[Top Must-Visit Diving Destinations Worldwide] Explore Beyond Sipadan: Hidden Gems for Scuba Enthusiasts

One of PADI’s top ten best diving spots in the world, the Raja Ampat Islands are a hidden gem that exudes an irresistible charm. This pristine archipelago is not only isolated but also boasts one of the richest coral reef ecosystems on the planet. Nestled in the warm, shallow waters off the bird-head-shaped peninsula in West Papua Province, Indonesia, Raja Ampat (also known as the Four Kings Islands) is a constellation of over 1,500 islands surrounding four main islands: Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool.

Spanning nearly 40,000 square kilometers of sea, this archipelago is home to Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia. Geologically, these islands form the northernmost part of the Australian continent, but politically, they belong to Indonesia.

The three largest islands are sparsely populated, with only a few hundred residents scattered along their coasts. Many of the smaller islands remain uninhabited, creating a serene and untouched environment. The lack of human presence is more than made up for by the teeming marine life. Raja Ampat is renowned for having the most diverse underwater ecosystem on Earth, making it a dream destination for naturalists and a paradise for divers.

Reports indicate that Raja Ampat is home to over 1,300 species of fish, 700 species of mollusks, and 537 species of coral. This incredible diversity is due to its strategic location between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, which allows it to attract and aggregate a vast array of corals and fish from both regions.

Additionally, Raja Ampat’s extensive coral reefs are remarkably resilient to the threats of global warming, such as bleaching and disease, which have devastated many other coral ecosystems around the world.

For those eager to explore this underwater wonderland, Bali Diving Company offers a weekly round-trip cruise from Bali to Raja Ampat, including a visit to Komodo National Park. This journey allows you to experience two of Indonesia’s most remote and spectacular marine national parks in one trip. For divers who prefer a more stationary base, the Misool Eco Resort, located on Batbitim Island in the south of Misool, offers eight beautiful water bungalows.

These bungalows are mostly built from driftwood and powered by solar and wind energy, providing a sustainable and luxurious stay. Other dive shops, such as Papua Explorers, also offer excellent options for exploring the region.

Location: 1,600 kilometers northeast of Jakarta
Bali Diving Company: +62/361282664, divingbali.c0m
Cost: A 7-day all-inclusive liveaboard trip from Bali costs $1,800
Misool Eco Resort: misoolecoresort.c0m (Closed from July to September)
Papua Explorers: +62/85250906559
Best time: Drift diving is possible year-round, but the sea may be rougher from July to September, and the rainy season runs from April to September.