Raja Ampat – True Paradise
Imagine a place where sunsets are so vibrant and perfect, they look like they’ve come out of Salvador Dalí’s dreams.
A place where time is not counted by minutes or hours, but by the caress of each wave against the shore.
Where luscious, green forests are broken up by fine grains of sand and clear, aqua water. Paradise.
Well, my friends, you don’t have to imagine it, for this paradise exists. The place is called Raja Ampat in Indonesia.
Feeling pinspired? Hover and click on the images to save them to your Pinterest boards!
Raja Ampat isn’t a single island, but a group of approximately 1,500 small islands, located in West Papua. Known amongst divers for its excellent diving opportunities, Raja Ampat has spectacular beaches, friendly locals and views that will take your breath away (literally, as you have to climb a number of stairs to get to the best ones).
I’m a huge fan of Lost, and in some ways, Raja Ampat reminded me of the island in the tv series. It seems like it’s in the middle of nowhere, isolated from the busy world outside and once you’ve been there, you can never quite get over it. In fact, since leaving Raja Ampat, I have moments where I feel like the main character, Jack, with an ingrained need to go back. With every deep breath I take, I can feel the islands calling me and drawing me back into their enchanting existence.
Like the island of Lost, Raja Ampat has an almost mystical-like power to heal and restore one’s soul. I, for one, left Raja Ampat somewhat changed. I don’t know if it was the time spent bathing in the milky blue waters surrounding the islands, the late nights laughing with newly-made friends, or seeing the locals live a richer life than all of us, but it sparked a fresh vivacity in me that I’ve since held desperately onto.
Gazing at the stars from the pier, with only the sounds of gentle waves lapping into the wooden poles and a distant chatter from the beach was therapeutic. For the short time I was there, I felt so removed from the pressures and stresses everyday life places on us and completely at peace. I felt weightless. The fast-paced world of technology, bills and deadlines were meaningless here. When I asked one of the locals what stresses they faced, they responded with, “During the storm season, we don’t know when our food deliveries will arrive. They could be delayed by days or weeks.”
His response struck a chord with me and made me realise how much we take for granted. It also helped me realise that true paradise isn’t just an idyllic beach or place, but an attitude and positive frame of mind. That to find true paradise, you have to let go of the unnecessary stress and hold onto whatever it is that makes you happy – a Raja Ampat state of mind.
How to get to Raja Ampat
So how does one get to this paradise? Well, it’s not cheap or easy, but I can assure you, it is worth it. In general, the best things in life don’t come easy, and Raja Ampat is no exception. But if it were easy for everyone to get to, it wouldn’t be the perfect untouched paradise that it currently is.
Air
The closest airport to Raja Ampat is Sorong. You can fly there from many Indonesian cities, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, via Makassar or Manado.
Land
From Sorong Airport, you need to make your way to Sorong Pelabuhan Rakyat harbour, about 20 minutes away (approximate taxi cost: $12).
Sea
Depending on where you stay, you can arrange a boat transfer from the hotel to pick you up from Sorong harbour, or you can take a 2-hour ferry ride to Waisai and then a separate boat ride to your accommodation.
The ferry costs approximately $17 and operates daily (times seem to vary, so it’s best to contact the Sorong Tourism Office to confirm trip times when you plan to travel). It’s better to aim to depart Sorong during the week, as the ferries often don’t run on weekends and religious holidays. Be sure to check all travel times, as depending on flights and ferries, you may be required to overnight in Makassar or Sorong. The best advice is to contact your accommodation or the Tourism Office for advice. As it can take up to a day or so to get here, I suggest making the most of your time here and stay for at least a week (or however long your money or ability to go without social media can last).
Entrance Fees
It’s also important to note that there is an Entrance Fee, introduced as a way of supporting the conservation and community projects of Raja Ampat. The entrance fee is IDR 1,000,000 (approximately $100) per person and you can pay for the fee at the Tourism Office in Sorong or Waisai (or check if your accommodation or dive operator can organise it for you).
If you want to check out more of Indonesia, read our posts on Yogyakarta and Island Mermaids.
Where to stay in Raja Ampat
There are a few different options in terms of accommodation at Raja Ampat, from ‘budget’ to luxury. We were fortunate to stay somewhere towards the upper end of the spectrum, at Raja Ampat Dive Lodge. Think of air-conditioned bungalows facing the beach, luscious tropical gardens and water activities right at your doorstep. There are diving, snorkelling, kayaking and boat tours on offer, and they even have limited wi-fi, but really, who needs it when you are busy sunbaking and snorkelling, right?
For the budget conscious, there are ‘homestay’ options in various villages such as Arborek Village and Sawinggrai Village, and if you really want to treat yourself and splurge, there’s even overwater bungalows on offer in Raja Ampat! You can find a great range of accommodation choices here. For more in-depth information on accommodation, entry fees and getting to Raja Ampat, check out Stay Raja Ampat.
What to do in Raja Ampat
If you do start to feel a little stir-crazy from sun baking and swimming at pristine beaches all day (is that even possible?), I suggest the following:
- Kayaking – The waters are relatively calm for some lovely kayaking around the islands. Going at sunrise or sunset are my picks.
- Snorkelling – sadly, a lot of the coral close to the shore was bleached, but the further out you go, the more vibrant the coral and fish got.
- Diving – This will allow you to see more colour and marine life. You can also get your diving certificate here.
- Climb the stairs of Pianemo for the ‘money shot’ of the islands. The stairs are a little steep, but the view is worth it.
- Take a trip to the most stunning sandbank you will ever see – Pasir Timbul. At the right time of day, when the tide is low, you can walk along a picture-perfect sand bank. It’s hard to believe just how perfect it is, but once you are there, you will understand. It seriously looked like it was straight out of a movie scene.
- Meet the locals – The locals are very warm and friendly and always happy for a photo op.
- Bird-watching – The rare Bird of Paradise resides here, and if you are lucky (and an early riser), you might get a glimpse of its beautiful auburn feathers and unique tail.
- Explore the marine life – The walking shark also exclusively lives here, and we were lucky to get a glimpse of it one night, during feeding time. If you are a fan of marine wildlife, Raja Ampat is a great place to see it.
- Yoga – What better setting for some positive mantras than the backdrop of a pastel sunrise or sunset and soft rolling waves.
What do you think? Does this sound like paradise to you? How long could you leave social media and technological baggage behind? Do you think the destination is worth the effort? Give us your feedback below!
A huge thanks to the guys at Cabin Zero for providing us with the Urban and Classic bags for our review. All views remain our own, of course.
This post contains some affiliate links. Booking via these links won’t cost you any extra, but will help us continue to bring you the best in travel content, so thank you in advance!
Latest posts by Kim-Ling (see all)
- 9 Gifts for the Traveller at Home in 2020 - November 27, 2020
- Tropicfeel Shoes – The Travel Shoe for Everywhere, Every Day - June 22, 2020
- Light to Light Camps – The best way to do the Light to Light Walk - July 30, 2019
It seems like Raja Ampat had a healing effect on you, Kim-Ling! 😉 We heard a lot of great things about Raja Ampat lately, so we’re thinking about going there next summer. We’ve planned 3 weeks in Thailand and are looking for a great diving spot in the neighbourhood to go diving in the 4th week. Did you go diving in Raja Ampat?
Thanks Birthe! Raja Ampat definitely made a lasting impression on me! I think you’d love the diving there. Sadly, I don’t have my certificate, but seeing how much fun the others had, I think I might have to get it!
Looking outside at grey Paris, this looks like heaven. I’d definitely climb the stairs of Pianemo if it will give me that view.
The stairs are most definitely worth it!
Yes; Raja Ampat is paradise! Been there, loved it! What an incredible place! (Loving your pictures by the way! There is so much to do over there and everything is even better with a stunning landscape!
Thanks Nat! Glad you loved Raja Ampat as much as I did! I agree, Indonesia has so much to offer!
That really is a paradise. Indonesia has some amazingly beautiful spots but that view from the top of the stairs of Pianem is incredible, what a special place to visit, well worth the extra effort to get out there.
Thanks Toni! I agree, it’s often to be the case that some of the hardest places to get to offer the best rewards and Raja Ampat is no exception here!
This place really looks like paradise! I love snorkeling but not that good at it. But I think I would learn it very quickly here 😉 And it sounds like it’s affordable to all kind of wallets. Definitely a trip to relax.
Thanks Marlene! Snorkelling there was fun, and good for all levels, as the water depths are varied. 🙂
The water looks so clear and enticing, a paradise indeed. The photo of the islands from above makes it look like an idyllic tropical escape. I’m in!
Thanks Christina! I don’t think it’s possible to take a bad photo in Raja Ampat! 😉
I want to go Right NOW! The sunsets, crystal clear blue waters and that sandbank need to be in my life as soon as possible!
Haha Agreed! I am missing those perfect sunsets and beaches
Wow, what a paradise! I don’t know much about Raja Ampat so it was great to see so many photos and get some logistics around visiting. I love the more isolated places like this that are harder to get to. I am moving to Hong Kong in the next month, so I am compiling a list of places around Asia I want to visit now that I’ll have easy access. Raja Ampat is on the list!
Thanks Drew! Hong Kong will be a great gateway to so many amazing destinations! How long are you moving there for? You guys get around, that’s awesome! Glad you found the post helpful and hope you will get a chance to visit Raja Ampat!
I’ve been to Indonesia a couple of times now and there surely are a LOT of hidden gems there? Were you able to visit the Komodo islands too? (Though it’s not really a hidden gem as it’s very well known, but still a great place to go to!)
Anyow, Raja Ampat is surely one place I have to see for myself when I get back 😀
Sadly, we didn’t get to Komodo, but it’s on our bucket list! I can’t wait to return to Indonesia!
Those azure waters and purple sunsets make Raja Ampat look like paradise indeed. Great description liking it to a Salvador Dali painting. Would love to give it a visit in 2017!
We highly recommend it if you can! The sunsets alone are worth it!
I can’t wait to visit Raja Ampat!! We’re hoping for a big trip throughout Indonesia later in the year, and Raja Ampat is absolutely on the list. So stunning … I can see how it reminds you of the TV show Lost!!
Love that there are homestay options too … not only for the budget conscious but also an awesome way to immerse yourself in the local community no doubt 🙂 Thanks for the tips!
Oooh, a big trip through Indonesia would be amazing! Highly recommend Raja Ampat and Yogyakarta! Thanks Meg!
Amazing photos! Raja Ampar looks beautiful!
It is high on my bucketlist 🙂
x
Thank you Stephanie! Raja Ampat is stunning and somewhere I would definitely return to if given the chance!
Wow! These photos are gorgeous! I never realized how beautiful Indonesian was. Really informative article.
Thanks Grace! I’m glad you found it helpful and that I could show some of the beauty of Indonesia
Looks beautiful!!! Indo MIGHT be happening for me this year, so ill keep this place in mind. You said that you left this place changed? how so? what was the energy there like, I’m curious !”mysitical power to heal one’s soul??” thats what i need!!!
How exciting! Indonesia is amazing. Definitely soul soothing!
Wow, such a hidden gem (or should I say hidden gems). Your photos look lovely, especially those purple sunsets! We’ll have to return to Indonesia and check this place out.
Thank you! I hope you do get to visit there and love it as much as I did.
Raja Ampat looks gorgeous. What you said about this paradise-world is so true for a few other touristy heavens also. We can never take anything for granted, but your outlook is great!
Thank you! Raja Ampat is spectacular 🙂
Those blues, green, purples, and pinks are SO PRETTY! Wow!
Thanks Alice! I fell in love with them too!
Great post. It looks like you had a great time. So many places in Indonesia I want to visit. Honestly, I didn’t even know this place existed but I like how exclusive it looks. Perfect beach getaway.
Thanks Allison! It definitely was the perfect beach getaway! I love Indonesia 🙂
I had no idea such a place existed 🙂 Bucket-listed these gorgeous islands and you are right, it does remind me a loooooot of Lost haha! Thanks so much for the stunning pictures and inspiration, can’t wait to visit some day 🙂
Thanks so much Divya! I hope you can visit and enjoy it as much as I did 🙂
Oh wow…. Finally, I found a place perfect for Social Media Detox:) Never heard about this place so thank you so much for sharing…. BEAUTIFUL!!! I could smell the ocean and feel the breeze…. so relaxing. WOW!!!
Thank you! It is definitely the best place to get away from the hustle and bustle!
Is this place real life?? My boyfriend and I love to sail and Raja Ampar looks like it would be an amazing place to cruise around. So many stunning views! Heaven on Earth 🙂
I had to remind myself it was real when I was there! Sometimes I couldn’t believe my eyes! Sailing around there would be incredible!