If you really want to get off the grid in Indonesia then consider taking a trip to Papua (also known as Irian Jaya) where you can enjoy gorgeous scenery as well as some of the best diving in the world.
Papua is technically part of Indonesia although it is not to be confused with Papua New Guinea which is a separate country.
Located far away from central hubs in Indonesia like Java and Bali, Papua is covered is acres of gorgeous rainforest as well as tinking rivers and gushing waterfalls.
Visitors here can also enjoy long white sandy beaches as well as splendid waxy coral reefs, and anyone who likes diving is in for a treat as the visibility is so clear that you will be able to spot a huge variety of underwater life.
Papua is also an important spot in terms of culture, and you can get a glimpse at the amazing tribal art here in the form of ancient cave paintings that still exist in some spots.
The Amazing places to visit in Papua are:
1. Raja Ampat
It has to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world and one of the best locations for your best trip to explore the natural beauty of Papua. Located in West Papua and it is known as a top spot for those on their honeymoon and it is also a premium location for anyone who likes diving.
Much of the island is covered in untouched rainforests and you will find wide stretches of clean sand that back on the turquoise seas teeming with marine life.
As you would expect, snorkeling, sailing, and swimming are also popular pastimes here but it is the diving that is the true star of Raja Ampat and you can expect 540 species of coral in Saindarek village as well as over 1500 species of fish like the Sea horse, Wobbegong, Manta Pari Fish and the others.
Raja Ampat is often called the Birds head. The popular tourist attraction is in the form of some small islands surrounded by crystal-clear ocean. The biggest islands in Raja Ampat tourism are Waigeo, Misool, Batanta and Salawati islands.
You can do many activities in Raja Ampat even sitting on a ship and enjoy the landscape around is still a good thing. The beauty of Raja Ampat is comparable to that of other tropical getaways such as Hawaii or the Maldives. The region water is so clear and the spectacular underwater attractions that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.
You can take a short cruise to several parts of Raja Ampat( North and central or Central and south) on this trip. These locations offer unforgettable experience for tourists. North and central Raja Ampat offers the perfect combination of beautiful macro and ocean dive sites. Meanwhile, the Central and south Raja Ampat adventure starts from Sorong. This area consists of many islands and small bays with charming underwater beauty. You can see the beauty of the island of Misool and dive at the beautiful sites between Daram, Pelee and Yellit. Apart from that, you have some amazing dive sites that are divers paradise.
Primary Attractions in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat consists of the four largest main islands- Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool. It is the main and largest island in the Birds Head region of Papua. Thus, the area covers 40,000km2 in this eastern Indonesian province. In addition, you can find Wayag Island and Pianemo Island, which are internationally famous for their charming landscapes.
Moreover, the Raja Ampat area is famous as a bird of paradise nest, which is a very rare species, consisting of only a few species. This is the only natural habitat for the Bird of paradise in the Raja Ampat area. Also, there are many exotic and beautiful species, known as Birds of Paradise. They are a paradise for ornithologists and tourists.
Raja Ampats Best Dive Sites
Boo island and Jendela Boo are favorite dive sites in Raja Ampat, with gaping rock formations. In addition, the diversity of underwater life here is amazing. You can find colorful hard corals and soft corals present in the waters of West Papua. Shadow Reef is the peak used by Manta rays as their cleaning station.
All in all, you can find the stunning 4 kings dive site at Cape Kri, Blue Magic and many more. This location holds a record for the number of world famous species! Others are magical dive sites where currents carry rare large pelagics. Some of the marine creatures you can see are blacktip sharks, reef sharks, barracudas, octopuses and mantas.
Biodiversity of Fauna and Flora in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat sea is a paradise for divers, 75% of the world coral diversity proves that it has very high biodiversity. As a result, the coral reef attracts as many fish and creatures as you would expect.
Raja Ampat is famous for its uninhabited islands in West Papua, but its fauna is extraordinary. However, there are small bays hidden near the high seas and the great straits.
Nevertheless, you can expect a consistent water temperature of around 29˚C for a dive. With the ideal temperature, creatures under the sea can live well. Please note the topography of the dive sites varies greatly according to the dive sites you choose. Therefore, the best season for diving in Raja Ampat, West Papua, is from October to May.
