Raja Ampat Island Hopping & Snorkeling: Explore Paradise Before It Disappears
Raja Ampat, known as the Four Kings Islands, is a globally celebrated diving paradise and a destination that Indonesians consider a must-see at least once in a lifetime.
1. My Expenses
* Tour Fee: 4500k Rupiah for an all-inclusive 5-day, 4-night package (pre-pandemic price).
* Marine Park Conservation Fee: Previously 700k Rupiah, now 1000k Rupiah.
2. How to Explore
With a multitude of islands, Raja Ampat is not ideal for solo travel. Here are the main routes:
* North Route (Waisai): Packed with attractions and perfect for island hopping.
* South Route (Misool): Less crowded, stunning landscapes, but comes with a higher price tag.
* I opted for the north route.
Travel Options:
1. Liveaboard: Ideal for diving enthusiasts, though it’s on the pricier side.
2. Homestay + Boat Rental: Offers flexibility, but boat rentals can be costly, especially for an 8-hour round trip to Wayag.
3. Island-Hopping Tour (Recommended): Includes homestay, three meals, speedboat, island visits, and snorkeling.
Best Time to Visit: October to April of the following year, during the dry season. I visited in January 2019, and the weather was perfect, with not a single drop of rain.
Itinerary:
* Stay at a homestay with three meals provided daily, including packed lunches.
* Each morning, the captain guides the group by boat to various attractions and snorkeling spots.
Joining a tour proved to be a smart decision. During my trip, I met several Chinese tourists who had booked homestays individually and were quite intrigued by how I managed to reach Wayag.
3. Transportation
Flying to Sorong:
From within the country, the quickest route is via Singapore to Manado, then to Sorong. Alternatively, you can go through Jakarta or Bali first, then to Sorong. In any case, the round-trip fare from China is around 4,000 RMB or more.
Transfer Method:
Upon arrival in Sorong, the tour group will arrange your pick-up → take a ferry to Waisai → small boats will transport you to the various islands.
4. Picture Descriptions
P1: The breathtaking Wayag Islands; P2: The picturesque Piaynemo Islands; P3: The enchanting Star Lagoon; P4: Shark Beach; P5: Snorkeling experience; P6: A charming waterfront bamboo cottage; P7: Fun in the water with fellow travelers; P8: Park entry card; P9: Scoot connecting flight; P10: Last-minute haggling over payment before departure.
5. Snorkeling Experience
This was my first time snorkeling, and I didn’t bring any photography equipment. Online, you can find plenty of images, but in general, the waters are teeming with vibrant corals, tropical fish, manta rays, and sea turtles, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Most importantly, the waters are calm, located in the equatorial doldrums, with no currents, making it easy even for non-swimmers.
6. Accommodation Experience
The homestay is quite basic, with no air conditioning, private bathroom, or WiFi, only a fan and mosquito net. However, given the price, I wasn’t too particular.
7. Group Atmosphere
Our group consisted of ten people, with me being the only Chinese. My limited English made me seem a bit silly, but endearing, and I was well taken care of, often getting the center position in photos.
