Indonesia Traveling Guide

The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province.

Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world.

The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems.

Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience to threats, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection.

Scuba diving in Raja Ampat is characterized by outstanding scenery, both above and below the waterline. Much of the diving is on coral reefs beneath small mushroom shaped rock islands, topped with green vegetation and rising from the blue ocean.

Beneath the water’s surface, the reefs are covered with lush soft corals, sea fans and sponges in every possible color, which are swarmed by thousands of small orange and purple anthias (a kind of fish).

Large fields of pristine hard corals cover the top of the reef and large table corals compete with the soft corals and sea fans for space on the reef walls. Most of the reefs are surrounded by clouds of baitfish and fusiliers (also a kind of fish) so thick they can block the sum.

Large fish such as groupers, tuna and mackerel, attracted by the schooling baitfish, are present on many of the reefs, as are all of the normal smaller reef dwellers.

The Raja ampat area is not only stunning underwater. Topside, the islands have a very diverse topography with steep mountain shores and deserted white sand beaches.

The area is far off the beaten track and is rarely visited by foreigners.

The raw beauty of the islands will fascinate you. It's dense jungle interior is known for its many orchids and the paradise birds.

Waigeo and Batanta have the Wilson's and the Red Bird of Paradise both endemic to this area, as well as abundantly present Lorikeets, Parrots, Kingfishers, Eagles and Hornbills.