Raja Ampat Islands

The Indonesian archipelago has many locations where land meets water in breathtaking fashion. The Raja Ampat Islands is arguably the best of all. Its white sand beaches sparkle under the glistening sun, alongside ocean vistas featuring every shade of blue. Underwa-ter is its own paradise, the pristine and crystal clear waters blessed with stunning marine life in abundance. Here, in the West Papua Province on the east of Indonesia, just off So-rong, is a spectacular traveller’s gem that’s fast becoming a traveller’s trend. For adven-ture seekers, tropical escape artists, newlywed love birds or families big and small, this is the perfect destination. The four main islands of Raja Sampat called Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo, and Misool, as well as the countless other smaller islets around, welcome one and all to its shores. To visit some of the world’s best dive sites, to explore the lush and marvellous coastal lands, and to experience one-of-a-kind native Papuan culture, you need to visit Raja Ampat.

Highlights:

Piaynemo

Every travel guide to Raja Ampat mentions Piaynemo Island, and rightly so, simply be-cause it is emotionally beautiful. The bluest of blue waters and the greenest of green islets and rock formations, draw you in with their postcard perfect looks. And it is a gaze that holds. Take your next wallpaper photo yourself, soak in every inch of the view (if you’re in luck, some dolphins too), and don’t miss out on trekking up to the viewpoint on the main island, for a truly elevated experience.

TelagaBintang

In proximity to Piaynemo is another marvellous natural wonder called TelagaBintang, a star-shaped lagoon surrounded by rocky ancient cliffs. The best part is going to the top and looking down at the azure waters, a picture that promises to stay in your memory for a lifetime.

Arborek

The Arborek Tourism Village is full of charming, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Like in-teracting with the local inhabitants, around 40 families, who still live by native traditions. They welcome you with song, dance and merriment. They share their wealth of knowledge with you, through stories, crafts and foods. The crystal blue coastline is just a short walk away; so clear that you can see the waters teeming with life by simply looking down. Don’t worry, there are plenty of beaches to swim and snorkel at.

Mansuar Island

Come to Mansuar Island for its soft sandy shores, its bustling marine life and enchanting sunsets. Mansuar Island is a paradise for divers or holidaymakers looking for a luxurious, exclusive stay. Both beginners and experienced divers can sign up for excursions here, with expert instructors to ensure you get the best underwater views.

Hornbill Island

You don’t have to be an avid birder or wildlife enthusiast to enjoy the rare sight of the na-tive Hornbills that live within a stretch of mangroves of Raja Ampat, on a small island close to Batanta Island. Every evening, you can watch these majestic birds fly in against a wonderful sunset sky, as they arrive to roost overnight. There are specialised tours you can sign up for, just for this activity.

Interesting Facts About Raja Ampat Islands

• There are 1500 islands in Raja Ampat.
• These waters fall in the Coral Triangle, which has the richest marine biodiversity in the world.
• Many endangered and native aquatic and avian species can be found here.
• The name Raja Ampat means “The Four Kings”, derived from an old legend about a woman who found seven eggs, four of which hatched and became the kings of the ma-jor islands. The other three however, became a woman, a ghost and a stone.
• Over 10 languages are spoken across the Raja Ampat Islands.

Location

Raja Ampat is part of the West Papua Province of Indonesia, on the country’s most eastern island called Papua. It lies just beyond the Bird’s Head Peninsula on Papua.

Best Time To Visit Raja Ampat Islands

The climate in Raja Ampat is pretty standard all year round, thanks to its equatorial posi-tion. That means you can expect warm, breezy and humid weather during any given month. Even the water temperature remains pleasantly warm through the year. However, the best time to visit Raja Ampat is generally considered to be between October and April, when the waters are most tranquil and conducive to diving, aquatic sports and general frolicking. If anything, you should avoid visiting the islands between June and September, during the monsoons, as it is the least outdoor-friendly time.

How To Reach Raja Ampat Islands

When travelling to Raja Ampat, you must remember that you are visiting a remote desti-nation, so the journey isn’t straightforward. But it is very doable, and totally worth it, as you’ll discover to your absolute delight. The best way to reach is to take a flight from the cities of Jakarta or Makassar to Sorong. From there, smaller daily flights ply to Marinda Airport in Waisai, the capital of the region. If air travel isn’t your cup of tea, perhaps the sea will be. Then, you should simply hop on to the ferry services from Sorong to Waisai, a two-three hour journey of sensational oceanic beauty.

History of Raja Ampat Islands

Looking back in time, this marvellous stretch of islands in the sea was once under the rule of the Sultanate of Tidore, later to be claimed by Dutch colonisers. During the 15th to 18th Century, many European explorers passed through these shores. In modern times, the is-lands became classified as the Raja Ampat Regency within the West Papua Province of Indonesia. The native inhabitants of the islands have always been fisherfolk, living in tribes and communities. Even today, their unique heritage and customs prevail, adding some much needed cultural charm to an already spectacular natural destination.