Raja Ampat – Heaven on Earth

January 11th – 15, 2014

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Let me tell you a story. About places that is so beautiful that you would not believe it does exist. That you want to live there and enjoy the rest of your life admiring its beauty. About a story of islands on the eastern side of Indonesia called Raja Ampat…

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I was suppose arrived in Sorong on Friday afternoon, January 10th. But, due to some issue with my flight from Makassar to Sorong, Merpati, who cancelled the flight right on the moment when I wanted to check in, I had to spend almost 13 hours exploring Makassar before finally got another flight at 3 am the next day.

At 3 am January 11th I left Makassar using XpressAir. Then, two hours later, I landed in Sorong, West Papua and the time at that morning already showed 6 am due to one hour time difference.

After waited for a while, finally the tour guide of this trip, who is also my friend, Lambertus Moory Sianipar, came and escorted us to the port where the speed boat waited, together with the rest of the group.

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DAY 1

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We left Sorong’s port and headed to an island called Mioskon.

an island called Mioskon

We stopped there for a while, took many pictures, and then headed to a snorkeling spot called Friwen Bonda. We spent almost 2 hours in this Friwen Bonda, where we also had our lunch. Then, our speed boat continued its journey through Kabui Bay headed for Wayag, where we spent the first night.

It took couple of hours to get to Wayag and by the time we arrived there, it’s almost sunset. However, we still had chances to snorkeling around the jetty in Wayag, plus seeing some baby sharks.

sunset at Wayag

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DAY 2

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After filling our stomach with “special breakfast”, we were enthusiastic to explore Wayag – the icon of Raja Ampat. Oh ya, before we go further, let me tell you something about this island in Wayag where we stayed. Since there is no home stay or resort whatsoever around Wayag, the only place where people can spend a night is in a island which is functioned as a conservation area. Due to its function, this island is equipped with some lodgings for its workers, but most of the times only some of them are there so some rooms can be used. Other than that, there is nothing else there. That is why, for each group of visitor that come there, they will have to bring their own food supplies for them to be cooked there. Long story short, we cooked instant noodles as our breakfast that morning using woods from the forest as the fuel and I think the smoke from the wood must have contributed into the unique taste in our “special” breakfast.

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It only took half an hour from the island where we stayed to the first peak of Wayag. Then, it took another half an hour for us to climb to the top of the hill to witness the hidden beauty of Raja Ampat.

Wayag from the first peak

another view of Wayag from peak I

me and some tour’s participants (plus the tour guide) enjoying the moment

Then, we continued to the second peak where we saw another view of Wayag.

view of Wayag from peak II

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We were amazed by the magnificent view from both peaks. It is true that Indonesia is so beautiful and has a lot to offer.

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After climbed two hills, we headed back to the lodging for lunch plus prepared to continue our journey to the next destination.

our lunch, nasi goreng, is being prepared

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From Wayag we then continued to Kobe Oser Homestay in Yenwaupnor.

Yenwaupnor is the name of the island where this homestay located. By the time we arrived there, its already around 5.30 pm so there’s no more snorkeling to be done. In the end, after dinner, we decided to take a walk to the local community in that island.

taking picture in the front of the room

picture with kids from the local community

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DAY 3

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After enjoyed the sunrise in Yenwaupnor and had good breakfast that was provided by the home stay owner, we headed for Arborek. In Arborek, we took pictures with local kids plus snorkeling till noon where we continued by having lunch there.

enjoying the sunrise in Yenwaupnor

Arborek’s entrance

After Arborek, we headed to Sawindarek which is heaven beneath the water. Its underwater world is so beautiful. It fulls with colorful and alive corals, lots of fish – from big to small, sharks, and even turtle. By free diving for almost 2 meters, you can see the turtle close-up.

turtle in Sawindarek

You will never find it enough snorkeling in Sawindarek, and so did we. But due to timetable that had been made, we had to end it too and headed to the next spot, Yenbuba.

Yenbuba’s underwater was also beautiful. With jetty mixed together between the corals, it was a perfect place to shoot an underwater picture.

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After spent many hours in the water, we finally said enough and ended that day. We then headed to the home stay in Yenwaupnor where we spent another night.

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DAY 4

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From Yenwaupnor, we crossed the ocean to the next island called Mansoar Island, where Raja Ampat Dive Lodge located. This dive lodge is so beautiful and expensive at the same time. But, if you have lots of money, it won’t be a problem then I guess.

perfect dining place that Raja Ampat Dive Lodge offers

After done sightseeing in this resort, we continued the trip to Mangkorkodon, then to Koh Island, then to Waiwo, and finally headed back to Sorong.

clear water and white sand in Koh Island

all members of the tour

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After struggling with the unfriendly sea (and almost throw up) on our way back to Sorong, we finally made it landed safely.

me, the captain, and his crews

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We spent the night in a hotel in Sorong (included in the tour package) and had dinner together. Then, the next day, we headed to the souvenir shops, brought souvenirs, packed our things, check out of the hotel, and was taken to the airport. This was a fabulous trip with Lovely Planet Travel- cheap yet impressive. Finally, I would like to say, Indonesia is beautiful and I love it.

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atampubolon