Neighbourhoods in Raja Ampat
- 01
Arborek Village
A small island village in the Dampier Strait known to divers for manta rays and stingrays at the jetty reefs, and to visitors for plaited handicrafts and homestays.
- Time needed
- Half day; overnight in a homestay if you want evenings
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- October to April is the usually quoted calmer, drier window (Wikivoyage); confirm sea conditions with your operator
- Tickets
- Raja Ampat marine park permit applies. Homestay or boat arrangements are usually made through a host or operator; Wikivoyage notes Arborek has homestays and suggests confirming boat arrangements at least a day ahead.
- 02
Batanta Island
The smallest of the four main islands, with forested mountains, a Dampier Strait coastline and rainforest where the red bird-of-paradise and Wilson's bird-of-paradise live.
- Time needed
- Half day to two days
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- October to April is the usually quoted calmer, drier window (Wikivoyage); confirm sea conditions with your operator
- Tickets
- Raja Ampat marine park permit applies; a local guide is advisable for forest visits. Confirm any village or access fees before you go.
- 03
Sorong
The mainland port city and provincial capital where most trips start: airport, harbour, hotels and evening seafood stalls.
- Time needed
- Hours to one night
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Any time; plan around ferry and flight times, and avoid the midday heat
- Tickets
- No tickets needed. Ferry tickets to Waisai are sold at the port; Wikivoyage mentions the tourism office near the airport for permits. Allow generous time between flights and ferry departures.
- 04
Waisai
The regency capital on Waigeo and the main starting point for boat trips, with the ferry port, ATMs, the permit counter and basic services.
- Time needed
- Hours to one night
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Any time; plan around ferry and flight times, and avoid the midday heat
- Tickets
- Wikivoyage says the permit can be bought at the Waisai ferry port, open up to half an hour after ferry arrival. Use official counters only and check the current fee and your passport requirement.
Landmarks in Raja Ampat
- 05
Kabui Bay
A bay between Waigeo and Gam with many karst islets, which Wikivoyage recommends visiting alongside diving in South Waigeo, and a cave associated with skulls.
- Time needed
- Half day by boat
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- October to April is the usually quoted calmer, drier window (Wikivoyage); confirm sea conditions with your operator
- Tickets
- Raja Ampat marine park permit applies; arrange the boat through a resort, homestay or operator. Ask about any site fees and cave rules.
- 06
Misool
The large southern island of Raja Ampat, with a strict nature reserve on land, rock paintings and a jellyfish swim listed by Wikivoyage, and some of the archipelago's best diving.
- Time needed
- Several days including travel
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- October to April is the usually quoted calmer, drier window (Wikivoyage); confirm sea conditions with your operator
- Tickets
- Raja Ampat marine park permit applies; Misool also has a nature reserve on land, so follow your operator's guidance. Public ferries from Sorong exist per Wikivoyage, but schedules change, so rely on a confirmed booking.
- 07
Piaynemo (Pianemo)
A karst viewpoint on Fam Besar, in the western Fam Islands, giving a wide look over rock islets in clear water, with a shorter boat ride than Wayag.
- Time needed
- Half to full day including the boat ride
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- October to April is the usually quoted calmer, drier window (Wikivoyage); confirm sea conditions with your operator
- Tickets
- Visits normally need the Raja Ampat marine park permit and a boat arranged through a resort, homestay or operator. Any extra local fee at the site varies, so ask what is included before you leave Waisai.
- 08
Wayag Islands
The far-northern karst island group that most people picture when they think of Raja Ampat: steep green limestone humps standing in clear shallow water, reached by a long boat journey.
- Time needed
- Full day by speedboat from Waisai, or part of a multi-day trip
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- October to April is the usually quoted calmer, drier window (Wikivoyage); confirm sea conditions with your operator
- Tickets
- Entry to Raja Ampat needs the marine park permit; Wikivoyage lists it as valid for a year and bought at the Waisai ferry port or the Sorong tourism office. Fees change, so confirm the current amount. Most visitors reach Wayag through an operator, which should include it or advise you.
