11 must-do things to do in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat vue du ciel : Les meilleures choses à faire à Raja Ampat en Indonésie

Visit Raja Ampat: Discover the cultural treasures, natural wonders and unique experiences to be had on the Indonesian archipelago!

Raja Ampat,Indonesia‘s dazzling archipelago, is an oasis of biodiversity, an unspoilt paradise where natural life and local culture merge into an incomparable experience. Prepare to be immersed in the extraordinary, to journey through spellbinding landscapes and rub shoulders with fascinating flora and fauna. Raja Ampat is a jewel to be explored, where every island, every cove and every reef abounds in wonders to be discovered.

In this article, we’ll share with you the best things to do in Raja Ampat, from its rich seabed to its lush rainforests. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a leisurely traveler, Raja Ampat has plenty to feed your passions. Scuba diving, jungle trekking, encounters with local communities, tasting traditional cuisine… Raja Ampat is a symphony of colors, flavors and emotions. Embark with us on this fascinating exploration – your unforgettable journey begins here.

Raja Ampat’s spectacular viewpoints

Photo depuis le point de vue de Piaynemo à Raja Ampat

Shutterstock – Qpang

  • 📍 Location: Piaynemo Island
  • 🤩 Experience: breathtaking views of Raja Ampat
  • 💙 We love: The breathtaking sunset

If you’re looking for a breathtaking view, don’t miss the summit of Piaynemo, a small island in Raja Ampat. To get there, you have to take a boat, then climb some steps for about 10 minutes. But you’ll see that it’s well worth the effort once you reach the top. The view is nothing short of spectacular, with a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding islands and rocky peaks plunging into the crystal-clear water. What’s more, you can also go there at the end of the day to enjoy a magnificent sunset.

While the Piaynemo viewpoint is a must-see, Wayag offers a similar view, but is more difficult to access. It takes around 4 hours by boat to reach the island, which lies further north. However, if you have an adventurous spirit, then it’s well worth exploring this area. The view from the top of Wayag is exceptional, offering a sumptuous tableau of islands and limestone cliffs plunging into the turquoise water, creating a breathtaking landscape.

Discover the Blue River of Kalibiru

Rivière bleue de Kalibiru à Raja Ampat

Shutterstock – Massimiliano Finzi

  • 📍 Location: Waigeo Island
  • 🤩 Experience: Kalibiru Blue River
  • 💙 We love: The extraordinary color of the water

The Kalibiru Blue River is a place that will leave you speechless. This magnificent river meanders through the jungle and, over a few hundred meters, its color changes to a splendid turquoise blue.

It’s easy to get to, as the spot is located on Raja Ampat’s main island (Waigeo). Once you’ve arrived at the river, there’s a parking lot and a restaurant that act as a meeting point. All you have to do is take a small local boat about 15 minutes up the river, then walk about ten minutes to reach the area where the water color changes.

The unmissable Kalibiru Blue River experience is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Raja Ampat’s lush natural surroundings. Here, you can admire breathtaking scenery and recharge your batteries in complete tranquillity. The color of the water is simply incredible, and you won’t see anything like it anywhere else. So add this experience to your list of things to do in Raja Ampat!

Raja Ampat, an underwater paradise

Coraux, plongée sous-marine à Raja Ampat

Shutterstock – SergeUWPhoto

  • 📍 Location: Raja Ampat
  • 🤩 Experience: Discovering marine life
  • 💙 We like: The shimmering colors of the fishes

Do you love diving and snorkeling? Raja Ampat is a diver’s paradise. The seabed is simply extraordinary, with an incredibly rich and varied fauna and flora. You can admire dolphins, sharks, manta rays, multicolored corals, nudibranchs, barracudas and much more.

Raja Ampat has a multitude of diving spots, each more beautiful than the last. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, you’re bound to find a spot to suit your level of experience. However, it’s important to choose your dive center carefully, to ensure the safety of the equipment and the advice given. So go ahead, discover one of the world’s most beautiful diving spots!

Birds of paradise

Oiseau de paradis que l'on peut observer à Raja Ampat en Indonésie

Shutterstock – Wisnu Yudowibowo

  • 📍 Location: Raja Ampat jungle
  • 🤩 Experience: Ornithological expedition in the heart of the Indonesian jungle
  • 💙 We love: The graceful spectacle of birds of paradise

In the heart of Raja Ampat’s jungle lies a jewel of wildlife: the bird of paradise. If you’re looking to spot this endemic species, you’ll need a local guide to lead you through the dense forest. Set off before daybreak to increase your chances of spotting them. You’ll marvel at their incredibly graceful nuptial dance and colorful plumage. This unique experience will also allow you to discover the beauty of the surrounding nature as you walk along picturesque paths through the rainforest.

A unique experience on an archipelago cruise

Croisière dans l'archipel de Raja Ampat

Shutterstock – Zoe Mongey

  • 📍 Location: Raja Ampat
  • 🤩 Experience: Archipelago cruise
  • 💙 We like: A new view every morning when you wake up.

One of the best things you can do to visit Raja Ampat is to hop aboard a boat for a cruise around the archipelago. Indeed, sailing through the archipelago allows you to go to even more remote corners, discover new places every day and enjoy breathtaking views.

During your cruise, you’ll have the chance to discover uninhabited islands, deserted white-sand beaches and incredible diving spots. Cruise ships also offer activities such as kayaking, fishing, stand-up paddling, snorkeling and scuba diving. So, if you want to discover all the wonders of Raja Ampat and live a unique experience, we recommend a cruise in the archipelago.

Contact GenerationVoyage to plan your trip off the beaten track
Laura Specialist in off-the-beaten-track travel in Papua & Indonesia (Bali, Java, Raja Ampat, Lombok…) Contacter Laura

Laura has lived in Indonesia since 2014, so she knows every activity she offers inside out.

Plus: Looking for adventure? Laura can create a tailor-made trip to discover Indonesia the way the ancient explorers did.

Meet the locals in Raja Ampat

Habitation locale à Raja Ampat en Indonésie

Shutterstock – Igor Tichonow

  • 📍 Location: Raja Ampat
  • 🤩 Experience: Meeting the locals
  • 💙 We like: A wealth of cultural exchanges

During your trip to Raja Ampat, don’t miss the opportunity to meet the locals in small villages at the end of the world. If you’re looking for authentic experiences, this is your chance to discover the local culture and traditions. Depending on where you are in the archipelago, there are bound to be small local villages nearby, giving you the chance to meet the locals (accompanied by a local guide). You’ll be able to chat with the villagers, discover their way of life and share a convivial moment over a traditional meal.

These encounters allow you to get off the beaten track and discover a lesser-known side of Raja Ampat. The locals, always welcoming and smiling, will be delighted to show you their daily lives and customs. What’s more, the small villages are full of hidden treasures: deserted beaches, little-known snorkeling spots and breathtaking landscapes. You’ll come away enriched and with unforgettable memories!

Hike to the Batanta waterfalls

Cascade de Batanta Raja Ampat

Shutterstock – Edmund Lowe Photography

  • 📍 Location: Batanta Island
  • 🤩 Experience: Discover its magnificent waterfalls
  • 💙 We like: Lulled by the sound of water

Start your Raja Ampat experience with an incredible hike to the Batanta waterfalls(see route). The hike takes around two hours round trip, through jungle and steep paths. But once you reach the waterfalls, you’ll forget all about the effort. The views are simply breathtaking, and you’ll marvel at the wild beauty of this place.

During the hike, you’ll cross bamboo bridges and discover exotic plants, rivers and hidden waterfalls. Don’t miss the opportunity to take photos of the flora and fauna that make up the jungle. It’s a unique experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

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Playing hide-and-seek with manta rays

Voir les raies mantas à Raja Ampat

Shutterstock – SergeUWPhoto

  • 📍 Location: Raja Ampat
  • 🤩 Experience: Swimming with manta rays
  • 💙 We love: The elegance of these giants of the seas

Swimming with manta rays is one of the not-to-be-missed experiences on your visit to Raja Ampat. You can observe them by diving or snorkeling at Manta Point or Manta Sandy. The ideal time to observe these wonderful creatures is from September to April, as this is when mantas are most numerous in the area. Both spots are located near Arborek Island, and are easily accessible from most of the surrounding islands.

Imagine yourself swimming with these giants of the sea, gliding gracefully around you. You’ll feel enchanted by their elegance and beauty. It’s an experience you’ll never forget, and one that will stay with you forever. So don’t miss the chance to swim with manta rays on your trip to Raja Ampat!

Swimming with carpet sharks

Nager avec un requin tapis à Raja Ampat

Shutterstock – SergeUWPhoto

  • 📍 Location: Raja Ampat
  • 🤩 Experience: Swimming with carpet sharks
  • 💙 We like: Feeling the adrenaline rush

Do you dream of swimming with sharks? Then why not try the unique experience of swimming with a wobbegong? Also known as the carpet shark, this species endemic to the Raja Ampat region is a must-see attraction for scuba diving enthusiasts. You can meet them in the shallow waters of the region’s pristine islands. With their unique appearance and peaceful swimming, these carpet sharks are fascinating to observe.

Imagine gliding through the crystal-clear water, surrounded by tropical fish and colorful coral, while these carpet sharks move gracefully around you. You can feel safe during this unique experience, as these sharks are harmless to humans. Swimming with a wobbegong is an unforgettable experience, and you may well be surprised at the serenity you’ll feel in the company of these majestic underwater creatures.

View Raja Ampat from Star Lagoon

Star Lagoon, Raja Ampat

Shutterstock – BigTigert.bb

  • 📍 Location: Raja Ampat
  • 🤩 Experience: Hiking in Piaynemo
  • 💙 We love: The incredible panoramic view

Looking for a unique vantage point from which to admire the beauty of Raja Ampat? Then climb the karst rock of Star Lagoon! The incredible panorama of the star-shaped lagoon will leave you speechless. Just take a boat to nearby Piaynemo and walk 3 minutes. So it’s very easy to get to, and you’ll be able to take some great photos to immortalize the moment.

What’s more, Star Lagoon is surrounded by coral and colorful fish, which you can admire from the top of the rock. Enjoy the view over the lagoon while observing the rich underwater life. So don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these magical moments!

Wayag Island, a breathtaking vantage point

Archipel de Wayag, Raja Ampat

Shutterstock – Daniel Lamborn

  • 📍 Location: Wayag Island
  • 🤩 Experience: Sports hiking on the island
  • 💙 We love: Spectacular scenery

You can’t visit Raja Ampat without visiting Wayag Island. With its turquoise waters and karst rocks, this viewpoint is breathtaking. And although it’s a little difficult to get to because it’s in the very north of Raja Ampat, it’s well worth the detour!

The easiest way to see Wayag is to stop off on your cruise, weather permitting. Once there, you’ll have to climb a number of steps carved into the rock to reach the summit. Note that this climb is not accessible to everyone (unlike Piaynemo). But for those who have the courage to climb, it’s an unforgettable moment that will remain engraved in their memory forever.

How to get to Raja Ampat

To get to Raja Ampat, the most common route is to fly to Sorong international airport via Jakarta or Bali. From there, you can take a ferry to the main island of Waisai. You can book your plane ticket on the French Ulysse website. Be prepared for a long journey, but rest assured that Raja Ampat’s incredible beauty is well worth it.

Where to sleep in Raja Ampat

When it comes to accommodation, Raja Ampat offers a wide variety of options to suit all budgets and preferences. You can opt for luxury overwater resorts, traditional homestays or eco-friendly bungalows. Whichever you choose, you’ll wake up to breathtaking views of the ocean and lush jungle. To find the best prices, do a search on this hotel comparator.

Here are our 11 must-see experiences in Raja Ampat. With its paradise-like islands and incredible flora and fauna, this dream destination is sure to fill you with wonder. So, what are you waiting for to take off for this Indonesian jewel? Are you ready to explore the wonders of Raja Ampat?

Off the beaten track in Raja Ampat

Contact GenerationVoyage to plan your trip off the beaten track
Laura Specialist in off-the-beaten-track travel in Papua & Indonesia (Bali, Java, Raja Ampat, Lombok…) Contacter Laura

Laura has lived in Indonesia since 2014, so she knows every activity she offers inside out.

Plus: Looking for adventure? Laura can create a tailor-made trip to discover Indonesia the way the ancient explorers did.

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