Raja Ampat or 'Four Kings' is the name given to these islands. Raja Ampat is a name that comes from a local myth. The four main islands in question is Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta, Misool which is the producer of ancient rock paintings. Underwater lovers from all over the world come to Raja Ampat to enjoy the best underwater scenery in the world that was amazing. Two days earlier, when you are in a crowded Bali wrapped once sacred art, then hop on a plane to the head end of New Guinea birds.
Furthermore, be prepared for an adventure that will not be forgotten. Begin your tour from here to dive in the most beautiful underwater. Explore vertical underwater walls it. Feel the tension also diving, palpitations while vacillating ocean currents. It will certainly be an unforgettable personal experience in Raja Ampat.
Region of the islands in Raja Ampat is very broad, covering 4.6 million hectares of land and sea. This is where the a home for 540 types of coral, 1,511 species of fish, and 700 species of molluscs. The wealth of these species have made Raja Ampat as a living library of a collection of coral reefs and marine life of the most diverse in the world. In fact, according to The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, there are about 75% of the world's marine species that live in this amazing island.
When you arrive in Raja Ampat, the excitement can be felt. Suddenly sounded immediately, the new arrivals here, praise the name of God because of his eye and enticed her incredible natural scenery. If you do not find the response, then stunned silence is evidence someone has captured a speck of heaven that fell in the crystal clear ocean, and the waves gently sweeping white sand.
"This is great!", Said a friendly local guide from a travel agent in Raja Ampat. Words beginning it signifies that the visitor has arrived at one of the best dive sites in the world. When not guiding tourists, local guide is an ordinary fisherman. Fishermen are accustomed to outsiders who come to visit. They are very friendly, especially if given betel nuts or candy (you should try). This method has been widely known to give candy is considered good manners and able to form a smile raises the fishermen.
Fishermen in Raja Ampat usually take a snack while conversing. They will be exchanging funny stories while chewing betel nut. In many ways including the similarity of nature, culture, and history, that the fishermen communities in Raja Ampat has similarities to the Moluccas.
Raja Ampat scenery like in a dream, but this is not an illusion. When you plunge into the underwater diving, then pay attention to the details of marine animals that greet. Pygmy seahorses can be approached as if to greet your fingers shake hands. Mantaray and wobbegong will swim with you. Tuna, giant trevaliies, snapper, barracuda and even helped welcome you under the sea. That's not enough, what if there is a new friend that is friendly dugong fish want to swim with you. Don't miss also observe the busy little fish keep its territory and forth. If you are lucky may be able to swim with sea turtles.
Natural beauty, as if completely untouched has been the main attraction here. No need to be expressions of the beauty of the blue sky or the lush verdant island, because what is on land and under the sea will tell you "Welcome to Raja Ampat; these tropic paradise richest marine biodiversity in the world today."
Society activities in Raja Ampat Island
Raja Ampat Island is a charming natural phenomenon with abundant biodiversity. There are 1,320 species of fish in Raja Ampat; 75% of all known coral species in the world. 10 times the number of coral species are found throughout the Caribbean; There are 600 species of coral recorded; 5 species of endangered sea turtles; 57 species of mantis shrimp; 13 species of marine mammals, and 27 species of fish that can only be found in this region.
Stunning sea views at the top and bottom of the sea will be signaled to you that photographing is not to be missed. Natural conditions in Raja Ampat is very unique and different, because it has the structure of endemic land, marine biodiversity, coastal ecology, and culture. This beauty is perfect populations with tradition and local wisdom.
- Choose some of these activities or try it all.
- Diving to see the remains of an underwater shipwreck
- Sail
- Kayaking
- Exploring the island by boat
- Visiting distinctive red birds of paradise of Papua
- Enjoy the beautiful coral islands (karst) around Wayag Island
- Exploring the cave bat (not bat varieties Dark Knight)
- Want to build your own wood sculpture guided by craftsmen Asmat
- Fishing using a traditional way PapuaTrekking to find a waterfall
- Feeding the possum
- Snorkeling
In Raja Ampat, you can also see the "sea ghost" is precisely in the eastern part Waigeo, in front of the village Urbinasopen, and Yesner. There is a unique and interesting natural phenomenon and can only be seen every end of the year. That is a light that comes from the sea around the surface takes approximately 10-18 minutes. Locals refer to this phenomenon as "sea ghost". This phenomenon is more than just a beautiful view of the sunset and you can see from the boat (do not miss to record it with your camera).
In the West and North Waigeo, you can see performances of traditional bamboo flute called a flute drums. The show is usually held during the traditional religious festivals, Independence Day August 17, and when the arrival of official visits or key leaders. If you are interested in anthropology then this event should be included in a separate agenda.
In Tomolol, you will be amazed by the cave. You can see the painting of a human hand and a very large animal. Painted by from prehistoric cave dwellers. While in the north Waigeo, you can also learn the history by visiting the cave of World War II, where the Dutch and the Japanese build their bunker. Sometimes local people doing the war dance, which you can see in there. There is also a waterfall continues to flow in Salawati, sights not to be missed for sure.
In addition, there is also an exotic island called Ayau Island consisting of small islands in the Coral islands are very large, with white sandy seabed and connects the island to the other. There are also the islands with the unique sand, local people call it "Zandplaat". Here is a unique habitat of the local vegetation. You can see the mothers and children of local tribes catching sea worms (insonem).
South Waigeo become a fan favorite diving destination. While you're here, why not to visit Kabui Bay which has a lot of coral islands (karst), skull cave, and historic sites of Raja Ampat in Kali Raja. You can see different types of birds in the village Yenwaupnor and Sawinggrai, Salay in Saonek dance, and craft woven in Arborek. In Arborek, once again you can dive and witnessed a group of stingrays swim. In Sawandarek, there is a white sandy beach with sea ducks and beautiful coral. In addition, there is a traditional village where you can walk around and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
You can also dive in the west region of Waigeo, Batanta, and Kofiau. The potential of this tourist destination is the right place to be visited by the ship. Coral Island (karst) in Wayag Islands have a very interesting natural attractions to be enjoyed.