Are you planning to visit Raja Ampat? Have you ever heard of it? Don’t worry if you haven’t, you won’t be the only one…
Raja Ampat is an archipelago comprising more than 1,500 small and four major islands situated in West Papua, Indonesia, and is one of those very rare places in the world that is almost impossible to believe really exists.
The Raja Ampat Islands are relatively unspoiled, a far cry from big cities, crowds, pollution and mass tourism. It possesses extraordinary natural beauty with crystal clear water, rich marine life, lush vegetation and exotic fauna, making the area perfect for general unwinding, going on photographic safaris, bird watching, swimming, snorkelling and diving. In fact, Raja Ampat is renowned as one of the best places for diving in the world.
I totally fell in love with Raja Ampat during my visit in February 2017 and it immediately became one of my favourite places in the world.
As one of my blog’s missions is to inspire you to travel more, let me show you some of the reasons to visit Raja Ampat.
20 Pictures to Inspire You to Visit Raja Ampat
1 – Having this amazing crystal clear green water right in front of your hotel.
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 1 A jetty surrounded by emerald water and lush vegetation in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6072-1024x535.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
2 – Deserted beaches
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 2 A deserted beach with emerald water
and lush vegetation in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6078-1024x768.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
3 – Watching the dolphins playing in front of the boat.
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 3 Dolphins swimming freely in the sea, Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6269-1024x683.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
4 – Visit Pianemo, one of the most beautiful Raja Ampat islands.
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 4 Pianemo Islands, Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6103-1024x477.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
5 – Be in awe of nature’s perfection
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 5 Bintang Lake, Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6905.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
6 – Visit the enchanting Arborek village
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 6 A children playing with a wheel and a piece of wood on a sandy street in Arborek village, Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6143-1024x768.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
7 – You don’t even need a mask for snorkelling in Raja Ampat
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 7 A man snorkelling in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6148-1024x768.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
8 – Live life to the fullest
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 8 Three children from the jetty in the water, Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_7638-1024x683.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
9 – Endless stunning beaches
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 9 Some canoes docked on a deserted beach in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6135-e1497779011353-1024x581.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
10 – Exciting marine life
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 10 A man snorkelling surrounded by a school of fishes in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/G0571620-1024x576.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
11 – Swim with mantas
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 11 A lady swimming with a manta in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/G0601648-1024x576.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
12 – Be amazed by the beauty of Pasir Timbul
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 12 Pericles Rosa wearing a har, sunglasses and beach short posing for a picture at Pasir Timbul, Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Raja-Ampat-1024x683.jpeg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
13 – See the bird of paradise, one of the prettiest birds I’ve ever seen.
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 13 The bird of paradise on a tree in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_7637.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
14 – Visit a local village
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 14 A kid wearing a colourful T-shirt holding a fishing rod in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6291-1024x683.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
15 – Go diving in Raja Ampat and see its rich and exceptional marine life
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 15 Fishes and coral reefs in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/G0581625-1024x576.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
16 – Explore the neighborhood
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 16 Visit Raja Ampat](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6130-1024x577.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
17 – Make new friends
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 17 A man taking a selfie with three kids wearing school uniform in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6230-1024x768.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
18 – Learn how to fish without bait and still catch dozens of fish
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 18 A kid wearing red clothes fishing in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6308-1024x683.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
19 – Go bird watching
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 19 A Red Lory on a Papaya tree in Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_7636.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
20 – Master your travel photography skills.
![20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat 20 A man on a jetty taking pictures with his phone, Raja Ampat, Indonesia](https://esdmmor8tin.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_6208-1024x768.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
These are just 20 pictures to inspire you to visit Raja Ampat.
Stay tuned and safe travels!
You may also be interested in:
- 40 Before 40: How I Visited 40 Countries Before Turning 40
- Bahia South Coast in 20 Striking Pictures
- Travel is Much More Than Taking a Picture for Your Instagram
- 15 Otherworldly Pictures to Make You Want to Visit the Dolomites Right Now
- 17 Pictures to Prove That Rhodes Should Be Your Next Greek Destination
- Folegandros: 10 Pictures to Inspire You to Visit Greece’s Best-Kept Secret
- A Guide For Traveling to Raja Ampat on a Budget
Watch the preview video of Raja Ampat
Visiting Raja Ampat
- Where is it located?
Rampa Ampat is located off the Northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, in Indonesia’s West Papua province (check map here).
- Getting to Raja Ampat
You can get to Raja Ampat by plane or ferry.
*By plane
Since December 2016 there are direct flights from Manado to Waisai, the capital city of Raja Ampat. The only company currently operating is Lion Air, a subsidiary of Wings Air.
Another option is to fly to Sorong. There are several flights departing from Jakarta, Bali and Makassar, and some the companies operating are: Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia, Lion Air and Sriwijaya Air.
You can book your flights with Skyscanner or Momondo, which are the websites that I use and trust.
* By Ferry
From Sorong you can take a ferry to Waisai with PELNI, the Indonesia State Ferry. But ferry schedules are subject to change without notice and the best thing is ask your hotel to provide up to date ferry information.
Once in Waisai you need to arrange a pick-up with your hotel.
- Best time to visit
You can visit Raja Ampat all year round, but being a tropical environment, there are no days of the year where it can be guaranteed not to rain.
The wet season is from June to September, so there is less chance of rain between October and April. However, heavy rain can sometimes fall in December and January.
If you’re planning to dive in Raja Ampat, the best time is from mid-October to mid-December when the sea is very calm, there is little rain and light to zero wind. Avoid mid-June to mid-September because it can have strong winds and horizontal rain.
I visited Raja Ampat at the end of February and arrived there in a very heavy downpour. The next day it also rained in the morning, but the other three days the weather was good.
- Where to stay in Raja Ampat?
I stayed at Raja Ampat Dive Resort, and if you’re looking for accommodation my recommendations are:
Budget: Raja Ampat Diva Homestay and Kakatua Hostel.
Great Value for Money: Raja Ampat Dive Lodge, Alternative Stay and Augusta Eco Resort.
Luxury: Waiwo Dive Resort and Cove Eco Resort.
Booking.com
- Travel Costs
* Five months travel insurance: US$ 256 with World Nomads
* Raja Ampat Marine Park Entry Permit (PIN): 1,000,000 IDR (US$ 75)
* Ferryboat from Sorong to Waisai / Waisai to Sorong: 260,000 IDR (US$ 20)
* Taxi from the airport to the pier/ pier to airport: 200,000 IDR (US$ 15)
* Four nights at Raja Ampat Dive Resort with full board included of two people: 9,200,000 IDR (US$ 690)
* Boat trip to Pianemo: 6,000,000 IDR the boat for 8 people / we were four, so my part was 1,500,000 IDR (US$ 112)
* Two DSD (Discover Scuba Dive) dives in the jetty: US$ 156
* One DSD by boat: US$ 100
* Bird watching: 400,000 (US$ 30)
Extra Tips
– I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to get you covered in case of any problem.
– Confirm the boat schedule with your hotel before booking your flights.
– Avoid arriving in Raja Ampat on Sundays, as Sunday is a day of rest and religious traditions for the Christians in the islands.
– Make sure to have enough time from the airport to the harbour and vice-versa.
– Ferries are constantly delayed by at least 30min.
– The only way to navigate from one island to another is by boat and the oil is quite expensive over there.
– Raja Ampat is not a cheap destination, so if you travel with a group of friends you can share the costs of the boat trips with more people.
– Another popular and terrific place to visit is Wayag, but it’s a bit far from where I stayed.
– If you need more information to visit Raja Ampat, check Wonderful Indonesia, the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism.
- Book Your Flight Find deals on airlines on my favorite search engine: Skyscanner. Be sure to read my How to find cheap flights article.
- Rent A Car Rental Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find the best deal.
- Book Accommodation Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. But Hotels.com and Hilton Hotels have very interesting reward programs.
- Protect Your Trip Don’t forget travel insurance! I always use World Nomads for short-term trips and SafetyWing for long-term ones. Find out why Travel Insurance: Much More Than a Precaution, a Necessity.
- Book Tours in Advance Book unforgettable experiences and skip-the-line tickets with GetYourGuide or Viator .
- Book Ground Transportation BookaWay offers a stress-free experience with secure payments and no hidden fees. You pay online and receive your itinerary by email.
- Luggage Solutions Rent your luggage with Cargo or if you need to drop off your own luggage and enjoy your time without dragging it all over a city, find a LuggageHero shop here.
- Get a Travel Card Revolut Card is a pre-paid debit card that enables cash machine withdrawals in 120 countries. I’ve been using my Revolut Card for over a year and never paid foreign-transaction fees again. Get your Revolut Card with free shipping here.
- Packing Guide Check out my How to Pack a Carry-on Luggage For a Five-month Trip to help you start packing for your trip. Don’t forget your camera, chargers and other useful travel accessories. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
WOW! Stunning photos! I am definitely inspired to visit Raja Ampat. I love all of the tips too. Thanks for taking us on your photo journey. 🙂
Thank you Erika!!
I’m really glad to hear 🙂
You definitely should visit Raja Ampat when you get a chance.
Safe travels 😉
Always enjoy reading about new and exciting travel destinations around the world! Had never heard of Raja Ampat before, looks beautiful and peaceful! Great post and photos 🙂
Me too Robert, I love discovering new places!
Thank you so much and safe travels 😉
hey ! nice pictures, is it still interesting to visit from Bali if you have no diving license ? (just snorkeling) ?
thanks!
Hey Tim.
Thanks so much!!
There aren’t direct flights from Bali to Raja Ampat though.
I went diving for the first time there and loved it. But snorkeling is wonderful as well, everywhere you go, even in front of the hotel…
Komodo National Park is also a great option from Bali, and much easier to get there. Just in case 😉
Cheers and safe travels Tim.
Fotos maravilhosas, realmente muito inspirador!
Obrigado !! 🙂