Raja Ampat is also known as Four Kings, which comes from a local mythology that tells about a woman who found seven eggs. Four of the seven eggs hatched and became kings that occupy four of Raja Ampat biggest islands. These are Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo and Misool. Whilst the other three eggs in the mythology become a ghost, a woman, and a stone.
Located at the northwestern tip of the Bird’s Peninsula in West Papua, Raja Ampat became one of the wonderful places in Indonesia that you have to visit. As an archipelago, Raja Ampat comprises over 1,500 small islands.
Raja Ampat is a relatively new regency which separated from Sorong Regency in 2004. It encompasses more than 40,000 km² of land and sea. This also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia.
There is a wide water channel that separates the Raja Ampat Islands in Waigeo and Batanta, known as the Dampier Strait. It is named after British navigator William Dampier. You can find the most popular diving site in Raja Ampat with their amazing beauty here. Even so, our resort is located at the coast of the Dampier Strait in Gam island; across Kri Island and Manswar Island, near Friwen’s Mangrove Forest.
Sea and Marine Biodiverse
Raja Ampat also holds the prestigious title of the most marine biodiverse place on earth. It is a big deal for underwater enthusiasts to experience some of the world’s ultimate experiences. This makes Raja Ampat become the most diverse living library for the world’s coral reef and underwater biota.
According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, 75% of the world’s coral species can be found here, which includes 1427 reef fishes and over 600 coral species. Not to mention the pelagic life that is abundant in the area. You can also find large fish species like napoleon wrasse, bump heads and giant sweetlips. Then, you will have an incredible and unforgettable underwater adventure in Raja Ampat.
Attention to detail takes on new meaning as you begin your dive here as pygmy seahorses swim around your finger. Lucky you, on Yenatar’s grassy east coast, we provide a famous spot for seahorses and dugongs for you to feed and play.
Manta rays and Wobbegong glide right by you. Tuna, jumbo jacks, snappers, batfish, and even schools of barracuda add to the list of underwater meetings. Not to mention the turtles, the dugong’s friendly assistants and hard-working colleagues. On the seafloor, you can see giant seashells over one meter long, which will be one of your most sensational meetings.
The Weather
The weather temperatures in Raja Ampat islands are stable all year. The sea temperature is between 28°C and 29°C all year. Further, weather temperature averages are 30°C during the day and 24°C during the evening.
Raja Ampat is rainy all year round with tropical showers and sunshine within the same day, just as much as many other tropical places.
The best time to visit Raja Ampat depends on your preferences, you also need to know that Raja Ampat has two seasons and the direction of the wind dominates these rather than the rain.
Best Time to Visit
Northwest Monsoon or Raja Ampat Mantan Season: October – May
Plankton blooms because it’s triggered by the deep water upwellings that happen during this season. As a result, plankton eaters like mantas and whales start coming to the area.
Many sea animals reproduce during this season since the waters are nutrient-rich, and it is common to observe mating marks on female sharks. While the marine action is beyond exceptional, visibility may be challenging for underwater photographers. It’s also known that November to January is the wettest month of the Northwest monsoon season.
Southeast Trade Winds: June – September
During this period, winds may cause strongly blowing waves. Despite the strong winds, this season has slight upwellings and less plankton. However, it still gives wonderous visibility, especially for underwater photographers to take phenomenal pictures.
The highlight of this season for divers and snorkelers alike is the crystal-clear waters, making up for fewer encounters with mantas and whales. With all the reef fish and fabulous corals, this period of the year is ideal for underwater photography. Dampier Strait is protected from the waves and bad weather.
With all its breathtaking scenery; above and below the water that you rarely find anywhere else on earth, Raja Ampat truly offers the ultimate experience one can only dream of. Raja Ampat forever welcomes you to an enchanted paradise on earth.