Raja Ampat has become one of Indonesia’s top tourist destinations, offering breathtaking natural beauty and exotic underwater scenery. Its stunning beauty, especially its marine life, attracts thousands of visitors each year to this archipelago that has been referred to as “The Last Paradise.” The biodiversity in Raja Ampat is comparable to that of the Galapagos and Madagascar, making it a must-visit destination. So, what are the top things to do in Raja Ampat? Is Raja Ampat really worth visiting?
Explore the Beauty of Wayag Island
Wayag Island is the epitome of Raja Ampat’s stunning landscape. Known for its breathtaking views of karst island clusters, Wayag offers iconic scenery that’s difficult to match. Climbing to the top for a panoramic view involves a hike, but the reward is well worth the effort.
Sightseeing Iconic Views at Piaynemo Island
One of the first things to do in Raja Ampat is visit Piaynemo, an iconic island offering incredible beauty. Here, you’ll be treated to views of the stunning karst island clusters. To get this beautiful view, you need to climb 320 wooden steps. The trekking spot in Piaynemo is friendly for both children and the elderly, but make sure to wear comfortable shoes and be in good health.
Swim with Sharks at Shark Point
Experience your adrenaline by swimming with sharks at Shark Point. Located on Wayag Island, this spot is only a five-minute speedboat ride from the top of Wayag. You can relax on the beach or experience the thrilling sensation of swimming near blacktip sharks. These sharks are small and docile, but you should still be cautious.
Swim in Kali Biru’s Hidden Paradise
Experience the thrill of swimming in Kali Biru, a hidden paradise with clear blue water tucked away in a pristine forest. To reach this river, you’ll take a 15-minute boat ride and then trek for about 30 minutes through the forest. The journey is well worth it when you arrive at Kali Biru, where you can enjoy refreshing, clear blue water surrounded by lush, beautiful scenery.
Trek to the Love-shaped Lake at Dafalen
For outdoor enthusiasts, trekking to the peak of Dafalen offers a view of a lovely heart-shaped lake. To enjoy this sight, you need to hike to the top of Dafalen on Misool Island. The trek takes about 30 to 40 minutes along a path with wooden steps, so make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes.
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View of Island Clusters from Harfat Peak
Raja Ampat offers many breathtaking views from its peaks, including Harfat Peak on Misool. The hike to the peak takes about 30 minutes. The trail is well-maintained, with steps and handrails. Once at the top, you’ll be presented with expansive views of the blue sea and sky, creating a tranquil atmosphere. You can also enjoy sunrise and sunset views from this peak.
Visit the Traditional Arborek Tourism Village
One unique activity in Raja Ampat is visiting the traditional Arborek Tourism Village, which is known for its culture and friendly residents. This village has become a top attraction in Raja Ampat, offering the chance to learn about local culture and watch traditional dance performances. Besides cultural experiences, you can also snorkel or dive to explore the underwater beauty around Arborek.
Kayak Among Limestone Cliffs at Batu Pensil
One of the fun things to do in Raja Ampat is kayaking at Batu Pensil. This spot is part of a cluster of karst islands, offering a beautiful view of limestone cliffs surrounding the turquoise sea. You can kayak through the clear blue water, enjoying the stunning karst cliff scenery.
Snorkeling at Yenbuba Jetty
No visit to Raja Ampat is complete without snorkeling at one of its famous spots, such as Yenbuba Jetty. Yenbuba is a village near Mansuar Island, known for its snorkeling and diving spots around the jetty. With calm sea currents, Yenbuba Jetty is beginner-friendly, allowing you to encounter various marine species like Angel butterflyfish, reef fish, and other coral fish.
Take a Walk Across the Sea at Pasir Timbul
Visit Pasir Timbul Raja Ampat to experience walking in the middle of the sea. This sandbank appears only at low tide, creating the illusion of a small island in the middle of the ocean. Walking barefoot on the soft sand and taking photos here will give you the feeling of being on a remote island.
Read more: Is It Worth Going to Raja Ampat?
Beach Fun at Friwen
Another top activity in Raja Ampat is visiting the beautiful hidden beach in the Waigeo Selatan District. This beach is near Pasir Timbul, about 30 minutes to an hour from Waisai Island. You can explore the beautiful beach, relax on the white sand, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Besides beach activities, you can also snorkel and dive here.
Birdwatching in Waigeo
Home to three endemic species—Wilson’s Bird of Paradise, Waigeo Brush Turkey, and the famous Red Bird of Paradise—Waigeo is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Birdwatching in Raja Ampat is a must for bird lovers. You can visit Sawinggrai Village in the Meos Mansar District to go birdwatch. It takes about one to two hours by speedboat from Waisai.
Snorkel and Dive at World-Class Spots
A trip to Raja Ampat wouldn’t be complete without snorkeling or diving at its world-class spots. Known as a paradise for underwater enthusiasts, Raja Ampat boasts rich marine biodiversity. Explore underwater beauty at various spots like Arborek Jetty, Yenbuba Jetty, Cape Kri, Blue Magic, and Manta Sandy. Each spot offers unique experiences, with different currents suitable for beginners and advanced divers.
Island Hopping
With four main islands surrounded by many smaller ones, island hopping is a must-do activity in Raja Ampat. Each island has unique features and is accessible only by boat. Start your island hopping adventure from Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat, and visit beautiful islands like Wayag, Piaynemo, Friwen, and others.
Experience Raja Ampat Liveaboard
Given its remote location, a liveaboard experience in Raja Ampat is one of the unique activities you can do. Explore more islands and attractions without worrying about travel time, as the distances between spots can be quite far. Enjoy a unique experience sailing on a luxury boat, watching sunsets and sunrises from the deck, and more.
For a satisfying and complete experience, we recommend staying in Raja Ampat for seven to eleven days to explore the top tourist attractions. To make your exploration easier, you can join a Raja Ampat tour package offering a liveaboard experience, such as those provided by Komodo Luxury.
Komodo Luxury offers Raja Ampat Liveaboard packages ranging from 7 days and 6 nights, 9 days and 8 nights, 11 days and 10 nights, to personalized Raja Ampat tour packages. Our professional crew will accompany you and take you to many places and do many fun things to do while in Raja Ampat.
Read more: Best Time to Visit Raja Ampat
Conclusion
Raja Ampat is a paradise destination that offers many exciting tourist destinations and fun things to do. There are many activities to choose from, such as sightseeing on its beautiful peaks, trekking, beach fun, snorkeling, diving, and many others. Visiting Raja Ampat will be worth it because every corner is beautiful. What are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Raja Ampat with Raja Ampat Liveaboard by Komodo Luxury.
