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The beauty of Indonesia is endless, and Raja Ampat is a jewel in the crown. Get connected with clear waters and pure nature. Discover another life that lays under the water. Enjoy the unforgettable sunsets.
What and where is Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is an archipelago of 610 islands in West Papua, the most west island of Indonesia. It is a 4 hour flight from Jakarta.
Papua is the West part of island of New Guinea and is a part of Indonesia. (The East part of New Guinea island is called Papua New Guinea and it is an independent country.)
Raja Ampat is translated to Four Kings. The name comes from the 15th century, the period of North-Moluccan sultanates of Ternate and Tidore ruling the area for over 400. 4 kings were located on the islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo.
Raja Ampat was declared as a new regency of West Papua on 8th May 2003.
The seat of government and capital of the regency is the city of Waisai on Waigeo Island.
The majority of the islands is steep coastlines and its covered mostly with virgin forest.
The shorelines are beautiful bays and white sand beaches backed up by dense forests without any other than sea communication.
The most visited islands today are Waigeo, Gam, Kri, Mansour and rather far island Yeben and amazing Misool located in the south area of Raja Ampat archipelago.
This article is rather focused on the “upper” Raja Ampat area, around Kri Island.
Papua is the West part of island of New Guinea and is a part of Indonesia. (The East part of New Guinea island is called Papua New Guinea and it is an independent country.)
Raja Ampat is translated to Four Kings. The name comes from the 15th century, the period of North-Moluccan sultanates of Ternate and Tidore ruling the area for over 400. 4 kings were located on the islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo.
Raja Ampat was declared as a new regency of West Papua on 8th May 2003.
The seat of government and capital of the regency is the city of Waisai on Waigeo Island.
The majority of the islands is steep coastlines and its covered mostly with virgin forest.
The shorelines are beautiful bays and white sand beaches backed up by dense forests without any other than sea communication.
The most visited islands today are Waigeo, Gam, Kri, Mansour and rather far island Yeben and amazing Misool located in the south area of Raja Ampat archipelago.
This article is rather focused on the “upper” Raja Ampat area, around Kri Island.
Why is Raja Ampat so special
You can see it all at once! The natural beauty, crystal clear waters, whitest sand beaches, tropical animals and birds, countless number of fish. Corals of such shapes and colors you never imagined existed. And the jungles filled with dozens of green shades.
If you read about Raja Ampat it is only in superlatives since the beauty of this region cannot be described otherwise. It is a truly remote corner of the world that few people ever get to visit.
Most visitors come to see the unique underwater life since the sea covers more than 85% of the area and its most biodiverse reefs make it one of the planet’s top diving spots.
Raja Ampat holds some of the world records on coral and fish species.
For corals, it is 70% of all known existing species on the planet!
For fish, it is 374 different species counted during one dive at Cape Kri (Dr. Gerald Allen, 2007).
Researches, scientists, and photographers all keep coming back attracted to Raja Ampat.
Watch the National Geographic Blue Planet episodes, most of the scenes were filmed here!
Please understand that Raja Ampat is pretty much at the end of the earth and that is why it is so spectacular and hence why people still come here.
Keeping the resorts up to standards, the electricity, gas, fuel, etc... costs a lot of money. Therefore, the recommended resorts prices are really high. Despite the high prices, please remember that the five star place in Raja Ampat do not equate to what a five star luxurious hotel room is in Bali. It has different vibe, you come for something else. For a life experience.
If you read about Raja Ampat it is only in superlatives since the beauty of this region cannot be described otherwise. It is a truly remote corner of the world that few people ever get to visit.
Most visitors come to see the unique underwater life since the sea covers more than 85% of the area and its most biodiverse reefs make it one of the planet’s top diving spots.
Raja Ampat holds some of the world records on coral and fish species.
For corals, it is 70% of all known existing species on the planet!
For fish, it is 374 different species counted during one dive at Cape Kri (Dr. Gerald Allen, 2007).
Researches, scientists, and photographers all keep coming back attracted to Raja Ampat.
Watch the National Geographic Blue Planet episodes, most of the scenes were filmed here!
Please understand that Raja Ampat is pretty much at the end of the earth and that is why it is so spectacular and hence why people still come here.
Keeping the resorts up to standards, the electricity, gas, fuel, etc... costs a lot of money. Therefore, the recommended resorts prices are really high. Despite the high prices, please remember that the five star place in Raja Ampat do not equate to what a five star luxurious hotel room is in Bali. It has different vibe, you come for something else. For a life experience.
What to do and see in Raja Ampat
Diving
Snorkeling
Natural sceneries:
-beaches
-local villages
-inhabited islands
-incredible sunsets
Animals
Bird watching
Relaxing
Photography of all of the above
Snorkeling
Natural sceneries:
-beaches
-local villages
-inhabited islands
-incredible sunsets
Animals
Bird watching
Relaxing
Photography of all of the above
1. Diving
As said above, world-class diving is at your doorstep, especially if you stay around Kri or Misool islands. (These two are far apart from each other.)
An unbelievable number of species of fish in all different sizes- big fish such as Tuna, Trevally, Barracudas, and schools of small fish such as Sardines, you can look for tiny creatures such as mini seahorses or the big ones - Manta rays, different kinds of reef sharks such as Grey, Whitetip, Blacktip, endemic Wobbegong, night Walking shark. And the underwater coral gardens are just stunning.
Once you get into and under the water you cannot get enough of the sea life!
The list of our favorite dive sites around the Kri area is never-ending because each one is unique. Some of the sites where you can find big fish are Cape Kri, Chicken bay, and Blue magic. Sites, where walls can be found, are Friven and Fam. There are other cool sights where you can find tons of other things. Some are Mike’s point, Mansoir and Ransinvor. There are few manta points where seeing mantas is guaranteed during their seasons such as Manta Sandy and Wai island. There you can also see WWII. Plane wreck, this is a site for rather advanced divers. Ask your dive shop in advance and study what you can see in that particular place/dive site they plan to take you to.
Professional and trustworthy dive guides will decide the dive sites based on your level and experience and may even change their decision once you arrive at the site if the circumstances and conditions are not suitable (currents, visibility, heavy rain, no manta rays, etc.).
As said above, world-class diving is at your doorstep, especially if you stay around Kri or Misool islands. (These two are far apart from each other.)
An unbelievable number of species of fish in all different sizes- big fish such as Tuna, Trevally, Barracudas, and schools of small fish such as Sardines, you can look for tiny creatures such as mini seahorses or the big ones - Manta rays, different kinds of reef sharks such as Grey, Whitetip, Blacktip, endemic Wobbegong, night Walking shark. And the underwater coral gardens are just stunning.
Once you get into and under the water you cannot get enough of the sea life!
The list of our favorite dive sites around the Kri area is never-ending because each one is unique. Some of the sites where you can find big fish are Cape Kri, Chicken bay, and Blue magic. Sites, where walls can be found, are Friven and Fam. There are other cool sights where you can find tons of other things. Some are Mike’s point, Mansoir and Ransinvor. There are few manta points where seeing mantas is guaranteed during their seasons such as Manta Sandy and Wai island. There you can also see WWII. Plane wreck, this is a site for rather advanced divers. Ask your dive shop in advance and study what you can see in that particular place/dive site they plan to take you to.
Professional and trustworthy dive guides will decide the dive sites based on your level and experience and may even change their decision once you arrive at the site if the circumstances and conditions are not suitable (currents, visibility, heavy rain, no manta rays, etc.).
2. Snorkeling
Lots of corals and fish are within 5 meters so you can enjoy the beautiful sceneries. The water is turquoise and very clear.
The experienced guides will take you to the best sites to go snorkeling. Snorkeling among fish is especially beautiful around jetties at local villages of Yenbuba, Arborek, Sauwandarek, and others. Melissa’s garden close to Pianyemo is a coral wonder and tourist favorite. You can also easily see mantas when snorkeling at Manta Sandy.
Lots of corals and fish are within 5 meters so you can enjoy the beautiful sceneries. The water is turquoise and very clear.
The experienced guides will take you to the best sites to go snorkeling. Snorkeling among fish is especially beautiful around jetties at local villages of Yenbuba, Arborek, Sauwandarek, and others. Melissa’s garden close to Pianyemo is a coral wonder and tourist favorite. You can also easily see mantas when snorkeling at Manta Sandy.
1. Natural sceneries
Wayag and Pianyemo (sometimes called Fam) – iconic islands that are must-see when visiting Raja Ampat. Groups of tiny islands, formed by limestone, that you see on every picture referring to Raja Ampat.
At Pianyemo climb up the 340 stairs to the main viewpoints, enjoy the stunning scenery, and take some amazing pictures. You can also ask your crew to stop at Cape star viewpoint!
Wayag is larger with two viewpoints to climb to and it takes rather a full day trip to visit.
The picturesque white sand beaches - the most amazing ones are staying above the water only at a low tide. The whitest sands coming out of the turquoise color water are just amazing. You can enjoy and relax only as long as having a low tide as after that the water comes up and the beauty is gone till tomorrow!
The local villages - when your boat parks at the jetty of Arborek, Sawandarek, Sawinggrai or any other, after the snorkeling just walk around the village, watch the life of the local people, watch the happy kids playing and having so much laughter floating on their homemade raft or in a dugout canoe. Arefi is one of the villages where you can take a half-day trip to meet the local people and learn about their unique culture and traditions.
Pure and deserted islands such as Mansoir - stop here during your surface time in between the dives, or just stop when passing by. There are many islands with white sand beaches, green jungle, and sometimes abandoned or unfinished cottages.
If it rains a lot, or at the time of a full moon, you may need to pick up some trash that came with the high tide yesterday, to enjoy the scenery. We did that as our crew always carried large empty bags on the boat, we spent 10 minutes working and then 1 hour of swimming, playing, and shelves picking and forever feeling of a job well done.
The sunsets – they are just magical at Raja Ampat. The colors of the sky are different every single evening, varying from orange to red and to light and dark purple. If there is a clear day make sure to watch the sunset!
Wayag and Pianyemo (sometimes called Fam) – iconic islands that are must-see when visiting Raja Ampat. Groups of tiny islands, formed by limestone, that you see on every picture referring to Raja Ampat.
At Pianyemo climb up the 340 stairs to the main viewpoints, enjoy the stunning scenery, and take some amazing pictures. You can also ask your crew to stop at Cape star viewpoint!
Wayag is larger with two viewpoints to climb to and it takes rather a full day trip to visit.
The picturesque white sand beaches - the most amazing ones are staying above the water only at a low tide. The whitest sands coming out of the turquoise color water are just amazing. You can enjoy and relax only as long as having a low tide as after that the water comes up and the beauty is gone till tomorrow!
The local villages - when your boat parks at the jetty of Arborek, Sawandarek, Sawinggrai or any other, after the snorkeling just walk around the village, watch the life of the local people, watch the happy kids playing and having so much laughter floating on their homemade raft or in a dugout canoe. Arefi is one of the villages where you can take a half-day trip to meet the local people and learn about their unique culture and traditions.
Pure and deserted islands such as Mansoir - stop here during your surface time in between the dives, or just stop when passing by. There are many islands with white sand beaches, green jungle, and sometimes abandoned or unfinished cottages.
If it rains a lot, or at the time of a full moon, you may need to pick up some trash that came with the high tide yesterday, to enjoy the scenery. We did that as our crew always carried large empty bags on the boat, we spent 10 minutes working and then 1 hour of swimming, playing, and shelves picking and forever feeling of a job well done.
The sunsets – they are just magical at Raja Ampat. The colors of the sky are different every single evening, varying from orange to red and to light and dark purple. If there is a clear day make sure to watch the sunset!
4. Animals
Coconut crab and cuscus - if you walk around your resort, through the jungle backyard, you can spot many interesting creatures such as huge coconut crab with claws so strong that can crack the coconut, and cuscus, a lemur-like animal living in the trees, so cute and beautiful in different colors from white to spotted brown.
Monitor lizards - lazy large or small, beautiful lizards can be seen almost anywhere on the islands.
Dolphins, whales, manatees - while going around the area on the boat, from island to island from place to place, you can watch dolphins and spot whales and rarely even the manatees!
We were lucky enough to have the lovely playful dolphins swimming along with our boat for few days and on the same days seeing many whales (Bryden whale species) reaching the surface while jumping to breathe out and in again!
Thanks to the eyes of our boat captain, we were able to catch a view of the manatee – but these guys are extremely quick, and they would play hide and seek with you J
Friendly reef sharks are almost domestic at every resort or homestay because of the food! They are amazing to watch and upon agreement, you can even feed them with some raw fish.
Coconut crab and cuscus - if you walk around your resort, through the jungle backyard, you can spot many interesting creatures such as huge coconut crab with claws so strong that can crack the coconut, and cuscus, a lemur-like animal living in the trees, so cute and beautiful in different colors from white to spotted brown.
Monitor lizards - lazy large or small, beautiful lizards can be seen almost anywhere on the islands.
Dolphins, whales, manatees - while going around the area on the boat, from island to island from place to place, you can watch dolphins and spot whales and rarely even the manatees!
We were lucky enough to have the lovely playful dolphins swimming along with our boat for few days and on the same days seeing many whales (Bryden whale species) reaching the surface while jumping to breathe out and in again!
Thanks to the eyes of our boat captain, we were able to catch a view of the manatee – but these guys are extremely quick, and they would play hide and seek with you J
Friendly reef sharks are almost domestic at every resort or homestay because of the food! They are amazing to watch and upon agreement, you can even feed them with some raw fish.
5. Bird watching
Endemic bird species live in Papua and you can see them while here!
Bird of paradise – probably the most famous one in the area, is one of them, dancing high in the trees, you need to bring the binocular and come at the right time. That is about 5-6 pm every day. Pak Nico from xxx is an expert as bringing tourists to the viewing spot is his family heritage.
The Wilson’s bird of paradise - this bird performs his on the ground at the sunrise. To get to see him is therefore a bit challenging, the boat will pick you at 3 am depending on where are you staying and after arrival, you still need to do about 1hr of hiking.
Hidden underneath a man-made shelter, almost not breathing, you surely have a life experience.
Cockatoos, Sea eagles, and Hornbill were among other beautiful birds we have seen from a short distance in the trees while floating on the boat close to the islands.
We watched other birds forming groups, flying just above the water, and catching fish!
I am sure that an expert would recognize many other species and have a blast here every single day.
Endemic bird species live in Papua and you can see them while here!
Bird of paradise – probably the most famous one in the area, is one of them, dancing high in the trees, you need to bring the binocular and come at the right time. That is about 5-6 pm every day. Pak Nico from xxx is an expert as bringing tourists to the viewing spot is his family heritage.
The Wilson’s bird of paradise - this bird performs his on the ground at the sunrise. To get to see him is therefore a bit challenging, the boat will pick you at 3 am depending on where are you staying and after arrival, you still need to do about 1hr of hiking.
Hidden underneath a man-made shelter, almost not breathing, you surely have a life experience.
Cockatoos, Sea eagles, and Hornbill were among other beautiful birds we have seen from a short distance in the trees while floating on the boat close to the islands.
We watched other birds forming groups, flying just above the water, and catching fish!
I am sure that an expert would recognize many other species and have a blast here every single day.
6. Relaxing
Grab a book and relax in a hammock, in a bean bag on the jetty, or just on a blanket on the beach. Listen to the amazing sounds of sea, birds, and jungle and just enjoy the moments and feelings of being so close to nature at this very unique place on earth.
Grab a book and relax in a hammock, in a bean bag on the jetty, or just on a blanket on the beach. Listen to the amazing sounds of sea, birds, and jungle and just enjoy the moments and feelings of being so close to nature at this very unique place on earth.
7. Photography
The options are endless above water as same as underneath.
The options are endless above water as same as underneath.
The people of raja ampat
The people living on the islands of Raja Ampat are called Papuan. However, several tribal groups identify also by their tribes such as Batanta, Wawiyai, Kawe, Lagangyan, Ambel, Tebin, Moi, and more. Each has its dialect and unique traditions.
All the people here except the very elderly also speak Bahasa Indonesia and most of your guides will be able to understand and speak simple English.
The Papuan people are one of the nicest you meet in Indonesia. They are very shy at the beginning, and you need to get them to know you a little first. Later on, talk to them, ask about their kids and families, about their village and life, learn about their culture. In a while, you will see their hidden smile changing to a big one J. They are extremely kind and helpful. Many of them are very musical and will carry their guitar with them or at least keep it at the jetty and play and sing at every free minute J
There are many kids in every village, happily running around, wanting to take a picture with you or trying to have a little chat since most of them are exposed to the English language in their local church.
Muslim and Christian traders and colonists had a great influence on the people of Raja Ampat. Both religions are still practiced today in the islands.
You will see both Christian churches and Islamic mosques on the islands, especially on the most populated ones.
However, the people still also hold their own tribal beliefs, which are more animalistic and nature-focused.
If there is a tribe festive event happening nearby where you stay, do not hesitate, ask for permission and join!
Always remember to smile, be polite, respectful, and dress appropriately. Talk calmly, which can be applied anywhere in Indonesia and which will generally sort out any problems.
All the people here except the very elderly also speak Bahasa Indonesia and most of your guides will be able to understand and speak simple English.
The Papuan people are one of the nicest you meet in Indonesia. They are very shy at the beginning, and you need to get them to know you a little first. Later on, talk to them, ask about their kids and families, about their village and life, learn about their culture. In a while, you will see their hidden smile changing to a big one J. They are extremely kind and helpful. Many of them are very musical and will carry their guitar with them or at least keep it at the jetty and play and sing at every free minute J
There are many kids in every village, happily running around, wanting to take a picture with you or trying to have a little chat since most of them are exposed to the English language in their local church.
Muslim and Christian traders and colonists had a great influence on the people of Raja Ampat. Both religions are still practiced today in the islands.
You will see both Christian churches and Islamic mosques on the islands, especially on the most populated ones.
However, the people still also hold their own tribal beliefs, which are more animalistic and nature-focused.
If there is a tribe festive event happening nearby where you stay, do not hesitate, ask for permission and join!
Always remember to smile, be polite, respectful, and dress appropriately. Talk calmly, which can be applied anywhere in Indonesia and which will generally sort out any problems.
Practical information
When to go
In general, Raja Ampat is a destination to visit all year round.
However, for the divers, the best time to visit is September to April, when large numbers of manta rays are present at cleaning stations.
(May to August is low season as it is unusual to find manta rays and in July and August, the usually calm seas can get rough so diving may sometimes be limited or suspended.)
Also, you get the calmest waters and the best visibility with 10-20m in November, December, January, February, and March.
Water temperature is a constant 28°-30°C.
The windiest months are June to October, which can make jungle walks uneasy.
The first time we visited was in the middle of October and we were lucky for wonderful weather with one rainy day in seven.
The second time we visited was during Christmas and a New Year and we had showers on 10 out of 14 days. However, the rain mostly comes and goes, and the blue clear sky is usually fast back again. The rain does not affect diving, but you can feel a little chilly in the evenings.
In general, Raja Ampat is a destination to visit all year round.
However, for the divers, the best time to visit is September to April, when large numbers of manta rays are present at cleaning stations.
(May to August is low season as it is unusual to find manta rays and in July and August, the usually calm seas can get rough so diving may sometimes be limited or suspended.)
Also, you get the calmest waters and the best visibility with 10-20m in November, December, January, February, and March.
Water temperature is a constant 28°-30°C.
The windiest months are June to October, which can make jungle walks uneasy.
The first time we visited was in the middle of October and we were lucky for wonderful weather with one rainy day in seven.
The second time we visited was during Christmas and a New Year and we had showers on 10 out of 14 days. However, the rain mostly comes and goes, and the blue clear sky is usually fast back again. The rain does not affect diving, but you can feel a little chilly in the evenings.
What to bring
Pack light, you do not need much here. Few t-shirts and shorts, a light jacket or hoodie for some cooler evenings (and the plane), few swimsuits and swimming t-shirts (your clothes can be always washed at all of the places.) a hat, lots of sunscreen (try to get the natural one), sunglasses, trainers for the hiking (and a plane), flip flops, quick-dry towel is always useful, sarong for the beach. If you planning to stay in a homestay, it is safe to bring your mask and snorkel. And of course, a camera, GoPro or similar!
Pack your full gear if you are a diver, or check in advance what equipment does your resort or home stay provide.
Pack light, you do not need much here. Few t-shirts and shorts, a light jacket or hoodie for some cooler evenings (and the plane), few swimsuits and swimming t-shirts (your clothes can be always washed at all of the places.) a hat, lots of sunscreen (try to get the natural one), sunglasses, trainers for the hiking (and a plane), flip flops, quick-dry towel is always useful, sarong for the beach. If you planning to stay in a homestay, it is safe to bring your mask and snorkel. And of course, a camera, GoPro or similar!
Pack your full gear if you are a diver, or check in advance what equipment does your resort or home stay provide.
How to get there
Fly to Sorong, West Papua, the main hub in the area.
By plane:
Direct flights from Jakarta to Sorong by Garuda Indonesia or Batik Air.
Direct flights from Denpasar Bali, Makassar or Manado Sulawesi, by Garuda Indonesia or Batik Air.
By boat: It is possible to arrive on a live-a-board from Bali, Lombok, Ambon, or other destinations.
From Sorong harbour you can take the public ferry to Waisai, which is the capital of the Raja Ampat regency. You will need to register here and pay an entrance fee for entering the Marine National Park and from there the boat from your homestay will pick you up.
As of December 2019, the permit fee for international visitors 12+ (including Kitas holders) is 700,000Rp. The rate for Indonesian citizens and Kitap holders is 425.000rp).
Usually, if you are staying in a resort, they will pick you up by their boat directly in Sorong harbor.
The journey to your resort may take 1 to 2hrs. The sea is usually calm, but we also experienced rough waves, so be prepared for feeling seasick.
Where and how to stay
Resorts
Homestays
Live-a-board boats
Marine conservation holidays
Note that while Raja Ampat is a value, in general, West Papua is more expensive than other parts of Indonesia.
You can choose from many types of accommodation in the national park, less or more expensive ones.
Being a solo traveler, or just the two of you, you will enjoy staying at one of many homestays and support the local community directly.
Since this web is written with the focus on families with children, read below about our picks as we have personal experience and can absolutely recommend staying here without any hesitation.
Please note that these are not budget accommodations, rather well established, well maintained, responsible and safe, giving back to local communities and caring about the environment. While staying here, you are enjoying one of the best times of your life together with contributing to some amazing educational and environmental projects and supporting the life of beautiful Papuan people.
Another popular way to visit the archipelago is a Live-a-board boat. We do not have personal experience with staying on Live-a-board in Raja Ampat, but it is a unique one. You are most probably a diver if you choose this option and since it is worth staying at least 7 days to explore the area, it might not be the most suitable option for children.
Resorts
Homestays
Live-a-board boats
Marine conservation holidays
Note that while Raja Ampat is a value, in general, West Papua is more expensive than other parts of Indonesia.
You can choose from many types of accommodation in the national park, less or more expensive ones.
Being a solo traveler, or just the two of you, you will enjoy staying at one of many homestays and support the local community directly.
Since this web is written with the focus on families with children, read below about our picks as we have personal experience and can absolutely recommend staying here without any hesitation.
Please note that these are not budget accommodations, rather well established, well maintained, responsible and safe, giving back to local communities and caring about the environment. While staying here, you are enjoying one of the best times of your life together with contributing to some amazing educational and environmental projects and supporting the life of beautiful Papuan people.
Another popular way to visit the archipelago is a Live-a-board boat. We do not have personal experience with staying on Live-a-board in Raja Ampat, but it is a unique one. You are most probably a diver if you choose this option and since it is worth staying at least 7 days to explore the area, it might not be the most suitable option for children.
Kri Eco resort and Sorido Bay
Kri Eco-resort - bamboo cottages with no air condition and shared bathrooms - was the Pioneer resort in Raja Ampat. It is located on the north side of the Kri island, looking directly at Gam island.
The bamboo cottages are built on stilts on the water, the background is a pure jungle.
Some would consider it rather backpacker's accommodation.
The long jetty goes off the island to the sea of turquoise color. The sunsets from the jetty are stunning. You cannot have enough of relaxing in a bean bag or on a rattan sunbed and enjoy the breathtaking colors! Paddleboarding and kayaking will give you a different perspective of the island!
Still, the diving service, the food, the staff is ranked 5 stars by us :).
Sorido Bay is just behind the corner, 1hr walkind distance from Eco resort, nestled in the green jungle overlooking the turquoise blue lagoon and viewing the beautiful shapes of the island of Gam.
The cottages are more comfortable (spacious, solid built with air-conditioning, more furniture, and decorated with some beautiful Papuan artifacts.).
The jetty is awesome, easy to swim around or jump off. Again, kayaks and paddleboards are available for your adventure around the safe lagoon up to the sea sand beaches.
All the best dive sites are within a 1-15min boat ride. That is an absolute HIGHLIGHT.
Yummy food is served 3 times a day, coffee and tea available all day long.
Max, the owner, Chris, and Jade, the managers, are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their work, their life style and their interesting hobbies. All of them have been living here for many years and are so dedicated to their work. You can have wonderful conversations and learn about the area, sea, incredible Conservation Centre projects, Bell47 helicopter, small museum found by Max, and many more if you are interested!
The library here is full of interesting books and Max, who has been living here for 30 years, will talk to you on any topic, teach and explain anything you may want to know about the area, people, Papua, Indonesia, about building his helicopter, building his solar powered catamarans and much much more.
The staff members are a treasure. Everyone will help you with anything possible to make you feel at home.
JIS faculty groups with families visit the resort every year.
Kri Eco-resort - bamboo cottages with no air condition and shared bathrooms - was the Pioneer resort in Raja Ampat. It is located on the north side of the Kri island, looking directly at Gam island.
The bamboo cottages are built on stilts on the water, the background is a pure jungle.
Some would consider it rather backpacker's accommodation.
The long jetty goes off the island to the sea of turquoise color. The sunsets from the jetty are stunning. You cannot have enough of relaxing in a bean bag or on a rattan sunbed and enjoy the breathtaking colors! Paddleboarding and kayaking will give you a different perspective of the island!
Still, the diving service, the food, the staff is ranked 5 stars by us :).
Sorido Bay is just behind the corner, 1hr walkind distance from Eco resort, nestled in the green jungle overlooking the turquoise blue lagoon and viewing the beautiful shapes of the island of Gam.
The cottages are more comfortable (spacious, solid built with air-conditioning, more furniture, and decorated with some beautiful Papuan artifacts.).
The jetty is awesome, easy to swim around or jump off. Again, kayaks and paddleboards are available for your adventure around the safe lagoon up to the sea sand beaches.
All the best dive sites are within a 1-15min boat ride. That is an absolute HIGHLIGHT.
Yummy food is served 3 times a day, coffee and tea available all day long.
Max, the owner, Chris, and Jade, the managers, are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their work, their life style and their interesting hobbies. All of them have been living here for many years and are so dedicated to their work. You can have wonderful conversations and learn about the area, sea, incredible Conservation Centre projects, Bell47 helicopter, small museum found by Max, and many more if you are interested!
The library here is full of interesting books and Max, who has been living here for 30 years, will talk to you on any topic, teach and explain anything you may want to know about the area, people, Papua, Indonesia, about building his helicopter, building his solar powered catamarans and much much more.
The staff members are a treasure. Everyone will help you with anything possible to make you feel at home.
JIS faculty groups with families visit the resort every year.
Papua Explorers
Raja Ampat SEA Centre is a conservation initiative established by Papua Explorers Resort. Based at the resort, we are dedicated to conserving Raja Ampat's marine life through Science, Education & Awareness. Working with international collaborators and local community members, SEA Centre serves as a platform to conduct valuable monitoring and ecological assessment of local marine ecology and environment, and support sustainable community development.
At a local level, we aim to educate and empower both current and future generations to understand and preserve the extensive reef systems within the Raja Ampat region, upon which community livelihoods depend and are intrinsically linked. On a broader scale, we aim to connect national and international communities with the incredible marine life in Raja Ampat; the most marine biodiverse place on earth. Through hands-on involvement, formal and informal education we hope that every person we touch goes forward to be an ambassador for the pristine, unique, and irreplaceable reefs of Raja Ampat.
responsibletravel.com
Apo, the manager, will be your absolutely fantastic host and dive instructor, manager, advisor, teacher.. anything you need. He will do his best for your stay to be memorable. His wife and son will make you feel at home.
All staff and dive masters are professionals and will help you with anything you might ever need.
The cottages are absolutely beautiful and sparkling clean - imagine that in the jungle. Round shaped restaurant is overlooking the seat and serving fantastic food. Coffee, tea, sodas and beer available all day long.
Three meals are served daily plus coffee break takes place at the relaxing area at 4pm.
The relaxing area is amazing place for watching a sunset daily before dinner with glass of wine or bottle of beer, chatting with other guests.
Jetty - an absolute heaven for the kids. Our kids would stay here all the time if they are not out on the boat or kayaking around. Jumping, swimming, having fun. Just be careful as the lion fish like the underneath jetty area, too.
Raja Ampat SEA Centre is a conservation initiative established by Papua Explorers Resort. Based at the resort, we are dedicated to conserving Raja Ampat's marine life through Science, Education & Awareness. Working with international collaborators and local community members, SEA Centre serves as a platform to conduct valuable monitoring and ecological assessment of local marine ecology and environment, and support sustainable community development.
At a local level, we aim to educate and empower both current and future generations to understand and preserve the extensive reef systems within the Raja Ampat region, upon which community livelihoods depend and are intrinsically linked. On a broader scale, we aim to connect national and international communities with the incredible marine life in Raja Ampat; the most marine biodiverse place on earth. Through hands-on involvement, formal and informal education we hope that every person we touch goes forward to be an ambassador for the pristine, unique, and irreplaceable reefs of Raja Ampat.
responsibletravel.com
Apo, the manager, will be your absolutely fantastic host and dive instructor, manager, advisor, teacher.. anything you need. He will do his best for your stay to be memorable. His wife and son will make you feel at home.
All staff and dive masters are professionals and will help you with anything you might ever need.
The cottages are absolutely beautiful and sparkling clean - imagine that in the jungle. Round shaped restaurant is overlooking the seat and serving fantastic food. Coffee, tea, sodas and beer available all day long.
Three meals are served daily plus coffee break takes place at the relaxing area at 4pm.
The relaxing area is amazing place for watching a sunset daily before dinner with glass of wine or bottle of beer, chatting with other guests.
Jetty - an absolute heaven for the kids. Our kids would stay here all the time if they are not out on the boat or kayaking around. Jumping, swimming, having fun. Just be careful as the lion fish like the underneath jetty area, too.