Raja Ampat The Pearl of the Orient

NATURAL beauty and abundant natural resources in the Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua. Marine park becomes' paradise for divers. Beautiful pearls in the sea. Earth Raja Ampat also save a nickel.

Variety of animals that live there. Tersebutlah black head parrot (Lorius Lory) and king parrots (Probosciger aterrimus). Also grows a variety of flora, including forest orchids, bags Semar (Nepenthes mirabilis), ant nests (Myrmecodia connection), parasites and working for the drug.

Raja Ampat originally part of the Kingdom Tidore areas are divided into four regions of the small kingdoms of Waigeo Batanta, Mysol and Salawati.

Each region is a region of small islands scattered in the west of the Bird's Head in West Papua, the Moluccas Islands borders.

Of these islands, only a few indigenous tribes that inhabited the ten local. Kabui District One, located in the Strait Kabui. There are approximately 40 families berpenghidupan as a fisherman.

She led a simple life in the abundance of natural resources. Children play happily living in modesty. (Ariyanto Rony Nugroho)
sources:
Compass Print

Raja Ampat islands, coral reefs and tropical fish

Raja Ampat, KOMPAS.com - Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan asked the regional chief of optimizing environmental conservation. Sustainable and attractive environment to attract domestic and foreign tourists to visit the local revenue.
The beauty of Raja Ampat Marine was much known abroad, and I've proved this with his own dive.
- Zulkifli Hasan

Zulkifli put this in a meeting with the Raja Ampat regency government ranks and Sorong, West Papua, Raja Ampat, Saturday (10/02/2010) night. Forestry Minister was accompanied by the Director General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation Darori, Director-General Bambang Soepijanto Planning and Business Development Director of Forestry Iman Santoso around Papua and West Papua's forests and conservation review.

"The beauty of Raja Ampat Marine was much known abroad, and I've proved this with his own dive. Not that the area should not (with a change in the status area) to expand, but the government should pay attention to the environment and management as PAD, "said Minister of Forestry.

According to Minister of Forestry, the district government could extend the territory to be proposed by proposing changes to the status of forest conversion of existing production. However, Zulkifli confirmed that the conversion of the country as well planned as not to damage the environment.

The Ministry of Forestry is now promoting tourism investment nature preserve local government regulation No. 36/2010. Prior authorization natural attractions for years can now be picked up within three months.

Raja Ampat region has now become one of the destinations of foreign tourists who are interested in nautical tourism. Crystal clear waters, coral reefs, which became the spawning fish, ornamental fish and beautiful was the main attraction area.

"If beauty is damaged, the loss of his own people of Raja Ampat. As an outsider, they are now looking for new places to visit again," said Minister of Forestry.

Previously, Regent Marcus Raja Ampat Wanmar questions Menhut change the status of conservation forest areas to be used as farmland and residential areas. At least 80 percent of the 1 million acres of the Raja Ampat is a nature and conservation.

Raja Ampat regency status of the area complained that the building difficult. As the construction of public hospitals, most buildings are in the nature reserve.

Raja Ampat has a population of 50,000 inhabitants. The bulk of the work as fishing and ecotourism, which is developing the last seven years. Raja Ampat Regency who was born in 2003, a 429,462-hectare nature reserve.

According to Marcus, a change in the region is urgently needed because 80 percent of them are aquatic. Raja Ampat consists of four major islands, namely Salawati, Wajeo, LISOL and Batanta, with 640 small islands.

Contact in Jakarta, Indonesia Greenomics director Elfian Effendi said, Indonesia could environmental revenues from ecotourism at least $ 68.44 billion a year from the protected areas and protected forest area of ​​54.75 million hectares. This assumption is based on average earnings over the optimization of the international tourism income per hectare per year.

"Unfortunately, Indonesia is still unable to ecotourism revenue potential of this optimization. Revenue from ecotourism has yet to reach $ 6.8 billion today, 'said Elfian.

One Night in Raja Ampat

KOMPAS.com - Everybody would have felt less satisfied if only one night spent at the Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua. And it is true, if not the result of limited resources and employment survey missions, it feels like weeks living on these islands. Many people believe that the Raja Ampat is the most unreachable destination, and other extraordinary costs due will be paid is very high.
Who is not afraid, there see price list price of the resort around Rp 1.5 to 3 million Rp per night, per person. Not per room. For the most expensive resorts in the locally owned nothing about a $ 500,000 per night, per person. Fortunately, my dad a real knowledge of Raja Ampat, who currently resides at the beach Waiwo Waisai, one of the largest island in the southern region of Raja Ampat, Waigeo.
Homestay Mr. Ahmad
Mr. Ahmad's name, chose to remain on the beach since he retired his job at the oil companies. With family and grandchildren, he lives as a coastal people. Depending on the catching and selling fish Paisai, Waigeo main town on the island. With a fairly modest house, he was so open to receive guests staying in his house.
He told me some time ago, there was also foreign tourists from Norway and India, which stay in place for 3 weeks. In addition, residential area is quite shady and spacious, are often used for overnight guests to use a tent, or just sleep-Saung Saung around his house. As a result, costs should I spend more on gasoline to ship to the Raja Ampat Islands and surrounding islands.
Waiwo beach on the island of Waigeo seems ideal for those who only had a few days to play the Raja Ampat, with average capital. A little extra info, this time in the area of ​​the father of Ahmad's house, there were speeches, various small homestay that will be rented to guests are built. Certainly the price of the homestay, it would be very far below the price of lodging that there has been, and with facilities sufficient for the expected desire of many travelers on a budget in Indonesia is currently interested in the beauty of Raja Ampat requirements.
If you want to Raja Ampat, we can use the public boat from Sorong to Waisai fourteen departs hourly, travel about 2-3 hours. Rates of this ship when nobody is around Rp 120,000 return. Arriving in Waisai, we may wonder Nyong, son of Mr. Ahmad, to pick us up at the port to small boats to use their house.
-Other hotels in Raja Ampat
A little research by visiting various hotels on the island (I was three specialties, which were to go there), I was curious about what the original form of lodgings that cost millions. There are two hotels owned by Dutch people who occupy an island with a beautiful landscape.
As I suggest, the price is not lying. He seems to have a survey with a very good, so they can find the cluster of coral beach with a very smooth. From the inn, visitors can also reflect a small island at the front, associated with white sand and blue sea Toska to their dock.
In addition to the inn, I also visited the inn that had been managed as a research center. But transferred to commercial accommodation. Located adjacent to where I live, this inn has a different concept of a resort on the island of Kri, owned by foreigners. This inn has several buildings above ground, covered with trees, hedges and buildings that looked solid. Unlike the concept of the resorts on the island of Kri above the water, use of wood as the home of a local resident.
Ties of the fish pier
What can I do to Raja Ampat in just one night, enough to give the impression that I must return again to this place to give. In the afternoon, after clearing the goods, we were invited around a bit in front of the bay kabui, see the settlements and the usual pier sapokrem villagers use for fishing. Not the usual dock, residents can be said that "keeping the fish" around the dock. There are so many fish lurking below.
Viewed from above the water, visible colors such as black moss clustered under the pier. When I was snorkeling (out of curiosity, of course) tried, it is true that black gangs is the fish of different sizes, swimming with rhythmic movement and direction, amount to very much.
I imagine, if only those people they catch with nets, to hundreds of fish that stand out. But they seem to really prefer fishing with an environmentally friendly way. That is by not using the nets, so that only a small number of fish is not as trawling that catches all kinds of marine animals.
Fish for dinner only
Later in the afternoon, while waiting for the sunset, my sister and I chose Nyong boat to sea for a little snorkeling and fishing our dinner. a little boat from the coast, we have achieved snorkeling. Very nice, and very clear water, so that from above the sea, though colorful fish seem to roam.
Then we went fishing with only capital in the form of a nylon rope and bait fish meat cut into pieces. No need to wait a long time, so that the rope is immersed in water, just fish were seized. Like the tree selective logging system, was used Nyong system seems fastidious fish are lured there to preserve the living beings. This type of ornamental fish or fish that are still small in size, he will return to the sea.
The sun began to sink, eventually we went back to the coast. Get ready for a bath in the afternoon, apparently the father of the bathroom in the house of Ahmad's semi-open and free eco-friendly. In a sense, there is no roof and the water to draw on his own to be used in moderation.
Raja Ampat Non-Diver is still paradise
I want a little advice for those who want to give Raja Ampat. For those who are able to dive especially with the advanced level, this is certainly a paradise for you. Heard from my friend who has been diving in Raja Ampat, one week was not enough for the number of dives in the area to sample.
So choose a resort that offers diving facilities or with a guide who is experienced and know where the location of the desired point dive. But if you want to go there for a bargain, would have come to the homestay, homestay as those of Mr Ahmad, and use the services of only dive resorts that already has facilities for divers.
For those who have been unable to dive (including me), not true if we can not enjoy the trip in Raja Ampat (as I had thought that if the loss of Raja Ampat diving, but could not ). Many of the unique landscapes that can only be viewed on the archipelago. Kabui bay, which seems a maze, with walls that exotic reefs and islands Wayag with lots of white sand and blue sea that is an important icon of the Raja Ampat, only a fraction of the beauty we can see without diving into the sea go.
If we're in the sea, such as snorkeling, from what I experienced them, the beauty beneath the sea has to offer is very nice and more beautiful than the other places that are a common target for the tourists.
So, that is to say a trip to Raja Ampat we need to stay up to tens of millions. Included in the cost of the flight to Sorong (approximately U.S. $ 2.5 to 3 million round-trip), would actually be a fund of Rp 8.6 million for a trip to Raja Ampat for one week. Of course, with a comment prepared to share the boat with a minimum of 7 persons to travel in Raja Ampat islands, and stay at the homestay, homestay or residential are.
No more than the price of U.S. $ 6-8 million on holiday in Raja Ampat on holiday abroad. The experience will be much different and it makes us addicted to going back there again, or to explore other places in Indonesia.
We also help income for the locals. The international tourists were lining up to come along Raja Ampat. Hence, we have demonstrated that the nature and Indonesia sambangi a mandatory destination for those who love well-known adventurer and traveler. (Hasna Afifah)

Underwater Expedition in the world

KOMPAS.com - The roar of the engine wooden boat finally stopped and the boat began to close. No sound, except the small waves that pounded the side of the boat and slowly. The birds flew from the tip of a small tree in one of the uninhabited islands and secluded.
Welcome to the Raja Ampat islands, this is your personal Disneyland to dive!

Raja Ampat, or "Four Kings" is the name given to these islands. A name is derived from a local myth. The four major islands, as intended Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Mysol, who is the producer of the ancient petroglyphs. Underwater tour enthusiasts from all over the world flocked here to enjoy best underwater scenery in the world is amazing.

Two days earlier, when an exciting time in Bali wrapped in sacred art, take a plane en route to New Guinea birds head. Moreover, be prepared for an unforgettable adventure.

Start your visit with a swim in the sea is the best. Discover the underwater world was vertical wall. Feel the power also dive, pounding when vacillating ocean currents. This will be an unforgettable personal experience in Raja Ampat are.

Regio Raja Ampat islands is very wide, 4.6 million hectares of land and sea. This is where the home to 540 species of coral, 1511 species of fish, mollusks and 700 species.

The richness of the biota have made Raja Ampat as a living library of the collection of coral reefs and marine life of the world's most diverse. In fact, according to a report in The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, there are about 75 percent of marine species live in the world in this amazing island.

"I am like a child five years old the first time seeing the coral reefs, fascinated by the charm of this richest reef. With all the resources out there, we have the beauty of Raja Ampat to retain the last place" , said as quoted by Michael Aw www.iriandiving.com.

When you arrive at the Raja Ampat is the tension can already be felt. Suddenly there was once a man who had come to this place to praise the name of God because of his eye and lured her incredible nature.

If you can not find it, then stunned silence was evidence someone had a speck of the sky that fell on the crystal clear sea and the waves gently sweeping white sand caught.

 "This is good!" Said a friendly local guide from a travel agency in Raja Ampat.

Words beginning means that a visitor has arrived at one of the best diving in the world. If not a tourist guide, local guide is an ordinary fisherman.

Fishermen are used to outsiders who visit. They are very friendly, especially if given or chewing betel nut, the one thing that you should try. This method is known, namely by providing candy that is regarded as a form of politeness and a smile to enable the fishermen.

Fishermen in Raja Ampat usually eat snacks when conversing (para nut). They would exchange jokes, chewing betel nut. In many ways, including the similarity of nature, culture and history, fishing communities in Raja Ampat has similarities to the Moluccas.

"I love people, I love penyelamannya, unbelievable! Only this time I dive for the second time in the same place, and I thought third time and then return," said Peter van Dalen in www.iriandiving.com .

Raja Ampat landscape in a dream, but this is not an illusion. When you dive into the underwater dive record with the details of sea creatures to greet. It could be dwarf sea horses approaching your fingers as if to shake hands welcome. MantaRay wobbegong and will swim with you.

Tuna, giant trevaliies, snapper, barracuda and even helped to welcome you at the bottom of the sea. That's not enough, what if a new friend who is friendly dugong fish will swim with you. Do not miss too busy watching the fish back and forth to keep his territory. If you're lucky to be able to swim with sea turtles.

Natural beauty, as if totally untouched is the main attraction here. No need to sense the beauty of a blue sky or a fertile island, for what lies over the land and under the sea will tell you "Welcome to the Raja Ampat islands, this is your personal diving to Disneyland!". (Angke / HIM)
Sources:
www.indonesia.travel

Travel Tips in Raja Ampat

KOMPAS.com - The most common barrier to the Raja Ampat travel time is a matter of housing and transportation. Well, prepare your budget and consider the following tips if you are interested in trips to Raja Ampat.

Accommodation. Saonek Monde currently being built three resorts on the island Batbitiem Nyandebabo, Waiwo and South Waigeo. While incomplete, you can stay at several places below.

The first is Sorido Bay Resort is famous for its coral reefs. Then there is the Kri Eco Resort, a traditional resort built on the water. Another option is to camp on the island or a houseboat with many travel agencies.

Although the Raja Ampat is not very busy, but now there are hotels and apartments in Saonek, Mansuar and Yenwaupnor islands.

Transport. If you are flying from Jakarta to take a 6 hour flight to Sorong and stopped in Manado. You can also dive in Bali tour and fly from there.

Sorong like any other big city. You can do almost everything here. Although the price is more expensive because of its remote location.

Usually only the tourists who buy the package of tourist travel agency is the public of the seaside tourism in Raja Ampat. You do not need advanced scuba diving tour to follow this, because the travel agency providing tours for divers who are not professional or trained divers.

Fly from Jakarta or Bali to Sorong connected with aviation in Makati or Manado is provided by various national and foreign airlines. There are eight airlines to open up the flight path.

Around. Usually divers will join the tour and stay at the resort for divers to visit the Raja Ampat Islands. To access the dive sites please contact the travel agent that can be found in Sorong.

Some travel agents also offer options such as tours of the boat from a boat trip around the Raja Ampat, or diving in Raja Ampat.

From Sorong, there are two kinds of boats and boat speed boat length. Using a speed boat can carry 15 passengers with a journey time 1 hour and 40 minutes, the cost of $ 2 million.

As the long boat with 10 passengers and takes about 2-3 hours, the cost of $ 1.2 million. Please note that prices may at any time.

You can rent a small boat if you want to explore the island freely. The Raja Ampat islands have four main islands, mountains and hundreds of small islands around it that you can explore.

Furthermore, this region has a lot of coral, which is a beautiful natural phenomenon. There are a variety of unique flora and bald paradise, paradise red Maleo Waigeo rat-rat.

For this type of flora you'll see orchids, palms, and many others. Try the activities of trekking around the island to the hidden beauty such as waterfalls and ancient caves to explore doing.

Culinary. Food by the dive operators, ranging from international to traditional food menu directly by the local community.

Usually available from a variety of seafood. Try you taste the fish soup, which is a typical island dishes yellow.

Shopping. Many divers say the best souvenirs from the Raja Ampat is the story of your experience when visiting the Raja Ampat. Indeed, this is a good photo showing the catch.

However, you can buy souvenirs to souvenirs is a statue of the Asmat tribe, the traditional cloth, flute, and drum or the traditional drum. The goods are usually sold in souvenir shops in several cities in Papua.

This will lighten your load is not too much of a gift from the Raja Ampat wear. You can also buy handicrafts woven Arborek if by chance visited the village in Raja Ampat.

Best time. October or November is a good time to visit Raja Ampat because the sea is calm and perfect for your camera captures.

Equipment. Bring your underwater camera. Use your underwater photography skills for taking pictures underwater is not easy, but one regret when it is adopted.

Also anyway to bring sunscreen, sunscreen, hats, and shirts are comfortable for beach weather. Should also insect and anti-malarial drugs. (Angke / HIM)