Some of the friendliest people in the world are found in Indonesia, especially in Raja Ampat. I’ve been luckily enough to see a lot of the world but this place is definitely one of my favourite places. Raja Ampat which means ‘The Four Kings’ is well known to be an underwater paradise with divers coming from all round the world to see this underwater garden of Eden but there is a lot more things to do here then get your feet wet.
Situated in the west of Indonesia in West Papua, Raja Ampat is a bit of a nightmare to get to. My flight from Jakarta was long and I had to connect through Sorong before I finally landed in a cutting in the jungle before heading to my hostel. The hostel was clean but totally empty and as it rained down outside and all I could see what thick jungle I began to think about whether I had made the right decision to come all the way to the end of Indonesia but It wasn’t long before I realised I had made the right choice.
Above: Kakatua Hostel, Cheap place to stay in Waisai the gateway to Raja Ampat's beautiful islands. Dorms about $25 per night, AC in room with good hot showers something you don't find that much in Raja unless your paying top $$.
Spend a day at Mando's guest house on Waisai Island. The staff here are very friendly and welcoming.
They do guided treks into the jungle where you can see the Wilson's and Cendrawasih birds of paradise. Seeing the Wilson bird was pretty amazing although it’s a bit of a trek into the jungle.
Above: one of my guides for the day taking me into the jungle
You can stay at his guest house and snorkel during the day right below his jetty or take a stroll into the local little village Saporkren Village where you will meet some super friendly people.
Of course if you research Raja Ampat you will come across the famous photos of Piaynemo Viewpoint. Lots of people will arrange trips here but you will need to join others to go to bring the costs down of the boat journey. It’s usually a day trip out with snorkeling included and a deserted beach stop for lunch. All places we stopped at were worthwhile and the viewpoint was beautiful. Trip there and back can be a bit rough in the boat so take a waterproof light jacket.
People, so friendly I mean I felt bad the first day as I said no to a few people who at first I thought were trying to sell me snorkel trips then I realised a bit later when other people kept asking me something while putting their fingers in front of their eyes that they simply wanted a photo of me and them together. You will be amazed at how friendly these people are so if you’re ever stuck somewhere trying to get a lift somewhere then just wait as people will generally come and help you get to where you need to be.
Above: luckily this local football team passed by as I was stuck for a lift back to my hostel.
Go to Kri Island and spend a few nights there. Can’t recommend this place enough. Nothing to do there, no roads, no bars or nightlife but beautiful island slightly unknown at the moment but perhaps will become very busy in the future.
Great place to snorkel with a good option for expensive luxury resorts to cheap and cheerful ones such as Yenkoranu Guesthouse where they will feed you and give you a bed for about $25 a night, there are different rooms with different prices.
Underwater: I mean you have to stick your head underwater here, if you dive then the choices are endless with great dive spots all around this area. Currents can be quite strong and I would say this place suits experienced divers really although with a good dive master they will be able to spot if the currents are too strong on the sites first.
If you don’t dive then snorkel. Every guesthouse can arrange some sort of snorkeling trips but a lot of the home stays have good snorkeling right out in front of them or under their jetties.
Above: massive puffer fish right underneath the jettie, just put a mask on and jump in.
Above: keep your eye out for the odd turtle swimming about the reefs
First day I arrived into an empty hostel I thought maybe I’d made the wrong decision to come here but after meeting so many friendly people and seeing amazing sites every day of my week holiday I have no problem recommending this place to people who want to venture off the beaten track a little. It might be known for its underwater paradise dive sites but it’s just as beautiful above ground too.
Notes
If you do fly into Raja Ampat then ignore the touts at the airport trying to show you their fake ID badges trying to pretend that you have to pay a national park fee.
Also if you like to have the odd drink at night time then bring a bottle or two with you as you won’t find much here, mainly beer which is extremely expensive.
Probably a good idea to get dive insurance if you’re going to dive here.
Bear in mind that Boat trips are expensive so you won’t be surprised when you get there
Most people will fly into Sorong then take a ferry over to Waisai but there is an airport in Waisai and if you’re planning on staying on that island or near to it I recommend flying to Raja Ampat airport. Especially for when it comes to leaving as you don’t want to miss your flight back due to the ferry running late or having to spend a night in Sorong due to the ferry not arriving early enough in Sorong to make your flight.
Stock up on Cash either in Sorong or before you leave as although there are ATMs in Raja you may find yourself stuck on an island and wanting to stay longer than you first planned running low on funds like I did.