This is our video of how we went exploring Raja Ampat in West Papua, Indonesia. We were privileged to have this opportunity to discover the archipelago of Raja Ampat, both above and below water, and to also see a little of Doom island just off the gateway city of Sorong.
Exploring Raja Ampat, Indonesia (VIDEO)
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About Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat or the Four Kings Archipelago consists of over 1000 islands. There are the 4 large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller islands. Raja Ampat is located in the northwest of Indonesia’s West Papua province at the tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula. It is remote, yet an achievable destination with flights from Jakarta.
The archipelago is the largest marine national park in Indonesia and a very significant global destination. Raja Ampat has massive coral colonies where the reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease. There are 537 species of coral making up 75% of all known coral species in the world. Source: Marine Planning.
But it is also people’s homes, and they are proud of their islands.
Yenbuba Village in Raja Ampat
Our experience with Exploring Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat is a destination that beckons divers, birdwatchers and snorkelers and resolute travelers, wanting to experience a destination that is off the tourist grid. We were very fortunate to see this area of wonderful Indonesia, and to see a lot of Raja Ampat both above and below water.
Discovering Sawinggrai Village in Raja Ampat
We were in the inimitable position to meet many of the local people. The people of Raja Ampat love to sing, and to dance and are intent on keeping their own backyards as unspoiled as they can. It was one of the most unique travel experiences that we have had. Add to that a tour around Doom Island located just off the main gateway city of Sorong, and we felt privileged to be in such a wonder of the world.
Doom Island, Indonesia
Helpful Resources – Exploring Raja Ampat
Your Questions Answered About Visiting Raja Ampat, West Papua
Raja Ampat – Where Nature PhotoShopped it For You
Doom Island in West Papua, Indonesia
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Indonesia, one of the top country to visit in Asia
Wow. This looks like quite an amazing opportunity. The sort of place you want more people to discover… and not.
It was an incredible opportunity. We will visit Raja Ampat again.
The video really does a good job of bringing me to Raja Ampat.
Thanks for that. There was so much to see and to do in Raja Ampat.
Awesome post and video. I love Indonesia. It will be interesting to see when and if Australians start traveling in greater numbers beyond Bali and Lombok. My brother lived in Banda Aceh for a couple of years and I too was amazed by the diversity. Love the crystal clear waters!
I think we have visited places in Indonesia, that will become very popular in the future. Really nice to have seen it before it all becomes really popular.
That looks stunning – I’ve not heard of it.
Neither had I when we were asked to go. I will be the first to admit I had to google it, and there was not a lot of information.
That’s totally awesome. When you hear Indonesia around here, you don’t really put into mind what great places and things to do there are. Thanks.
The sheer diversity of Indonesia astounds us.
I’ve watched the video and it looks amazing (and untouched by mainstream tourism), An area to think about as I plan for travel in Southeast Asia.
Definitely, you would love Raja Ampat.
This video makes me SO HAPPY 😀 😀 😀 😀 xx
Thank you lovely Kayla. It made us happy too.
Your photos have been lovely, but the video really brings it to life. Plus, it was nice to hear you tell us the pronunciations. Loved your transition from the bats above and below the water. And I agree with you on the scenery, it is magnificent. What a spectacular place, to relax, enjoy and dance 🙂
I loved the lady telling the man behind us to say “Piaynemo’ with passion. Thanks Rhonda.