Day 1: Pasir Timbul Kri - Trekking on Piaynemo & Bintang Lake - Snorkeling at Sawandarek - Snorkeling at Yenbuba

Welcome to Raja Ampat!

Raja Ampat, located in West Papua, Indonesia, is renowned for its remarkable marine biodiversity and captivating landscapes. You've got over 1,500 islands to explore, with clear blue waters and green islands with tall rocks. Snorkeling and diving are a treat here – the underwater world is bursting with colorful fish and cool creatures like manta rays. As you explore beneath the surface, you'll encounter a vibrant underwater world, from colorful coral reefs to captivating marine species like majestic manta rays and sharks. Above water, the landscapes are nothing short of picturesque, making it a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts. Raja Ampat is keen on keeping its beauty safe, so you can enjoy this simple yet amazing escape.

Today, your journey kicks off at 7 AM, and the first place you'll visit is Pasir Timbul, also known as Rising Sand. It's like a small sandy area that appears when the tide goes away, tucked between Pulau Kri and Koh. The sandbank is a bit more towards Pulau Koh, creating a cool mix of nature. This makes Pasir Timbul special, giving people a unique experience that combines the beauty of Pulau Kri and Koh. The view with its clear waters, blue skies, and sandy beaches makes Pasir Timbul a favorite spot for capturing memories. It's a peaceful spot in the sea, where the beauty of two islands meets on a cool sandbank.

Next, get ready for an exciting hike to Piaynemo, also known as Penemu. This limestone island in Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia is famous for its stunning views. Tourists love its iconic viewpoint with mushroom-shaped islets, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Climbing stairs carved into limestone rocks, you'll be rewarded with a mesmerizing scene of karst formations and islands.

Piaynemo is a paradise for photographers, attracting them with turquoise waters, limestone islands, and lush greenery. Besides its beauty, the waters around Piaynemo offer great snorkeling, with rich coral reefs and marine life. It's a popular stop on boat tours in Raja Ampat, offering a unique experience.

Conservation efforts are in place to protect Piaynemo's natural beauty and biodiversity. Travelers should stay informed about travel info, permits, and local rules. Getting to Piaynemo usually involves flights and boat transfers from Sorong, the main gateway.

Not far from Piaynemo, your journey takes you to the enchanting Telaga Bintang, or "Star Lake," located in the District of West Waigeo Islands, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua Province. This stunning lagoon is nestled amidst towering rocks, forming a star shape when viewed from a specific angle. The path to the top of the coral hill is not a sloping one but a collection of large and small rocks, forming footholds for tourists to enjoy the view. Along this rocky path, there are scarce shrubs or tree trunks for support, making it necessary for visitors to be extra careful while climbing. Despite the demanding effort, reaching the top allows you to marvel at Telaga Bintang's wonders surrounded by turquoise waters and impressive coral hills. It is advisable to wear proper shoes during the climb for safety and stability.

After enjoying the beauty of Raja Ampat's land, your next adventure is exploring the incredible sea life. Sawandarek is a fantastic place for snorkeling, offering clear water filled with colorful coral reefs and various fish types. Situated on Maswar Island, Raja Ampat, Papua Barat, Sauwandarek is aptly called "Raja Ampat's aquarium" because of its vibrant fish and unique coral reefs. While snorkeling, you'll encounter different fish species and interesting coral formations underwater. Sawandarek is well-known for its clean and diverse underwater environment, making it a preferred spot for snorkeling enthusiasts in Raja Ampat. Always remember to be respectful and follow good snorkeling practices to maintain the beauty of the underwater paradise. Fear not, as our journey isn't over—your final destination today awaits with more snorkeling at Yenbuba.

Yenbuba is a captivating destination in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, it has become a popular spot for snorkeling enthusiasts eager to explore Raja Ampat's rich underwater ecosystem. Situated in the village of Yenbuba on Mansuar Island, Raja Ampat, this location is well-known for its snorkeling and diving spots around the pier. The friendly currents and shallow diving areas make Yenbuba a favorite among those who appreciate the beauty of the underwater world. Lucky visitors may even have the chance to encounter blacktip sharks in this mesmerizing underwater paradise.

Day 2: Kabui Island - Snorkeling in Friwen Wall - Pasir Timbul Mansuar

At 09:00 in the morning, get ready for an exciting journey to Kabui Island in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Kabui is a stunning place with tall cliffs, clear blue waters, and lots of green plants. People love to go snorkeling and diving here because there are many colorful coral reefs and different kinds of sea animals to see. One special thing about Kabui Island is a secret lagoon hidden by tall cliffs, making it feel like a magical place. You can explore unique rocks and spot various sea creatures. The island is very clean, and the views are amazing, making it a top choice for those who want to experience the beauty of nature in Raja Ampat.

Your next destination is Friwen Wall. Friwen Island is situated in West Waigeo, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua. The waters surrounding Friwen Island provide an enjoyable diving experience. The beauty of the coral reefs and marine life at Friwen, along with the rare color gradients of the sea, make it a unique destination. Friwen has become a favored diving spot for tourists in Raja Ampat due to its underwater walls filled with various marine life. Another reason is that the location has relatively calm currents and is not too deep, making it a favorite spot for beginner divers.

Your last destination for today is Pasir Timbul on Mansuar Island, Raja Ampat. This area is not just renowned for its stunning landscapes but also features a unique phenomenon known as 'pasir timbul' or rising sand in the middle of the sea, resembling an island from a distance. The view from Pasir Timbul is as breathtaking as the underwater panorama of Raja Ampat. The surrounding waters are crystal-clear, ensuring amazement the first time you lay eyes on them. Beyond clarity, the sea's color gradient around Pasir Timbul is also remarkably captivating. This distinctive occurrence takes place during low tide, revealing white sand at certain moments. You can use this time to sit back, relax, and appreciate the purity of the white sand.

Day 3: Kalibiru - Lunch at Kalibiru - Back to Sorong

Your last day in Raja Ampat starts at 9 in the morning, and the main attraction is the breathtaking beauty of Kalibiru, also known as Blue River. Kalibiru is a stunning place with incredibly clear blue water, even though it's called a river, it looks more like a narrow part of the sea with amazing blue colors. People love to come here to enjoy the calmness and the beautiful natural surroundings.
Nestled in the green landscapes of Raja Ampat, Kali Biru offers a peaceful and stunning setting. Visitors enjoy the tranquility and the captivating natural views, providing a perfect atmosphere for relaxation. You also can go snorkeling or swimming in the crystal-clear water to see the amazing underwater world with colorful fish and coral reefs. Exploring this spot with its rich marine life is a unique and unforgettable experience.

After experiencing the magnificent Kalibiru, you will have lunch to prevent hunger and then head back to Sorong. This marks the end of your journey.

Prepare your journey, here is everything you need to pack on your holiday

• Wear shoes, trekking shoes are preferable
• A light, long-sleeved shirt and loose trousers to protect you from mosquitos and sunburn
• Coral shoes
• Sun protection
• Mosquito repellent
• Personal medicine