A Comprehensive Guide to Explore Raja Ampat Island
Raja Ampat Island is a beautiful archipelago in Indonesia, blessed with unthinkable bounties both above and below water. House of the planet’s most biodiverse marine ecosystem with 75% of the world-known coral species and 1400 species of fish, Raja Ampat’s sublime marine beauty is fantastic to put that in the easiest of terms. Above the surface, dreamy limestone cliffs and turquoise waters offer incredible vistas that could have been picked straight from a National Geographic documentary. Moreover, in the rainforests, birds of heaven flourish, and after dark, you can see the stars and the seas shine. In one term to describe, Raja Ampat Island is fabulous!
Let’s return to the islands then. Here’s a primer detailed travel guide to Raja Ampat, one of Indonesian’s island paradise.
Raja Ampat Location
Raja Ampat is the title given to 1500-odd islands off the northwestern tip of West Papua, in eastern Indonesia. Raja Ampat was covering an area of 40,000 sq. kilometers including sea and land. It has a population of less than 50.000. The four essential islands of Raja Ampat group are Misool, Salawati, Waigeo, and Batanta. Misool is the farthest island, most remote, and most spectacular, then, Waigeo is the most visited island group. Most of the tourist attraction is centred around Waigeo and nearby islands currently. Waisai, as the capital of Raja Ampat, is located in Waigeo Island. Waigeo is the port of entry for all adventures in the islands.
Why Must You Visit Raja Ampat Island?
There is an imaginary geographical boundary forming something called Coral Triangle in the waters of the Pacific Ocean surrounding parts of Indonesia, Timor Leste, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. It is the underwater sea equivalent of Amazon rainforests in the world. The Coral Triangle affirms 1.500 species of fish, and 75% of the world’s coral species. It’s the richest biodiversity hotspot for the marine ecosystem on earth.
Raja Ampat’s underwater riches are so diverse and spectacular. Not only is it part of the Coral Triangle, but it is also the crown jewel of this marine area, documenting the world’s highest diversity of corals and several species of marine mammals such as dugongs and whales. The coral reefs have been unbelievably (and thankfully) immune to the increasing temperatures and bleaching that’s happening everywhere else within our oceans currently.
Not only are the reefs Raja Ampat’s waters are home to several rare species such as Wobbegong Sharks, Dugongs and Omura Whales amongst others. Diving among schools of Manta Rays, Tuna Jackfish and Barracudas is considered quite ordinary here. No wonder Raja Ampat Islands have long been the favourite of diehard divers from around the globe for years now.
However, if you don’t dive, the scene above water is phenomenal because of the undisturbed character of the islands. The seas and white sand beaches are the very least of the island’s presents. Rainforests cover a number of the islands where you can spot many colourful birds including two Birds of Paradise, Wilson’s bird and Redbird. Even the forest-covered limestone waterfalls, enchanting islands and lagoons peppered around vivid blue waters of Raja Ampat seem pretty; they look unreal. And the people are warm, beautiful and welcoming. It’s not just Asia’s best-kept secret, but it is also truly the most beautiful archipelago in the world.
Planning to visit Raja Ampat soon? Find out more about Raja Ampat and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
