Raja Ampat
Best Time October - April
Nearest Airport Sorong (SOQ)
Ideal Duration 5-10 Days
Budget $100-300/day

Raja Ampat, which literally translates to "The Four Kings", is an archipelago located off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula in West Papua, Indonesia. Comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding four main islands – Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo – Raja Ampat is widely considered to be the epicenter of marine biodiversity.

The region contains the richest marine biodiversity on Earth, with scientific surveys recording more than 1,500 fish species, 600 coral species, and 700 mollusk species. This is more species diversity than any other area of comparable size on the planet.

Why Visit Raja Ampat?

  • World-Class Diving: Home to over 75% of all known coral species
  • Pristine Nature: Untouched rainforests with endemic bird species
  • Local Culture: Experience the hospitality of Papuan communities
  • Unique Wildlife: Spot manta rays, whale sharks, and the walking shark

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Raja Ampat is during the dry season from October to April. During this period, you'll experience calm seas, excellent visibility for diving (up to 30 meters), and less rainfall. However, Raja Ampat is a year-round destination with water temperatures averaging 27-30°C.