We received tons of messages asking us for practical information about Raja Ampat! So, we decided to regroup all the information in one ultimate guide to organize your trip in Raja Ampat. But beware, Raja Ampat to be earned, and requires above all, to behave as a respectful and responsible visitor. Tourism, which is booming in the region, is endangering one of the most magnificent biodiversity reserves on the planet.
Did you know that Raja Ampat means “The four kings”? Consisting of a multitude of islets covered with jungle, it is an archipelago located in West Papua (also call Papoua Barat in indonesian), in the coral triangle of the Indo-Pacific zone.
Nature is still relatively preserved, because these islands are distant and isolated, still not too popular (even if it is less and less true). The archipelago of Raja Ampat is exceptional, for its beauty and its biodiversity, on land as at sea.
But tourism development in the region is accelerating and has negative consequences for the environment. Presented as a “dream destination” to the tourists we are, Raja Ampat is first and foremost a natural treasure, which must be preserved and protected. However, we must be aware that each of our visits have an impact on this unique and fragile ecosystem …
A BIT OF GEOGRAPHY
We reassure you, it is only recently that we heard about this little pearl. We did not even know where it was!
So, it’s just here:
Most travelers reach Raja Ampat via Sorong Airport, across from the islands. The city has about 220,000 inhabitants, it is a mining and industrial port, without much charm.
Sorong is located right here:
HOW TO GO TO RAJA AMPAT
To go to Raja Ampat, you must first organize your trip to Indonesia or to a neighboring country with convenient connections to Indonesia (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore for example).
As far as we are concerned, we did Kuala Lumpur – Jakarta – Sorong.
Indeed, Raja Ampat, it is far, very far, in the extreme east of Indonesia. The journey is not done in one go …
Once arrived in Sorong, in the case you took a dive cruise, I think the organization takes care of your pick up at the airport of Sorong. But in the case you made it like us, that is to say, to travel in backpack from islands to islands, you have to reach the island of Waisai, where you will then take a speed boat that will take you to the island where you booked your accommodation.
It looks complicated, I know, but no panic, nothing more simple!
At the airport, a hundred of “taxi” will gladly take you to the harbor where you can catch the ferry that takes you to Waisai (this is the most economical solution).
Do not hesitate to ask the tourists at the airport if they go to the harbor and if they want to share the cost of the taxi with you (there is no small savings! That’s what we did with a Spanish couple). The taxi ride cost us 4.40 euros.
Once at the harbor, go to the small post office where you will buy tickets for the ferry. Seeing that you are tourists, the lady at the desk will ask you if you want VIP tickets. Tell her you want the normal (only 100K rupiah per person = around 12 euros). Many locals also take the ferry so you will immediately be immersed in the culture!
BE CAREFUL : there are only 2 ferries per day! One at 9am and the other at 2pm. If you arrive after this time, stay a night in Sorong and take the ferry the next day (We stayed twice in Sorong and tested 2 hotels, we recommend The Favehotel, it is clean and people are nice !).
The ferry ride takes 2 hours.
When you arrive at Waisai, follow the crowd, you will go on the other side of the harbor where you can take a speed boat that will take you to the island of your choice.
STOP ! Not so fast! You now must pay the entrance fee! Yes, you have to pay an entrance fee to visit the Raja Ampat Natural Marine Park. It costs 1 million rupiah (about 60 euros) per person for foreigners and is valid for one year from date to date.
You are given a perforated plastic card indicating this period of validity, with your name and passport number on the back and, for divers, a plastic badge to hang on the stab.
Little tips : buy the permit from an official office, and do not buy it from people who could approach you and offer it to you at the exit of the ferry. You may pay more and get an invalid license…
This entry fee is intended to finance conservation actions in the protected maritime area and to supply a Community fund (70%) and to contribute to the development of the region (30%).
Now that you are ready to go, again, ask the tourists around if they go to the same island as you, to share the cost of the speed boat.
