Spectacular Aerial View from Wayag 2

 

Raja Ampat is becoming increasingly popular, not only among divers. However, many people still don't know how to properly plan an exploration there, which can lead to an inefficient and wasteful trip that doesn’t give you your money’s worth. People who have never been there and don’t understand the conditions often confidently buy promo plane tickets to Sorong (the gateway city to Raja Ampat) on their own, without any friends or travel companions. Only to find out that getting around Raja Ampat requires renting a speedboat, which costs millions of rupiah, with a trip to Wayag costing at least 15 million rupiah. It’s a very hefty sum to shoulder alone. Not to mention, Raja Ampat doesn’t have a daily join tour system yet. The join tours that are available only run on Saturdays or Sundays, and only if the minimum participant quota is met. And these are just day tours. Of course, you might get lucky and find another group willing to let you join and share the cost, but the chances are quite slim and not guaranteed at all. So, before you decide to head there, you might want to check this smart travel guide for exploring Raja Ampat first.

 

Read Part 1 here, Part 2 here.

 

Wayag 1

 

Piaynemo

 

ACCOMODATION

There are several accommodation options in Raja Ampat. If you're looking for something more affordable and convenient with easy access to food and close to the hustle and bustle, consider staying at one of the many hotels (mostly budget hotels) available in Waisai City. Prices for air-conditioned rooms per night start from 300,000 rupiah (including breakfast).

 

However, if you’re seeking peace and quiet, beach ambiance, or even wishing to stay in a water villa, opt for resorts or homestays on the many small islands along the Dampier Strait (the main maritime route in Raja Ampat, between Waigeo Island and Mansuar Island—these include Kri Island, Mansuar Island, and Gam Island), or along the southern coast of Waigeo Island, in Kabui Bay, in Fam Lagoon (near Piaynemo). Additionally, there's a new resort on Andau Island. Both homestays and resorts charge per person, not per room, as it includes three meals a day. Homestay prices per person start from 400,000 rupiah per night (this price is usually for rooms with fans, not AC). Resort prices per person start from around 800,000 rupiah per night.

 

Raja Ampat Dive Lodge on Mansuar Island

 

Room in Raja Ampat Dive Lodge

 

Prajas Homestay

 

To avoid rushing, it's better to stay at least one night in Sorong before taking a flight back home. Sorong offers a range of hotels, from budget options to 4-star accommodations. Some notable 4-star hotels include Swiss-Belhotel and Aston, while 3-star options include Fave Hotel, Mariat Hotel, Vega Prime Hotel, Kyriad M Hotel, The Luxio Hotel, and The Belagri Hotel & Convention.

 

SOUVENIRS

- In Waisai and Arborek Village, there are several souvenir shops selling various Papuan crafts, T-shirts, keychains, and more.

 

Typical crafts in Arborek Village

 

- In Sorong, there are souvenir shops selling typical Papuan crafts, batik of Papua, T-shirts, and more. Notable shops include Icon Raja Ampat Premium and Tembok Production shop. You can also find Fira Papua, an affordable souvenir shop at Pasar Rakyat Sorong.

 

Typical Papuan souvenirs

 

Wearing traditional costume of Papua

 

- For edible souvenirs, the most popular and a must-try is the abon or shredded beef bread roll. To get the authentic Sorong taste, go to Billy Bakery. But if you prefer the genuine Manokwari version, go to Hawai Bakery. Both of these shops also sell taro chips, as well as various other types of chips and coffees with stylish packages.

 

Coffees with stylish packages

 

RESTAURANTS IN SORONG

- Abba Parman's Manado-style Yellow Rice (for breakfast)

Abba Parman's Yellow Rice

 

- Rica Padi (fast food restaurant, known for its tuna’s jaw and breast)

Tuna’s jaw, must try

 

- Republik Seafood

Lobster at Republik Seafood

 

- Marinda or Malioboro Tent Stall (don't forget to order crab with oyster sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or Padang sauce)

Don't forget to order crab

 

- Aghina Cafe (Eastern Indonesian Cuisine, there’s papeda in their menu)

Papeda, local Papuan food

 

- Marina Restaurant

Breast tuna at Marina Restaurant

 

- Mamberamo Seafood Restaurant

Steamed fish in Mamberamo Seafood Restaurant

 

- Warung Pangkep Sop Saudara

Sop Saudara

 

- Coto Makassar Pak Daeng

 

INTERNET

Most resorts generally provide free Wi-Fi for their guests, although it may not always be conveniently fast. On the other hand, free Wi-Fi is rare at homestays. Nevertheless, if your resort or homestay is on Waigeo Island or nearby, there's a good chance of having decent Telkomsel data signal. However, if your accommodation is far out at sea, connectivity may be limited.

 

Most resorts generally provide free Wi-Fi

 

RAJA AMPAT TOUR PACKAGES:

- Day tours every Saturday or Sunday, starting and ending at Marina Port Sorong, includes lunch box. Price: 2,000,000 rupiah/pax.

 

Main destination of day tour: Piaynemo and Telaga Bintang (Star Lagoon). Not Wayag.

 

Telaga Bintang

 

- Join tours or private tours (minimum 8 people): 2D1N (3,850,000 rupiah/pax), 3D2N (6,500,000 rupiah/pax), 3D2N Misool (7,500,000 rupiah/pax), 4D3N (7,600,000/pax), 4D3N Misool (9,200,000 rupiah/pax).

 

Dapunlol Hill in Misool

 

- Special package accompanied by tour leader from MyTrip, 6D5N (including Wayag and last night in Sorong): starting from 12,800,000 rupiah/pax (minimum 14 participants).

 

Wayag 2 with MyTrip

 

- Special Misool Kayaking package, 7D6N: 29,000,000 rupiah/pax (minimum 8 participants).

 

Misool Kayaking

 

Misool Kayaking

 

Note: All prices does not include flight tickets, conservation fees, and travel insurance.

 

INFORMATION UPDATE:

The conservation fee, previously known as the Raja Ampat Pin fee, is 425,000 rupiah for domestic tourists and 700,000 rupiah for international tourists. It is no longer mandatory except for diving trips. However, resorts such as Raja Ampat Dive Lodge still enforce it, including for non-diving guests. Guests will receive a card valid for one year.

 

DO’s:

- Rent a speedboat with a reliable engine and a skilled, experienced driver for exploring Raja Ampat.

Make sure to rent a reliable speedboat

 

- Bring or wear comfortable swimwear for hiking.

Wear comfortable swimwear for hiking

 

- Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent lotion/spray, complete snorkeling gear including fins, and a waterproof camera.

- Maintain a healthy body and stamina.

- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water while on the trip.

- Check the condition of diving equipment if you're planning a diving trip.

 

DON’Ts:

- Travel alone or in very small groups as renting a speedboat for exploration can be expensive. It's best to go with at least 6 people, ideally 10.

It's best to go with at least 6 people, ideally 10

 

- Insist on sticking 100% to the itinerary as weather conditions can greatly affect plans.

- Travel during unfavorable seasons, such as when waves are high between June and August.

 

Interested in visiting Raja Ampat? Contact Maya MyTrip on WhatsApp at 0811821006. 

 

 

Written by: Mayawati NH (Maya The Dreamer) Photos by: Mayawati NH, Dok. MyTrip