Coconut Crab in Raja Ampat

Around 2 weeks ago, I guided a Russian tourist on a 2-week birdwatching and wildlife watching trip to Raja Ampat, Klasow valley of Sorong and Arfak mountains. While in Sorong, we went hiking in southern forest of Waigeo to see birds.

We also took an opportunity to nearby islands to enjoy snorkeling and seeing coconut crab. There was an islet where coconut crab lived. Its name was Nyetreiram. We went there by a small speedboat after taking a snorkeling tour in Friwen. We arrived at the islet at around sunset time. The crabs had not come out of their hiding places. The owner of the islet cut open a dried coconut into pieces and spread then on several places on the islet. When it was getting dark, the crabs began to come out. We were invited to see them. 

Coconut Crab in Raja Ampat

They had not reach full sizes but were already bigger than other crab in nature. We took the opportunity to photographs them. 

We were not long at the island. Soon the weather changed. The wind blew fast and the sea surface became rough. We got into the boat and returned quickly to the beach resort where we stayed. Fortunately, we already reach the resort when sea storm hit the beach. 

It was a nice experience to see the Coconut Crab (Birgus largo) in Raja Ampat.

Wildlife Watching in Raja Ampat Archipelago

Most of the islands in Raja Ampat are surrounded by coral reef, they are the natural habitat of marine animals from small Christmas Tree Worm to large humphead wrasse fish. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling over the coral reef to see various kinds of marine creatures or do scubadiving to see more in deeper waters. 

Along the coastal area of Raja Ampat, sea birds can be observed. They include Radjah Shelduck, Eastern Osprey, Beach Kingfisher, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Eclectus Parrot, Great-billed Parrot, and etc.

Marine Life in Raja Ampat

In certain months, turtles land on the beach to lay eggs. The northern coast of Waigeo is a great place for visitors to watch leatherback, green, olive ridley and hawksbill turtles. 

Wobbegong reef shark

The rainforest of Raja Ampat is th destination for visitors who are interested in watching Red Bird of Paradise, Wilson's Bird of Paradise and a lot more.

Wilson's Bird of Paradise

There are karsts in Raja Ampat, visitors who go there can see beautiful marine landscapes that are covered by green vegetation and turquoise blue sea water. With more than 1,500 tropical reef fish living in the waters of Raja Ampat, visitors will have plenty of marine life to see when they travel to the islands. 

Lalelkai Nature Lodge of Misool Island in Raja Ampat

Lalelkai Nature Lodge is about 10 to 15 minutes by motorized boat from Yellu harbor. There are 6 above the water bungalows and 4 on land bungalows which visitors can choose durin their stay in Misool islands.

The house reef is very beautiful and suitable for snorkelers who want to the beautiful underwater world of Raja Ampat.

Lalelkai Ecolodge

Lalelkai Ecolodge in Misool islands

Raja Ampat Coral Reef Snorkeling and Rainforest Wildlife Watching Tour

Raja Ampat has been famous around the world for its pristine coral reef, visitors travel to this archipelago to enjoy snorkeling over the coral reef to see such fish as butterflyfish, angelfish, spadefish, surgeonfish, rabbitfish, damselfish, snappers, coral breams, anthias, parrotfish, wrasse, cardinalfish, dottybacks, goby, blennies, frogfish, triggerfish and etc. Most tourists go to southern part of Waigeo, Gam, Kri, Mansuar, Arborek, and Piaynemo. Those who are more adventurous will explore islands in Kofiau, Weeim that are mostly not known among ordinary mainstream visitors. Misool islands in the south of Raja Ampat are also beautiful both above the water and under the water.

Raja Ampat Adventure

The rainforest that covers the islands are also interesting to explore. Soa-soa monitor lizard, birds of paradise, possum, and wild boar and snakes can be found in the islands of Raja Ampat. The same as the mainland New Guinea, Raja Ampat archipelago does not have big predator such as tiger and lion. But it has colorful birds such as Eclectus Parrot, Lowland Peltop, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Yellow-faced Myna and etc.

I used to organize snorkeling and birdwatching tours for German and Indian visitors to eastern region of Waigeo. We went there by boat and enjoyed snorkeling at the beaches of uninhabited islands of Waim and Mamiaef. The north coast eastern coast of Waigeo island is the nesting ground of turtles including Green Sea Turtles, Leatherback, Hawksbill and Olive-ridley Sea turtles. There are a lot of sea birds in Raja Ampat. Some that are noticeable include White-bellied Sea Eagle, Eastern Osprey, Whimbrel, Radjah Shelduck, and Little-pied Cormorant. 

White sandy beach in Kri island of Raja Ampat

Visitors traveling to Raja Ampat need to bring snorkeling set, and binoculars, head lights and camera both for underwater and above the water photography. This will allow them to take pictures of sea and land animals as well as a lot of tropical plants that are unique. 

Sopen village

During the adventure tour in the forest of eastern Waigeo, we did not stay in a guesthouse or beach resort. We stayed in tents by the river. By doing that we were able to see Red Bird of Paradise as well as other birds in the forest. I and the visitors were in Sopen village. Continuing our exploration of the region, we went to Fish lagoon located near Yensner and Yenpapir. We did not do snorkeling, we went hiking in the forest where we watch Lowland Peltop, Eclectus Parrot, Torresian Crow, Olive-backed Sunbird, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Hooded Butcherbird and Brahminy Kite.

Indonesia has allowed foreign visitors to go to Raja Ampat again. It is a great opportunity for visitors to see the beautiful seascape of West Papua. 

Crystal clear water with coral reef in Raja Ampat

Now Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air, Batik Air provide daily flights to Sorong city from major cities in Indonesia such as Makassar, Surabaya, Denpasar and Jakarta. Visitors can book tickets online using popular website or application in Indonesia such as traveloka. 

If you plan to visit Raja Ampat and other areas in West Papua and want me (Charles Roring) to organize your tour and guide you, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180. 

Snorkeling Tour by Boat in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat has got a lot of coral reef sites. They can be explored by motorized boat. The cheapest way to see the beauty of the coral reef is by taking snorkeling tour. The southern part of Waigeo is the first place where visitors usually go. Warduwer beach, Saporkren beach and Yengkawe beach are important coral reef sites in this area. 

Natural Tourism Attractions in Raja Ampat

At the entrance of Kabui Bay, there are Greater Urai and Lesser Urai islands. They have got beautiful reef too. Gam island has got a lot of coral reef sites which are suitable for snorkeling visitors. There are homestays that are run by local villagers.  The nearby Friwen and Mioskon island are famous snorkeling and diving sites.  

Anemonefish at Yengkawe house-reef

Crossing the Dampier strait, visitors will be able to enjoy snorkeling along Cape Kri which is one of the best dive sites in Raja Ampat. The opposite end of the Kri island is Yenbuba strait. There, the current is quite strong especially during the transition period from low to high tide or its reverse. A lot of marine creatures can be seen here from the tiny anemonefish to the big black tip reefshark.

Mansuar, which is greater than Kri, has got a lot of coral reef sites. Near Arborek island, there is a place called Manta Point. Arborek's jetty is the place for snorkeling too. After that, the adventure to the west will be to Piaynemo islets whose karst is very beautiful if seen from its viewpoint. 

Raja Ampat Attraction

Usually visitors go back to Waigeo by entering the 'passage.' It is a narrow strait that separates Waigeo and Gam island. The next day, visitors can continue their exploration of the seascape of Raja Ampat by going to Wayag. There, the marine environment is still in pristine condition. 

Flying to Raja Ampat

It is easy to travel to Raja Ampat. Visitors need to take an international flight from their country to one of the cities in Indonesia, i.e. Jakarta, Denpasar Bali, Surabaya, Makassar. There are regular daily flights that are provided by Sriwijaya Air, Garuda, Batik Air and Lion Air to Sorong city which is the main gate to Raja Ampat.

Raja Ampat is a regency in Indonesia

From Sorong city, you could continue your trip to Raja Ampat by ferry. There are daily ferry schedule to Waisai town of Waigeo. This route is suitable for visitors who like to go to Saporkren, Gam island, Arborek, Piaynemo, and Wayag. 

Visitors who want to go to Misool island should check the ferry schedule at Pelabuhan Rakyat (meaning People's Harbor). Ferry does not go there every day.

Flight Route to Sorong city from major cities in Indonesia

If you are interested in traveling to Raja Ampat and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me by whatsapp: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.