Wildlife and Marine Tour in Raja Ampat

Batanta is one of the 4 big islands in Raja Ampat archipelago. Visitors could enjoy rainforest tour to see paradise birds, monitor lizard, cuscus, green tree python as well as do snorkeling over the coral reef to see various species of marine creatures such as butterflyfish, anemonefish, parrotfish, grouper and etc. 

Palm Cockatoo

The walk to the site of Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise is usually carried out very early in the morning at 04:30. After watching the paradise birds, tour participants could do general wildlife watching trip in the forest along the walking path or at the riverside to see various species of birds such as Coconut Lorikeet, Black-capped Lory, Papuan Eclectus, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Beach Kingfisher, and etc. 

Orange Skunk Anemonefish

Coral reef in Waigeo of Raja Ampat

How to get there?

The trip to Batanta can be carried out by motorized wooden boat that is operated by local villagers.

Accomodation

Where to stay in Batanta island? The typical accommodation is very basic. Just a simple wooden cottage that is built by the beach. There is toilet outside the homestay located close to the cottage. 

A simple beach hut as accommodation for tourists in Batanta island

This trip to Batanta island of Raja Ampat is suitable for visitors who are nature lovers and can accept this basic accommodation that is run by local villagers. 

Additional trip

The average duration of the tour to Batanta island is around 3 to 4 days. It can be combined with another tour to see wildlife in lowland forest of Sorong regency with a duration of 3 to 4 days. 

Booking

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or through whatsapp by pressing the following button:

Bird Photography Tour in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is not only famous for its marine environment but also its rainforest wildlife. There are Red Bird of Paradise, and Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, and etc.

In my recent trips with photographers from the USA and India, we saw the Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise in the forest of Waigeo.

Wilson's Bird of Paradise

We had to wake up at 04:00, made preparation and had some breakfast before leaving for the forest by car at 04:30. It took around 30 minutes to reach the entrance site of the forest. When we arrived, we still had to continue our trip on foot for around 30 minutes to reach the lek of Red Bird of Paradise and then another 30 minutes to the Wilson's Bird of Paradise. 

Although we experienced heavy rain, we were able to see the paradise birds as well as other birds such as Blyth's Hornbill, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Papuan Eclectus, and Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Hooded Butcherbird, Red-cheeked Parrot and etc. 

In my last trip with the Indian photographer, we went to a small island in Kabui bay by boat. There, we saw Violet-necked Lory, Beautiful Fruit-dove, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Great-billed Parrot, Dusky Scrubfowl, Palm Cockatoo and Helmetted Friarbird and Black-naped Tern.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

During the tour, participants will stay at a beach resort. So, in addition to birding or wildlife watching, participants could enjoy snorkeling at the house reef of the resort. For scuba diving, we could arrange it with the dive center of the resort. 

Marine Life in Raja Ampat

If you are interested in visiting Raja Ampat to enjoy snorkeling and birding, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Birdwatching Tour in Southern Wageo of Raja Ampat

The island of Waigeo in Raja Ampat is often visited by birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. They go there to watch and take pictures of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects that could be found in the forest and coastal area of the island. 

Red Bird of Paradise

A female Red Bird of Paradise in Waigeo 

General birdwatching activity is usually conducted along the roadside to look for such birds as Papuan Eclectus, Blyth's Hornbill, Coconut Lorikeet, Red-cheeked Parrot, Willie Wagtail, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Brown Oriole, Hooded Butcherbird, Helmeted Friarbird, Sahul Sunbird, Olive-crowned Flowerpecker, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Claret-breasted Fruit-dove, Beautiful Fruit-dove, Channel-billed Cuckoo and a lot more.

There are also sea birds that we could find along the beach such as Osprey, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Lesser-crested Tern, Common Tern, Black-naped Tern, Whimbrel, Pacific Reef Heron, Striated Heron, Purple Heron, Common Sandpiper, Pacific Golden Plover, Little-ringed Plover, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, and etc. 

The main attractions for visitors who love birding are Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise. They can be watched in the mornings and in late afternoons depending on the weather. There are several places in the forest of Waigeo island to watch the paradise birds. 

Birdwatching Tour in Waigeo of Raja Ampat

If the weather is calm, visitors could enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the beach. Usually, the accommodation for tour participants is the beach resorts that are built along the southern beach of Waigeo. Participants could enjoy swimming and snorkeling after doing the birdwatching activity in the mornings and in the afternoons.

The duration of this birding trip in Waigeo is 3 days/ 2 nights. It can be combined with another 3-day/ 2-night wildlifewatching tour in Sorong regency's forest.  

Palm Cockatoo in Waigeo of Raja Ampat

If you are interested in taking this birdwatching tour in Raja Ampat and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Related Posts:

• Snorkeling and Watching Birds in Raja Ampat
• Birdwatching, snorkeling and sightseeing in Raja Ampat and Sorong
• Wildlife Watching and Snorkeling Tour in Sorong and Raja Ampat

Birding, Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tour in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is a famous destination for visitors who love marine tourism. They go there to enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving and island tours. As a matter of fact, there are other attractions which visitors can enjoy while in Raja Ampat. 

Most of the big islands of Raja Ampat are covered by tropical rainforest. They are the natural habitat of a lot of species of birds, butterflies and other insecte, reptiles, and mammals. Visitors can enjoy rainforest tour while doing snorkeling or scuba diving in Raja Ampat. 

Piaynemo Karst

The easiest wildlife tour that anyone can enjoy while in Raja Ampat is doing roadside birding. The birds that can be watched include Hooded Butcherbird, Shining Flycatcher, Spangled Drongo, Eclectus Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Beach Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Kingfisher and etc. Most visitors want to watch birds of paradise. Usually, this is carried out early in the morning. Visitors need to wake up early at 04:30 to have coffee or tea with some biscuits. After that, they need to leave their resort or homestay at 05:00 for the site of paradise birds. Most guides will organize a car to reach the site earlier. The trip to the jungle will be carried out on foot. Birding can easily be carried out along the roadside of Waigeo island. 

The view of Kabui bay as seen from a homestay

However, it can also be done in remote islands along the beach. For example to Lesser Urai or Merpati island. Birds that live in remote islands of Raja Ampat include Violet-necked Lory, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Great-billed Parrot, Singing Starling, Palm Cockatoo, Claret-brested Fruit Dove and etc.

Birding in Raja Ampat

The birding activity in remote islands can be combined with snorkeling in coral reef areas. Raja Ampat is the habitat of tropical reef fish such as Wobbegong, butterflyfish, damselfish, parrotfish, moorish idol, grouper, trevally, and a lot more. 

Marine Life in Waigeo island

Coral reef in Mioskon island

Sightseeing tour can be done to interesting places of Raja Ampat such as Blue River, Piaynemo Karst, Yenbuba Strait or Kabui bay. For this purpose, a speedboat will definitely be needed. 

If you are interested in taking a tour in Raja Ampat and want me to organize your tour and guide you, please, contact me by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Birdwatching, Snorkeling and Sightseeing in Sorong and Raja Ampat

I have just finished running a tour for two visitors who came from the Netherlands. They were Femke and Mathijs. We spent 1 week exploring the rainforest of Sorong and Raja Ampat to watch birds, mammals, insects and reptiles as well as various kinds of unique tropical plants. 

Raja Ampat Marine Tour

In Raja Ampat, we did snorkeling, and sightseeing tour to see Piaynemo, Pasir Timbul (Sand Bank) and Friwen Wall. The sea current in the front waters of Arborek, between Gam and Mansuar island are quite strong.  That's why the coral reef in this area is the natural habitat of a lot of species of fish that like the current. However, we did not do snorkeling in the area where the current was strong. We went to Friwen-wall and enjoyed snorkeling there. After that we had our lunch at its beach which was on the other side of the islet. It was a nice experience because we can see colourful fish, and other marine animals of West Papua. Raja Ampat has got beautiful white sandy beach which is a good place for swimming and sunbathing. Sergeantfish, anemonefish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, are some of the many tropical fishes that Femke and Mathijs saw while snorkeling in Raja Ampat. 

Sightseeing and Birdwatching in West Papua

During the birdwatching tour, we saw Lesser Birds of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Twelve-wired Bird of Paradise, Glossy-mantled Manucode, Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise as well as a lot of other birds including Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Frilled Monarch, Yellow-faced Myna, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, and etc.

Please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 if you are interested in taking a rainforest wildlife watching, sightseeing and snorkeling tour in West Papua province of Indonesia. 

Coconut Crab in Raja Ampat

Around 2 weeks ago, I guided a Russian tourist on a 2-week birdwatching and wildlife watching trip to Raja Ampat, Klasow valley of Sorong and Arfak mountains. While in Sorong, we went hiking in southern forest of Waigeo to see birds.

We also took an opportunity to nearby islands to enjoy snorkeling and seeing coconut crab. There was an islet where coconut crab lived. Its name was Nyetreiram. We went there by a small speedboat after taking a snorkeling tour in Friwen. We arrived at the islet at around sunset time. The crabs had not come out of their hiding places. The owner of the islet cut open a dried coconut into pieces and spread then on several places on the islet. When it was getting dark, the crabs began to come out. We were invited to see them. 

Coconut Crab in Raja Ampat

They had not reach full sizes but were already bigger than other crab in nature. We took the opportunity to photographs them. 

We were not long at the island. Soon the weather changed. The wind blew fast and the sea surface became rough. We got into the boat and returned quickly to the beach resort where we stayed. Fortunately, we already reach the resort when sea storm hit the beach. 

It was a nice experience to see the Coconut Crab (Birgus largo) in Raja Ampat.

Wildlife Watching in Raja Ampat Archipelago

Most of the islands in Raja Ampat are surrounded by coral reef, they are the natural habitat of marine animals from small Christmas Tree Worm to large humphead wrasse fish. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling over the coral reef to see various kinds of marine creatures or do scubadiving to see more in deeper waters. 

Along the coastal area of Raja Ampat, sea birds can be observed. They include Radjah Shelduck, Eastern Osprey, Beach Kingfisher, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Eclectus Parrot, Great-billed Parrot, and etc.

Marine Life in Raja Ampat

In certain months, turtles land on the beach to lay eggs. The northern coast of Waigeo is a great place for visitors to watch leatherback, green, olive ridley and hawksbill turtles. 

Wobbegong reef shark

The rainforest of Raja Ampat is th destination for visitors who are interested in watching Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise and a lot more.

Wilson's Bird of Paradise

There are karsts in Raja Ampat, visitors who go there can see beautiful marine landscapes that are covered by green vegetation and turquoise blue sea water. With more than 1,500 tropical reef fish living in the waters of Raja Ampat, visitors will have plenty of marine life to see when they travel to the islands. 

Raja Ampat in July

July is the month where a lot of travelers want to go to Raja Ampat to spend their vacation. As a matter of fact the sea is full of waves particularly in south and central regions of the archipelago. I used to guide a Dutch lady in July. We went to southern region of Waigeo and stayed at a homestay near the entrance area to Kabui bay. Although the sea was quite protected, we could still experience waves. Snorkeling was possible only in the morning. Sometimes,  We did a tour by a motorized wooden boat around Kabui bay. The waves were quite strong. We used outrigger boat. We went to karst in the bay to see the scenery and enjoyed some birdwatching. Waves hit us from the bow when we were heading back to the homestay. All our clothing was wet. The boat crews was busy taking out water from inside the hull using a small water dipper.

Orange-skunk Anemonefish

Although the wind and the waves were quite strong at the beach, when I did freediving at a depth of 2 to 5 meters, the visibility was quite good. I could still make pictures of coral reef and marine life. I used a small action camera Brica B-Pro 5 Alpha Edition. It was not the best camera for underwater photography but it was good enough for snorkelers who want to have an affordable underwater photographic device.

Karst inside Kabui bay of Raja Ampat

In July, Raja Ampat is more suitable for wildlife/ birdwatching tour

For those who want to explore the tropical rainforest in Raja Ampat, July is a perfect month. Orchids, tropical plants, reptiles, mammals, birds and insects can be seen while we walk in the jungle. As a tour guide, I organize birdwatching tour to Raja Ampat all year round, even in late June, July and September when the waves are big. There are a lot of birds that we can watch including Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Great-billed Parrot, Violet-necked Lory, Red-cheeked Parrot, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Hooded Butcherbird, Beach Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Pacific Swallow, White-breasted Woodswallow, Wimbrel, Brahminy Kite, White-belly Sea Eagle, and a lot more.
Birdwatching activity can be done using binoculars, and spotting scope.

North coast of Wageo

Which places you could visit in July?
You could visit places in Raja Ampat that are not directly exposed to sea current and waves that come from south-east or south-west directions. So, doing land tours in Waigeo, Salawati or Batanta will be ok. However, transport vehicles are not always available especially for big boats that go to Salawati and Batanta. Regular passenger ferry go to Misool, and Waigeo. There are also ships that go to Kofiau. Coastal villages in northern region of Waigeo have got calm waters in July, August and September. It is a suitable place for swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching in the forest.

After your trip to Raja Ampat, you could extend your holiday in Sorong city to explore its mangrove forest, rainforest to watch wildlife, city life, traditional market. 
Booking
The spread of Covid-19 around the world is still going on. If the threat of this virus has stopped and tourism activities can be continued again, anyone will be allowed to visit Raja Ampat again.
If you are interested in traveling to Raja Ampat and want me to organize your tour and accompany you, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180

Also read:
Raja Ampat Birds
Snorkeling and Watching Birds of Paradise in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat beach

Raja Ampat Archipelago Region

The regency of Raja Ampat archipelago is located in Papua Barat province in the Republic of Indonesia. There are 4 big islands, i.e. Waigeo, Salawati, Misool and Batanta as well as hundreds of smaller tropical islands. Because the islands are located close to equator, it receives sunlight all year round. Ocean Current that flows between the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean through seas in Indonesia have become an ideal environment for marine life to thrive in Raja Ampat.

Coral reef in Raja Ampat

Every year thousands of visitors from Europe, the North America, Asia, and Australia go to Raja Ampat to enjoy sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Significant number of visitors go there to explore the biodiversity of its rainforest.
Where to stay? Most of the homestays, guesthouses and beach resorts can be found in Google Map.
When visitors go to Raja Ampat to enjoy their vacations, they will need comfortable accommodation. There are tens of guesthouses locally called "homestay." Some in Kri island include: Yenkorano, Mangkurkodon, Turtle homestay.  In Waigeo island, near Waisai town, there are Kakatua Hostel, Yendebabo, Mamatua Homestay, Wapnansan Homestay, Mandos Guesthouse, and Yengkawe, and Yensner. West off Waigeo - in YefMo island, there is Sea Fans Homestay
In Gam Island, there are Yensrai Homestay, Monkairi Homestay, Yenros Homestay, Yenanas Paradise Homestay, Monkairi Homestay.
For beach resorts, along the coast of Waigeo, there are Raja Ampat Dive Resort, Scuba Republic Beach Bungalow, Hamu Eco, Gurara Dive Resort, Waiwo Dive Resort, Waigeo Villa, TPK 48, Korpak Villa and Resort, Coral Paradise Resort.  In Urai island, there is Raja Ampat Doberai Eco Resort. It is not far from Raja Ampat Biodiversity Ecoresort in Gam island.

Piaynemo Karst in Raja Ampat

Marine Life

Raja Ampat Archipelago has been famous around the world as the region that has got the richest marine biodiversity in the world. According to Wikipedia, there are 1,508 species of fish, 537 coral species, and 699 mollusk species. As more exploration of the sea of Raja Ampat is being conducted, more species of marines creatures may be found in the future. This wealth of marine biodiversity attracts thousands of recreational divers, students, and scientists to see, study and admire its beauty.

A huge table coral in Mansuar island where other corals grow on it

Snorkeling and scuba diving is the main activity which tourists like to do when they go to Raja Ampat. There are hundreds of dive sites which they can explore.

Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

Rainforest

Tropical rainforest that covers Raja Ampat islands are the natural habitat of a lot of species of plants, birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles. These are important attraction for visitors who like to explore the biodiversity of forest. In general green vegetation in the islands of Raja Ampat is devided into 4 types, i.e. mangrove forest, coastal forest, pseudo montane forest, and montane forest. Pseudo montane forest can be seen mostly in the slopes of most of the small islands of Raja Ampat. Since the top soil of the ground insvery thin, and the beneath it is mostly hard rocks or fossils of corals, the forest is not dense and the diameter of the trees are not big. This is different if we go deeper into the interior region of Salawati, and the mountainous regions of Waigeo, Misool and Batanta where soil layer is thicker. The trees are usually big and dense. This dense tropical rainforest that is rich in wildlife is included the zones of conservation area or nature reserve.

Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra)

Rainforest tours to Raja Ampat has been increasingly more popular especially among birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Most of them take the tours to watch Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra) and Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes respublica) as well as a lot of other tropical birds that are endemic to West Papua region.

Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Diphyllodes respublica)

What to bring?

• Sunglasses, clothing for swimming, snorkeling or beach walk or hiking in the forest will be needed for traveling in Raja Ampat. Visitors who like marine sport activities will need snorkeling mask, snorkel and fins. For those who like to explore rainforest and observe wildlife, hiking shoes, binoculars and zoom cameras will be needed for such activities.
• Anti insect and sunblock lotions or oils.
• Traveling around hundreds of tropical islands is fun but can be challenging because of sunny weather. While doing snorkeling or sightseeing excursions by boats or on foot, visitors need to bring bottled water, biscuits or dietary supplements. Vitamin C, B6 and E are important for enhancing one's immune system.

How to get to Raja Ampat?

• If you live in, for example, Holland or Germany, you need to fly from your country to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. 
• Continue your trip to Sorong city by taking a domestic flight provided by Garuda, Batik Air, Sriwijaya Air.
• I could meet you and organize your trip to Raja Ampat.

Raja Ampat is a regency in Indonesia

Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp to: +6281332245180 if you want me to organize your trip to Raja Ampat and guide you to enjoy sightseeing, snorkeling and birdwatching/ rainforest tours.

Also read:

• Birding in Minahasa Peninsula

Raja Ampat Reef Fish

Raja Ampat archipelago region has got the highest marine biodiversity in the world. It is a must see destination for visitors who like to see various species of reef fish. When I go to the islands for guiding tourists, I always provide enough time to do snorkeling and freediving. I have got a Fujifilm XQ2 with its waterproof case that allows me to take pictures and videos of reef fish, and other marine creatures that live in coral reef. Sunlight in general can effectively reach 15 to 20 meters below the surface. These are depths where marine life is abundant.

False Clown Anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) in coral reef of Waigeo island
Raja Ampat archipelago

Based on my personal observations of traveling and doing scuba diving or snorkeling in eastern and southern areas of Waigeo island especialy in Mamiaef, Waim, Saporkren, Kabui bay, Kri, Yenbuba Strait, Mansuar, Arborek, Piaynemo, abundant fish can be seen in coral reefs that are less exposed to human activities or in areas where there is current. Kofiau is another important group of islands where the wealth of marine biodiversity is well preserved. In Misool, marine protected areas are the place where reef fish thrive.

Latticed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon rafflesi) and Lemon Damsel (Pomacentrus moluccensis)

Small-toothed Whiptail in Raja Ampat

Dolphins, whales, Manta, Giant Trevally can be seen in area along the waters of Waigeo, Dampier Strait, near Arborek and between Mansuar and Gam islands. Tasseled Wobbegong and Black Tip Shark thrive in Yenbuba strait and most of the fore reef sites of most of Raja Ampat islands. For much smaller fish such as Striped Surgeonfish, Damselfish, Pink Anemonefish, Orange skunk Anemonefish, Butterflyfish, Blenny, Angelfish, Box Fish, Knifefish and Moorish Idol, they can be seen in most of the coral reef of the archipelago.

Moorish Idol and Butterflyfish in coral reef of Waigeo island

Birdwatching and Snorkeling

I spent 5 days/ 4 nights doing birdwatching and snorkeling in Raja Ampat recently. I guided Michael - a tourist from the United States. It was a nice trip because we were able to see Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Blyth's Hornbill, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Coconut Lorikeet, Red-cheeked Parrot, Eclectus Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Beach Kingfisher, Dusky Scrubfowl, Mimic Meliphaga, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Hooded Butcherbird, Moustached Tree Swift, Pacific Swallow, White-breasted Woodswallow, Olive-backed Sunbird (now also called Sahul Sunbird), Tern, Lesser Frigatebird, Torresian Crow, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Eastern Osprey, and etc.

Wilson's Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus respublica)

I brought a 20-60×60 spotting scope, a good pair of binoculars, and a Canon 200D with Tamron 150-600mm telephoto lens. For snorkeling and freediving, I only brought a mask and a snorkel with my underwater camera. I didn't bring my swim fins to minimize the weight of my travel bag. This equipment greatly enhanced our birding experience. I also was able to take good photos both above and under water.

If you are interested in taking snorkeling and birding tour in Raja Ampat with me as your guide, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Amazon online store has got some good books about Raja Ampat. Some of them include:

• Diving Indonesia's Raja Ampat by Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock
• Diving & Snorkeling Guide to Raja Ampat and Northeast Indonesia by Tim Rock and Simon Pridmore.

Things to do in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is a very popular destination in Indonesia for marine tourism. Most people think that snorkeling and scuba diving are the only things that visitors can do while traveling to these beautiful tropical islands. As a matter of fact there are a lot of things that can be done when visiting the regency. Here are some of them:

Tour by Motorized Boat

There are hundreds of tropical islands which tourists can see in Raja Ampat. To explore these islands, we need to hire a motorized boat. It can be a small speed boat or an outriggered dug-out boat made traditionally by local people of Raja Ampat. In the south of Waigeo island, there are a lot of islands that can be visited using the motorized boat. 

Exploring Raja Ampat by motorized boat

• Swimming and Snorkeling - Landing at the beach of these remote islands, we can start exploring its shallow water by swimming and snorkeling. Don't forget to bring an underwater camera to take pictures of the fish and the coral reef. 
• Birdwatching - While taking the motorized boat to explore the remote island, we can also do birdwatching. I usually bring binoculars, and spotting scope, in addition to snorkeling gear. Coastal bird such as Beach Kingfisher, Spice Imperial Pigeon, White-breasted Woodswallow, or White-bellied Sea Eagle can be watched both by binoculars or by spotting scope.

Birwatching in Karst

• Visiting Karsts and Hiking to the viewpoint - Karsts in Kabui bay, Gam island, and Piaynemo are beautiful. There are several viewpoints in the karsts which tourists can visit to see the beautiful scenery of Raja Ampat. Going further to the south, we can explore the beautiful tropical islands of Misool and Kofiau.
• See unique tropical plants and Insects - Nepenthes, orchids, pandanus, coconut, and mangrove trees are some of many plants which tourists can see while exploring the big and small islands of this regency. I used to see beautiful butterflies such as the Idea Durvillei, and jewel beetle when exploring karst in Raja Ampat.
• Fishing - Most of the coral reef area in Raja Ampat is protected. But there are waters in the islands that can be accessed by people who want to enjoy fishing. Fishing in deep water is ok. After getting some catches, visitors can grill the fish at the beach resort or homestay where they stay.

Hiking in the forest

There are several big islands in Raja Ampat such as Batanta, Salawati, Misool and Waigeo. The famous one that tourists like to explore is Waigeo. The rainforest of Waigeo is the natural habitat of a lot of birds, insects, reptiles, and mammals. Some interesting animals that we can include Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Cuscus Possum, and soa-soa lizards. The birding tour in Waigeo can be done on foot or by car.

Tour to Villages

There are a lot of coastal villages in Raja Ampat. If we travel by motorized boats, we can do tours tomsee villages to see and meet people who live mostly as fishermen and farmers.

Doing Art

There are still other things that we can do while visiting and staying in Raja Ampat such as drawing and making sketches of nature, reef, birds, and insects that we see. I often do this. I bring a sketch book with me with colored pencils, and brush pen. Because I work as a tourist guide, I have got a lot of opportunities to see remote islands  and meet interesting peoples of this beautiful archipelago. 

Volunteering Works

I often meet foreigners who want to spend a period of their time in Raja Ampat as volunteers. They can participate in beach clean-up activity, coral reef preservation, or even participate in more cultural encounters with local people. Last month, I was in north-east Waigeo. I accompanied 2 volunteers from the Netherlands who stayed with local people for around 1 week. They brought beads and yarns in various colours. Every day, they make necklace, bracelets. 

There are still a lot of activities which can be done by tourists or volunteers while visiting Raja Ampat. Here is my email address: peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180. 

by Charles Roring

Coral Reef in Raja Ampat Archipelago

From late September to early October, I had an opportunity to visit important islands in Raja Ampat regency from Misool, and Kepulauan Sembian to Kofiau islands and north-east coast of Waigeo.
In general coral reef of this archipelago is still in very good condition. Raja Ampat has not suffered from massive bleaching on its corals like what happened in Okinawa and Great Barrier Reef. The regency is very far from big industrial cities of Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya or Makassar. So, coral reef is still healthy and the density of marine life is very high.

Coral Reef and Fish in Warduwer beach of Waigeo island

That's why a lot of scuba divers and snorkelers as well as freedivers continue to come to visit Raja Ampat. Coral reef with big fish can be seen in north-east region of Waigeo. It is the one that directly faces the open sea or the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately because of its remoteness, very few people go there.
The best months to explore the north-east reef of Waigeo island is from June to November. The sea is relatively calm.

Traveling to North East Coast of Waigeo Island

A Beach in North-east Coast of Waigeo island

There was a village in north eastern region of Waigeo island. I visited it 3 weeks ago. I accompanied Wally and Coby in our efforts to help local people build sanitation facilities at a black sand beach. There was a turtle conservation project at the beach. The villagers had built a small wooden house as their shelter while doing monitoring works on turtles that were landing and laying eggs. Unfortunately, the house did not have toilet and clean water facilities to support tourists who want to see turtles landing and laying eggs at the beach.

Traveling to Misool

I left Sorong city for southern region of Raja Ampat islands yesterday by a fast passenger boat. She passed through a lot of big and small islands.

Misool islands in Raja Ampat regency

The marine landscape was very beautiful.  It took several hours to arrive in Yelu - a crowded fishing village.  Some friends of mine met me at the jetty. We walked around the village and arrived at a homestay where we took a rest there for a few hours. The owner provided tea and coffee for us. His name is Eja. I took the opportunity by taking pictures of the village from the second floor of the house. It was a fishing village whose houses stood above the water.

Yelu village

Towards evening time, we moved to Harapan Jaya by a small motorized boat and stayed there for 1 night. The homestay owner provided us with simple but delicious dinner - fried fish, sambal (a sauce whose ingridients were chilli, onion and tomatoes). We stayed at a bungalow that sat on the edge of a cliff facing the sea. In the morning, the weather was very nice. Birds such as Lesser Frigatebird, Brahminy Kite, Willie Wagtail and Pacific Swallow were flying around. Some Blyth's Hornbill were busy eating fruits in a tall tree.

Now I am waiting for another speed boat that will take me to Kofiau islands.
Interested in Traveling to Misool?
As a tourist guide, I could organize your trip to Misool islands of Raja Ampat. Please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:
Traveling to North-east Coast of Waigeo island
Kofiau islands
Raja Ampat Snorkeling Trip Preparation
Traveling to Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat Snorkeling Trip Preparation

Snorkeling Site in Raja Ampat

If you plan to take a trip to Raja Ampat for snorkeling holiday, you need to make several preparations.

Reef Fish of Raja Ampat islands

Raja Ampat is a great destination for visitors who like marine life. Its coral reef is home to hundreds of beautiful fish such as anemonefish, moorish idol, striped surgeonfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, lionfish, and tasselled wobbegong. Sometimes bigger fish such as humphead wrasse and manta can be seen passing by the coral reef.

Global warming and marine polution has triggered massive coral bleaching in various coral reef sites in Great Barrier Reef and Okinawa. Fortunately, Raja Ampat reefs are still in very good condition. It is still the richest marine environment in the world.

Striped and Convict Surgeonfish

When I guide tourists on a snorkeling tour in Raja Ampat, I always try to take pictures of the fish and other marine creatures that I see. Back at home when I am not busy, I create sketches of these sea animals. I mostly draw them using pencil on paper and added colors using my Derwent watercolour pencils. After that I redraw them digitally using a stylus on my Samsung Galaxy Tab A. I choose Autodesk sketchbook as drawing app. The artworks are later uploaded into my nature art shop in Redbubble. Anyone can see and order the artworks at this link: Reef Fish Art

Moorish Idol

Snorkeling Vacation in Raja Ampat

I offer snorkeling tours for anyone who is interested in taking a vacation in Raja Ampat. The duration of the tour can be as short as 3 days to as long as 1 or 2 weeks. During the tour, we could enjoy snorkeling at Warduwer beach, Mioskon, Friwen, Kabui bay, and even Piaynemo islands.

Tour participants need to bring snorkeling mask, snorkel pipe, and swim fins (flippers). Underwater world of Raja Ampat is very beautiful so, I highly suggest that participants bring camera such as the Nikon W300, or GoPro. After snorkeling, we can try to identify the fish that we photograph. Snorkeling participants who are interested in art can also make drawings of the fish and color them using watercolours.

Anemonefish

Additional Activities

In addition to snorkeling, I can organize hiking tour to the forest for tour participants to watch paradise birds and other tropical birds of Raja Ampat such as Red Bird of Paradise, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Blyth's Hornbill, Yellow-faced Myna, Hooded Butcherbird, Eclectus Parrot and Palm Cockatoo, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, and etc. Tourists who want to enjoy snorkeling need to bring binoculars for the purpose.

Cost

I cannot give the price of the tour because it will depend on the number of participants and the duration of the tour. In general the cost is 5,000,000 rupiahs per person for 3 days/ 2 nights for accommodation, food, and transportation between Sorong airport and the guesthouse in Raja Ampat.

The cost does not include airfare,  charterred boat tour for snorkeling trips to remote islands in Raja Ampat.

Booking

If you are interested, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by sending text message to my cell phone: +6281332245180. Sending text by whatsapp to that number is also possible.

Also read: Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat Snorkeling

Snorkeling site in Yenbuba

I organize snorkeling tours in Raja Ampat especially for tourists who like to see marine life of the islands. Snorkeling is the activity of swimming with the aid of snorkel and snorkeling mask. A snorkel is a pipe that connects the mouth of the swimmer and the air. Wearing swimming googles or snorkeling mask, a snorkeler will be able to see reef fish, sea stars, colorful corals and other marine creatures. 

To prevent fogging on the glass surface of the mask during snorkeling, some drops of liquid soap are applied. When rinsing the mask, a snorkeler has to leave very thin layer of the soap on the surface of the mask. With clear mask, we can see everything underwater clearly. Snorkelers usually wear lifejackets, and fins.
Underwater camera is also needed especially for those who want to take pictures or make videos of the fish and coral reef that they see while snorkeling or freediving. Snorkelers can bring GoPro, Nikon 130 and Fujifilm XQ2 with waterproof casing or Olympus TG 7 which is very popular among snorkelers and scuba divers. 

Reef fish in coral reef of Waigeo

Snorkeling Sites

Raja Ampat islands have got a lot of snorkeling sites. The ones that are closer to Waisai town and can easily be reached by town dwellers are located along the southern coast of Waigeo. A number of beach resorts are operating at this coast including D'Coral, Gurara, Scuba Republic, Putras and Raja Ampat Dive Resort. Snorkeling sites in Urai, Friwen wall, Mission, Cape Kri and Yenbuba are also very good for snorkelers. 

In northeast of Waigeo, there are Mamiaef and Waim islands. They are also very nice snorkeling sites. Kri, Mansuar, and Gam have got a lot of coral reef sites too. Going further to the east, we can also find Batanta and Salawati islands. Arborek is frequently visited by snorkelers because it is a transit point to Piaynemo that also has got coral reef areas. Wayag in the west of Waigeo is the famous icon of Raja Ampat. It has got coral reef sites too. Snorkeling in the islands that face open sea can sometimes be dangerous. Make sure there is a motorized boat near you when you swim in the waters whose current is strong. 

Kofiau and Misool have got pristine coral reef too. Unfortunately, it is located in remote region. 

Combined Activities

Coral reef in North-east region of Waigeo

Snorkeling is not the only activity which tourists can do while traveling to Raja Ampat. It can be combined with such activities as hiking, bird and wildlife watching. Trips to villages, river areas can also be organized.

Birding Tour in Raja Ampat

Wildlife Tour
The snorkeling tour can be combined with wildlife tour in the mornings and late afternoons for tour participants to see various species of tropical birds including Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Palm Cockatoo, Common Paradise Kingfisher, and etc. The duration of this combined snorkeling and wildlife tour is between 4 to 7 days. 

Night walk could be conducted to see cuscus, Papuan frogmouth and other nocturnal animal of Waigeo. 

Red Bird of Paradise

Accommodation
There are tens of homestays and beach resorts which visitors can choose while traveling in Raja Ampat. The famous ones such as Papua Explorers Dive Resort, Kri Eco Resort, Misool Eco Resort, Raja Ampat Biodiversity Eco Resort have got their own websites which visitors can read before flying to Indonesia. There are also hotels and lodges inside Waisai town (the capital of Raja Ampat regency). However, most snorkeling visitors prefer to stay in beach resorts and coastal homestays so that they can easily have access to the beaches or house reefs.

Booking

If you are interested in traveling to Raja Ampat and want me to organize and guide you, please, contact me by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read:

• Raja Ampat Snorkeling Review
• Snorkeling Video from Raja Ampat
• Raja Ampat Guided Snorkeling Tours
• Raja Ampat Snorkeling and Birding Tour