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Raja Ampat is an archipelago in eastern Indonesia. This region, known as West Papua, has a culture more similar to that of Oceania than to Southeast Asia. This, combined with the pristine natural beauty and biodiversity of the region makes it a great place to visit.
In this guide, we will discuss different Raja Ampat islands and the best things to do there.
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Where is Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat is an archipelago located in the western part of Papua, Indonesia. It is located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula in Papua, encompassing over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals.
What Does Raja Ampat Mean
The name “Raja Ampat” translates to “Four Kings” in Indonesian, referring to the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool.
Raja Ampat Environmental Service Fee
You must pay an environmental service fee to enter Raja Ampat. Once you enter, most individual islands do not require an entry fee.
International visitors must pay 1,000,000 IDR ($65 USD), while Indonesian visitors must pay 500,000 IDR ($33 USD).
How to Get to Raja Ampat
Travel to Sorong
If you are traveling to Raja Ampat, you must first get to Domine Eduard Osok (SOQ) Airport in Sorong, Southwest Papua.
There are direct flights from Jakarta, but if you are traveling from Bali, you will need to travel via a connecting flight.
Sorong to Raja Ampat
Once you arrive in Sorong, you can take a 2-hour boat ride to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat.
You may also find flights to small islands within Raja Ampat, but I recommend traveling via boat.
Tour Services to Raja Ampat
If you would rather have everything set up for you, I recommend checking out tours to Raja Ampat on Viator. This will help to make your trip convenient and stress-free.
Arborek Island
Located southwest of Waigeo, the largest island in Raja Ampat, Arborek Island is easy to miss on a map. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for with culture and wildlife.
Arborek Village
Arborek Village is one of the highlights of island hopping around Raja Ampat. Here, you will be able to enjoy brightly painted stilt houses, meet friendly locals, and indulge in local traditions. There are also opportunities for homestays if you would like to spend the night here.
Diving in Arborek Island
Several coral reefs can be found surrounding the island. This attracts a diverse range of colorful fish, making snorkeling a great activity here.
Arborek Island is also very close to prominent dive sights, such as Manta Point. You can take a short boat ride there to dive with manta rays and other sea creatures!
Kri Island
Kri Island is located close to Arborek Island. This island is famous for its stunning coral reefs and is considered one of the best diving destinations in Raja Ampat. Divers often encounter a variety of marine life, including reef sharks and manta rays.
Pasir Timbul
Pasir Timbul Beach is a sandbar located near Kri Island and Arborek Island. It is famous for its white sand, clear waters, and diverse marine life.
When the tide recedes, the sandbar emerges from the ocean. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the surrounding ocean and islands.
Friwen Island
Friwen Island is a lesser-known island in Raja Ampat. However, this small island is a great place to visit for a few hours to enjoy a picnic on the beach!
The locals strive to preserve the nature on and around the island. They have created new coral reefs surrounding the island to attract more biodiversity, making it a great place to snorkel.
Piaynemo Islands
One of the most popular destinations for a day trip in Raja Ampat are the Piaynemo Islands. These islands are located within the larger island of Pulau Penem.
A popular activity here is hiking up to the Piaynemo Viewpoint. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the green islets jutting out of the cerulean waters.
Telaga Bintang
If you are willing to hike a little further from the Piaynemo Viewpoint, you should check out Telaga Bintang. This literally translates to “Star Lagoon” due to the surrounding limestone cliffs giving the lagoon the shape of a star.
This hike is short but slightly more difficult than to Piaynemo Viewpoint. You will have to walk on sharp limestone rocks (similar to at Tsingy National Park in Madagascar), so make sure to bring shoes with strong soles!
Rufus Island
After visiting the Piaynemo Islands, you can check out nearby Rufus Island. This is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
It is best to visit Rufus Island from the Piaynemo Islands, because a boat ride from Waisai can be expensive, about 2,500,000 IDR (about $160 USD in 2024. Check out current conversion rates here).
Fam Islands
The nearby Fam Islands offer an attractive option for nature lovers. This is a great spot for divers and snorkelers, as there are coral reefs teeming with life that surround these islands. There are also plenty of options for accommodations if you decide to stay overnight.
Where to Stay in Raja Ampat
There are plenty of options for accommodations in Raja Ampat depending on your budget and which island you choose.
Some of the top resorts in the area include:
Coriana Dive Resort in Waisai
Meridian Adventure Marina Club & Resort in Waisai
Amoryg Resort Raja Ampat in Pulau Mansuar
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
