Located in the heart of the famed Coral Triangle, the beauty of Raja Ampat is indescribable. This unspoiled paradise is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna above and below the waves. Explore islands carpeted in jungle, glimmering turquoise lagoons, white sandy shores, and more, with a guide to Raja Ampat, Indonesia’s hidden paradise.
Best Time to Visit
With two monsoon seasons across the region, the best time to visit is right in between, from January to April. The weather is clear, and so is the underwater visibility, perfect for spotting Raja Ampat’s famous manta ray gatherings.
How to Get to Paradise: Travelling to Raja Ampat
As an underrated destination in Indonesia, getting to Raja Ampat requires some effort, but it’s worth every mile. Fly into Sorong from Jakarta or Bali, then take a ferry to Waisai—the gateway to the islands.
For a more hands-on experience with the natural landscape, consider staying aboard a Raja Ampat luxury cruise, which will also make travelling around the archipelago much more convenient. Vessels like Vela Sailing Yacht typically offer diving and snorkelling excursions from the boat, alongside charters to other incredible regions in Indonesia.
Highlights: Kri Island
A diver’s dream, the island of Kri is cocooned by a breathtaking underwater landscape, boasting one of the world’s highest recorded fish counts in a single dive. Its house reefs are packed with a variety of coral, luring in marine life of all shapes and sizes.
Highlights: Gam Island
Known for dense jungles and rare bird species like the Cuscus and Red Bird-of-Paradise, Gam Island is a mosaic of rainforest treks and jewel-toned lagoons. The island is also home to one of the region’s enchanting ‘jellyfish lakes’—inhabited by hundreds of golden stingless jellyfish.