Spa at Jimbaran Bay

Long conSidered one of the top retreats on an Island known for healing and wellness. Four Seasons offers unsurpassed service m a stellar Balinese-style setting. The 156 villas and residences offer luxury Indoors and outdoors with courtyard living areas, sexy garden showers and private plunge pools overlooking the ocean. The list of comphmentary on-site activities, from sailing lessons to learning traditional Balinese dance.

Traditionally embraced by Javanese royalty. the Lulur Ritual (120 minutes. $145) Incorporates turmeric. cinnamon and other spices In a skin-smoothing scrub fo llowed by a soak In an oversized flower- filled tub.

Don't miss Bali's cultural attractions, from sunset at the striking Uluwatu Temple, set on a westward-facing cliff-top peninsula, to the master craftsmen who specialize In woodcarving and Jewelry-making. Rooms from $680.

four sesaons resort Jimbaran : fourseasons.com


four sesaons resort Jimbaran : maxx-m.com

Jakarta

Jakarta certainly isn’t a primary tourist destination, there are a handful of good museums and dozens of swanky shopping malls. Though Jakarta’s infamous traffic jams still choke the city. So if you really want to get under the skin of Indonesia, a visit to this mammoth city (the Greater Jakarta conurbation exceeds 20 million people) is essential. In recent years Jakarta has suffered on several fronts. Severe floods cause massive damage to homes and infrastructure. The city faces many challenges. Millions live in desperate poverty, many in flood prone areas.

South of Monas is jalan Jaksa, the traditional backpacker centre, which is well placed for the historic north of the city and transport links, with busways and the main train station, Gambir. North of Monas is the old city of Kota, containing most of Jakarta’s meagre tourist attractions, while nearby is the schooner harbour of Sunda Kelapa. The modern harbour, Tanjung Priok, is several kilometres along the coast to the east, past the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol recreation park. Jakarta is surprisingly safe. Violent crime is very rare and tourists are very seldom targeted. It does, however, remain the most crime-prone city in Indonesia.

Jakarta, source : wikipedia.org

Sights

Museum Wayang
One of the best collections of  puppets in Java and its dusty cabinets are full of a multitude of characters. The collection includes puppets from not only Indonesia but also China, Vietnam, India, Cambodia and Europe, and masks used by dancers. There are free wayang performances here on Sunday.

Museum Sejarah Jakarta
This bell-towered building, built in 1627, served the administration of the city and was also used by the city law courts. You will find the odd exquisite piece, such the stunning black granite sculpture of Kali, a Hindu goddess associated with death and destruction.

Balai Seni Rupa
Houses contemporary paintings with works by prominent artists, including Affandi, Raden Saleh and Ida Bagus Made. Part of the building is also a ceramics museum, with Chinese ceramics and Majapahit terracottas.

Museum Bahari
Is a good place to learn about the city’s maritime history, and though the wonderful old buildings.

Museum Nasional
Built in 1862, There’s  a superb display of gold treasures from Candi Brahu in Central Java, including some glittering necklaces, armbands and a bowl depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Outside the museum is a bronze elephant that was presented by the King of Thailand in 1871

Museum Pancasila  Sakti
Is a bizarre homage to anticommunism. Inside you’ll find dioramas depicting Communist crimes, photos of the 1960s show trials, and even bullet hole–ridden military uniforms

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
100-hectare park has full-scale traditional houses for each of Indonesia’s provinces. Free cultural performances are staged in selected regional houses. Sunday is the big day for cultural events, but shows are also held during the week

Taman Impian Jaya Ancol
This 300-hectare, landscaped recreation park, providing non-stop entertainment, has hotels, theatres and a variety of sporting and leisure facilities including bowling. It’s easily the city’s best entertainment for kids in the city.


Around Jakarta


Pulau Seribu is the perfect respite for those stuck in the capital too long. There are 130 islands in the group, Pulau Pramuka is the group’s district centre which is about 15km north of Jakarta. The most accessible islands have been developed into resorts with bungalows and water sports. The resorts have offices in Jakarta or at the Ancol Marina.

PULAU BIDADARI

This is the closest resort island and is popular with Jakarta residents for day trips. It is one of the least interesting resorts, but you can use it to visit other islands.

to be continued







Travel To Indonesia

The world’s fourth most populace country – 240 million and counting is a sultry kaleidoscope that runs along the equator for 5000km. It may well be the last great adventure on Earth. From the western tip of Sumatra to the eastern edge of Papua is a nation that defies homogenisation. A land of so many cultures, peoples, animals, customs, plants, features, artworks and foods that it is like 100 countries melded into one. There may be those 300 spoken languages but virtually everybody can speak one language: Bahasa Indonesia, a tongue that helps unify this sprawling, chaotic collection of peoples with a past that’s had more drama than a picnic on Krakatau in say, 1883. Destructive colonialism, revolution, mass slaughter, ethnic warfare, dictatorship and more have been part of daily life in Indonesia in just the past 100 years. That’s one of the reasons why the national elections of 2009 are so remarkable: they were unremarkable.

Picture from : nomadicnotes.com

When to go
Indonesia is big, cheap, rough and effortless. It’s everything to everyone, a choose-your-own-adventure travel destination. With little more than a passport, sunscreen and a day’s notice, urban-fatigue victims arrive dazed at Denpasar to recover in comfortable Balinese resorts. With a bit of planning and preparation, explorers can put packs to their backs and lose themselves for two months – needing just time, energy and a keen sense of adventure as companions. In most parts of Indonesia, the wet season falls between October and April (low season), and the dry season between May and September (high season). Rain tends to come in sudden tropical downpours, but it can also rain nonstop for days. Though travel in the wet season is not usually a major problem in most parts of Indonesia, mud-clogged back roads can be a deterrent (or landslides on Java). The December to February rains can make travel more difficult in Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan and Papua. The rains shift in Sumatra, peaking from October to January in the north, and from January to February in the south. In contrast, parts of the Moluccas literally shine in January.
It’s also good to be aware of holidays elsewhere if visiting Bali. School holidays and Christmas bring hordes of fun-seekers from Australia, for example, booking up rooms by the thousands. Europeans travel in July and August to a swath of islands, but usually not in numbers to make for anything more than enjoyable sunset drinking companions.

Cost & Money
Accommodation is usually the greatest expense of Indonesian travel, followed by special activities like tours, treks, dives and the like. But three square warung (simple eatery) meals can cost you as little as US$3 (about 10,000Rp or less per meal), but even if you dine in decent local restaurants, you still won’t spend much more than US$10 per day (around 30,000 Rp per meal) on food. Simply put, the more you live like a local, the less you will spend. If you confine yourself to Sumatra, Java and Nusa Tenggara, a shoestring traveller can spend as little as US$20 per day. A midrange budget starts at about US$50 per day, which will get you an air-conditioned hotel room, an occasional tour and car hire. Midrange accommodation is more expensive in Balinese resorts, so budget for at least US$70 per day there. Top-end travellers will end up spending anything above US$100 a day, although there are few places on earth where that amount can get such good value.
Accommodation prices in Maluku and Papua can be twice as high as in tourist towns, and transport costs on Kalimantan are relatively high.Transport expenses also increase once you get into the outer provinces. In Bali, Sumatra, Java and Nusa Tenggara there’s very little need to take to the air, but in Papua you often have no choice but to fly. Flying is more expensive than other forms of transport, though still cheap in dollar terms as new budget airlines are offering stiff competition.

Internet Resources
The following sites are all good for giving you a feel for current events in Indonesia; some go further and explore the ever-evolving culture of the country.

Antara (www.antara.co.id/en) This is the site for the official Indonesian news agency; it has a
searchable database.

Inside Indonesia (www.insideindonesia.org) Excellent website with news and thoughtful
features.

Indonesia Traveling (www.indonesiatraveling.com) Fantastic site with detailed information
about Indonesia’s parks, nature reserves and the critters you might encounter. Also has links to
charter sailing boats and much more.

Jakarta Globe (www.thejakartaglobe.com) The top-notch new national English-language
newspaper.

Jakarta Post (www.thejakartapost.com) Indonesia’s original English-language daily; good
cultural coverage.

LonelyPlanet.com (www.lonelyplanet.com) Share knowledge and experiences with other
travellers about islands that have been Lonely Planet favourites from the start.

10 of Indonesia best dishes

Items listed above are really for beginners, those who find them easily on daily basis may not too impressed with the list. Must ask reference to Indonesia's culinary expert for "intermediate" Indonesian foods than something most people already know. Those dishes which most of people like to eat everyday, mostly it's easily found on of Java. There are very many Indonesian dishes that taste is extraordinary. I just put a list of foods that I've tried so far. The following foods may be something you've never tasted. Most of these foods contained in the outskirts of the road and you wont find ata restaurant,  you do not need to go to a restaurant to taste these foods, the price is not too expensive, with 10,000 money you will be able to taste the food


1. Sambal
Chili-based sauce known as sambal is a staple at all Indonesian tables. Dishes are not complete unless they have a hearty dollop of the stuff, a combination of chilies, sharp fermented shrimp paste, tangy lime juice, sugar and salt all pounded up with mortar and pestle.

 

2.Bakso

President Barack Obama remembered it as one of his favorites during a visit to Jakarta last November. made from chicken, beef, pork or some amorphous combination of them all. Sold mostly from pushcarts called kaki lima, bakso comes garnished with fried shallots, boiled egg and wontons.



3. Nasi Goreng
Indonesia fried rice is often made with sweet, thick soy sauce called kecap (pronounced ketchup) and garnished with acar, pickled cucumber and carrots.




4. Nasi Padang

It is 100 percent Indonesian, dozen dishes -- goopy curries with floating fish heads or rubbery cow’s feet -- stacked up on your table. Dig in with your hands then wash the spice away with a sweet iced tea.





5. Pecel lele

Served with rice and red and green sambal, this is simple street fare that fills the belly, which may be why it’s a standout across Jakarta.






6. Satay

It’s chicken, goat, mutton or rabbit, the scrappy morsels get marinated in turmeric, barbecued and then bathed in a hearty dose of peanut sauce. "sate madura" served with rice cakes (ketupat) and diced cucumber and onion -– is distinguished by its boat-shaped street carts.




7. Soto

Soup flavored with chicken, goat or beef. In Jakarta, home of the indigenous Betawi, soto Betawi garners fame with its sweet, creamy, coconut-milk base. Top it with crispy shallots and fried garlic, and as much or little sambal as your taste buds can take.




8. Mie ayam
bakmie is boiled in stock and topped with succulent slices of gravy-braised chicken. The secret is in the sauce, the clue to a good mie ayam is the perfect al dente noodle.





9. Martabak

Think of a spongy, thick crepe made with 10 times the lard and you’ll be somewhat close to imaging martabak. The sweet version looks more like a pancake filled with gooey chocolate, peanuts or cheese, while the savory one is made from crispy pulled pastry like filo that is flattened in a wok as egg and minced meats are rapidly folded in.



10. Gorengan
Are the most prolific snacks in all of Indonesia. Street carts typically offer crispy golden nuggets of tempe, cassava and tofu, as well as fried bananas, sweet potatoes, vegetables fritters made from shredded carrot, cabbage and bean sprouts and fermented soybean cakes.

Surfing and Diving Ujung Kulon

Ujung Kulon National Park is located in the western part of Java Island, Indonesia. This national park area also includes areas of Krakatoa and several smaller surroundingislands such as Pulau Handeuleum and Peucang Island. This park has an area of ​​about1.206 km ² (443 km ² of which is the sea), which starts from the promontory of Ujung Kulonup with the Indian Ocean.
National Park became the first National Park was inaugurated in Indonesia, and alsoinaugurated as one of the World Heritage protected by UNESCO in 1992, because the area of protected forests cover a very broad. To date approximately 50 to 60 rhinos livingin this habitat.
At first Ujung Kulon is an agricultural area in a few days until finally destroyed andexhausted all its inhabitants when Mount Krakatoa erupted on August 27, 1883 whicheventually turn this area back to forest.
Permission to enter this National Park can be obtained at the Head Office of NationalParks in the City of Labuan or Tamanjaya. Lodging can be obtained on the island andPeucang Handeuleum.



Before visiting this national park, confirm your plans first visit to the Center of Ujung Kulon National Park at Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan Nomor 51 Labuan, phone number(62253) 804 681 or 801 731. Not every time you can enter the forest Ujung Kulon because this area is the habitat ofendangered one-horned rhinoceros. Schedules and routes you have to confirm first visit to the National Park Authority in Labuan.

The ticket is Rp 2,500 per person for the citizens of Indonesia and Rp 20,000 per person for foreign nationals as well asinsurance costs Rp 3,000. Entrance fee for the amount of vessels varies between Rp50,000 and Rp 100,000 per boat motor according to engine power. Both of these chargesare part of state revenues.


It is not difficult to reach locations. Tourists can choose the land routeJakarta-'Serang-Labuan as far as 120 kilometers with a long take 4-5 hours. Can also routeJakarta-Cilegon-Labuan as far as 140 kilometers with a long take 5-6 hours. If you will use public transportation, it served two rure public transport ie buses and minibuses. To continue the trip to Ujung Kulon National Park area (TNUK) using fast ships with a capacity of about eight people, visitors can depart from the Carita. Rental rate of speed boat is Rp 3.5 million per day. Another option, boat motor speed is with a payload capacityof about 25 people who depart from the Well or Tamanjaya. Rental rates are cheaper, at Rp. 1.8 million per vessel per day.







Surfing

Visitors who enjoy surfing can satisfy the high waves in the Gulf island of Panaitan. Here's how a self-professed frequenter of the island described it: "Anybody that comes back more than once does so on a boat because it is the only way. You have gotta have a desire for heavy duty juice and poundings if this is your cup of tea. It is not the thin lipped perfection of the Mentawais and not the super user friendly zone of Bali with all the options to suit different levels."

Bombies, Photo : surfline.com
Bombies, Photo: Dustin Humphrey/A-Frame
One Palm Point, Photo: Dustin Humphrey/A-Frame
Inside Lefts,  Photo: Dustin Humphrey/A-Frame

Diving



Offers a wide rang of reef diving. Depths here range from 8 meters to 15 meters. Most dives are on fringing reefs as well as some shallower pinnacle dives. The reefs around the park are well preserved offering spectacular coral formations and rich diversity of tropical reef life. This area is ideal for the beginner or less experienced divers, with some more challenging drift dives for the more experienced.


At the South Western end of the Sunda Straits lies Ujung Kulon National Park. Ujung Kulon National Park protects one of the last extensive remaining areas of lowland rain forest in Java and is of special importance for the conservation of Java rhinoceros. In addition, the coastal coral reef environment ranks among the richest in Indonesia. The point to point ocean boundary encloses Ujung Kulon Peninsula and the offshore islands of Pulau Handeuleum and Pulau Peucang, whilst the island of Pulau Panaitan is separated by the 10km wide Panaitan Straits. The eastern boundary follows contours along the eastern foothills of the Gunung Honje massif.


Pulau Panaitan/Pulau Peucang Nature Reserve was established in 1937, Ujung Kulon Nature Reserve in 1958 and Gunung Honje Nature Reserve established in 1967. In 1980, the nature reserves of Ujung Kulon Peninsula, Panaitan Island, South Gunung Honje, North Gunung Honje and the Krakatau Islands were declared a Proposed National Park. On 1 February, 1992, the Proposed Ujung Kulon National Park complex was declared a World Heritage Site following inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1991.


Forest
There is a difference between the forests on the island and Peninsular Peucang UjungKulon. "On the Island can be found Peucang primary forest, while on this peninsula issecondary forest," said Dodi Sumardi, TNUK Hall employees.


Primary forest is characterized by a relatively clean forest floor of a low bush becauseplants can not photosynthesize. Meanwhile, secondary forest, the forest floor filled withshrubs. Secondary forest in Peninsular Ujung Kulon is the result of natural successionpascameletusnya of Mount Krakatoa in 1883. Various types of trees that adorn the jungleUjung Kulon a lowland tropical rain forest is.


Handeuleum Island, visitors are likely to see deer and monkeys. This is because there aredozens of deer on the island. If lucky, can see deer coming out from behind the fence shrubtourist lodgings. The deer are often approached and poked his head to eat the food provided the tourists.

West Java

West Java is a province in Indonesia. Its capital was in the city of Bandung. History showsthat the development of West Java Province is a province that first formed in the territory ofIndonesia. West Java Province was established by Act No.11 of 1950, on the establishment of West Java Province. West Java is a province with the largest population inIndonesia. The northwestern part of West Java province adjacent to Colorado, the statecapital of Indonesia. In 2000, the Province of West Java, Banten province expanded with the establishment, which is in the west.

Geography

West Java province in the western part of Java Island. Territory bordering the Java Sea to the north, Central Java in the east, the Indian Ocean in the south, and Banten and Jakarta in the west. The area is low-lying northern coast. In the middle of a mountain, which is part of a series ofmountains stretching from west to east Java. Its highest point is Mount Ciremay, located in the southwest city of Cirebon. The rivers are quite important is Cimanuk Citarum River and the River, which empties into the Sea of ​​Java.

Population

Most of the population is Sundanese tribe, which uses Sundanese. In some coastal cities in northern Javanese dialect spoken Cirebon. In areas such as the border with Jakarta, Depok and Bogor Regency northern Indonesian language Betawi dialect.
In 2002, the population reached 37,548,565 people of West Java, with an averagepopulation density of 1033 if / km persegi.Dibandingkan with the national growth rate(2.14% per year), West Java Province was ranked lowest, with 2.02 % per year.

Climate

The climate in West Java is tropical, with temperatures 9 ° C at the summit of MountPangrango and 34 ° C in the North Coast, the average rainfall is 2,000 mm per year, but insome mountainous areas between 3,000 to 5,000 mm per year.

Administrative divisions

The Province of West Java has been divided into 9 cities (Indonesian: Kota) :

Bekasi
Located on the eastern border of Jakarta in the Jabodetabek metropolitan region. To the south is Bogor Regency, east is Bekasi Regency. It has an area of 210.49 km2 and 1,993,478 people in 2005, with a density of 9,471 people/km2. The 2010 population was counted as 2,378,211.

Depok
On the western border of DKI Jakarta in the Jabodetabek metropolitan region. It has an area of 200.29 km2 and 1,374,903 people in 2005, with a density of 6,865 people/km2. For 2007,the population was 1,412,772 and in 2010, the population in Depok become 1,751,696.

Bogor
60 kilometers south of the Indonesian capital Jakarta. Is an cultural and tourist center, as well as a mountain resort. The city was the administrative center of the Netherlands East Indies during the brief British control in the early 19th century. With several hundred thousand people living on an area of about 20 km², the central part of Bogor is one of the world's most densely populated areas.

Sukabumi 
About 80 km (50 mi) south of the national capital, Jakarta. At an altitude of approximately 600 meters (2000 feet), the city is a minor hill station resort, with a cooler climate than the surrounding lowlands. Sukabumi is also a destination for whitewater rafting. Made in 804 the Sukabumi inscription' is the earliest evidence of Old Javanese script and language.

Cimahi 
The city is a major textile producer exporter, and is host to several military education facilities. It has an area of 48.42 km2 and 482,763 people in 2005, with a density of 9,970 people/km2. For 2007 the population was 518,985. Under the colonial Dutch East Indies government Cimahi was the location of one of the region's main military sites.

Bandung
Is the capital of West Java province in Indonesia, and the country's third largest city, and 2nd largest metropolitan area in Indonesia, with a population of 7.4 million in 2007. Located 768 metres (2,520 ft) above sea level, approximately 140 km southeast of Jakarta, Bandung has cooler temperatures year-around than most other Indonesian cities. The city lies in ariver basin surrounded by volcanic mountains. This topography provides a good natural defense system, which was the primary reason for theDutch East Indies government's plan to move the colony capital from Batavia to Bandung.

Tasikmalaya 
is a city in southeastern West Java, Indonesia, between Bandung and Purwokerto on the southerly of the two major road routes across Java. The city is located in the mountainous Preanger region of Java at an elevation of 351 metres (1,151 feet). The population of the city (excluding the Regency around it) was 633,704 at the 2010 Census.

Banjar 
Is a small city in the east of West Java, Indonesia, on the border between West Java and Central Java.

Cirebon
Is a port city on the north coast of the Indonesian island of  Java. It is located in the province of West Java near the provincial border with Central Java, approximately 297 km east of Jakarta, at 6°43′S 108°34′E. The seat of a former Sultanate, the city's West and Central Java border location have seen its history influenced by both Sundanese and Javanese culture and also Chinese.

Marine tourism

Ujung Genteng, Sukabumi

Is the southern coastal area of West Java is located in District Ciracap, Sukabumi with the distance of about 220 kilometers from the capital city of Jakarta or 230 kilometers from the city of Bandung. Latency of about six or seven hours away by car. In addition to the course is good enoughthere are also several alternative routes and means of adequate public transportation to the destination. Coast Edge Tile has characteristics generally south coast of Java island's famous clearwater and big waves.

At the end of the tile itself there are interesting places, such as direct view of green turtle(Chelonia mydas) on the beach Pangumbahan. There is also the location where you can surf on the waves are quite challenging which is known as "waves of seven". This location is a favorite area for tourists to surfing sport. For those who like fishing, at the End Tile is a suitable place where the fish are many and varied.

Pangandaran, Ciamis Banjar 

Is a mainstay attraction Ciamis District located east of west Java. Located in the VillageDistrict Pananjung Pangandaran a distance of ± 92 km south of the city Ciamis, 393 kmfrom Jakarta. Keistimewaain Pangandaran beach is that we can be tough sunrise and sunsets from the same location. There is a nature reserve of 1000 hectares, which ownssome rare flora and fauna. Disni there are also several caves, white sand and marine parks.
Not far from this area, there is a tourist place called green canyon. You can navigate theriver by boat and at the end of the journey, you will see a cave with a very beautifulstalagmite. This beach was named the best beach on the island of Java, according toAsiaRooms.


Spa Industry Growth in Indonesia

Indonesia has a long history of spa. Since 1,000 years ago, the archipelago has beenknown spa. Now the spa industry has the potential to be bright in the world of tourism.

For Asia, a country that has spa interesting developments there are three, namelyIndonesia, China, and India. "The growth of spas in Indonesia reaches seven percent,India (11-12 percent), and China (9 percent) in 2010. Hopefully this year's growth to increase again," said Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik press conference at the Global Spa Summit Westin Hotel, Nusa Dua, Bali, on Monday (5/16/2011).

Wacik said that Indonesia experienced growth in the attractive spa because it has a longhistory of spa. He pointed out, the sculpted reliefs in Borobudur temple spa activities. "This shows we are familiar with the spa since 1,000 years ago," said Wacik.

Even in countries spas have become a part of human life rite of passage from childhood toadulthood. Indonesian society was already familiar with the spa since childhood.

Wacik pointed out, parents are always membalurkan cream to the body of his son if he had been ill. "If I get sick chills, cough, runny nose is always given a guarantee by parents," he said.


As the development of tourism in the world, the spa has evolved into a very promisingindustry. The spa industry has become part of people's lifestyles today's world.

Spa and health (wellness) has now become one of the main attraction of tourists to visitIndonesia. So that growth and development of spa and wellness industry in the varioustourism destination in Indonesia has put Indonesia as a destination spa and wellnessattractive and competitive.

"We will develop the spa industry seriously because Indonesia has tremendous potentialspa. Spa in Indonesia could create huge employment in the tourism industry," said Wacik.

Global Spa Summit 2011 in Bali followed by 296 participants from five continents, namely America, Africa, Australia, Europe and Asia. Spa at Bali meeting is the first in the title inAsia since convening this event.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

When you are in the once bustling Bali wrapped in sacred art, next goal is to Raja Ampat, take the plane to head the birds island of Papua. Furthermore, be prepared for anunforgettable adventure. Begin your tour from here to dive under the sea is the mostbeautiful. Explore the underwater vertical walls that. Feel the tension also diving, palpitations while vacillating ocean currents. That certainly would be an unforgettablepersonal experience in Raja Ampat.

Dominated marine blue, green, and white. The colors that appear due to the influence ofcoral reefs on the seabed of shallow and deep. I'm enjoying lunch at Papua Diving Resort,the waters of West Irian Jaya. Hot sun and brisk air makes me want to dive. Sunlight penetrates the cracks often waves to the reef. Beauty of the scenery and marine life do make a lasting impression for tourists. Nothing is heard except the small waves that lashed the ship's side and slowly release it.The birds flew from the tip of a small tree in one of the uninhabited islands and remote areas.

For lovers of coastal tourism and underwater fanatic, Raja Ampat is very well known evenconsidered the best in the world for the quality of coral reefs. As I recall, in mid-2006, a special team of the world's leading scientific adventure magazine, National Geographic, a cover story in Raja Ampat will be a major report in 2007.Amazing, this place is very beautiful indeed. Raja Ampat casts a spell on all who visit – scientists, photographers, novice divers and crusty sea-salts alike. This group of majestic islands, located in the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s Papuan “Bird’s Head Seascape,” lies in the heart of the coral triangle, the most bio-diverse marine region on earth.

 

Photo by Kusumorini Susanto (aci.detik.travel)
The next day, early in the morning before I went to the bay kabui. I do not want to lose a bit of time to arrive there soon. The story of the beauty of the bay Kabui made ​​me curious.Hundreds of the island cliffs with shallow reefs that can be enjoyed with snorkeling, caves,fishing villages Buton maker of salted fish, and of course, a wonderful blend of blue sky, sunlight, coral walls covered with trees and blue-green crystal clear sea water. In fact wecan see clearly the shallow sea floor that we are going through.
On the way down the crevices of the island, we met with the fishing village of origin of Buton with the activity of its inhabitants make salted fish. Fish catches them cleaned,salted and dried on racks around their homes in the form of building a simple platformmade ​​of wood with roofs of palm leaves. They are making large amounts of salted fish to be marketed to Sorong and other cities in West Papua.

After 20 minutes to continue the journey, we arrived at the mouth of a cave in the rock walls. We also decided to stop and try to enter the cave. Mouth of the cave was low. In fact we have to bend down in order to go into it. Because the mouth of the cave was located on the beach, the water waist-deep puddle lautpun up into the cave. Unlike in the lower part ofhis mouth, the cave ceiling is very high inside. Forming a large hall decorated withstalactite that complements our admiration.

Browsing explore the beauty of the Gulf of Kabui we conclude at the end of the bay. Anelongated narrow slit which is a strait between the island and the island of Gam Waigeo.High rock walls and thick trees as if to protect the crystal clear waters and diverse marinefish underneath. Snorkling is the right choice. Until he felt waktupun passed. All day we hadexplored the Gulf Kabui. We also have to go back to the resort before dark so as not to get lost among the crevices of cliffs.

Photo by Kusumorini Susanto (aci.detik.travel)



There are 610 Island
Raja Ampat is the fraction of Sorong regency, since 2003. District has a population of31,000 inhabitants has 610 islands (only 35 islands are inhabited) with a total area of ​​about 46,000 km2, but only 6,000 km2 of land, 40,000 km2 of the sea again. The islandsare unspoiled and beautiful sea is still making a direct tourists hooked. They seemed towant to explore all waters in the "Bird's Head" New Guinea.

When you arrive here, we will immediately feel the excitement, we will be amazed with sea views are very clear and the waves are very gentle sweep of white sand. "here is very beautiful", greeted the tour guide. If he's not guiding tourists, local guide is anordinary fisherman, they are very friendly if given betel nuts or candy. Giving candy is considered polite to them.

Raja Ampat scenery like in a dream but this is not an illusion. When you plunge underwaterdiving into the sea animal with a detailed look at the greeting. Pygmy seahorses can beapproached as if to greet your fingers to shake hands. Mantaray and wobbegong will swimwith you. Tuna, giant trevaliies, snapper, barracuda and even helped to welcome you at thebottom of the sea. That's not enough, what if there is a new friend that is fish friendly dugongwant to swim with you. Do not miss too busy watching the little fish back and forth to keep its territory. If you are lucky may be able to swim with sea turtles.

Photo by jandakaya.wordpress.com
Coral reefs in the sea Raja Ampat considered comprehensive in the world. Of the 537 species of coral of the world, 75 percent were in these waters. Also found 1104 species of fish, 669 species of molluscs (soft animals), and 537 species of coral animals. Incredible.

The diver who first discovered the fabulous undersea panorama in Raja Ampat is a Dutch namely Max Ammer. It is cited on http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com that his first visit to Raja Ampat in 1990 was initialized by his willingness to trace the wrecked ships and airplanes in the area during the World War II. His first diving was so remarkable that in 1998 he invited Gerry Allen, an ichthyologist from Australia, to conduct a survey in Raja Ampat. The Australian was so surprised with the richness of the variety of undersea resources and its great amount. He then invited Conservation International (CI) to conduct a survey about the under seas resources in Raja Ampat which was held in 2001 and 2002. The result of the survey proves that Raja Ampat Waters is the largest coral reef area which has the richest undersea resources in the whole world. As cited fromhttp://ngm.nationalgeographic.com, Raja Ampat Waters has approximately 1300 fish species, 600 varieties of coral, and 700 varieties of sea shells, plus many varieties of sea turtles, algae and seaweeds, and jellyfish.


 

Many diving spots that can be traced by divers, such as in The Passage, Island Fam, andMisool Island. Besides enjoying the wealth of marine life, tourists can also enjoy thehistorical sites under the sea, including warships and combat aircraft which sank in the waters of Raja Ampat. Not only that, tourists can also enjoy the beauty of the islands in the Raja Ampat. Mainland islands in this region is relatively pristine, lagoon and the bay is quitesheltered, has a stunning stretch of beach and crystal clear sea.

The diving is varied with gently sloping fridging reefs to deep vertical drop offs, pinnacles, plateaus, wrecks and muck dives. Large schools of pelagics can be seen, especially schools of jacka and manta rays. Turtles are common. Raja Ampat is also fantastic for finding all sorts of critters. Dolphins are often seen from the boat and pods of whales sometimes pass by. Raja Ampat has a year round diving season although the best time to dive is probably October to May when the sea conditions and wind will be optimal.





Accommodation & Info

Start from the airport Domine Eduard Osok (EDO) Sorong.

If transit in Sorong before the Raja Ampat, an alternative could stay at his hotel across from Intercity Hotel EDO Sorong Airport (fares starting 200 rb's). If you want five-star hotel,Le Meridien Hotel across from the airport can be an option (rates start 400 rb's).

Then from Sorong to port to cross over to Pulai Waigeo can be done with the ride motorcycles at the rate of 15 rb's. Arriving at the port, there are two alternatives forcrossing the boat every hour 14:00 CDT to Waisai, Raja Ampat, namely:

Then from Sorong to port to cross over to Pulai Waigeo can use a motorcycle taxi rate Rp.15,000. Arriving at the port, there are two alternatives for crossing the boat every hour 14:00CDT to Waisai, Raja Ampat, namely:
  • Express Boat: 120 rb, travel between 3-4 hours
  • Boat usual: 100 rb, travel between 4-5 hours

After arriving on the island Waigeo, you could be staying at the hotel near the grand mosque Marasrisen Waisai, Raja Ampat, his fare from Rp. 350,000, can call 081 355 626 969 (Haris) or can try hotels near the market is cheaper.

Transportation can use the services of Mr. Irman 081248646628 motorcycle taxi which was not far from the grand mosque, or can pick up a car ride to the center to immediately goWaisai Waisai Coast.

Snorkling spot in Raja Ampat:
  • Paniki island, lots of bats (perhaps this is causing no tourists here)
  • Waewo island, one mainland with Waisai, Raja Ampat government center. His sand-colored yellow. On this beach there is a tropical-style resort, which is rather expensive.These villas have a restaurant in the woods.
  • Saonek Island, used as a filming location of the Black Pearl. This island is the seat of government was his Raja Ampat before it became a new district in West Papua.
  • Saonek Monde island, uninhabited island.
  • Manyailibit bay. A gulf that often become an icon besides Raja Ampat and MansuarWayag.
rent a boat to the island of Waisai Mansuar Rp. 1,000,000 for round-trip, including fuel.(small boats and no life jacket). For Saonek Island Monde (still a lot of coral), rental boatsowned by fishermen around Rp. 200,000, just 20 minutes from Waisai.

Hopefully this information useful.


Diving spot in Raja Ampat

Diving Spot in Raja Ampat, Indonesia 
Cape Kri
Divers are amazed at the amount of fish they can see at Cape Kri. They ascent from their first dive there at burst into excited conversation about the sheer diversity. Gerald R. Allen, renowned marine biologist said after a dive at Cape Kri that "this is the most fishes ever seen on a single dive over a craeer spanning almost 30 years." He counted 283 fish species on that dive!

Of course much of that diversity is made up of similar species. There are many different varieties of reef fish including snapper, fusilier, sweetlips, butterflyfish and angelfish. Large schools of reef fish literally engulf divers as they fin over the reef.

What gets most divers excited though, is the big schools of chevron barracuda which can be seen in tordados here. Plus large schools of giant trevally and dogtooth tuna. Another favourite sighting are the huge Napoleon wrasse. Reef sharks can also be seen.

Coral is also abundantly healthy in hard and soft coral varities, sponges and sea fans. The macro stuff is equally diverse with scorpionfish and frogfish waiting to be discovered along with multitudes of nudibranchs and shrimps. The reef is a sloping wall down to 40m. Visibility is excellent. Currents can be strong at times.



Fabiacet
Fabiacet is around a 15 hour sail south west of Sorong so is reached by liveaboard. The series of four tiny islands, two of them no more than rocks, run in a chain to the south east of Misool. The remoteness contributes to the "untouched" beauty and the feeling that you are the first diver to dive here.

These dive sites offer the possibility to see anything, from the rarest blennie, to great hammerhead sharks coming up from the deep.

Pinnacles and submerged plateaus around the islets are surrounded by deep water and currents can be strong. Visibility is usually excellent, 30-40 metres.

Pelagic fish are common including schools of yellowtail barracua and big eye trevally. Tuna and mackeral also hunt here. Rainbow runners pass divers in speeding squadrons. The occasional reef shark and Napoleon wrasse are also seen.

Schools of snapper come in several varieties here including midnight, red, black and white, humpback and one spot snapper. Butterflyfish include masked, striped and copperband. They all jostle for reef space with schools of fuslier, surgeonfish and wrasse.

Coral coverage on the walls is superb with fine examples of gorgonian seafans complemented by hard and soft corals, barrel sponges, seawhips and featherstars. Photographers will be able to get some awesome wide angle shots but as with most Indonesia dive sites, the macro life is abundant too.


Batu Burung
The Jef Fam group of islands to the west of Batanta Island is a beautiful series of islands featuring limestone cliffs, beaches and many shallow bays. Surrounding the islands are some excellent dive sites.

Batu Burung (Bird Rocks) is made up of three tiny rock islets and is widely regarded as the areas best dive site.

It's a typically diverse Raja Ampat dive site with vast varieties of reef fish. It is fairly easy to spot five different species of angelfish, or butterflyfish or snapper. If you want to count all the species you'll need many more dives to do it.

The reef drops down to around 38 metres on the south side where the wall is covered in colourful soft corals. In the shallows on the west side slope, impressive hard corals are home to myriads of anthis and damsels and giant tridachna clams measure over a metre in length each. Cabbage coral, finger coral mushroom coral and soft coral bushes all compete for space on the reef.

Oriental sweetlips shelter under large table coral formations. Cornet fish nose around in staghorn patches. Titan triggerfish can be seen with staghorn coral chucks in their mouth, or maybe a spiny sea urchin. Clown triggerfish are also often spotted. Moray eels, lionfish and scorpionfish are all common. Banded sea snakes can be seen hunting in the coral.

Wobbegong's are a more unusual find. They can be found here under rock ledges or coral bommies. They are a rare sight outside of Australia and are one of the most bizarre looking shark species. Manta Rays make occasional visits when the currents are running.

Manta Ridge
Manta rays are a fairly common sight on Raja Ampat liveaboard safaris but Manta Ridge is one of the most reliable places to see them, and see them in large numbers.

Manta Ridge is located between Mansuar Island and Airborei Island. The dive site is a popular manta ray cleaning station that attracts groups of mantas. Thirty have been counted on one dive but five or six is more common. Some have wing spans of four metres across and are accompanied by cobias. All are accompanied by remoras and golden trevallies.

The mantas glide into the cleaning stations effortlessly despite the very strong currents that are usually present. Divers may have to hang on or use a reef hook to remain in one place and observe them.

One thing that you may notice about the manta rays of Raja Ampat is that some of them are all black. This is unusual as most manta rays have a black upperside and a white underside.

Although the dive site drops below 40 metres manta sightings are in shallow water from 10 metres and above. Further down the reef you can find armies of bumphead parrotfish crashing over the coral. Turtles are also seen on the reef and blacktip reef sharks can be seen in deeper water.


Sel Pele Bay
Sel Pele Bay is the macro photography diving capital of Raja Ampat. This is where divers can find all the weird, wonderful and rare critters that Indonesia diving is famed for.

Sel Pele Bay is a very large bay on the western site of Waigeo Island. The inner bay is used for pearl farming. On the outer, south side of the bay is Dinding Seletan dive site.

A vertical wall slopes off to a sandy bottom with patches of coral, seafans and sponges. Sea cucumbers and urchins are scattered around but closer inspection should reveal an abundance of critters.

Look out for various different cephalopods including mimic octopus who are happy to move openly over the sand knowing that they can deter pretators by imitating another creature, rather than hiding in the coral as most ocotopuses do.

Blue ring octopus are also present, their bright orange rings with brown centres act as a warning of their extreme venom, which seems disproportionate to their small size.

Also a diver favourite is the tiny bobtail squid because of it's rarity and it's beauifully coloured body. Bobtail squid are usually found on the sandy bottom. Also look on the sand and rubble patches for ribbon eels and for mantis shrimps plus a myriad of gobies, blennies, shrimps and nudibranchs.


Wreck Dives
The Cross Wreck is one of Raja Ampat's more accessible wreck dives. It lies close to shore in just 18 metres of water. It is named after a large cross on the shore nearby where Christian missionaries first landed in Irian Jaya.

The wreck was a Japanese Navy Patrol Boat that sank during World War II. It now sits upright in the sand and is completely covered in soft corals and ecrusting sponges. Two rows of depth charges can be seen at the stern and the ships lamps are still either standing in their places or laying on the deck.

Ammunition can be seen in the front hold by divers qualified to penetrate the wreck. The switchboard can be seen in the communications room and penetration into the engine room is also possible by suitably certified wreck divers.

The wreck is a popular night dive where lionfish, scorpionfish moray eels and parrotfish can all be seen. Critters are all over the wreck including numerous nudibranch, shrimp and goby species. Huge Napoleon wrasse and parrotfish can also be seen.

Critter Corner is a little sand/rubble area at the end of the Cross Wreck towards the beach that is a good place to spot leaffish, frogfish and seahorses.

The Shinwa Maru (Friendly Spirit) wreck was a Japanese WWII cargo ship. This impressive 120 metre long vessel now lies on her port side in 16-34 metres of water. There are two big bomb blast holes in the starboard side. Mine sweeping equipment, car batteries, ammunition, cables and sake bottles, kitchen equipment and chop sticks are some of the artifacts strewn over the wreck. There are also two diving helmets. The wreck is home to schools of jacks as well as impressive macro life.

The P40 Aircraft Wreck was discovered in 1999 near Manokwari. It lies in 27 metres of water and is largely intact. It's tail section and wing tips broke off on crash landing and are resting nearby.


Farondi
Farondi Island is located around 12 nautical miles east of Misool Island and offers divers some stunning wall and cavern dives. This is another Raja Ampat dive destination where the quantity and variety of fish will amaze you.

Goa Besar, on the southern side of Farondi is a wall dive with a tunnel at 25 metres that is inhabited by midnight snapper and shy Indonesian sweetlips. The 20 metre long tunnel is framed with sponges and soft corals. Look in black coral bushes for ornate ghost pipefish.

Further along the wall huge gorgonian seafans are home to many pygmy seahorses. There are more than one variety here including Hippocampus Bargibanti which is commonly pink/white and bobbly plus Hippocampus Denise which is slightly smaller and often more orange in colour. These critters are incredibly hard to spot as they are so well camouflaged with the gorgonians but there are more of them at this dive site making the task of finding them a bit easier. Large schools of fish cover the wall including fusilier and surgeonfish, damsels and anthias.

Verena's Garden, on the southwest tip of Farondi Island, is a wall dive with a long cavern into the centre of the island.

The reef wall is carpeted with colourful soft corals, gorgonians and sea squirts. Schools of snapper, fusilier and surgeonfish are prolific.

Armies of large humphead parrotfish often storm past. Pairings of butterflyfish and angelfish are numerous. The challenge for photographers is to get both the pair in one shot.

It's worth taking your time to look in all the bush corals for critters like ghost pipefish and on whip corals for whip gobies. Crustaceans and nudibranchs are also numerous.

The cavern entrance at 5-12 metres is guarded by schools of sweepers. Mimic octopus can be found in the tunnel.


Misool Island
The coral reefs around Misool Island are great dive sites to see smaller critters and juvenile reef fish. One of the favourite dive sites around Misool is the sloping wall called Kaleidoscope which is completely carpeted in colourful soft corals and gorgonian sea fans. This dive site is generally seen as a small reef fish and critter dive site but it is also possible to see black tip reef sharks and squadrons of mobula rays have even been seen here.

The sloping reef starts at 5 metres drops down to 40 metres. Currents are usually mild and visibility averages 20 metres. All the usual schools of reef fish are present including many varieties of butterflyfish and angelfish, snapper and surgeonfish. Lionfish lurk around barrel sponges and swarms of damsels dart in and out of the reef adding to the colour.

Kaleidoscope is a great dive site to see smaller critters such as pygmy seahorses, look for them in the pink gorgonian sea fans. Harlequin shrimps can also be found as can pipefish, including banded pipefish and ornate ghost pipefish. Nudibranchs and flatworms are also abundant.

Kaleidoscope is also a very popular night dive where sleeping parrotfish, moray eels, lionfish, scorpionfish, crabs and lobster can all be found.


Sardines
Sardine Reef is a large sloping reef off Kri Island, close to Waigeo Island and is named not because divers see sardines there but because the vast numbers of fish are packed so tightly together.

Large schools of trevally and dogtooth tuna almost block out the sunlight as they school overhead. Bumphead parrotfish charge over the reef in big hooligan like gangs, chewing up the coral as they go. Walls of snapper and fusilier seem to block your passage.

The coral reef is not deep, sloping to around 30 metres but currents can be strong and this is often a drift dive. Visibility is often 30 metres or more and with such colourful coral wide angle photographers will be in their element.

Large table coral formations make a perfect home for an abundance of fish life. Damsels dance above the hard coral and dart back inside for shelter when a diver gets too close. Oriental sweetlips shelter in the shadows. Moray eels weave their way underneath and lionfish can often be seen lurking. These species are all quite common in this area but one of the rarer species found at Sardines reef is the wobbegong, a bizarre looking shark that is normally only seen on Australian reefs.

Critters can be found here as well and it's worth looking in every gorgonian sea fan for pygmy seahorses. Long nosed hawkfish can also be spotted as can nudibranchs and flatworms of every colour.

Passage
The passage is a 25 metre wide stretch of water between Gam Island and Waigeo Island. The coral reef starts just below the surface and descents to around 35m.

The passage is usually dived as a drift dive because the currents can be strong. However there are sheltered areas where it is possible to stop and have a hunt around. There are also caves and coral framed archways to have a look into. Tassled wobbegong sharks can be seen laying under ledges. Octopus hide in coral crevices, as do moray eels. Lionfish and scorpionfish are numerous.

Oriental sweetlips hide under coral ledges. Emperor angel fish and masked butterflyfish are just a couple of other species on display.Critters like nudibranchs, flatworms, gobies, blennies and crustaceans are plentiful.Out in the current, reef sharks can be seen. So too can pelagic species such as large tuna, barracuda and trevally. Visibility is good, around 20-30m.

A small rock dive site nearby is called Nudibranch Rock for the large variety of colourful nudibranchs and flatworms that can be found there. (all diving spot by http://www.indonesialiveaboards.com)

Natural beauty, as if absolutely untouched has been the main attraction here. No need toexpression of the beauty of a blue sky or a fertile island, because what was on the land andunder the sea will tell you "Welcome to Raja Ampat Island; this is your personal Disneylandto dive! '.

Raja Ampat

When you are in the once bustling Bali wrapped in sacred art, next goal is to Raja Ampat, take the plane to head the birds island of Papua. Furthermore, be prepared for anunforgettable adventure. Begin your tour from here to dive under the sea is the mostbeautiful. Explore the underwater vertical walls that. Feel the tension also diving, palpitations while vacillating ocean currents. That certainly would be an unforgettablepersonal experience in Raja Ampat.

Dominated marine blue, green, and white. The colors that appear due to the influence ofcoral reefs on the seabed of shallow and deep. I'm enjoying lunch at Papua Diving Resort,the waters of West Irian Jaya. Hot sun and brisk air makes me want to dive. Sunlight penetrates the cracks often waves to the reef. Beauty of the scenery and marine life do make a lasting impression for tourists. Nothing is heard except the small waves that lashed the ship's side and slowly release it.The birds flew from the tip of a small tree in one of the uninhabited islands and remote areas.

For lovers of coastal tourism and underwater fanatic, Raja Ampat is very well known evenconsidered the best in the world for the quality of coral reefs. As I recall, in mid-2006, a special team of the world's leading scientific adventure magazine, National Geographic, a cover story in Raja Ampat will be a major report in 2007.Amazing, this place is very beautiful indeed. Raja Ampat casts a spell on all who visit – scientists, photographers, novice divers and crusty sea-salts alike. This group of majestic islands, located in the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s Papuan “Bird’s Head Seascape,” lies in the heart of the coral triangle, the most bio-diverse marine region on earth.

 

Photo by Kusumorini Susanto (aci.detik.travel)
The next day, early in the morning before I went to the bay kabui. I do not want to lose a bit of time to arrive there soon. The story of the beauty of the bay Kabui made ​​me curious.Hundreds of the island cliffs with shallow reefs that can be enjoyed with snorkeling, caves,fishing villages Buton maker of salted fish, and of course, a wonderful blend of blue sky, sunlight, coral walls covered with trees and blue-green crystal clear sea water. In fact wecan see clearly the shallow sea floor that we are going through.
On the way down the crevices of the island, we met with the fishing village of origin of Buton with the activity of its inhabitants make salted fish. Fish catches them cleaned,salted and dried on racks around their homes in the form of building a simple platformmade ​​of wood with roofs of palm leaves. They are making large amounts of salted fish to be marketed to Sorong and other cities in West Papua.

After 20 minutes to continue the journey, we arrived at the mouth of a cave in the rock walls. We also decided to stop and try to enter the cave. Mouth of the cave was low. In fact we have to bend down in order to go into it. Because the mouth of the cave was located on the beach, the water waist-deep puddle lautpun up into the cave. Unlike in the lower part ofhis mouth, the cave ceiling is very high inside. Forming a large hall decorated withstalactite that complements our admiration.

Browsing explore the beauty of the Gulf of Kabui we conclude at the end of the bay. Anelongated narrow slit which is a strait between the island and the island of Gam Waigeo.High rock walls and thick trees as if to protect the crystal clear waters and diverse marinefish underneath. Snorkling is the right choice. Until he felt waktupun passed. All day we hadexplored the Gulf Kabui. We also have to go back to the resort before dark so as not to get lost among the crevices of cliffs.

Photo by Kusumorini Susanto (aci.detik.travel)



There are 610 Island
Raja Ampat is the fraction of Sorong regency, since 2003. District has a population of31,000 inhabitants has 610 islands (only 35 islands are inhabited) with a total area of ​​about 46,000 km2, but only 6,000 km2 of land, 40,000 km2 of the sea again. The islandsare unspoiled and beautiful sea is still making a direct tourists hooked. They seemed towant to explore all waters in the "Bird's Head" New Guinea.

When you arrive here, we will immediately feel the excitement, we will be amazed with sea views are very clear and the waves are very gentle sweep of white sand. "here is very beautiful", greeted the tour guide. If he's not guiding tourists, local guide is anordinary fisherman, they are very friendly if given betel nuts or candy. Giving candy is considered polite to them.

Raja Ampat scenery like in a dream but this is not an illusion. When you plunge underwaterdiving into the sea animal with a detailed look at the greeting. Pygmy seahorses can beapproached as if to greet your fingers to shake hands. Mantaray and wobbegong will swimwith you. Tuna, giant trevaliies, snapper, barracuda and even helped to welcome you at thebottom of the sea. That's not enough, what if there is a new friend that is fish friendly dugongwant to swim with you. Do not miss too busy watching the little fish back and forth to keep its territory. If you are lucky may be able to swim with sea turtles.

Photo by jandakaya.wordpress.com
Coral reefs in the sea Raja Ampat considered comprehensive in the world. Of the 537 species of coral of the world, 75 percent were in these waters. Also found 1104 species of fish, 669 species of molluscs (soft animals), and 537 species of coral animals. Incredible.

The diver who first discovered the fabulous undersea panorama in Raja Ampat is a Dutch namely Max Ammer. It is cited on http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com that his first visit to Raja Ampat in 1990 was initialized by his willingness to trace the wrecked ships and airplanes in the area during the World War II. His first diving was so remarkable that in 1998 he invited Gerry Allen, an ichthyologist from Australia, to conduct a survey in Raja Ampat. The Australian was so surprised with the richness of the variety of undersea resources and its great amount. He then invited Conservation International (CI) to conduct a survey about the under seas resources in Raja Ampat which was held in 2001 and 2002. The result of the survey proves that Raja Ampat Waters is the largest coral reef area which has the richest undersea resources in the whole world. As cited fromhttp://ngm.nationalgeographic.com, Raja Ampat Waters has approximately 1300 fish species, 600 varieties of coral, and 700 varieties of sea shells, plus many varieties of sea turtles, algae and seaweeds, and jellyfish.



 

Many diving spots that can be traced by divers, such as in The Passage, Island Fam, andMisool Island. Besides enjoying the wealth of marine life, tourists can also enjoy thehistorical sites under the sea, including warships and combat aircraft which sank in the waters of Raja Ampat. Not only that, tourists can also enjoy the beauty of the islands in the Raja Ampat. Mainland islands in this region is relatively pristine, lagoon and the bay is quitesheltered, has a stunning stretch of beach and crystal clear sea.

The diving is varied with gently sloping fridging reefs to deep vertical drop offs, pinnacles, plateaus, wrecks and muck dives. Large schools of pelagics can be seen, especially schools of jacka and manta rays. Turtles are common. Raja Ampat is also fantastic for finding all sorts of critters. Dolphins are often seen from the boat and pods of whales sometimes pass by. Raja Ampat has a year round diving season although the best time to dive is probably October to May when the sea conditions and wind will be optimal.





Accommodation & Info

Start from the airport Domine Eduard Osok (EDO) Sorong.

If transit in Sorong before the Raja Ampat, an alternative could stay at his hotel across from Intercity Hotel EDO Sorong Airport (fares starting 200 rb's). If you want five-star hotel,Le Meridien Hotel across from the airport can be an option (rates start 400 rb's).

Then from Sorong to port to cross over to Pulai Waigeo can be done with the ride motorcycles at the rate of 15 rb's. Arriving at the port, there are two alternatives forcrossing the boat every hour 14:00 CDT to Waisai, Raja Ampat, namely:

Then from Sorong to port to cross over to Pulai Waigeo can use a motorcycle taxi rate Rp.15,000. Arriving at the port, there are two alternatives for crossing the boat every hour 14:00CDT to Waisai, Raja Ampat, namely:
  • Express Boat: 120 rb, travel between 3-4 hours
  • Boat usual: 100 rb, travel between 4-5 hours

After arriving on the island Waigeo, you could be staying at the hotel near the grand mosque Marasrisen Waisai, Raja Ampat, his fare from Rp. 350,000, can call 081 355 626 969 (Haris) or can try hotels near the market is cheaper.

Transportation can use the services of Mr. Irman 081248646628 motorcycle taxi which was not far from the grand mosque, or can pick up a car ride to the center to immediately goWaisai Waisai Coast.

Snorkling spot in Raja Ampat:
  • Paniki island, lots of bats (perhaps this is causing no tourists here)
  • Waewo island, one mainland with Waisai, Raja Ampat government center. His sand-colored yellow. On this beach there is a tropical-style resort, which is rather expensive.These villas have a restaurant in the woods.
  • Saonek Island, used as a filming location of the Black Pearl. This island is the seat of government was his Raja Ampat before it became a new district in West Papua.
  • Saonek Monde island, uninhabited island.
  • Manyailibit bay. A gulf that often become an icon besides Raja Ampat and MansuarWayag.
rent a boat to the island of Waisai Mansuar Rp. 1,000,000 for round-trip, including fuel.(small boats and no life jacket). For Saonek Island Monde (still a lot of coral), rental boatsowned by fishermen around Rp. 200,000, just 20 minutes from Waisai.

Hopefully this information useful.


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