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Local myth tells of a woman who found 7 dragons eggs in the jungle near her house. She took the eggs home and left them overnight. She was surprised to find that the eggs had hatched and four young kings had appeared. The other three held a princess, a ghost and a stone. The four kings are said to have inhabited the four main islands of Raja Ampat, giving it its name ‘Four Kings’.
These are just 7 interesting facts about Raja Ampat but there are so many more to discover.
The Raja Ampat Islands are a series of four adjacent island clusters located at the northwestern tip of the Bird’s Head Peninsula (Vogelkoop) in West Papua Province, Indonesia. Raja Ampat is an archipelago consisting of 1,846 small islands, coral islands and shallow seas surrounding its four main islands, namely Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. Raja Ampat Regency is a new regency that separated from Sorong Regency in 2004.
Raja Ampat covers more than 40,000 km square including the land and the sea. Raja Ampat’s marine life is very attractive as a tourist area and named one of the 10 most popular places for diving. Raja Ampat has ranked 1st for underwater biodiversity.
Raja Ampat is located in the Khatulistiwa lines. Daytime will be 12 hours throughout the year. The temperature is also relatively stable with an approximate temperature in the daytime around 31 C. Sometimes it gets hotter because the humidity can reach 83%. Sea water temperature also tends to be warm with the approximate temperature on the sea surface at 29 C. Extreme weather caused by south wind usually happens June – to September. Best time for visit Raja Ampat will be on October – April.
Previously known as Imbekwan, this ship has undergone a stunning transformation. Now featuring a unique Phinisi-shaped design, it embodies the rich cultural heritage of the Bugis tribe while fulfilling a greater mission. When you choose to sail with EcoXplorer you are directly contributing to the well-being of local and indigenous communities in eastern Indonesia. Run by the Eco Nusa Foundation, all profits generated go toward enhancing their welfare and safeguarding the natural wonders of this region.
EcoXplorer is not merely a ship; it serves as a catalyst for positive change. Their mission is to foster a harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment, and to stand as a testament to their dedication to uplift the eastern region of Indonesia, a vital area for climate and biodiversity. They are committed to protecting and preserving this invaluable ecosystem in partnership with local communities, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. The
Arrive at Dominique Edward Osok Airport and welcome to Raja Ampat! Upon your arrival, a friendly guide will assist you with your luggage and provide a safety briefing to ensure a smooth journey ahead. After the briefing, you will board the Eco Explorer, where you can settle in and prepare for your adventure.
Clearance Port: As we sail to Mayalit Bay, we will pass through Waisai, the vibrant capital of Raja Ampat, rich with local culture and charm.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast to energize you for exploration. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the traditional market, where you’ll discover fresh herbs, fish, and regional delicacies that reflect daily life in this coastal community.
After the market, dive into the crystal-clear turquoise waters for swimming, snorkelling, and soaking in the stunning surroundings. Later, join a cooking class with Charles Toto and Janet DeNeefe to learn how to prepare mouthwatering local dishes, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, visit a local community to gain insights into the work culture and initiatives that support tourism and the local economy in Mayalibit Bay.
Unwind during Happy Hour before enjoying dinner.
Following breakfast, prepare for a snorkelling adventure to explore the vibrant underwater life. Our jungle chef, Charles Toto, will lead another cooking class with Janet DeNeefe, guiding you in creating traditional cuisine in a relaxed setting. Relish local delicacies at Warimak, including the region’s famous Kepiting Asap (smoked crab).
In the evening, depart for Sawinggrai, where you can enjoy dinner while sharing stories and experiences from your day.
Savor breakfast before heading to Sawendarek Village, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the quaint surroundings and connect with the locals. After your visit, embark on a snorkeling excursion to dive into the vibrant waters, where coral reefs teem with marine life.
Enjoy lunch, then relax on the boat, soaking in breathtaking views or swimming in the turquoise waters. In the evening, depart for Piaynemo at 4:00 PM, arriving in time for dinner at 7:00 PM.
Rise early for a light snack before hiking to the breathtaking Piaynemo viewpoint, which promises to leave you in awe. After the hike, enjoy breakfast on the boat followed by a refreshing swim. We will then visit local artisans, where you can explore unique handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Savor lunch before spending the afternoon snorkeling and discovering the rich marine biodiversity. In the evening, depart for Batanta at 4:00 PM and enjoy dinner at 7:00 PM.
Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a scenic walking tour to Batanta Waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip. Choose from optional activities: visit a local village or enjoy snorkelling, allowing you to tailor your adventure.
Culinary Class: Participate in a lunch cooking class from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM to learn local culinary secrets with chef Charles Toto and Janet DeNeefe.
Snorkelling Adventure: Dive back into the ocean from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM before concluding your day with a BBQ party at Batanta.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the crew and prepare for your departure while cherishing the memories of your enchanting journey. Spend one last night in town, enjoying the local sights and relaxing before your flight the following day.
Bid farewell to this beautiful paradise as you depart Sorong, and make your way home.
Janet DeNeefe our Host is Melbourne-born, Founder & Director of Ubud Food Festival and Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, has lived in Bali for more than three decades. Her latest book is Bali: Food of My Island Home, following her memoir Fragrant Rice. She is also the owner of Casa Luna, Indus Restaurant, and Honeymoon Guesthouse and Bakery in Ubud.
Charles Toto, the Jungle Chef from Jayapura, Papua, uses foraged ingredients to put a Papuan twist on international favorites. In 2006, he founded the Jungle Chef Community, which provides hospitality training to over 120 local residents so they can cook for tourists from the mountains to the beach. In 2018, he started setting up shops for homeless children to generate income from local foods.
Arum will assist you during booking process and any inquiries related to the trip such as booking domestic flight to Sorong. She is person in charge for any information and questions about the trip, and you can contact her through email or phone. She will be on the trip with the group and happy to assist the guest needs.
Passengers are required to pay a 50% deposit at the time of booking. Until payment is received, the booking will not be confirmed. Remaining payment of 50% is to be made 14 days prior to departure. Failure of payment within the stated period will automatically give us the rights to offer to participants on the waiting list.
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