Indonesia Nusantara: Raja Ampat, The Trivia

The name of Raja Ampat comes from local mythology that tells about a woman who finds seven eggs. Four of the seven eggs hatch and become kings that occupy four of Raja Ampat biggest islands whilst the other three become a ghost, a woman, and a stone. As stunningly beautiful above water as it is below, Raja Ampat (which literally translates as “The Four Kings”) has a startling diversity of habitats to explore. Each of these – from the stark wave-pounded slopes that drop away beneath the karst cliffs of Wayag and Uranie to the deep, nutrient-rich bays of Mayalibit, Kabui and Aljui to the “blue water mangrove” channels of Kofiau and Gam to the plankton-rich upwelling areas of Misool and the Dampier Strait – are home to unique assemblages of species that, when taken together, add to produce the most impressive species lists ever compiled for a coral reef system of this size.

Underwater enthusiasts flock to this region because it offers the world’s best marine sights.

Well, Many articles in internet shows you how beautiful the islands. But instead of that, these articles will advice you with some trivia and friendly illustration about what you’ll get there. After all, a well prepared vacation will make you enjoy your visit.

Some people said that it is better to go in October to April, with best chance of perfect conditions from mid-October to mid-December, This chance for perfect condition have decreased with weather uncertainty from global warming. But there’s actually no real off-season to come here. All you may get is sunny or rainy, that’s typical in tropical islands.

Raja Ampat homestays are not exactly homestays. You won’t be sharing a family’s home if you stay at one. You will however, be the guests of a Papuan family, staying on family owned land in what was once the only type of housing built in the islands. Be aware though, that accommodation at Raja Ampat homestays is basic and facilities and services taken for granted at many holiday destinations are generally unavailable. The following are not available at homestay accommodation: Air-conditioning, Internet connections, Spotless, insect-free rooms, Private or ensuite bathrooms with flushing toilets, Restaurants with a-la-carte menus and drinks lists, Room service (including housekeeping).If you regard any of the above as essential, then homestay accommodation is definitely not for you.

The local fishermen here are accustomed to foreigners and are friendly, especially when offered pinang (betel nuts) or some sweet candies. These are very popular and offering these sweets is considered polite and a good way to win an instant smile.

Some important preparations you should consider:

1. Prepare Your Camera

There’s absolutely contrition when you go to Raja Ampat and forget to bring the second important thing about your vacation here: everlasting memory in your album (of course, the first thing is your experience). No, the souvenirs are’nt as good as your photos from your own camera. Prepare the suitable camera according to the vacation you have planned (underwater camera for diver). Prepare the battery before you leave Sorong.

2. Buy Raja Ampat Pin

Without the pin, your vacation will be restricted only in Waisai abd Waigeo islands. There will be polices asking you to show the pin if you want to visit other islands in Raja Ampat. The price is Rp. 500.000,- (may have changed)

3. Bring Rupiah

It will be very hard to get ATM here, and only in Waisai city, the capital of Raja Ampat, only accept some banks (BRI). Prepare it since you were in Sorong. And, if you had been to some places in Asia or other parts of Indonesia, forget about the estimated prices you had known before. Most of logistics here are from other bigger islands and main islands (Java, Papua, etc) and it is considered as remote area, so the price will be much higher for the transportation. Also the speed boat will take a lot of money too.

4. Bring personal medicine, or any special needs

Same as the money, prepare the medicine since you were in Sorong. It is also valid for any internet access if you need (finish your job with internet before leaving to Raja Ampat), or any special needs for your computer, camera, handphone, etc.

5. Bring trashbag/plastic bag!!

Keep Raja Ampat clean! It is everybody’s responsibility to keep our nature beautiful and clean. Also your trash may harm animals here. Besides, Raja Ampat is a protected area and you will get penalty for damaging/harming the place.

6. Do not smoking in the boat

The petroleum for the boat is stored under the boat’s cabin. It is extremely dangerous to start smoking in the boat. The ship captain usually tells the passanger not to smoke in the boat, but in case he doesn’t tell you, you know that it is dangerous.

7. Bring more battery and dry bag

It is very important to you to charge more battery every time you are in the homestay. Some homestay don’t provide 24 hours electricity, also all day long you will be in the boat, so more battery is better. Also since you will be in the boat, your electronics will need dry bag to keep them safe from water.

8. More Friends, Cheaper