Do not miss these PIECES OF PARADISE at the Incredible RAJA AMPAT ISLANDS

Far away from city skyscrapers, from dense and hectic concrete jungles, traffic congestions, flickering electric billboards, endless annoying noises, and nuisances of modern cities, the pristine paradise  of Raja Amat islands awaits, located on the far eastern side of Indonesia, off the coast of Papua. With spectacular wonders above and beyond its waters, as on land and amidst thick jungles, Raja Ampat is truly the ultimate destination for those seeking serenity, beauty and peace.

Literally meaning ‘The Four Kings’, Raja Ampat covers 9.8 million acres of land and sea, comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool. Home to over 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and around 700 types of mollusks, the overwhelming underwater wonders of raja Ampat will render any diver and snorkeler stunned with amazement.

Meanwhile, the landscape above the surface is equally breathtaking. As if carefully designed and placed with much aesthetic care, the rock islets amidst the clear blue water and bright blue skies above offer a most spectacular scenery one will ever see. Aside from its endless fascinating natural attractions, Raja Ampat also offers the distinct hospitality of the Papuan people with their unique cultural traditions.

So, are you ready to explore pieces of this pristine paradise? Check these out:

1 | Pasir Timbul Shoal

Imagine a beach that only exists for a few hours a day! To make things even better, it is not only one beach but a few scattered ones. Technically, these are sand patches that emerge out of the ocean at low tide. Different sandbars connect these patches and the results are truly spectacular. The sensation of walking and running on the sand while being in the middle of the ocean is an experience that no one will ever want to miss.

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2 | Wayag Island

Known for its beautiful atolls and amazing underwater wonders, Wayag is definitely the place where you will truly discover what jaw-dropping and breathtaking beauty mean. Here, you will find pristine beaches with unique karst islets that look like mushrooms spread out in the vast sea. The scenery is simply spectacular, especially when you climb up to the highest vantage point and absorb the wonders that lie before your very eyes. Beyond its crystal clear waters, the colorful corals and numerous fish and other unique sea creatures offer snorkeling and diving experiences that are second to none.

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3 | The Piaynemo Vantage Point

As if this were carefully designed and placed with much aesthetic feeling, the rock islets amidst the clear blue water and bright blue sky at Piaynemo offer some of the most breathtaking scenery on the face of the earth. Although this may be smaller in scale when compared to Wayag island, but when you look down from the top of the hill, it almost seems as if Mother Nature has painted her finest artwork here, offering a glimpse of paradise.

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4 | Arborek Village

Meet the people of Raja Ampat. Aside from the fascinating natural attractions, Raja Ampat also offers the distinct hospitality of the Papuan people. At the Arborek Tourism Village, you can stay at a number of homestays and mingle with the locals whilst observing their daily life and unique traditions. Whenever a group of tourists arrive, villagers will perform the traditional welcome dance right at the dock and entertain guests with Papuan folk songs.

5 | Harfat Jaya Peak

Another exceptional point to marvel at the natural splendor of Raja Ampat, the Harfat Jaya peak is located near the island of Misool. The path to Harfat Peak has been provided with proper pathways, staircases, and wooden handrails to make it easier for visitors to climb. It will take about 30 minutes to reach the peak, and once you get there the rewards are more than worth the trip. A perfect 180 degree breathtaking beauty of lagoons, karst, lush trees, coral reefs, blue waters, and everything in between will definitely be a fantastic feast for the eyes.

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6 | Manta Sandy

Located to the south of a large reef between Airborek Island and Mansuar Island, Manta Sandy is definitely one of the most fascinating dive sites in Raja Ampat. As the name suggests, here divers will have an up close and personal experience with many Manta rays, some having wingspans of over 5m. This site is very rich in plankton and additionally serves as a cleaning station for the giant Manta Rays.

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7 | The Sacred Cave of Tombol

The locals call this the ‘Goa Keramat’ or Sacred Cave since it is believed to be the place where a pious Islamic propagator is buried. Here a sense of serene mystical beauty radiates in this cave. Entering its majestic mouth by boat from the sea, one will be presented with surprising beauty. Occasional birds of paradise are detected near the cave. Archeologists have come to study the cave to explore the secrets it holds.

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8 | Kabui Bay

Sailing between the islands of Waigeo Island and Gam, passing a narrow channel hidden from view from the Waisai port; prepare yourself to be amazed by a beautiful open bay called Kabui Bay. Similar to the scene at Wayag, Kabui Bay has karst islands scattered, where in its clear waters you can watch schools of fish dancing freely in the sea. And when sunlight breaks through its transparent turquoise waters watch colorful corals in the deep without even having to dive down. For divers, Kabui Bay offers one of the more unusual dives anywhere. At first sight it looks like a swift river winding through the overhanging jungle growth, but on closer examination it turns out to be a 60-foot-wide channel.

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