Known as the “Crown Jewel” of Indonesia, Raja Ampat Islands are a rare treasure that live up to their name. Great swathes of aquamarine ocean trace their way around the islands of this remote archipelago, which consists of over 1,500 islands, cays, coral reefs, and shoals.
Located in Indonesia’s West Papua province and spanning over 40,000 square kilometres (27,000 square miles), limestone islands mushroom out of pristine ombre waters that range from deep indigo to turquoise, from aqua blue to seafoam green. Covered with trees and dense foliage, the verdant islands of Raja Ampat are a testament to nature’s insistence to thrive and survive, despite their footing.
Diving and snorkelling
Known as one of the world’s premier sites for diving and snorkelling, marine life within Raja Ampat is diverse and abundant, making it a bucket-list destination for scuba divers, nature lovers, ocean enthusiasts, and explorers. Given the rich biodiversity, excellent visibility, and warm ocean waters, scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking experiences in Raja Ampat are unsurpassed. The region lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, which is home to 600 species of coral – which comprises more than 75% of the world’s known coral species. The crystal-clear waters of Raja Ampat are the natural habitat for over 1,500 species of tropical fish (roughly 50% of all known species), as well as manta rays, sharks, pygmy sea-horses, and sea turtles. The remoteness of the region has helped protect the coral reefs from human-induced damage, and they remain spectacular and well preserved.
Dive sites within Raja Ampat are typically suitable for all levels of scuba diving experience and areas such as Cape Kri are known for having the highest concentration of species visible in just one dive. Melissa’s Garden, found nearby the famous Piaynamo Island, is another world-renown dive site in Raja Ampat. Here, brightly coloured fish swim between well-preserved, vibrant coral. Similarly, just off the coast of Gam Island, Mayhem Reef offers epic dives that are suitable for advanced divers. Fusilier, snappers, batfish, trevally, surgeonfish, snappers, bump-head parrotfish, triggerfish, barracuda, jacks and sweetlips can be found on Mayhem reef, attracting natural predators such as Reef and Tasselled Wobbegong sharks to the site. Also considered a signature dive site, Manta Sandy is found off the coast of Mansuar Island. This is a shallow dive site which is known for prolific populations of manta rays which are typically spotted between October and April.
Accommodation and travel
Our preferred way of travelling within Raja Ampat Islands is boat-based on Aqua Blu, a 15-suite modern luxury expedition yacht. Exclusive and luxurious, Aqua blue offers exceptional access to dive sites within Raja Ampat and your stay onboard will be an experience in itself. At 60m, spanning 5 decks, the vessel was designed by renowned Dutch yacht designer Cor D. Rover, and is considered to be a modern yachting masterpiece in contemporary maritime style. Light and bright, the suites and salons of Aqua Blu are constructed with light wood, complimented by white and muted tones that create an elegant and tranquil ambiance. Known for its epicurean excellence, 30 crew members of the 5-star Aqua Blu will attend to 30 guests during their 7 night stay. Typically, guests will enjoy two dives (or snorkelling/swimming) per day.
There are a number of resorts for those who wish to extend their stay on terra firma in Raja Ampat. Alongside Batanta, Waigeo and Salawati, Misool is one of Raja Ampat’s biggest islands and Misool Eco Resort is in high demand. With a maximum capacity of just 40 guests and a staff-to-guest ratio of 4 to 1, Misool is an exclusive breakaway from the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life. The ocean waters around Misool are stacked with premier scuba diving sites which fall within 1220 sq km of Misool Marine Reserve. Misool’s dive sites also span the Raja Ampat Shark and Manta Sanctuary, which was spearheaded in 2010. Built entirely of reclaimed tropical hardwoods, Misool Eco resort consists of eight Water Cottages and seven South Beach Villas. Pared-down and luxurious, the resort incorporates locally-sourced raw elements of rock, stone, wood, woven grass. All the spaces within the resort are designed around visual and physical access to the ocean, and offer a seamless transition between seascape, landscape and built structures.
Misool’s eight Water Cottages are built on stilts, and stretch over the North Lagoon. Separated by at least 10 metres (30 feet) they offer privacy and uninterrupted access to the ocean. Misool’s seven South Beach Villas are scattered on a pristine, powder-white beach, and also offer privacy and exclusivity.
Papua Paradise Eco Resort is situated on the uninhabited island of Birie in Raja Ampat. Wooden huts with palm fringed roofs stand on stilts above clear waters, and are pared-down but elegant, with rustic accents and finishes. The resort is open and airy, orientated towards the ocean, and bringing the exquisite outside, inside.
A 30minute boat ride away from Papua Paradise Eco Resort, Batanta Island is one of the “Four King” Islands in Raja Ampat, and is considered to be a must-see destination. Visitors to this sparsely inhabited island travel by small boats that traverse winding waterways flanked by mangrove forests. Known for its breath-taking waterfalls, natural trails lead explorers through lush rain forests and across streams and rivers to reach these sites of phenomenal beauty. Sheets of water wash over the high limestone karsts, creating an inviting pool at the bottom of the waterfall. It is also on Batanta that visitors might see Wilson’s Bird of Paradise. The Red Bird of Paradise can also be spotted on the island that neighbours Papua Paradise Eco Lodge, and a morning of birding within the abundant rainforest here is highly recommended. On Batanta, visitors can also visit a pearl farm, and the island also boasts incredible marine life, including rare dugongs which swim within the sheltered bays of the island’s north coast.
Sorido Bay Resort is another pristine scuba diving site within Raja Ampat. Hidden between the trees and facing the ocean, the rooms are “Bali style and simple”, and offer immediate access to the ocean. Kri Eco Resort, another resort in Raja Ampat, has authentic Papuan-style water bungalows built from locally sourced materials – like grass reeds, palm fronds and wood. Overlooking the ocean, Kri Eco Resort is an ideal base from where keen scuba divers can access some of the world’s best dive sites.
Though simple and unfussy, the wooden huts of Augusta Eco Resort on Augusta Island are literally positioned on the beach, offering easy access to the inviting ocean for scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking.
Other attractions
Accessed via 300 steps, Piaynemo Island offers a birds-eye view of Raja Ampat Islands and has become an iconic perspective and photo-opportunity for travellers. Another famous viewpoint is at Wayag Island, renowned for its jagged karst formations, which are best explored by kayak or boat. The boat ride to Wayag Islands is interspersed with pristine diving and snorkelling sites – like Eagle Rock at Kawe – where marine life like Barracudas, Bumphead Parrotfish, Wobbegong Sharks, Tuna, Sweetlips, Sardines, and Reef Sharks can be seen.
Raja Ampat Islands are accessed via Sorong, West Papua’s main city, which receives daily flights from Jakarta. In Sorong, guests will board the Aqua Blu, which they will call home for the duration of their trip.
Aqua Blu is the first and only vessel to explore this region in Indonesia all year round. Tours within Raja Ampat run from December through to mid March, and visitors will enjoy conditions that are sunny and calm. The remainder of Aqua Blu’s year is dedicated to tours to Komodo National Park and the Spice Islands.
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