Nicknamed “The Four Kings”, Raja Ampat is an archipelago located on the northwest tip of the island of New Guinea), in the southwest province of Papua de Indonesia.
Known for the dynamic beauty of its karst landscapes of limestone, Raja ampat is composed of 1,500 small small islands, keys and banks around 4 main islands (MSOL, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo) and the smallest island of Kofiau.
It is really a paradise of nature lovers, with forested islands, secret lagoons, beaches, bays and Kali Biru’s blue river, all surrounded by some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet.
Keep reading for our guidance of the best things to do in Raja ampat, from cruises of handle of the island and diving (or snorkeling) to the best hiking, waterfall routes, photographic points, villages and more.
READ MORE: The 30 best exotic islands in the world to visit
1. chasing waterfalls
With due respect to TLC, chasing waterfalls It is one of our favorite hobbies when we travel. And the Raja ampat jungles offer several spectacular beauties that are worth visiting!
The Batanta waterfall on the island of Batanta requires an arduous walk to reach it. But there is a smaller waterfall on the road and a cascade of 80 meters at the top, with a pool at the bottom to soak up and a hidden cave behind the cataracts.
Located at the western end of Waigeo Island, the Warengkris waterfall is wider than high, cascade by a pure rock face in a fresh pool that is perfect for swimming.
“Air Terjun Malol” (also known as Malol waterfall) is a beautiful waterfall with five stages located near the Gamta village on the island of Msool. 1 hour are needed on the Gamta river in boat and a 1 hour walk through the forest to reach it. But the beautiful birds along the way and the beautiful views of this virgin paradise are worth it!
READ MORE: 25 of the world’s largest waterfalls (by continent)
2. Enjoy a cruise for the Raja ampat islands
We have explored some of the best archipelagos in the world, from the Antilles (Caribbean), Cyclades (Greek) and Galapagos to the Hebrides (Scotland), the Philippines and the Islands Sociedad de Tahití.
One thing we have learned is that Small ship cruises They are the best way to see them, offering a low impact form of exploring the extended islands chains through a fairly wide geographical area.
Whether you are looking for an option without inmates, economical or one more full of comfort Raja ampat luxury cruiseThere are many different tour operators in the region to choose from.
Personally, we look for ecological cruise companies with exclusive ships that lead to less than 100 passengers, which offer a good combination of nature, wildlife, adventure, good food and time of inactivity for relaxation.
Keep in mind that the best time of the year to take Raja Ampat Cruises is from December to February.
READ MORE: The 10 best river cruises in the world
3. Go to dive in the MSOL Marine Reserve
As certified divers since 2012, we have been blessed with opportunities to dive worldwide, from Belize, Curacao and Norway to the Philippines, the Red and Tahiti Sea.
Raja ampat is widely considered one of the The best places in the world to diveWith virgin reefs that house 75% of the known coral species of the world (more than 10 times the diversity found in the Caribbean Islands).
Working in association with Wildaid, the MSOL Marine Reserve protects the complex coral reef systems and deep water areas that house almost 1,500 species of fish, including butter rays, iridescent parishes and yellow rifle schools.
Located in the remote confines of the south of the Indonesian archipelago, the reserve covers 300,000 acres, which are protected by the Msool FoundationThe variety of conservation programs promoted by the community.
Cape Kri, located near Kri Island, actually has the world record of most fish species that are seen in a single immersion, 374, and has a vividly impressive coral reef system that must see to believe.
READ MORE: The 20 best Caribbean islands to visit nature lovers
4. Walk to see Paradise Birds
Mary’s favorite shirt says “Birds are amazing!” And she has 3 different types of feeders outside the window of our living room (not to mention 2 gardens full of attractive flowers for pollinators). Seeing fine pen friends is something we both enjoy.
From the island of Sanibel FL and the Galapagos Islands to the Peruvian Amazon, we have made many trips where bird observation was an important approach. But we have never had the pleasure of watching Paradisio birds, outside the BBC’s Planet Earth.
Most of these Beautiful birds They are found in Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, where the southern coast of Waigeo and Gam offer the best opportunity for two colorful species sightings.
The Red Paradisio bird is larger, with crimson wings, emerald cheeks, yellow shoulder strands and purple tail feathers, while Wilson’s Paradis bird has a cyan lid, red and black body, blue feet and tail feathers shaped like scissors.
Many local guides in Raja Amat offer bird -observation tours on private trails behind their homes, but some group tours to the mating areas are also available.
READ MORE: 25 spectacular galapagos birds that you can see on a Galapagos cruise
5. Nothing with blanket rays in Manta Sandy
The first time I saw a blanket in nature was while Swim with whale sharks in CancunAnd I was surprised how massive these rays in real life!
Manta Sandy, which is in Raja Ampat between Arborek and the GAM Islands, is a cleaning station that attracts stripe blankets throughout the year. So that you can dive or dive and see them slide, completely carefree with human presence.
Local guides are always there to ensure that everyone behaves responsible. Because this site is in a protected marine reserve, chasing or touching them is strictly prohibited.
Trust me, swimming with Manta Rays is an experience that you will never forget, and this is one of the few places in the world where they practically guarantee you to have the opportunity to see them closely.
READ MORE: Swimming with sharks in Bora Bora, Tahiti
6. Take fabulous photos of Pianemo Hill
It seems that all the main tourist destination in the world have their own iconic photography, whether they are the buildings with Sundays in Santorini, the ancient city of Petra in Jordan or volcanic peaks in the center of Bora Bora, Tahití.
In Raja ampat, that “essential” photo can be found from a platform at the top of Pianemo Hill, which requires uploading around 250 steps that drive through rubber trees and other dense vegetation.
Pianemo Hill is located in the FAM Islands, between Batanta and Waigeo. Ascending the summit leads to an incredible scenic point of view, with a view to the 5 points of a star -shaped lagoon.
It is the perfect place to take impressive photos of the dynamic karst panorama of Raja ampat, which is dramatically elevated from the brilliant turquoise sea.
READ MORE: The 15 main things to do in Coron, Palawan
7. Visit the local villages
Commit (and spend money) in local communities is a great principle of the Ecotourism ethosAnd Raja ampat has many small villages that offer the opportunity to interact with the locals.
Located on an island off the coast of Waigeo, Tiny Arborek Village offers visitors the opportunity to experience traditional Papu culture, from music and dance to woven crafts in the form of the beloved marine life that is just from its coasts. It is also a great place to dive and dive.
Sawinggrai Village in Gam Island offers the welcome of the hospitality of Papuan, community conservation and the opportunity to see the red bird of the farm. Visitors are often welcome with traditional dances by schoolchildren, already the locals love to share the ways in which they help protect their virgin ecosystems.
The picturesque town of Yenbuba on Mansuar Island is another fantastic place to get involved with the locals. He is loved by some of the best snorkeling in the region, lovely pastel houses, an adorable church and some of the most cozy dads that you have ever met! –Bor Bret Love
