwen Wall is one of the best places around. The sea floor off Friwen Wall on Waigeo Island is particularly stunning. The island exudes peace and quiet. The island of Waigeo is also a significant part of Raja Ampat.

Pasir Timbul

White sand is unusual in Mansuar, Raja Ampat. The seashore here is pristine white, and the water is very clear. As the ocean level drops, this occurs. It’s possible to relax and take pleasure in the occasional occurrence of white sand.

Piaynemo

If you’re in Raja Ampat, you must go to Piaynemo. There are groups of karst islands there. Two hours are needed to reach Piaynemo by motorboat from Waisai. Mangrove forests and other Raja Ampat islands are part of the route. If the weather is good, you could even see dolphins.

This is Telaga Bintan, the Bintan Tiger Queen.

There is a place called Telaga Bintang not far from Piaynemo. In the distance, a lake framed by cliffs seems like a bright star. Tanjung Bintang, also known as Laguna Bintang. There is a dress code in effect, so please remember to wear shoes, trousers, hats, and sunglasses. To put it another way: watch out!

Arborek

One beautiful island, Arborek, is only a boat ride away from Waisai. The ocean around Arborek is stunning. You may see fish from your anchored boat. The ocean and the sights under the surface are stunning.

Sawinggrai

You may do birdwatching, scuba diving, and snorkeling at Raja Ampat. The main character is a bird of paradise named Cendrawasih. It’s possible to see some early morning birds at Sawinggrai Village if you arrive at about 5 AM. The birds will leave for the feeding grounds at 06.00. If you happen to oversleep, don’t fret; the birds will be back at five o’clock in the afternoon.

Mansuar

Mansuar Island is a great spot for scuba and snorkeling, as well as for watching the dawn. The scenery there is stunning, especially around sunset. The sand was so fine and soft that it could be used as flour. So it’s OK to stroll the beach with your bare feet.

Geography & Map

GEO – Info

  • Population of 65,000
  • Coordinates: 1.0915° S, 130.8779° E
  • Area: 7.98/km2 (20.67/sq mi)
  • Elevation: 19 meters (62.34 feet)
Map View