Island hopping in Raja Ampat

From Jakarta, we fly to Sorong in just over four hours. The coastal city is located in the Indonesian west of New Guinea. Alternatively, you can travel to Sorong by plane from the islands of Makassar, Ambon, Manado, and Manokwari.

There is another two-hour time difference between Jakarta and Sorong. Therefore, pay close attention to whether you can reach the ferry in Sorong in time or whether you have to spend the night there instead.

There are a number of ways you can get from the airport to the ferry and onto the individual islands. Some hotels or resorts offer pick-up service directly from the airport. Alternatively, you can try it on your own and take a taxi to the port. Some drivers are already waiting in front of the airport and offer their transport service for about 100,000 IDR (30-45 minutes).

After arranging a ferry ticket to Waisai, it’s a 2-hour drive to the port on Waisai Island.

The speedboat is already waiting there to take us to the island of Pulau Mansuar, which is only 20 minutes away and is right next to the island of Waigeo.

When we arrive at the jetty of the Raja Ampat Dive Lodge, I can hardly suppress a grin. After we have traveled a lot in the Indonesian cities the days before, the change with the beach, turquoise blue water, and some peace is just right.

From the jetty, we first move into our huts with a private terrace, which is hardly more than 10 meters from the sea. Then it’s time for me: put on my bathing suit and get in the water.

If you need internet during your stay at the Raja Ampat Dive Lodge, you can log into the WiFi in the restaurant area. However, this is very slow and is only sufficient for checking e-mails.

A little insider tip from me: go all the way to the jetty, because here your cell phone can receive up to 3G and is, therefore, a lot faster than the WiFi in the restaurant. Unfortunately, I only discovered this last night. But instead of hanging out on the net, you should use your time here to enjoy the beauty anyway.

The jetty is also ideal for watching the sunset in the evening or for snorkeling during the day. The intact coral landscape and the variety of fish are very impressive to look at.

Arborek Island is about 60 minutes by speedboat from Mansuar. A little paradise, with a charming and colorful village that hosts a few homestays. Arborek village is among the most beautiful villages in West Papua.

After arriving at the jetty by boat, we are greeted warmly by the villagers and then guided through the small town. After a short break under the shady trees with a refreshing coconut, the equipment for snorkeling is waiting at the jetty.

As soon as you dive into the water at the jetty, you can observe a beautiful underwater world. Huge schools of fish meander through the water between the wooden posts of the jetty. It is not for nothing that Raja Ampat is one of the most beautiful diving and snorkeling areas in the world.

If you have a diving license, you can also go with other divers to a diving area a few minutes away, where manta rays are often spotted. Alternatively, you have the opportunity to explore the underwater world directly on the shore of the island.

Less than 30 minutes from Mansuar is Sawinggrai Island in the Meos Mansar district. It is especially known for the cenderawasih bird of paradise.

There is also an impressive underwater world here. Although we only planned a short stay here before continuing to Piaynemo, we still use the time to feed the fish from the jetty with the children of the island and to look around the village.

Then you take the speedboat to Piaynemo in about 30 minutes. Here is an absolutely fascinating island landscape to see.

Arriving at the jetty, it’s about 340 steps up to the viewing platform. On the way up there is also the opportunity to take a short break. There are two small areas with seating for this purpose. Especially with the very warm temperatures that prevail here, it is advisable to take something to drink with you.

Arrived on the viewing platform you can look at a dreamlike island landscape. I myself spent more than 30 minutes there in the blazing sun and was absolutely captivated by the beauty of this view.