The
roaring engines fixed to a large wooden boat are finally quiet. Nothing
can be heard but the rifting little waves, lapping against the vibrant
paint on the sides of the vessel that gracefully slows down. Native
birds hop on the tip of a small tree in one of the deserted islands in
the distance. Raja Ampat or ‘Four Kings’, is the name given to these islands and
comes from a local myth. The four major islands found here are Waigeo,
Misool (which is home to ancient rock paintings), Salawati, and Batanta. Underwater enthusiasts flock to this region because it offers the
world’s best marine sights. Two days earlier, some of these travelers
had been at a deafening corner of a tourist trap in Bali. Once they took
their flight to the bird head of the island of Papua everything changed
as they embarked on a diving tour of a lifetime.
In the Raja Ampat islands, divers can explore vertical underwater walls. The thrill of drift diving is another great challenge. These are the awesome experiences you will find in Raja Ampat. Meanwhile, on this tour several divers were well equipped and looked advanced. The territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes it the most diverse living library for world's coral reef and underwater biota. According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, around 75% of the world's species live here. When divers first arrive here their excitement is palpable. It's common to hear people praise God as they take in the remarkable scenery. Others prefer to remain in silence taking in the overwhelming sight of so many islands with crystal clear water that softly brushes over the white sandy beaches.
In the Raja Ampat islands, divers can explore vertical underwater walls. The thrill of drift diving is another great challenge. These are the awesome experiences you will find in Raja Ampat. Meanwhile, on this tour several divers were well equipped and looked advanced. The territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes it the most diverse living library for world's coral reef and underwater biota. According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, around 75% of the world's species live here. When divers first arrive here their excitement is palpable. It's common to hear people praise God as they take in the remarkable scenery. Others prefer to remain in silence taking in the overwhelming sight of so many islands with crystal clear water that softly brushes over the white sandy beaches.
"Disini bagus!", says the friendly local guide who had been appointed
by the tour operator who runs an eco-lodge in Raja Ampat, indicating
that they have arrived at one of the most fantastic diving sites. On
other days, this guide is just a simple fisherman. The local fishermen
here are accustomed to foreigners and are friendly, especially when
offered pinang (betel nuts) or some sweet candies. These are very
popular and offering these sweets is considered polite and a good way to
win an instant smile. The fishermen usually eat this snack during
Para-para Pinang, or social chatting and exchanging funny stories while
chewing Pinang. In many respects, like nature, culture, and history,
these fishermen are closer to the Moluccas.
"No doubt about it, Raja Ampat is definitely the richest place for fish that I have ever been." -
-Dr G.R. Allen
"I was like a five-year-old, seeing a reef for the very first time. I
was awestruck, held by the incredible power of this richest reef. We
must, with all available resources, preserve the beauty of Raja Ampat.
This may be the last frontier." --Michael Aw
"I love the people, I love the diving, it's super! I've never been
for a second time to the same dive destination but now I'm thinking
about going back for the third time! Should I say more?" --Peter van
Dalen
(These testimonials are taken from www.iriandiving.com)
While
the landscape may look like a dream, this is not an illusion. As you
embark on your dive, the phrase "Attention to detail" takes on new
meaning as pigmy seahorses swim around your fingers. Manta Rays and
wobbegongs will glide right by you. Tuna fish, giant trevallies,
snappers, and even barracudas are there to complete your underwater
"meeting list". Not to mention the friendly assistant of the dugong, and
a busy colleague, the turtle. Natural and untouched beauty is the main
attraction here. With no unnecessary adages, the sky, the lush islands,
the sea, and everything above and under it is genuinely saying "Welcome
to Raja Ampat Islands; your personal Disneyland of diving sites".
More facts about the Raja Ampat Conservation Area:*
This area is home to 1,511 species of reef fish in the Bird’s Head Seascape;
1,320 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat;
75% of all known coral species in the world;
10 times the number of hard coral species found in the entire Caribbean;
In the Birds Head Seascape there 600 species of hard coral recorded;
5 species of endangered sea turtles;
57 species of Mantis Shrimp;
13 species of Marine Mammals;
And 27 species of endemic reef fish found only in that area
*according to a tour operator
Get Around
Commonly,
divers will join a tour and live in a diving resort during their stay
in the Raja Ampat Islands. To access diving spots, please contact and
use the professional diving organizers, who can be conveniently found in
Sorong. Several tour operators also offer the option of liveboard
tours:1. Raja Ampat Liveaboard
2. Dive Raja Ampat
3. Raja Ampat
Before going to a dive spot, you'll need to obtain a permit from the local Papua police station. You will need to bring your passport and three (3) copies of the passport page with the Indonesian Visa. The diving organizers can help you with these formalities
From Sorong, there are two type of boats available; Speed Boat (40 minutes - 1 hour boat trip, carries 15 passengers and costs Rp2 million/US$208.55); Long Boat (2-3 hour boat trip and could carry 10 passengers for the cost of Rp1,2 million/ US$126). Please note that all rates are subject to change without notice
You may rent a small boat if you wish to stop and make personal discoveries along the line of the beaches. As the Raja Ampat Islands have four mountainous main islands and hundreds of small islands in their vicinity, you may want to take this opportunity to explore. In addition, the Karst area is a beautiful and original natural phenomenon, as it has various unique flora and fauna as its attractions e.g., Bird of Paradise (Cenderawasih) Botak, Red Cenderawasih, Maleo Waigeo, Kus-kus, orchids, palm etc. You can also trek around the islands to find hidden beauties, like waterfalls and ancient caves.
Home to over a quarter of
the world's marine life, the Indonesian Archipelago is famous for its
world class diving and exciting underwater beauty.
Take a plunge and discover an ocean teeming with all types of marine life, from Weh Island in Sumatra to Raja Ampat
in Papua. Where else in the world can you get up close to a whole
school of giant manta rays and turtles, dive spectacular drop-offs and
explore old shipwrecks? Whether you're an experienced diver
looking for a new challenge or simply want to try your hand at
snorkeling for the first time, the tropical waters of Indonesia will not
disappoint. Plunge into Indonesia's ultimate underwater experience.
Reference : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/248/raja-ampat
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