ID · Southwest Papua · 0.23°S 130.51°E

raja ampat

Some of the richest reefs on earth, plus the karst islets seen from Piaynemo.

Best time
October to April usually has the calmest seas. From about June to September, southeast winds make some crossings rough. Diving goes on all year.
How long
5–7 days
Getting there
Fly KL to Jakarta, about 2 hours, then on to Sorong, about 3.5–4 hours, sometimes via Makassar. From Sorong, a ferry takes about 2 hours to Waisai on Waigeo, the main island. Allow a full day each way.
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ID · Southwest Papuaraja ampat0.23°S 130.51°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Some of the richest reefs on earth, plus the karst islets seen from Piaynemo.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingRaja AmpatID, Southwest Papua
KLraja ampat
≈ 3,225 km from KL, as the crow flies
Piaynemo is an island in Misool District, Raja Ampat Regency.

Photo: Rizalubun · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

An archipelago of more than 1,500 islands off the western tip of New Guinea, in the heart of the Coral Triangle. The reefs hold some of the richest marine life on earth, from pygmy seahorses to mantas, and above water the karst islets of Piaynemo and Wayag are the postcard views.

Makan

  1. PapedaSticky sago porridge eaten with ikan kuah kuning, a yellow fish soup.Map ↗
  2. Grilled fishFresh fish with sambal, which is what most homestays serve.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. PiaynemoClimb the wooden stairs to the viewpoint over a lagoon dotted with mushroom-shaped karst islets.Map ↗
  2. Snorkelling off the jettiesEven village and homestay jetties have soft corals and schools of fish.Map ↗
  3. DivingWell-known sites like Cape Kri, and the manta cleaning stations around Arborek.Map ↗
  4. Arborek villageA small island village with a jetty swarming with fish.Map ↗
  5. Birds of paradiseDawn walks into the forest on Waigeo to watch red birds of paradise display.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Every visitor needs a marine park entry permit. Your homestay or operator can help arrange it.
  • Bring cash. ATMs are only in Waisai and Sorong, and phone signal is patchy on the outer islands.
  • Leave a buffer day before your flight home, and don't fly within 24 hours of diving.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.