Raja Ampat - Pulau Batanta
- All Year - Best: October to May
- Courses
- Nitrox
- Snorkeling
- DIN & Intl.
- Diving
- 15+ Days
Boasting remoteness, waterfalls and world class diving with manta rays, reef sharks and great macro subjects. Raja Ampat – the epicenter of marine biodiversity. The perfect place to see manta rays, sharks, and shoals of schooling fish, and explore reef slopes with some of the widest diversity of corals in the world. Seek out rare dugongs, hike at sunrise to see the stunning birds of paradise, and meet the wonderful local people of Raja Ampat. The islands are teeming with exotic bird life, lush jungle foliage, and a spectacular array of fauna, while the reefs in the surrounding area offer world class diving. This is new dive territory in the central Dampier Strait around the island of Batanta.
Raja Ampat - Pulau Batanta
All Year - Best: October to May
15 Days From € 3100 / Person
16 Dives From € 800
(Based on double occupancy)
(All Flights Included)
Overview – Batanta
On this trip to Raja Ampat you will stay in one of the best dive resorts. Choose between MahaRaja Eco Dive Lodge situated on tiny Dokri island or Papua Paradise Eco Resort on Birie island, both are neighbouring huge Batanta island.
This is a more remote location further south in the Dampier Strait. Most people dive around the famous and at often times crowded dive sites around Kri and Gam – but here you are far away from those crowds.
So let the real Raja Ampat magic begin. Relax and be immersed in our complete Eco Lifestyle by connecting with nature, the ocean and getting to know the Papuan community. You are in paradise!
Raja Ampat
Situated off the northwestern tip of the Bird’s Head Peninsula on Papua, the most eastern island of the Indonesian Archipelago, Raja Ampat or literally meaning The Four Kings is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool.
The Dampier Strait is what made Raja Ampat famous amongst divers and nature lovers. The strait passes through the archipelago of Raja Ampat – between the two islands of Gam in the north and Batanta further south.
The strait encompasses many smaller islands of which the most famous ones are Gam, Friwen, Kri, Mansuar, Fam and Arborek.
You will find the locals to be very friendly and helpful, and of course sometimes a bit shy. Always seek to be polite and respectful of the local people and their culture. Most of the people on the islands are Christians and you will be able to spot churches along the coastlines.
Trips & Hikes
Explore the neighboring islands, trek through pristine rainforest, go searching for rare and beautiful species of flora and fauna, and dive magnificent coral reefs.
With over 1300 species of reef fish, countless other bizarre and beautiful crustaceans, cephalopods, marine reptiles and mammals, you’ve come to the right place to witness nature at its most breathtaking.
You don’t have to be a bird enthusiast to be enchanted by Papua’s endemic Birds of Paradise. Seeing these beautiful creatures in the wild is a must.
Wilson’s Bird of Paradise is one of the rarest and therefore most exciting species to spot in Raja Ampat. Endemic to the neighboring island of Batanta (and some remote areas on Waigeo).
Overview
Lying in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat holds the prestigious title as the most marine bio-diverse place on earth – quite a title; but also a fact. At its most recent count the region of Raja Ampat was recognized to contain 1427 reef fishes, over 600 coral species (75% of the world’s coral species can be found here), not to mention the pelagic life that is abundant in the area.
You will go diving in the most untapped and pristine dive sites in Batanta. Here, you will be the only diver – surrounded only by marine life and the magic of the ocean. You will not find these dive sites in any Raja Ampat list or book, as they are unique to this area and we can guarantee that you will be astonished by them!
Large fish species include napoleon wrasse, bumpheads and giant sweetlips, and being a shark sanctuary not a day goes by where divers don’t spot one of the many species of reef shark in the area. And of course, there are the manta rays: reef mantas at nearby cleaning stations, the majestic oceanic manta in open water, and during the right season (December – March) any given dive site may yield magnificent mantas gliding by.
Currents
The waters of Raja Ampat sometimes have lower visibility because they are highly rich in nutrients. The Northern Dampier Strait is especially nutrient rich due to “The Indonesian Throughflow” – huge amounts of water moving from north to south between all the islands of this beautiful country. The Throughflow results in fast moving waters. However this fast moving water provides a nutrient richness, which makes the perfect environment for marine life, including migrating mammals and pelagic species. On the other hand, all the nutrients result in lower visibility at times – typically 15-20 m.
Note that the majority of dive sites will have current in varying degrees, from mild through to very strong, depending on the tides and moon.
It is highly recommended to bring your own reef hook, as these can be helpful during your dives. At some dive sites the tide will start mid-dive, so you can be diving with no current, but then the current can pick-up and in a few minutes go from none – to strong. Remember that this is not a problem but a pattern of nature. The dive guides have done it many many times before, and you will most likely hook in together for a short while, enjoy the action, and then you all let go at the same time and drift together along the reefs… – a beauty that is so hard to describe!
Some dive sites are not suitable for beginner divers nor if you are not comfortable in currents. This is something you can mentally prepare for. Basically have a good briefing, understand that it is “okay” to drift and let the water move you. The dive guides always check the strength and direction of the current prior to any dive. Of course the dive guides have the power to make changes to the dive plan or dive sites if necessary.
The dive group is made according to the level of diver experience level. For all the first time visitors, the first few dives should be starting at dive sites with only none to mild current. There are enough dive sites with none to mild current to complete a week of diving without going to the dive sites that get strong currents. Remember the saying – No Current, No Life! That is why it can be a great idea to do the same dive site without and later with the current running.
Dive Site Map
Favourite Dive Sites
As this truly is frontier diving, you will go diving in the most untapped and pristine dive sites of Raja Ampat.
Here, you will be the only diver – surrounded only by marine life and the magic of the ocean.
You will not find these dive sites described in any Raja Ampat list or book, as they are being discovered and mapped to this day.
Season
General consensus is that the best time to dive Raja Ampat are the months of October to April when there is less rain and the seas are at their calmest. This being said, Raja Ampat really doesn’t have an off season. Diving is available here all year. And outside of the “Manta Season” other factors come into play – for example visibility and crowds. Mantas are prevailing mostly between December – March, when the waters have the most nutrients.
One thing to consider if you are thinking about travelling to Raja Ampat in the rainier months of June – September is the wind. The seas can get choppier at this time of year and those who suffer with sea sickness might want to book another time.
The months of August and September will give you the best visibility ranging from 20 to 30 meters, which means less nutrients in the water and therefore encounters with mantas are more rare – but this is a perfect time for photographers due to the visibility that will allow you to capture all the big schools of fish, because they are not affected by the lack of nutrients in the water!
Spend your surface intervals on pristine beaches or in remote villages, sipping your tea or coffee, while relaxing and gathering energy for the 2nd dive. If you want to do a 3rd or even a 4th dive you can add this on the same day.
The distance to the dive sites range between 5-30 minutes. Most likely an average of 10-15 minutes, so those are pretty short and lovely rides. The water temperature is normally around 27-28 degrees but colder upwellings can sometimes make the temperature drop to 24 degrees. A wet suit of 3 mm in thickness is the standard, but it does not hurt to bring a 5 mm if you have, but it surely is not a must.
Included
Included
- International Flights
- Domestic flights to & from Sorong / West Papua (20 kg’s checked baggage included)
- Airport pick-up by private car (Denpasar, Manado or Jakarta International Airports)
- 2 nights in a 4* hotel w/ breakfast
- Airport pick-up in private car (Sorong Airport)
- Boat transfer between Sorong to & from the resort
- 10 nights in resort w/ full board and free mineral water + hot water for tea and coffee)
- It is recommended to pre-book the dives in order to get a special “diver’s discount” on the total price
- Full package tour – See the benefits of being covered by the Full Package Act and Regulations here
- *Fee to Rejsegarantifonden
*A Danish Travel Guarantee Fund covering all European citizens in case of bankruptcy: link
Not Included
- “Visa On Arrival” ~ €30
- *Raja Ampat Marine Park Fee ~ €40
- Dive Packages
- Tips for the staff
- Airport departure tax ~ €10
- Personal Travel Insurances
- Anything not listed in “Included”
*All divers and non divers visiting Raja Ampat are required by the regional government to pay an annual entrance fee for the Marine Park
A Domestic Flight or Along the Way:
Kaimana
Triton Bay
Remote and worth it! Whale sharks and soft corals in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Fly from Sorong to Kaimana!
Raja Ampat
Northern Dampier Strait
The most iconic sites of Raja Ampat. Highest marine biodiversity on earth! Only a few hours by boat from Batanta!
South Sulawesi
Pulau Selayar
With some of Indonesia’s best reefs and one of the best housereefs found anywhere! Along the way via Makassar.
Central Sulawesi
Tompotika
Ridges, canyons and valleys with complex topography. Giant corals and schools of fish. Needs a short domestic flight.
West Nusa Tenggara
Sumbawa & Komodo
The ONLY resort offering day trips to West Komodo, Gili Banta, and Sangean Volcano!! Two domestic flights away.
North Maluku
Southern Halmahera
The “newest” place for diving in Indonesia. Remote – primal nature above and below. One domestic flight with a stop-over away.
Via Sorong / West Papua:
Sorong Airport is on the way to Raja Ampat and often overlooked by travellers. Sorong Regency and the area beyond offers many adventures into the rainforests of Papua where you will find nature and jungle at its best!
We will take you to look for the Lesser Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise and 12-Wired Bird of Paradise. Also you have the chance to see the cassowaries.
If you are interested to explore the rainforests in Sorong Regency the closest site is about 1.5 hours drive by a four wheel jeep from Sorong and a 1.5 hours trek through low-land forest to the base camp. You need to be fit for this trip.
You will need an extra domestic flight from Sorong with a short stopover in Manokwari to reach Nabire. So we recommend to add even more days in West Papua once you are finally there.
Did you know that Papua is one of the few places in the world where you can easily see and swim with whale sharks? These majestic, endangered animals can grow up to 12 meters! It is a special experience to get to swim with these rare, enormous creatures that are known to be very gentle and docile. This is one of Papua’s most exclusive trips!
The mass presence of whale sharks on the coast of Papua can be explained by the activity of fishermen. Over the years, fishermen and whale sharks have gained a mutually beneficial relationship as the sharks are attracted by the fish that escape from the nets or are rejected by the fishermen. On the other hand, the whale sharks offer protection to the fishermen by keeping other predators away. During this tour you will stay with a friendly local Papuan family, giving you a good chance to see the local life style upclose!
We are well-aware that whale sharks are currently listed as a vulnerable species. They are continued to be hunted in other parts of Asia, even though it is now strictly illegal under the international law. In Cenderawasih bay, besides the fishermen, the local people have now also a chance to benefit from the tourism related to seeing these beautiful animals. We actively monitor the safety and professionalism of the swimming activities when we visit them.
If you are an adventurer passionated about nature and wildlife expeditions then this challenging trekking tour into Arfak Mountain of Papua is ideal for you. You will explore the wonderful wildlife that hides in the thick jungle of Papua, including several species of the Birds of Paradise and Tree-kangaroos.
This part of the Arfak Mountains in Papua is untouched by modern development and therefore, very pure and special in its own. Only one small village lies high in these imposing, mountains. It’s surroundings hide a great variety of wildlife which is unique to the world. The terrains are still very untouched so no roads lead to this part of the Arfak Mountains. Therefore, the challenging and thrilling trek to your basic base camp is the only way to get there. You need to have a good physical condition for this tour.
Birds of Paradise and more
- Magnificent Bird of Paradise Playground: 5 minutes walk from village
- Western Parrotia Playground: 1.5 hours walk from village
- Lesser Bird of Paradise Tree Performance: 30 minutes walk from village
- Flame Bowerbird Nest: 1.5 hours from village. 30 minutes from Wester Parrotia
- Bowerbird Nest: 2 hours walk from village
- The Black and Brown Sicklebill: Near Bowerbird’s nest
- Magnificent Riflebird and the Superb Bird of Paradise have been heard.
2 domestic flights to reach this remote part of West Papua!
Be ready to go back in time and walk through the ancient world of the Dani tribes during this trekking tour in the southern part of the Baliem Valley. You go back to the roots of Papua and challenge yourself to meet the most beautiful people in the most fascinating environment.
In 1938 the area of Baliem Valley and its people were discovered and the original Dani and Lani tribes inhabit this beautiful valley still today. This 5 days trekking tour through the southern Baliem Valley offers great and interesting trekking routes and an unforgettable adventure to your soul. A good physical condition is required for this tour. You pass mountainous and isolated area where you will meet friendly tribes that still live according to their own, traditional ways. Although the people have started to wear western clothing, their habits and way of living has not changed much in the last decades. There are no road systems between the villages so to walk is the only option to move around the valley. We take you back to the roots of Papua in a fascinating and pure environment.
Via Manado / North Sulawesi:
Easy to read, only 2 hours drive from Manado. Located at the foot of Dua Saudara Mountain, the Tangkoko Nature Reserve is comprised of rolling hills and valleys with a variety of hardwood trees and unusual plant life. The animal life is also quite varied, and one can often view Tarsius tarsier (one of the smallest known primates), black tailless monkeys, snakes, spiders and kuskus (marsupials). Tangkoko Batuangus Reserve offers a suitable protective environment to help prevent these animals from becoming extinct.
Only one hour away from Tangkoko Nature Reserve (on the way) is Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue and Education Centre (www.tasikoki.org). Here you can observe many unique species from Indonesia, as well as several endemic to Sulawesi. All animals have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. When taking a tour of the centre (1.5 hours) you will learn about conservation of wildlife and nature as well as the rampant wildlife trade. After visiting the animals you can enjoy a vegetarian meal (with fish) together with the staff as well as the many volunteers from all over the world.
Price: $45/person as add-on only to a Tangkoko Nature Reserve trip.
Visit the Vihara Buddhayana (Buddhist Temple) near Gardenia Country Inn, then heading for the small village of Woloan, where you can see the Minahasan Style Houses being built, knock down style, ready for delivery or shipping. Then continue to the base of Mount Mahawu where we begin the 1-hour trek to the crater’s edge. From that vantage point we can see Bunaken & Manado Tua Islands, as well as the bay of Manado. At the bottom of the crater, one can observe a steaming lake and experience the smell of sulfur from the pools.
Then it’s off to see the traditional food & flower market in Tomohon, surprises in store for you!
You will have lunch at Tondano Lake, close to the goldfish farm, where you will enjoy the serenity of the lake. Then we travel to Pulutan Village, a cottage industry for making pottery or choose the Toraget Hot Springs. At the weaving factories you can observe the local weaving traditions being practiced. Last stop is Lake Linow (the changing color lake), a one of a kind experience.
Gorontalo can be reached by a 1 hour flight from Manado or an 9 hour scenic drive. You would be surprised by what Gorontalo has to offer in its forests with its endemic fauna as well as the unique diving of the Togian Islands.
Nantu Forest is located in the heart of the Wallacea region in Gorontalo Province. Wallacea is the wildlife transition zone between Asia and Australia named after its founder, Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913), a famous British biologist, naturalist, and anthropologist.
A community of approximately 30,000 people live within the Nantu and Paguyaman river watershed and is completely dependent on these rivers for its water supply. Nantu’s carbon content is invaluable. Nantu Forest is famous because it is the only place in the world to reliably see its other endemic inhabitants: the Babyrousa celebensis.
The remarkable “prehistoric” appearance of these mammals is largely due to the prominent upwards incurving canine tusks of the males, which actually pierce the flesh in the snout.
One of the most spectacular and thrilling adventure tours in North Sulawesi. The most popular rafting route is on the Nimanga River in Timbukar-Sonder. The grade of the rapids is level 3. You will be picked up at your hotel at 9:00 AM and driven to the village of Sonder (about 1.5 hours from the center of Manado) located in the Minahasan highlands.
Your journey down the 9 km long river will take about one and a half to two hours through scenic forests with a coffee break including traditional cookies. Don’t be shy to scream along the rapids because at the end you will scream for more. Every raft can hold up to six persons including an experienced guide.
After this wet and wild experience, it’s back down the mountain with a lunch stop in a local restaurant. You will arrive at your hotel or the city of Manado (approximately 1.5 hour ride) at approximately 3:00 to 4:00 PM.
Combine Landtours of South Sulawesi
On the southern point of Sulawesi Island, Bira’s nearest access point is through its capital, Makassar. South Sulawesi hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia. The accommodation is located on one, and if you rent a motorbike and follow the coast north you will find a number of white, untouched beaches, caves and small islands.
Sulawesi is the largest island of the Wallacea region and hosts at least seven species of macaques that are endemic to the island, some of them occasionally paying a visit to our camp.
Bira is home of the Konjo tribe and the heart of maritime culture in Indonesia. The Birians have been sailors for as long as history has been recorded. To this day, shipbuilding and sailing remain the central focus of daily life and identity. About 70 percent of the population in Bira and surrounding villages make a living through work related to boatbuilding and navigation.
Diving Bira you will meet turtles, moray eels and quite a variety of small critters such as mantis shrimp, anemone shrimps, scorpion fish, a variety of nudibranches and much more. Pelagic species are trevallies hunting on the reefs. Other pelagics that are sometimes seen around Bira are thresher sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads, tunas, barracudas, giant marble rays, manta rays, sunfish / mola mola and even whale sharks at the right time of the year. July to October seems to be having the most of these pelagic encounters – this is also when the water temperature drops a bit.Scuba Diving in Bira is done from April to November.
- Best diving conditions to witness pelagic life including bigger sharks, mola mola and manta will be in late summer when the water gets colder. This happens from July onwards to October. But of course no guarantees can be made on behalf of nature.
Day 01 : Makassar Arrival – Toraja (LD).
Meeting service at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport Makassar, then directly trip to Tana Toraja. The trip will pass some regencies in distance of 310 km (it’s about 8 – 9 hour drive from Makassar). On the way you’ll enjoy the beautiful rice field, fish pool and the Traditional Houses of Bugisnese which is adorn on the right and left side of the main road. Lunch will be at Pare-pare, one of the regencies we passing by in the distance of 175 km. After lunch the trip will be continue and will arrive in Tana Toraja about late noon, then check-in to hotel, dinner at the local restaurant, free program.
Day 02 : Toraja Tour – Batutumonga (BLD).
After breakfast at Hotel, check out then visiting Traditional weaving village at Sa’dan, traditional Toraja village with buffalo horns in front of their houses in Palawa then start trekking to Batutumonga its magnificent and fascinating mountain, rice terrace, coffee and cacao plantation, and green trees surrounding will give the trip more impressive one. By chance, you will meet the local people doing their activities in traditional way. Lunch will be served en-route with simple style. Afternoon arrive in Batutumonga, check-in at Guest house / Homestay, dinner and overnight at Batutumonga.
Day 03 : Batutumonga – Pana – Sariale Trekking (BLD).
Simple breakfast at Guest house or Homestay, check out, process to Pana Village for start the trekking in the country side through traditional farm, Torajan villages etc .. on foot. Lunch will be served en-route with simple style. During trekking you will find a beautiful landscape, paddy field, traditional Toraja houses, local people daily live and more. Upon arrive at Sariale Village, pick up then transfer to hotel for check in. Dinner at the local restaurant.
Day 04 : Toraja Fullday Tour (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, starting Toraja tour to visit The cliff-side stone grave with wooden effigies on the balcony at Lemo, the royal family tombs at Suaya, Ke’te Kesu (traditional wooden carving village and hanging grave), then lunch at local restaurant. After lunch continue the tour to visit Londa (the natural cave grave) and Marante (is a village where a lot of Tongkonan House, big paddy barns and big rocky hill containing hanging stone graves which the located called “Erong”). Afternoon back to the hotel, Dinner at the local restaurant, free program.
Day 05 : Toraja Fullday Tour (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, starting tour to visit Pallawa (The most beautiful village with buffalo horns in front off their houses), Kambira (Baby grave) then lunch at the local restaurant after that continue the tour to visit Lokomata (the boulder grave) then visit Sa’ dan To’Barana, the traditional cotton weaving village. Afternoon back to the hotel, Dinner at the local restaurant, free program.
Day 06 : Toraja – Makassar Departure (BL).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, check out then leaving to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport Makassar. The trip will be take about 8 – 9 hour drive. Lunch will be served at the local restaurant in Pare-pare, afternoon arrival at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport for flight back to home or others destination. End program.
Day 01 : Makassar Arrival – Toraja (LD).
Meeting service at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport Makassar, then directly trip to Tana Toraja. The trip will pass some regencies in distance of 310 km (it’s about 8 – 9 hour drive from Makassar). On the way you’ll enjoy the beautiful rice field, fish pool and the Traditional Houses of Bugisnese which is adorn on the right and left side of the main road. Lunch will be at Pare-pare, one of the regencies we passing by in the distance of 175 km. After lunch the trip will be continue and will arrive in Tana Toraja about late noon, then check-in to hotel, dinner at the local restaurant, free program.
Day 02 : Toraja Fullday Tour (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, starting Toraja tour to visit Kete’ Kesu (traditional wooden carving village and hanging grave), Marante (is a village where a lot of Tongkonan House, big paddy barns and big rocky hill containing hanging stone graves which the located called “Erong”), Bori menhir stones, soared up several meters above the land and then lunch at local restaurant, after wards continue tour to visit Pallawa (The most beautiful village with buffalo horns in front of their houses) and Lokomata (the boulder grave) then visit Sa’dan To’Barana, the traditional cotton weaving village. Afternoon back to the hotel, dinner at the local restaurant, free program.
Day 03 : Toraja Fullday Tour (BLD).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, starting Toraja tour to visit Londa (the natural cave grave), Lemo The cliff-side stone grave with wooden effigies on the balcony, the royal family tombs at Suaya then lunch at local restaurant. Afterwards continue tour to visit Kambira (Baby grave) and Sangalla, village lying among the leafy bamboo trees and the tomb of King Sangalla. Afternoon back to the hotel, dinner at the local restaurant, free program.
Day 04 : Toraja – Makassar Departure (BL).
Buffet breakfast at hotel, check out than leaving to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport Makassar. On the way we will stop to visit the Jesus statue, which is known as one of the highest statues in World, than continue trip back to Makassar. Lunch will be served at the local restaurant in Pare-pare, afternoon arrival at Hasanuddin airport for your flight to the next destination.
Q & A
Yes beginners can dive here and even take beginner courses.
However, to make the most and best of your journey, we do recommend people to have at least some diving experience. Especially drift dives. Buoyancy control should be good = neutral buoyancy. Not only to have an easier dive, but also not to harm marine life and corals by kicking them.
After all this is said, yes, beginners can dive here. But keep the above in mind.
Mantas are in highest numbers between December to March, when the water is the most nutrient rich. However, you can see them a couple of months on either side of the season – as this is the wild.
Great! We can offer you courses from entry level to technical dives.
Contact us for further details.
The prices for PADI OPEN WATER courses roughly start at €285 and takes 3-4 days.
The 3 day course will let you study via e-learning before you get here, which is smart if you want to be better prepared and spend your holiday time diving and relaxing instead of studying.
The 4 day course is the most popular and you start your studying once you get here.
The prices are almost identical.
Please book courses at the time of booking the whole trip.
You do not need to prebook the dives, however, you do get a small discount on your accommodation if you prebook diving. The same goes for the dives themselves – if you prebook them as a package they come with a discounted rate compared to diving â-la-carte
Regarding dive courses, you should book those in advance when you make your booking with Pilgrim Adventure. So the resort can be prepared for your lessons.
You will spend most surface intervals on some tropical piece of paradise. The boats can easily reach small villages and jetties for a comfortable surface interval. Usually the boats won’t return between the two morning dives.
The dive centers have all the dive equipment you will need.
Of course it is nice to bring your own dive gear if you can.
As a minimum we would recommend to bring your own dive mask – for a good fit of course and best possible comfort under water. Bring a reef hook if you can.
All dive places in Indonesia use the “International” Yoke connection for the regulators 1st stage.
If you have a DIN 1st stage you can buy a DIN to Intl. Yoke converter – which might come in handy every time you dive in South East Asia anyway!
Some resorts may have DIN tanks, but see that info on the accommodation menu.
You would have to go all the way to Sorong, which is a 2-3 hours away by boat.
This is another good reason to prepay the dive packages.
Internet Access:
Most resorts offer Wifi in the main areas via satellite.
If they do not, or you want to have Wifi yourself, SIMS are available almost everywhere in Indonesia. Airports, convenience stores, roadside stalls and any place that sells phones or accessories all have them. They are available in Waisai too. If you can not find them being sold at shops at the airport, then just ask your taxi driver. The vendor of the SIM can usually register it for you.
Here’s a link to Telkomsel’s FAQ page for its Flash network packet service. (Page loads in Bahasa Indonesia but can be switched to English.)
Telephone: For a remote archipelago of scattered islands, Raja Ampat has fairly good mobile phone coverage.
Telkomsel is currently the only network provider in Raja Ampat, so if you want to use the mobile network without roaming charges, you’ll need a Telkomsel SIM for your phone. Telkomsel markets a variety of SIMs, but the most common prepaid ones are branded SIMPATI and HALO. HALO is data only. Signal strength is excellent in the areas around Sorong and Waisai. As a general rule, if you’re near a village you should be able to receive some kind of signal, but there are wide areas with no coverage at all.
Cell phone towers in Raja Ampat regularly go offline. Sometimes service will be restored in an hour or two, sometimes it can take weeks or even months. There’s one tower that we know of on Gam that hasn’t worked in over two years!
If 24/7 guaranteed telephone and internet connectivity in all areas is a must for you, then your only option is to travel with a satellite phone.
Electricity: Electricity supply grids don’t exist outside Sorong and Waisai. Accommodation places and villages with an electrical supply have their own generators.
As elsewhere in Indonesia, electricity is 220-240Volt 50Hertz, using type C (CEE 7/16&17 Euro 2 pin) and F (CEE 7/4 “Schuko”) plugs and sockets.
You’ll need an adaptor if your devices don’t have one of these plug styles, and a step-down transformer if your devices will only handle a 110-120V US style supply.
Electricity in Raja Ampat’s island villages and resorts are generated – in some resorts 24 / 7 in other resorts, only for certain hours per day.
There is a hospital in Waisai that can provide first aid, but for anything serious you would probably need to go to Sorong. Especially if urgently requiring treatment on a weekend.
Rumah Sakit Angkatan Laut naval hospital does not provide western standard facilities, but operates a 24 hour emergency care facility and is probably the best option for initial treatment of serious illness or injury.
Despite what some sources (and many local people) will tell you, malaria is present in the islands.
That said though, the risk is low due to the absence of large numbers of human carriers and (in most place we’ve stayed at) surprisingly low mosquito populations.
Although malaria transmission rates are currently low in the Raja Ampat islands, wearing repellant and appropriate clothing to avoid bites is a must and anti-malarial medications are recommended.
Doxycycline is often recommended as a good antimalarial and has the advantage of also providing protection against certain other bacterial infections, but you should definitely consult a professional for current recommendations before making a decision about malaria prophylaxis.
Insect bites: There are a lot of insects in Raja Ampat that can give irritating bites, but sand flies are the worst in our opinion. They are virtually invisible, exceedingly tiny, black flies that are common in many beachside locations. They most commonly attack at dusk, usually (but not always) on your lower legs and arms. The bites take several hours to appear, are incredibly itchy, and last for days. Because of the delayed reaction, many guests wake up at night and assume they’ve been bitten by bedbugs. We’ve never known of a single proven infestation of bedbugs in homestay accommodation. It’s much more likely that sandflies were the culprits. It’s good practice to liberally apply an insect repellant late in the afternoon after your last swim!
Gastrointestinal diseases: We’ve been lucky and have never contracted any, but again make sure you have some rehydration salts and basic medicines on hand. (Consult your doctor regarding appropriate medicines before you go.) Anti-diarrhoea medicines like Imodium are best taken only if you have to travel – they only treat symptoms, not causes. Drinking only boiled or otherwise purified water will greatly reduce your chances of stomach troubles. You can read more about drinking water here.
Skin and wound infections: You should clean and treat even small wounds immediately with an antiseptic, and then examine them regularly for signs of infection. Especially if they are coral scrapes, which are notorious for going septic. Keeping wounds dry until healed is also good practice, but it’s a big ask when you’re on a short stay in the islands. Fungal infections love a tropical environment too, so you might want to consider having some antifungal medicine in your first aid kit.
Ear infections: Spending a lot of time with water in your ears in the tropics raises the risk of ear infections, so if you’re concerned pack an appropriate medicine.
Japanese Encephalitis and Dengue Fever: These mosquito-borne diseases have been reported from Raja Ampat. You might want to consider vaccination for Japanese Encephalitis. Avoiding mosquito bites is the only protection available against Dengue Fever.
Tropical diseases: All tropical environments harbour parasites and pathogens not found elsewhere. You’re extremely unlikely to come into contact with any of those during a short holiday in Raja Ampat, but if you suffer any persistent or recurrent symptoms that can’t be diagnosed or aren’t relieved by standard medical treatment – even if those symptoms appear months after your visit – you should consult a tropical diseases specialist.
See our “About” page to know more about prevention of moscuito bites.
For further reading on health: https://www.iamat.org/country/indonesia