Raja Ampat is probably the most beautiful destination we had the chance to visit together… We can totally understand why these tiny islands lost in West Papua between Asia and Oceania are called ‘the last paradise’. With its iconic landscapes, pristine waters and insanely rich marine life, Raja Ampat has nothing to envy to the Maldives! Also called the Amazon of the Oceans, this Indonesian archipel is the largest in the world with more than 5000km (larger than Europe). These 612 islands are a total paradise on earth.

Also these islands located in the Almahera Sea, have the richest diversity in terms of marine life with more than 1500 marine species. We had the chance to dive I Raja Ampat and we have to say that we have been totally blown away by the Beaty of the marine life. We had never see such a protected, rich, colorful marine life, only a few meters below the surface. Also if you are a Manta lover, you need to visit Raja Ampat islands!

If you are an Indonesia lover like us, you can find all our Indonesia travel guides. Today, you will find in this post the best tips and tricks before planning your dream trip to Raja Ampat islands!

Where is Raja Ampat in Indonesia?

Raja Ampat is located in West Papua, Indonesia. Next to Sulawesi and Timor, between the Philippines and Australia. If you are finding yourself in Bali, you are not so far, but you will need to take another flight from Denpasar. Also, if you are already in Java, you can take a flight from Jakarta. If you are visiting several places and you have time, you can totally combine this trip and also visit Sulawesi, Komodo, Flores, Sumba…And so many beautiful and less knowns islands in Indonesia.

The 4 main islands in Raja Ampat are Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool. You will probably arrive at Waigeo, it is the largest island located in the north. When you are at Sorong, you will probably take the ferry to Waigeo or Misool. Then you have Salawati, Batanta and Misool. Misool is also touristy but more for sailing trips and scuba diving liveaboards trips.

Why you should visit Raja Ampat?

If you are dreaming about an authentic experience, far from the mass tourism and all inclusive hotels, you should visit Raja Ampat. You will be able to be close to nature and the local populations and have a unique experience. You will be able to stay at a homestay, managed by local the Papua population. We really loved our experience there. We were staying in water bungalows, directly on the Sea. It was perfect to go snorkeling every morning and at the end of the day.

Also, as we were staying at local accommodations we were able to get to know our Papua hosts, cook with them and go on tours with them. Most of them speak English really well. It was amazing to be able to have a connection with local people and talk with them about the life in Papua, the nature, their lifestyle, their culture…

Then, you can not have missed the beauty of the iconic landscapes made of pristine waters, coral reefs, insane rock formations and tons of trees. As you can see on the drone shot, these postcards landscapes are to be seen and visited at least once in your life!

Why Raja Ampat may be not for you?

However, you need to know that even if most of accommodations in Raja Ampat are very affordable and are directly on the Sea; they are rudimentary. You will only find the necessary : a bed and a few hours of electricity every day. If you are used to comfort and luxury hotels, you will really live a different and unique experience. We highly recommend you to try this more ‘adventurous’ way of life at least once in your life to be closer to nature. But it’s also possible that you will have a hard time letting go your comfort!

How to go to Raja Ampat and get around

Also, you need to know that to visit Raja Ampat, you will have a long journey. First, you need to reach Jakarta, Makassar, Denpasar or Singapore. Then, you will need a second flight to Sarong which is the capital and the main city of west papua. It’s approximately a 4 hours flight from Jakarta with a local airline company. Then, you will have to take the local ferry for 2 hours from Strong to Wasai. Once arrived in Wasai, you will need to be picked up by the person at the homestay you will be staying at. There is no taxi boat or anything you can use to navigate by yourself.

Once you have reached the island you will be staying at in Raja Ampat, you can totally go easily on an excursion. You can also stay only a few days and stay later at another homestay. You will need to be picked up again either by the person managing your homestay or the next homestay.

Where to stay in Raja Ampat on Waigeo islands?

Kri

Kri is probably the most touristy islands in Raja Ampat. It’s an island located below Waigeo and easily accessible by boat. There are plenty of different homestay on the island. You will also find a dive center on the island. The beaches in Kri are really beautiful and the snorkeling and diving spots are some of the best of Raja Ampat. This island is well known by backpackers doing a world tour trip and digital nomads. You will easily connect with other people and make friends!

Mansuar

Pulau Mansuar is a beautiful and less touristy island to stay at. If you are a turtle lover, you should definitely stay at Pulau Mansuar. You will be able to have amazing snorkeling sessions just in front of your water bungalow. Also you will be able to visit the local village and learn about local traditions.

Rufas

Rufas island is one of the most iconic islands to stay at. The Rufas homestay is a local family managed homestay. The family at Rufas is adorable and very welcoming and they are cooking well! Totally isolated from the other islands, in the middle of the Sea, this island will let you have a Robenson Crusoe experience, really far from the mass tourism. It is the perfect island to stay a few days to visit Piaynemo and Melissa’s Garden that is really closed. You will be able to snorkel around the islands and see many reef black tips sharks.

Gam islands

If you like mangroves, you should visit Gam islands. You will be able to visit the protected mangrove and see a jellyfish lake (white jellyfish), birds, and amazing nature and trees. Navigating in this green water between these trees with a small traditional boat was a unique experience! Also, if you get luck you will see a cuscus in the trees!

Arborek

We highly advise you to visit Arborek just for a day, or go on an excursion for a half day. You will be able to snorkel and visit the island. It’s a small island that you can visit easily. However, if you fall in love with the island, you can stay more, they are many homestays.

The best dive centers in Raja Ampat

There are many different dive centers in Raja Ampat. You will often find dive center in the homestay. You need to know that when you are staying at a homestay that has a dive center, you can not dive with another dive center. If you don’t have a diver center at your homestay or hotel, you can choose the dive center and text them by what’s app to book your dives. They will pick you up by boat, usually for the day or a half day for 2 or 3 dives.

You can highly recommend you Tarzan dive center, that are really professional, we always felt safe and in good hands with them! Also, they know really well the islands, the currents and the dive sites in Raja Ampat.

How is the food in Raja Ampat?

The food is absolutely amazing and super healthy in Raja Ampat! If you have a healthy lifestyle, that won’t change you that much. We ate a lot of rice, eggs, tofu, tempeh, fresh vegetables (spinach for example)and fruits (watermelon bananes, coconut), they serve fresh fish… Of course if you are used to eat a lot of junk food it will feels weird at the beginning but after a few days, you will love this kind of food!

Join us for more travel adventures and tips!

If you want to have more information, tips and tricks about Raja Ampat and other destinations in Indonesia, join us on Instagram @chiarabarrasso @jelafaille and on our Youtube channel! We are trying to upload a new video every week and deliver you the best advise! See you in the next one!