RAJA AMPAT : A Travel Guide To The Last Paradise

Written by Raymond

Raja Ampat Tour Guide

RAJA AMPAT : A Travel Guide To The Last Paradise

Raja Ampat is still an insider tip in Indonesia. Due to its remoteness and the arduous journey, mass tourism stays away from the archipelago. The numerous small islands dotted with palm trees and the Caribbean sandbanks make Raja Ampat a still very pristine island paradise. Above all, the underwater world is unique. Some claim that there are no more beautiful and healthier coral reefs in the world than there. For this reason, Raja Ampat is often referred to as “Last Paradise”.

How To Get There ?

To get to Raja Ampat, you will need to fly into one of the major airports surrounding Indonesia. This includes getting to Raja Ampat from Bali, Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Perth.

We recommend flying directly into Jakarta if possible. That way, you can take a direct flight from Jakarta to Raja Ampat (Sorong Airport) without additional layovers. Otherwise, you will likely have a stopover in Makassar, Sulawesi.

Airlines that offer flights to Raja Ampat include Garuda Indonesia (our preference if you are flying with your own gear) Lion Air, Batik Air, Sriwijaya Air, and Express Air.

Raja Ampat deserves its worldwide hype as an exotic tropical paradise. About 75% of all coral species in the world and thousands more species of fish, mollusks, plants, and birds find a home deep under the clear blue waters, in the quiet lagoon between the karst constellations, and up in the picturesque hills and jungles. Discover the top things to see and do in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.

Top Places To Visit

Raja Ampat has four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Waigeo, and Batanta. The capital of Raja Ampat is the town of Waisai on the island of Waigeo. Most homestays and some liveaboards offer pick-up only from Waisai, which is why you’ll likely need to get here.

Note : Mostly for pick up, they put separted price so try to make it clear first or make sure it is already in the price inclusion when you book your tour with homestay owner or tour guide or tour operator in Raja Ampat.

Accommodation In Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is still an insider tip in Indonesia. Due to its remoteness and the arduous journey, mass tourism stays away from the archipelago. The numerous small islands dotted with palm trees and the Caribbean sandbanks make Raja Ampat a still very pristine island paradise. Above all, the underwater world is unique. Some claim that there are no more beautiful and healthier coral reefs in the world than there. For this reason, Raja Ampat is often referred to as “Last Paradise”.

From Sorong : To Waisai, Raja Ampat

You need to get from Sorong Airport to the Ferry Harbor, which is where you can take a boat to Raja Ampat’s outer islands.

The ferry harbor is about 3.5 kms away from Sorong Airport. The best way to get here is by taxi or ojek (a motorbike).

Airport Taxi: Should take around 10-20 minutes and cost around 100,000 up to 200,000 IDR. If the price is much more than this, it’s worth waiting for a driver who will take you for a fair price.

Ojek / Motor Bike : If you’re light on luggage, consider hopping on the back of a motorbike which will cost you around 30,000 up to 50,000 IDR.

We recommend you to ask the airport security to help you a reliable driver for both atxi and ojek.

Ferries shuttle travelers from Sorong to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat regency. This journey takes about 2 hours.

One of the frustrating things about going to Waisai by ferry is a lack of consistency and frequent schedule change. While we recommend traveling spontaneously in many destinations, you may want to confirm pick up and travel details through your hotel or homestay. It’s best for them to arrange most of this travel and many will do so at no extra cost.

Tickets are available at the Raja Ampat Tourism Office and at the port office itself both in Sorong and Waisai. You can also purchase tickets on the ferry itself.

You can purchase VIP tickets or general tickets for each of the ferries. VIP gets you larger seats and better air conditioning.

Bahari Express: Direct route from Sorong to Waisai and Return
Belibis Express: Direct route from Sorong to Waisai and Return

To check the Ferry chedule, click here