Taking a Break to Paradise Island - Raja Ampat

RAJA AMPAT - THE LAST PARADISE

A view you would see in postcards - Piaynemo island

 

 

With breathtaking views of untouched nature, clear waters and spectacular marine life, Raja Ampat is a paradise on land and sea.

There was a tale that says that from 7 eggs, hatch 7 humans, but 4 of them became kings on the 4 main islands which are Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo, which give rise to the name 'Four Kings' or Raja Ampat.

To reach Raja Ampat, my family took a flight from Jakarta to Sorong, followed by a ferry boat ride at 9 AM from Sorong to Raja Ampat. Then we were picked up by our driver. Renting car + driver here costs Rp. 500.000 for one day.

1. Kali Biru

We rode a small wooden boat that fits about 8 people. With the small waves rocking us from side to side, the boat took us towards the mountains. The valleys are getting closer to us, the sea getting smaller, forming rivers instead. 

Walking on the shallow river and into the forest to reach Kali Biru

Surrounded by thick forests, sounds of birds(which kinda sounded like monkeys) nearby, the rushing of the clear water against the boat, bathing in the hot sun and the cool breeze against my hair.

Finally our boat docked, and we walked on monochrome rocks of various sizes, then walked through the shallow river, up to the dry land and down again, and into a clearing in the forest.

A small sign board which says "Kali biru 80 m" was a wonderful sight to see, after walking almost 800m. 

Finally we arrived, at the hidden gem in the middle of the forest.

The crystal clear blue river that shone under the rays of sunlight - Kali Biru

The so-called blue river was blue indeed, making a curve of about 30 degrees in the thick forest. The clear water is turquoise colored and sparkled under the rays of sunlight going through the leaves of the trees above. I walked down the wooden stairs going down towards the river and jumped into cold water. It was around 2 m deep, and I didn't have to swim as the current quickly brought me further away from the stairs. Thankfully there was a more shallow part of the river where I can stand on the rocky sand below me. It was a refreshing swim indeed.

Price: around Rp. 1.000.000 for a 20 minute boat ride from Raja Ampat island

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2. Piaynemo island

Climbing the wooden stairs up into the forest, to get a better 360 degrees view of one of the most iconic places in Raja Ampat.

Under the shadows of the thick forested mountain

Words are not enough to describe this breathtaking view, one you would see in postcards. With soft clouds decorating the clear baby blue sky, the turquoise sea that sparkled under the bright sun, with small forested islands on it.

The picturesque view from the top of Piaynemo island

Non - edited photo to see how truly blue and truly green this amazing view is

Price: Around Rp. 7.000.000 for a private boat to go to five islands (Piaynemo, Telaga Bintang, Sawinggrai village, Yenbuba island, Friwen island).

I think it's pretty expensive because the boat is very small and quite dangerous against bad weather, we were drenched in sea water in almost every boat ride.

3. Telaga Bintang

When our boat arrived at our next destination, we did not expect that we will literally climb the rocky mountain. Finding the right stone to hold on to and to put our next step on, and avoiding to look down to the sharp edged rocks surrounding us was indeed a thrilling adventure, thankfully rewarded by another picturesque view.

The view is indeed rewarding at the top of the mountain - Telaga Bintang

Standing on quivering legs on rocky land as the breeze blew my hair away, I took in the view. The tranquil waters surrounded by rocky cliffs in the shape of a star gives rise to the name "Telaga Bintang". This trip was one not for the weak heart and body.

4. Yenbuba island

Snorkeling under the clear waters, over a colorful array of coral reefs, starfish, clownfish, parrotfish, and the highlight was meeting a sea turtle finding food among one of the coral reefs. Swimming along and touching the sea turtle's back was like a dream.

Hi there Nemo!

Met a Sea Turtle!

5. Gurara Dive Resort

Life is never dull in Gurara Dive Resort.

Complete with three delicious meals a day, with lots of rice, vegetables, large grilled fish, and savory 'sambal ulek' (Indonesian chili), cute pets like a cat, two dogs and three smart parrots. (One of the parrots can call out "cewe" which means girl if he saw one.) Oh! Not to forget, they have free karaoke machine! 

Waking up to the warm sunshine, the smell of the sea and tranquil clear waters, snorkeling and diving is just a short walk away from your room to the long wooden pier. 

The wooden pier in Gurara Dive Resort

It was my first time learning how to dive, and I had a great instructor to teach me that.

My first dive in Raja Ampat! - Gurara Dive Resort

As it was my first time we only dove to the reefs around the resort's pier, nonetheless it was an amazing adventure getting so close to the fishes that wander around the coral reefs of different shapes and textures, and noticing new fishes that I rarely see such as the lionfish.

My diving instructor is good in taking underwater pictures. Look! A clownfish!

Soaring underwater, above the coral reefs and fishes

Spot the fish!

Spot the fishes!

Gurara Dive Resort Price:
- Deluxe room Rp. 1.500.000 / 2 pax. inc 3 meals/day
- Standard room Rp. 950.000 / 2 pax. inc 3 meals/day

Instagram Gurara Dive Resort : @gurararesortrajaampat
Hotel booking hp/wa: +628111000737 

It was an adventure I could not forget, and one I would love to do again.

There are other places that I visit, but these are the top 5 places that I love in Raja Ampat. 

Sawinggrai village: a small island with crystal clear waters and wonderful kinds of marine life, and I also saw people going on canoes there. But we only stopped there for a toilet break and fed the fishes for a while. A place which I regret not snorkeling in.

Sawinggrai Village

If you are planning to go to Raja Ampat I recommend u to go to Wayag island, because it's another iconic island in Raja Ampat, around 3.5 or 4 hours boat ride from Raja Ampat island. In Wayag island you can see more postcard sceneries and even swim with sharks at the beach! Sadly we couldn't go there because it is quite expensive considering it's further. So I hope you can find a tour package that includes Wayag island too!

"Raja Ampat is picturesque above and below the water"

To see more photos from this trip do check out my instagram on @janicevaleska

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or message my instagram!

Photo credits to my awesome photographer Lixy (My lil bro)

You can check out his gallery in instagram @notlixy

You can contact him for sweet17, events, or product photography.

Don't forget to watch the travel video in my Youtube!

for life can be so much of an adventure