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Sunday, August 1, 2021

The Sea of Raja Ampat in August

During July and August, the sea of Raja Ampat especially the southern region is rough. The waves are big and dangerous for small boats. In northern waters of Waigeo, it is relatively calm. People can travel easily from one village to another by motorized boats. Rough sea also occurs between Sorong and Waigeo. 

traveling to Raja Ampat
Seaview in Raja Ampat islands

During the wave season, visibility is poor. It is not a favorable condition for diving. That's why fewer scuba divers go there during July, August and September. However, for visitors who are more interested in wildlife of rainforest and the culture of the indigenous people, they still can visit Raja Ampat during these months. 

These is less rain in August, September and October. This kind of weather allows visitors to watch tropical birds, mammals, reptiles and insects of Raja Ampat islands. 

Coral reef in Raja Ampat
Certain coral reef areas in northern sea of Waigeo is in good weather. Visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling there. Visitors can stay in villagers houses. The accommodations are generally basic homestays with beds, toilets. For foods, there can be arranged with the homestay owners wherr breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided at additional costs. 
Raja Ampat is a very popular marine tourism destination in Indonesia for marine lovers. It is easy to reach that regency. 
  • Most international visitors fly from their country to Jakarta which is the capital city of Indonesia. 
  • After that they can continue their flight by taking domestic airlines such as Garuda, Batik Air, Sriwijaya Air to Sorong city.
  • Arriving in Sorong city, they can go to Waigeo by taking fast passenger ferry boat that leaves for Waisai town in the mornings and in the afternoons. 
My favorite places for snorkeling are Yenbuba strait, Cape Kri, Mansuar islands; as well as Warduwer beach, Yengkawe beach, Waim and Mamiaef in Waigeo island. 
a snorkeling spot in Waigeo of Raja Ampat
Crysyal clear water and coral reef in Waim island of Raja Ampat

For birding and wildlife watching, I highly recommend such forests as Warduwer, Sopen and Insouduwer.  There, visitors can see Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Great-billed Parrot, Moluccan King Parrot, Helmetted Friarbird, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Hooded Butcherbird, Beach Kingfisher, White-breasted Woodswallow, Whimbrel, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and a lot more.
female Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus) in Klasow valley of Sorong regency
Female Eclectus Parrot in a forest in Sorong regency

If you are interested in traveling to Raja Ampat and mainland West Papua, and want me to guide you, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp: +6281332245180.

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digital drawing of Lesser Birds of Paradise
Art Print of Lesser Bird of Paradise