Set on the far western shores of Papua New Guinea, Sorong is a strange mix of a port city, industrial centre and relaxed coastal town. Despite its urban buzz, it has a distinctly laid-back ambience and is the gateway to some of the most idyllic tropical islands and phenomenal scuba diving spots in the world - the Raja Ampat Islands.
The smallest of Raja Ampat’s ‘Four Kings’ in the West Papua Province of Indonesia, Batanta Island offers the full package island experience. Superb snorkelling and diving opportunities abound, with mesmerising bright fish, exquisite coral and marine animals. Enormous sea-grass pastures and lagoons create the ideal environment for dugongs, while the fertile jungle is filled with numerous exotic wildlife species such as blue-spotted tree monitor, Crocodile Monitor and wild boar. The island is particularly known for its variety of birds, with the rare Bruijn’s Brushturkey, Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise and Red Bird-of-Paradise making their homes here. Bathe in crystalline waterfalls, discover traditional villages, and hike through the diversity of trees to some breathtaking lookouts.
Mansuar, a long, strip-like Indonesian island off the north-western coast of West Papua, is part of the Raja Ampat Islands group. Boasting easy accessibility, gorgeous beaches, and fantastic snorkelling opportunities, this is a wonderful choice for a holiday destination. At Sauwandarek Village, a picturesque jetty and jaw-dropping coral reef home to abundant sea life make this a top choice for diving and snorkelling, offering the chance to see thousands of colourful fish as well as huge turtles, giant clams, and octopuses. On the opposite side of the island, Cape Kri provides another phenomenal diving spot where up to 374 fish species have been spotted, along with rays and sharks. Characterised by a virgin forest-covered limestone ridge, and home to an inland lake, the island is also great for hiking, photography, and birdwatching.
The largest of the Raja Ampat archipelago, dubbed the "Four Kings", Waigeo is the most accessible island to reach by public transport and the best starting point to the beautiful Raja Ampat Islands. Spectacular seascapes walled in by towering cliffs, plunging waterfalls, rushing rivers, perfect white-sand beaches, and an untamed jungle interior are what entice visitors to this exuberant tropical paradise. Yet, deep-sea diving and snorkelling are undeniable highlights. Swim among the colourful fish groups along the coral reefs and admire an astonishing amount of marine life. Keep an eye out for sea dragons, blue-striped flagtail pipefish, pygmy sea horses, green sea turtles, giant napoleon wrasse, Indian lionfish, white-tip reef sharks and black-tip reef sharks. Birdwatchers will be eager to witness the emblematic Bird-of-Paradise soaring through the jungle, and the culturally curious can embark on a discovery of local village life.
It is no wonder the Raja Ampat Islands are fast earning a reputation as one of Indonesia’s hottest new travel destinations - this remote cluster of islands is blessed with exquisite scenery, idyllic beaches and an underwater environment second to none. Dubbed the ‘Amazon of the world’s reefs, ’ Raja Ampat is located in the famed Coral Triangle, said to be among the planet’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems as it is home to a staggering 75% of the world’s coral species (some found nowhere else on earth). The archipelago constitutes four major islands known as ‘The Four Kings’ and 1000-odd islets and limestone karst outcrops covered with verdant rainforest and dotted amid temperate aquamarine seas teeming with life. With countless diving and snorkelling spots to choose from, water enthusiasts will be eager to encounter ocean creatures - including manta rays, sea horses, turtles, dugongs and a dazzling array of tropical fish.
Bounded by the turquoise waters of West Papua, Gam Island is a slice of paradise idyllically arrayed with a lush hilly terrain, limestone cliffs, and a dense jungle brimming with birdlife. Bring your binoculars and observe the Red Birds of Paradise, Western Crowned Pigeons, Palm Cockatoos and the Maleo: a ground-dwelling bird that builds huge nest mounds on the forest floor. Opportunities for snorkelling and diving are excellent, and the southern coast is lined with traditional beachfront homestays nestled near lively local villages. Kayaking and dolphin watching are popular activities at Kabui Bay, with white sand beaches and clear waters on the south side, while the northern parts are lined with mangroves and filled with karst islands.
As previously described
As previously described
