Welcome to our Raja Ampat travel guide, where we share our unforgettable journey to one of the most breathtaking destinations on the planet. Our trip to Raja Ampat was nothing short of magical. From diving among vibrant coral reefs to exploring hidden lagoons and relaxing on pristine beaches, every moment felt like stepping into a postcard. In this guide, we’ll take you through the highlights of our adventure, share practical travel tips, and help you plan your trip to this tropical paradise.
What is Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat, known also as “The Last Paradise”, is a dreamlike archipelago of over 1,500 islands, famed for its stunning turquoise waters and lush green landscapes. The name “Raja Ampat” translates to “Four Kings,” derived from a local legend about four kings who ruled the area. The four main islands—Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo—along with countless smaller isles, make up a destination that is as enchanting as it is remote.
Why Visit Raja Ampat
This region is a hotspot for biodiversity, boasting the richest coral reef ecosystem on Earth, with over 75% of the world’s coral species and thousands of marine creatures. It’s not just about what lies underwater; Raja Ampat’s dramatic limestone cliffs, dense jungles, and serene beaches make it a paradise for both nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Imagine like stepping into an untouched world where every view is postcard-perfect. It’s a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility, raw natural beauty, and a sense of wonder that can only be found in places as special as this. Raja Ampat had always been at the top of our bucket list, and we were thrilled to finally make it a reality!
How to Reach Raja Ampat
Getting to Raja Ampat is an adventure in itself, reflecting the remote and pristine destination. While it may take some effort, the journey is well worth it if you’re determined to immerse yourself in this unique corner of the world, far from the crowds and modern bustle. This Raja Ampat travel guide outlines the steps to help you navigate your way to this region.
1. Fly to Sorong
The first step is finding a flight to Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. Sorong is accessible via domestic flights from major Indonesian cities like Jakarta, Makassar, or Bali (Denpasar). We got a direct flight from Jakarta with Garuda Airlines.
2. Take a Ferry to Waisai
From Sorong, you’ll need to board a ferry to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat. Once at Sorong airport, get a taxi to Sorong harbor. It’s only a short 3-5 minute drive.
You will be left at the ticket desk where you can purchase the ferry tickets. Ferries depart from Sorong and Waisai at 9am and 2pm simultaneously every day and the journey lasts 2 hours. Make sure you show up at the ticket desk at least 1 hour before departure!
TIP: Online taxis booked through apps such as Grab cannot get into the airport. You’ll need to cross the parking lot and exit the airport where the driver will be waiting.
3. Reach Your Accommodation
Once in Waisai, your resort or homestay will arrange transportation to your chosen island. Depending on the location, this may involve another boat ride, sometimes lasting 1–2 hours.
NOTE: There are extra fees to be paid. We’ll discuss these in more detail later.
Where to Stay in Raja Ampat
Choosing the right place to stay in Raja Ampat isn’t easy, which is also why we decided to make this Raja Ampat travel guide. Generally speaking, there are two types of accommodation to choose from.
Homestay: they are usually budget-friendly, family-run basic bungalows. They provide limited food options, meaning you can only eat what they cook for you. Some of them would have no running water and limited power and Wi-Fi supply.
Resorts: they are more upscale, offering all-inclusive packages with multiple food options.
Homestays offered us an authentic and affordable way to explore Raja Ampat, letting us enjoy its turquoise waters and stunning natural landscapes without breaking the bank.
The most popular islands where visitors tend to stay are Kri for diving and Waigeo for jungle trekking and birdwatching. For the first part of our trip, we chose to stay in Mansuar, which is located next to Kri.
Terimakasih Homestay on Mansuar Island
During our trip to Raja Ampat, we stayed at Terimakasih Homestay on Mansuar Island, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our journey. The homestay welcomed us with a stunning setting—nestled between lush greenery and the vibrant blue waters that surrounded the island. Right off the jetty, we discovered an underwater wonderland. The coral reefs were teeming with life, offering incredible snorkeling opportunities just steps from our accommodation.
The accommodation itself was simple yet impressively clean and comfortable. Our water bungalow provided the perfect place to relax. One luxury we greatly appreciated was the availability of running water, a convenience that’s not always common in Raja Ampat. Transitioning to meals, we were delighted by the delicious and freshly prepared food served at the restaurant overlooking the sea. What truly made our stay special, however, was the amazing staff. They greeted us with warm smiles and made every effort to ensure we felt at home. From helping us organize excursions and transfers to serving afternoon snacks, their hospitality was second to none.
We highly recommend Mansuar and Terimakasih Homestay for your trip to Raja Ampat!
Diving in Raja Ampat
Diving is a must-do activity in Raja Ampat for good reason. The region is part of the “Coral Triangle”, an area renowned for having the highest marine biodiversity on Earth. Raja Ampat is home to over 600 species of coral and more than 1,700 species of fish, including manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, and schools of fish.
Some of the most famous diving sites include Cape Kri, known for holding the world record for the most fish species spotted during a single dive, Manta Sandy, a cleaning station for manta rays, and Mioskun, famous for its pelagic life, including barracudas and tuna.
Most diving in Raja Ampat is organized through resorts or liveaboards, which provide easy access to remote sites. Many homestays also partner with local dive operators to offer affordable dive trips. We dove with Soul Scuba located on Kri Island. Their diving club is well-organized, the instructors are amazing and their location on Kri’s best beach is top-class. We enjoyed diving in the morning and spent the rest of the day chilling on the beach.
The best time to dive in Raja Ampat is during the dry season from October to April when the seas are calm, and visibility is at its peak. November and December are particularly great for spotting manta rays. Note that currents are often strong in Raja Ampat, and not all diving sites are suitable for beginners.
Snorkelling in Raja Ampat
For those who don’t dive, snorkeling in Raja Ampat is nothing short of magical and offers a more accessible way to experience the incredible underwater world of this marine paradise. Many of the reefs are in shallow waters, making them ideal for snorkelers to explore without needing to dive deep. Don’t miss snorkelling around the Sauwandarek Village, Mike’s Point, and Friwen Wall if you stay on Mansuar Island. Other popular snorkelling sites include Arborek, Melissa Garden, and Rufas Island.
Your homestay will organize snorkelling trips. Simply make a list of places you’d like to visit and they’ll arrange the boat for you. You could also include a stop at a sandbar as part of your tour. For instance, we once went snorkelling at Sauwandarek, Mike’s point, and then stopped at Pasir Timbul sandbar to relax. Pasir Timbul is a unique sandbar that appears only during low tide, creating a temporary, pristine stretch of white sand in the middle of the ocean. Definitely do not miss it while in Raja Ampat!
TRAVEL ADVICE
Homestays and resort fees for transfers and excursions are per boat. As the place is so remote and the petrol is expensive, the costs for these services tend to be high.
Sharing a boat with other guests is a cost-effective way to explore Raja Ampat.
Or Mandira Homestay on Piaynemo Island
The second part of our adventure took us to Or Mandira Homestay on Piaynemo Island, a place that felt like our private slice of paradise. As the only guests during our stay, we had the entire island to ourselves, which made the experience even more special.
Or Mandira Homestay is a basic yet charming accommodation run by a friendly local family. The simplicity of the homestay was part of its charm and authenticity. With no running water and no phone signal, we fully embraced the opportunity to disconnect and immerse ourselves in the peaceful rhythm of island life. The beachfront boasts turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, offering a front-row seat to breathtaking sunsets.
If you’re looking for an authentic, off-the-grid experience in one of Raja Ampat’s most iconic locations, Or Mandira Homestay is the perfect choice.
Exploring Around Piaynemo Island
Basing yourself on Piaynemo Island is a great tip from any Raja Ampat travel guide, as it allows you to explore some of the most iconic destinations in the region. The highlight of any visit around here is the panoramic Piaynemo Viewpoint. A short but steep staircase leads to a platform overlooking the dramatic karst formations and turquoise lagoons below. The sight of the jagged limestone islands scattered across the sea is one of the most photographed views in Raja Ampat.
Just a short boat ride from Piaynemo is Star Lagoon, a uniquely shaped lagoon that resembles a star from above. The hike to the Star Lagoon is steeper but shorter than the one to Piaynemo, and hiking shoes are recommended.
The cluster of karst islands around Piaynemo offers endless opportunities for exploration. Boat trips to nearby formations reveal hidden caves, secret lagoons, and unique rock shapes. Don’t miss snorkelling at Melissa Garden, Rufas Island, and Fam Wall.
Getting Back To Sorong
To get back to Sorong, you will need to arrange a transfer to Waisai Harbour with your homestay. Keep in mind the distances involved, and ask your homestay how long the journey will take. Some homestays use slow-powered longboats, which may extend travel time. Ferries depart from Waisai at 9am and 2pm daily and take 2 hours. Delays and cancellations due to bad weather are possible (although we didn’t experience any) so plan accordingly. You may need to overnight at Sorong if your flight is on the next day.
The Ultimate Raja Ampat Travel Guide
As part of this Raja Ampat travel guide, let’s explore some additional tips to help you plan your trip.
Extra Fees
Visiting Raja Ampat requires all travelers to purchase a Marine Park Entry Permit, often referred to as the Marine Park Card and the Raja Ampat Visitor Entry Ticket. These fees help fund the conservation of Raja Ampat’s fragile ecosystems and support local communities. Both tickets can be purchased at the Homestay Office in Waisai Harbor. The Marine Park Card could also be arranged by your dive/tour operator.
Sometimes we also incurred extra fees (1 or 2 dollars) when paying by card. For instance, when purchasing our Visa on Arrival at Jakarta airport or to get the Visitor Entry Ticket at Waisai.
Other small fees we paid were for taxis. For instance, we were charged a small fee for tolls and parking.
Exchanging Money in Raja Ampat
There are no ATMs in Raja Ampat. There is one in Waisai but you better exchange your money in Sorong or Jakarta. Most basic homestays only accept cash, although bank transfers and card payments are becoming more common. Just ask your homestay what payment they take and plan accordingly. Consider using Revolut for best conversion rates.
Sim Card
The only phone network that works in Raja Ampat is Telkomsel. Unfortunately, we didn’t know this and purchased a SIM card with another operator which was of no use!
Time for conclusions…
Our journey through Raja Ampat was unbelievable, offering a perfect balance of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. From the turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs of Mansuar to the stunning seclusion of Piaynemo Island, every moment felt like discovering a hidden paradise. Whether we were snorkeling among colorful fish, enjoying the tranquil beaches, or connecting with the local communities, the experiences we had were unforgettable.
Staying at homestays like Terimakasih and Or Mandira allowed us to embrace the true spirit of Raja Ampat, where simplicity and hospitality blend seamlessly with the breathtaking landscapes. Exploring iconic spots like Piaynemo’s viewpoint, the magical Pasir Timbul sandbar, and remote villages like Sauwandarek made us realize just how unique and untouched this part of the world is. Raja Ampat is not just a destination; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who seek both tranquility and adventure.
If you’re considering a trip, this Raja Ampat travel guide is your first step to unlocking the magic of “The Last Paradise”.
If you need any more information, feel free to send us a DM on Instagram—we’re happy to help!
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