The Raja Ampat Islands is a series of four adjacent island clusters located in the western part of the Bird's Head (Vogelkoop) of Papua Island. Administratively, this cluster is under Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua Province. This islands are now the destination of divers who are interested in the beauty of underwater scenery. Four groups of islands are named according to the four largest islands, namely Waigeo Island, Misool Island, Salawati Island, and Batanta Island.
Departing from Jakarta to Sorong, West Papua. There are several airlines that serve this route include Garuda Indonesia, Nam Air, Sriwijaya Air, Batik Air, and Xpress Air. The flight price to Sorong fluctuates, with a range of Rp 1.5 million - Rp 3 million each way. From the lowest count, the fare to go home costs Rp 3 million. Arrive in Sorong, tourists must cross to Raja Ampat. The choice is by ship or aircraft Susi Air. To reduce costs, ships are the right choice. The fast boat with a two-hour sailing time from Sorong to Waisai (the capital of Raja Ampat Regency) is priced at Rp 130,000.
Could be, this is your biggest expense while in Raja Ampat. Keep in mind, Raja Ampat is an archipelago, with a total of 1,864 islands. If you want to tour nature in Raja Ampat, you need a boat boat island hopping. The high price of fuel in Raja Ampa is very influential on motor boat rental prices. For example to go to Wayag from Waisai, budget required Rp 13 million PP. Toward Pianemo from Waisai required budget Rp 8 million PP. To Teluk Mayablibit from Waisai it takes budget Rp 6 million rupiah PP. One motor boat can usually be charged 10-12 people. Therefore, to reduce the transport budget in Raja Ampat, go in groups. The ability to bargain for motorboat fares is also indispensable.
Misol Island
The island is directly adjacent to Seram Sea so it has a large open sea. This strategic location makes Misool Island into a pathway of large animals such as whales and octopuses.
The sea water on the island is green toska with white sand around it. The environment is filled with tropical forest trees and green mangroves.
On this island visitors can do various activities, ranging from snorkeling, diving, swimming, or just relaxing to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Waigeo Island
The island, also known as Amberi, is located between Halmahera Island and Papua Island. This island is one of the easiest islands to reach by public transport compared to the islands around Raja Ampat.
In addition to a beautiful diving location, visitors can also find beautiful, towering cliff-top bays. Waigeo Island also has a large jungle forest, but most are still inaccessible.
Batanta Island
On this island visitors can find Batanta waterfalls located in the interior of the mangrove forest. Behind the waterfall is also a small cave that can only be entered by five people.
On Batanta Island there are the tourist villages of Marandanweser and Waiweser, where visitors can stay and feel the native life of the local community.
Salawati Island
Salawati Island is not too crowded and its nature is still pure. This island is a silent witness of World War II, evident from the relics of Dutch and Japanese bunkers found on this island.
Not only that, on this island visitors can find salawati rainbow fish that only exist in this island.
This place is only in Indonesia.