The Beauty of Raja Ampat: Pristine Coral Islands, White Sandy Beaches, and the Milky Way Galaxy

The enchanting allure of Raja Ampat lies not only in its pristine coral islands and white sandy beaches but also in the mesmerizing Milky Way Galaxy gracing the night sky. As we set sail on a motorboat from Sorong to Arborek Island in Raja Ampat, West Papua, in late May 2021, the vast expanse of white sand, spanning around 150 square meters, welcomed us halfway through our journey. The land emerges at low tide, around 6:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 3:00 PM local time, offering a glimpse of paradise in Papua.

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1. Arborek: A Friendly Welcome

Stepping ashore Arborek, the sun beaming directly overhead, we were greeted by three children who eagerly assisted in unloading our belongings from the boat. Smiles from the women under the shade of the trees on the shoreline relieved us from the scorching heat of the sun.

Arborek is renowned as one of the best tourist villages in Raja Ampat, covering less than 7.5 hectares. Visitors from Asia, Australia, America, and Europe have all found their way to this island, captivated by the stories and photos of its stunning underwater beauty shared on social media. But what makes Arborek so special? Aren't there other islands in Raja Ampat with equally beautiful underwater wonders?

2. A Colorful Coral Wonderland

In Arborek, a colorful array of coral reefs decorates the shallow waters, even at depths of less than 2 meters. Visitors can clearly admire this underwater beauty without having to dive into the sea.

Schools of fish, such as oci, kuwe, and tengiri, dance among the corals. Some visitors are tempted to interact with the fish up close, gently touching them, although capturing them is strictly prohibited.

The waters around the dock are designated as a no-fishing zone to preserve marine life, ensuring that it remains alluring to tourists. "The livelihood of the people here depends on tourism and fishing. If the sea is damaged, how will we survive? So, we all agree to protect the ocean," says Village Chief Daud Mambrasar.

3. The Iconic Mantas of Arborek

Arborek is renowned for its captivating manta rays, which have become an icon and a major attraction. These majestic creatures, fond of swift currents, often grace the area in groups, swimming gracefully around even the most daring scuba divers.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, divers eager to encounter the mantas in Arborek often had to queue up, as the number of divers allowed was limited to avoid disturbing these gentle giants.

4. Piaynemo: The Iconic Karst Islands

No visit to Raja Ampat would be complete without stopping by the karst islands. Among them, the Piaynemo geosite, along with Pulau Wayag, is the most iconic.

The journey from Arborek to Piaynemo takes about 1.5 hours and is occasionally disrupted by plastic waste entangled in the boat's propellers.

After climbing more than 300 steps, visitors are rewarded with a panoramic view of the mesmerizing karst islands and blue lagoons trapped between them. The exhausting trek is worth every drop of sweat shed for this breathtaking sight.

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5. Kalibiru: Snorkeling and Conservation

Continuing the journey, we traveled by motorboat for about 15 minutes, following a river that cuts through the forest. A 10-minute walk led us to Kalibiru.

Kalibiru is a river stretching over 300 meters with a width of 6 meters and a depth of around 3 meters. Its crystal-clear waters attract snorkelers who wish to explore the surface of the river.

This location is managed by empowering the local community. For instance, boat rentals for tourists are operated by villagers taking turns, encouraging a sense of responsibility and conservation efforts.

Exploring Raja Ampat feels like an endless adventure, with hidden beauty around every corner, always ready to surprise travelers. The memorable journey will forever be etched in our hearts, tempting us to return. Indeed, Raja Ampat forever captivates its visitors. (Tatang Mulyana Sinaga/Fransiskus Pati Herin/Harry Susilo/Ichwan Susanto) from https://jelajah.kompas.id/ekspedisi-tanah-papua-2021/baca/terpikat-raja-ampat/

https://jelajah.kompas.id/ekspedisi-tanah-papua-2021/baca/terpikat-raja-ampat/