Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat has one of the greatest and healthiest coral reef and marine sanctuaries in the world with nearly 1,200 species of fish and 550 species of coral. New species are discovered regularly in these waters and around 70% of the world’s coral species is said to be found in the amazing underwater world of Raja Ampat.

Raja Ampat, located in Indonesia’s West Papua province, is an archipelago comprising 1,500 small islands that surround the four major islands of the area: Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. Raja Ampat extends over 40,000km2 of land and sea and is home to Indonesia’s largest marine national park. The area is renowned worldwide for its outstanding marine biodiversity. Marine surveys suggest the biodiversity in the area is the highest recorded on Earth and is considerably greater than in other areas of the “Coral Triangle”. This is partly due to its location between the Pacific and Indian Ocean, where marine life is shared between the two oceans. Astonishingly, the first comprehensive scientific survey conducted in the area was in 2001 when they found close to 1,000 fish species, many of which were new to science.

Raja Ampat in Bahasa Indonesia means “four kings”, referring to the four major islands. These are in turn surrounded by a myriad of amazing, untouched smaller isles with postcard-worthy beaches and sheer, ragged limestone cliffs. Discover the most beautiful soft coral jungle in the world, manta rays at their cleaning stations or meet the lazy wobbegong shark as it plods along the sea floor. Above the water, explore secret bays bordered with hills covered in orchids and tropical vegetation aboard your kayak or speedboat. The Alila Purnama Expedition combines visits to diverse places such as local fishing villages, the bird of paradise’s secret spots, jungle caves, speedboat rides in remote untouched regions and much more.

Sample Intinerary

RAJA AMPAT EXPEDITION
7 Days / 6 Nights Journey

Raja Ampat, which translates literally as ‘the Four Kings’, is an archipelago of over 1,500 small islands located off the northwest tip of New Guinea in Indonesia’s West Papua province. The Raja Ampat Islands are a truly beautiful paradise that remains relatively untouched due to the islands’ remoteness. As far as underwater beauty goes, the waters in this region are unbeatable, a mecca for diving teeming with over 1,600 fish species and over 600 coral species. It is believed that the diversity of marine life here is the highest recorded on Earth, making for some truly spectacular snorkelling and diving.

The above-water beauty is no less stunning – dense tropical forests, unique flora, astounding rock formations, and an amazing array of bird and wildlife. This is ideal for the adventurous at heart seeking an Indonesian yacht to charter and sail through the Raja Ampat waters, stopping for diving, island treks and picnics on quiet beaches promises an experience you won’t soon forget.