A trip to Raja Ampat is certainly a dream for many people. Given that Raja Ampat is a group of islands with unparalleled natural beauty, it's no surprise that it draws so many visitors.
One of the must-visit spots is Arborek Island, which is now better known as Arborek Tourism Village. This village was one of the top 50 finalists in the 2021 Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia (Indonesian Village Tourism Award) and is located in Meosmansar District, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua.
Arborek Island spans about 7 hectares, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to walk around it. Although it's a short walk, the views are breathtaking. The island features white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, the neat arrangement of local houses, and homestays that provide an exceptional visual experience.
The friendly faces of the locals always try to greet visitors first, offering a warm welcome to those arriving in Arborek Tourism Village.
To get to Arborek Tourism Village, you can start your journey from Waisai by renting a speedboat, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on sea conditions.
The cost for renting a speedboat is IDR 1,500,000 per trip, with a capacity for 6-8 people, while a long boat rental costs IDR 1,000,000 for 3-4 people. The journey time and the expenses will be well worth it when you set foot on Arborek Tourism Village.
The Origin of Arborek Tourism Village
'Arborek' comes from the Biak language, which means "thorn." The Biak people, known for being skilled sailors, were once called the "Vikings of Papua." One day, these sailors traveled from Teluk Cendrawasih to the north and accidentally discovered a small, uninhabited island with white sand. After exploring and confirming the island was uninhabited, they decided to settle and build a village. Due to the presence of thorny bushes, the island was named Arborek.
The Gospel Monument, The Icon of Arborek Tourism Village
The Marthen Mambraku Gospel Monument was built to mark the arrival of the Gospel to Arborek Village in 1936 by religious figures such as Wilhelm Mambrasar, Rakibu Mambrasar, and Permenas Mambrasar. To commemorate the arrival of the Gospel and the teachings associated with it, another religious leader from the PAM village, Marthen Mambraku, was invited to become the first Gospel teacher.
This monument, which is one of the village's iconic landmarks, is located near the Arborek Village Church. The Gospel Monument was inaugurated on November 4, 2017.
The Charm of Arborek Tourism Village
Arborek Tourism Village offers stunning underwater views, making it a special interest destination. When snorkeling just off the pier, you can already witness a variety of marine life, from colorful corals to schools of fish in different sizes and colors.
The Beautiful Underwater Treasure
Many international tourists choose to stay in Arborek Tourism Village for diving or snorkeling activities. For just IDR 100,000, visitors can rent snorkeling equipment.
Not only are the corals and fish mesmerizing, but one particularly interesting feature of Arborek's waters is its role as a habitat for manta rays. These creatures are highly sought after by divers, and Raja Ampat is one of the only places where you can find two species of manta rays.
Are you ready to explore Arborek Tourism Village? Don't worry about visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the local community has implemented a unique rule. All guests entering the village must first submerge themselves in the sea for sterilization.
Before traveling, make sure you're vaccinated and always adhere to health protocols by practicing the 6M: wear a mask properly, wash your hands with soap, maintain distance, avoid crowds, limit mobility, and avoid eating together to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience.
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