Nicknamed “the Four Kings,” Raja Ampat is an archipelago located off the northwest tip of the island of New Guinea), in the Southwest Papua province of Indonesia.
Known for the dynamic beauty of its limestone karst landscapes, Raja Ampat is made up of 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals around 4 main islands (Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo) and the smaller island of Kofiau.
It’s truly a nature-lover’s paradise, with forested islands, secret lagoons, beaches, bays, and the blue river of Kali Biru, all surrounded by some of the planet’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems.
Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Raja Ampat, from island-hopping cruises and Scuba diving (or snorkeling) to the best hiking trails, waterfalls, photo spots, villages, and more!
READ MORE: The 30 Best Exotic Islands in the World to Visit
1. Chase Waterfalls
With all due respect to TLC, chasing waterfalls is one of our favorite pastimes when we travel. And the jungles of Raja Ampat offering several spectacular beauties that are well worth a visit!
The Batanta Waterfall on Batanta Island requires a bit of an arduous trek to reach it. But there’s a smaller waterfall along the way and an 80-meter cascade at the top, with a pool at the bottom to soak in and a hidden cave behind the falls.
Located on the western tip of Waigeo Island, the Warengkris Waterfall is wider than it is tall, cascading down a sheer rock face into a cool pool that’s perfect for swimming.
“Air Terjun Malol” (a.k.a. Malol Waterfall) is a beautiful waterfall with five stages located near the Gamta Village on Misool Island. It takes 1 hour on the Gamta River by boat and a 1-hour trek through the forest to reach it. But the beautiful birds along the way and the gorgeous views of this unspoiled paradise are absolutely worth it!
READ MORE: 25 of the World’s Biggest Waterfalls (By Continent)
2. Enjoy a Cruise Through the Raja Ampat Islands
We’ve explored some of the world’s best archipelagos, from the Antilles (Caribbean), Cyclades (Greek), and Galapagos to the Hebrides (Scotland), Philippines, and Society Islands of Tahiti.
One thing we’ve learned is that small ship cruises are the best way to see them, offering a low-impact way to explore island chains spread across a fairly wide geographical area.
Whether you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly option or a more…
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