The stunning island formations seen from the peak of Dapunlol Hill in Misool

 

Continuing from the previous article, which listed some top-recommended places to visit in Raja Ampat for newcomers—whether to visit Wayag in the northern region or head for Misool first—this time, MyTrip will offer an itinerary cheat sheet. The content will be brief and concise, providing several alternatives to offer more insights for Trippers planning their first-ever trip to Raja Ampat. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

 

ITINERARY 1 (NORTHERN REGION + MISOOL) 11 DAYS

Day 1: Arrival in Sorong

- Arrive in Sorong in the morning.

- Take a public express boat to journey from Sorong to Waisai.

- Explore Kali Biru at Warsambin Village, Mayalibit Bay. Enjoy a swim at Kali Biru, the blue river.

Kali Biru

 

Day 2: Explore Wayag and Surrounding Areas

- Visit Serpele Village to interact with the local children.

- Wayag: Hike to the peaks of Wayag 1 and Wayag 2, or complete just one of them and then have fun on the white sandy beaches.

Our Favorite Pose at the Peak of Wayag 1

 

- Go to CI Beach (or Shark Post) to play with sharks.

Playing with Sharks at Shark Post

 

- Watch the sunset on the way back.

 

 Day 3: Explore Piaynemo and Surrounding Areas

- Stop by the small Yeben Island and Mios Mandun for some photos.

- Piaynemo: Hike up to its famous viewpoint/main lookout terrace.

This is the famous Piaynemo scenery

 

- Star Lagoon (still in the Piaynemo area): Climb the karst hill to view the star-shaped lagoon from above.

Star Lagoon

 

- Drop by Piaynemo Homestay to have a picnic lunch.

- Rufas Island: Swim in its lagoon or go snorkelling, or just relax on the beach.

- Pasir Timbul and Koh Island: Play in the water and roll around in the sand.

Pasir Timbul and Koh Island

 

Day 4: Explore Kabui Bay and Surrounding Areas

- Kabui Bay: Stop by the pier at Batu Wajah (Face-shaped Rock), located across from Batu Pensil (Pencil Rock). Then, hike up to Kabui Peak, and afterwards, pass by Batu Gendong (Rock shaped like a person carrying something on its back).

- Hidden Bay: Cruise through the crystal-clear waters of the bay.

- Pef Island: Observe ancient cave paintings on the seaside cliffs.

- Tanjung Putus (or Putus Cape): Go snorkelling.

- Manta Point/Sandy: Go snorkelling to see manta rays.

- Friwen Island: Enjoy some beach time.

Enjoy some beach time at Friwen Island

 

Day 5: Return from Waisai to Sorong

- Stay overnight and explore Sorong City.

 

Day 6: From Sorong to Misool

- Journey by public express boat from Sorong to Misool.

- Arrive in Misool by evening.

 

Day 7: Island hopping in Misool

- Gua Keramat (or Sacred Cave): Take a swim inside the cave.

- Gua Keramat 2 (or Sacred Cave 2): Explore the cave. Unlike the other cave, you can go inside without having to hike or swim.

- Tomolol Jellyfish Lake: Hike and then swim with jellyfish in the lake.

- Magic Tunnel: Navigate through the underwater passage, then climb the karst rock to view the green lagoon on the other side.

- Dapunlol Hill: Hike to the summit and enjoy the panoramic view from the top.

Dapunlol Peak

 

Day 8: Island hopping in Misool

- Love Lake/Love Dafalen Lagoon: Hike to its peak and enjoy the view from the top.

- Yapap Lagoon: Take a relaxing swim or snorkel.

- Sumalelen Cliff & Lagoon: View ancient paintings on the seaside cliffs, followed by cruising to see unique rock formations.

One of the unique coral rocks in Sumalelen Lagoon

 

- Namlol Beach: Snorkel, swim, climb up unique karst rocks, or relax on the beach.

The joy around Namlol Beach

 

Day 9: Island hopping in Misool

- Balbulol: View the giant rock formations resembling a cone or Tumpeng from the speedboat and then swim or snorkel at the nearby beach.

- Gamfi Island: Hike to the top of the hill to get a panoramic view of the island, then continue snorkelling at its beach.

Gamfi Island

 

- Patah/Broken Rock: Climb and explore the rocky area, and take some photos.

Patah/Broken Rock

 

- Wagmab Cave: Explore the inside of the cave.

 

Day 10: Return from Misool to Sorong

- Journey by public express boat from Misool to Sorong.

- Stay overnight in Sorong.

 

Day 11: Fly back home from Sorong.

 

ITINERARY 2 (NORTHERN REGION) 6 DAYS

- Mostly similar to Itinerary 1, return from Sorong to hometown on the 6th day.

-  Alternatively, you can add or replace some places with Sawinggrai, Sawundarek, Yenbuba, and Mios Kon.

 

ITINERARY 3 (MISOOL) 6 DAYS

Day 1: Arrival in Sorong

- Arrive in Sorong in the morning.

- Take a public express boat to journey from Sorong to Misool.

- Arrive in Misool by evening.

 

Day 2: Island hopping in Misool

- Gua Keramat (or Sacred Cave): Take a swim inside the cave.

- Sumalelen Cliff & Lagoon: View ancient paintings on the seaside cliffs, followed by cruising to see unique rock formations.

- Yapap Beach: Relax on the sandy shore and have a picnic lunch.

- Yapap Lagoon: Take a relaxing swim or snorkel.

Yapap Lagoon

 

- Namlol Beach: Snorkel, swim, climb up unique karst rocks, or relax on the beach.

Climb the unique karst rocks at Namlol Beach

 

Day 3: Island hopping in Misool

- Dapunlol Hill: Hike to the summit and enjoy the panoramic view from the top.

Enjoy beautiful view from Dapunlol Peak

 

- Love Lake/Love Dafalen Lagoon: Hike to its peak and enjoy the view from the top.

- Banos Island: Play and relax on the sandy beach, have a picnic lunch, and go snorkelling.

- Balbulol: View the giant rock formations resembling a cone or Tumpeng from the speedboat and then swim or snorkel at the nearby beach.

Balbulol

 

Day 4: Island hopping in Misool

- Yelit Beach: Participate in feeding baby sharks.

- Nudi Rock: Go snorkelling.

- Kaleg Island: Play on the sandy beach and hike to the viewpoint atop the coral cliffs in one corner of the island.

Beautiful Kaleg Island

 

- Jaam Island: Enjoy a leisurely swim and relax on the beach.

 

Day 5: Return from Misool to Sorong

- Journey by public express boat from Misool to Sorong.

- Stay overnight in Sorong.

 

Day 6: Fly back home from Sorong.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

- When planning a trip to Raja Ampat, it's best to go in a group of at least 8 people so you can split the cost of the speedboat rental, which can be quite pricey.

- The ferry from Sorong to Misool (and vice versa) only operates twice a week, so you need to plan your departure/return date according to their schedule.

- The express boat from Sorong to Waisai (and vice versa) runs daily.

 

If you want a trip to Raja Ampat without all the hassle and have everything taken care of, get in touch with me, Maya The Dreamer, on WhatsApp at 0811821006 or send me an email at mytripjustpackandgo@gmail.com

 

 

Text: Mayawati NH (Maya The Dreamer) Photo: Indra Franzpower, Mario Susilo, Mayawati NH, Dok. MyTrip