Raja Ampat is an archipelago of more than 1500 islands spread over a large area of 50,000 km2 located in Papua West, Northeast Indonesia.
Raja Ampat is a very remote place, wild and difficult to access but it is worth taking flights and boats to get there because it is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia
"Raja" means "king" and "Amapat" means "four." Its name refers to its four main islands: Missol, Salawai, Batanta and Waigeo.
The islands of Raja Ampat are relatively unexplored and remain virtually untouched by tourism businesses; that is why in their islands we find nature in its pure and local state living in a traditional way.
What to do in Raja Ampat?
Scuba diving
Raja Ampat is one of the favorite destinations for Scuba Diving fans because here we find one of the marine national parks richest in biodiversity.
Under the waters of Raja Ampat we find some 600 species of coral, more than 100 species of fish and all kinds of marine fauna.
Snorkel
If you are not a fan of Scuba Diving, put on a mask and enjoy the beauty that the shallow waters will offer you; It is easy to see corals, marine stars and colorful fish playing without stopping.
I also recommend that you approach the docks as millions of fish gather below them. Swimming among them is a marvel.
Discover the small sand islands
It is easy to find sand islands floating in the middle of the sea, although these can disappear depending on the level of the sea.
Locals call them Gosong or Pasir Timbul ("pass" means sand and "timbul" surface).
We went to one that is close to the island of Kri.
Losing the notion of time walking and lying on the thin line of water that rests on the white sands, is priceless.
Visit Wayang and / or Pianemo
I did not have the opportunity to go to Wayang, but I did go to Pianemo (considered as the little Wayang) and I have to say that it is one of the most beautiful views I have ever enjoyed.
Enjoy the sunset
I was in the rainy season, but I was so lucky that every day was sunny and all the sunsets were beautiful, with skies dyed in different colors.
If you can enjoy them from different perspectives.
When to go?
The dry season starts in December and ends in April (just the opposite of Bali), so it's a good place to go when Bali is in the rainy season.
I went in September but I was very lucky: the day I arrived and the day I left it was raining, but the rest of the days were sunny. For what the locals told me, just before we arrived, it had been raining day after day.
The worst season is July and August, when the winds and rains can be intense. That is why some diving centers close during these two months.
How to get?
To get to Raja Ampat you must fly to Waisai. We took three planes: Denapsar-Makassar, Makassar-Sorong and Sorong-Waisai. Once there, the best way to get around is by using boats
Although it may seem crazy to have to take three planes, the truth is that the flights are very bearable because the views are incredible and the sections by boat are super nice because you look where you see only see crystal clear waters and natural beauty.