Raja Ampat Islands
Raja Ampat Islands are a set of 1500 sparsely populated islands just off Sorong in Papua. They offer stunning views of turquoise waters and jungle covered islands. You can find hidden lagoons, caves, white sand beaches and so much more on these islands. The snorkeling and diving are amazing offering a large abundance of marinelife. The diving offers a mix of macro and mega fauna,with a great chance of seeing manta ray. The dives are mostly drift dives and currents can be strong especially between July and September. Wayag is a set of Islands a little further north of Raja Ampat and this is where most of the picturesque photos are taken, you can visit by boat to dive the area or hike the volcanic peaks. The bird life is also stunning on these islands and you can have the chance to see the the red bird of paradise an endemic species that displays in an amazing courtship dance, guides can take you to their more common habitat.
Highlights
Bird Watching
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The Raja Ampat Islands are a bird watchers paradise. Most tourists go to see the red bird of paradise and Wilsons bird of paradise, there is so much more to see with over 250 bird species. This is also great for photographers, as there is such a wide array of colour and beautiful displays.
Diving
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If you like large shoals of fish and incredible macro diving then this is the place for you. Raja Ampat has such an incredible abundance of marine life you will not be disappointed. Manta ray can be seen between October and May, which is the best season for diving with good visibility.
Pasir Timbul
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This is a large sand flat that only appears at low tide. It is a great place to go and feel like you are walking on water, with stunning turquoise ocean all around. You need to swim or wade out to the sand flat, but it is so worth it!
Piaynemo Raja Ampat
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This is one of the most stunning locations in Indonesia and well worth a visit. You will need to take a boat to Piaynemo Island then climb steps for about 5-10 mins and the view is just incredible.
Snorkeling
Raja Ampat has some of the most diverse marine life in the world. It is worth going on a boat trip, you can then snorkel around a variety of different islets.