3-Day Local Family Experience: Raja Ampat Sightseeing, Culinary & Relaxation

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

3 days

Pianemo islands lagoon
Colorful coral reef marine ecosystem
Monolithic cave paintings Misool
Sihlouette of a pier at sunset
Aerial view of wooden pier on a sandy tropical beach

About Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Discover the unspoiled paradise of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, a world-class diving destination. This archipelago of over 1,500 small islands boasts pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Explore the lush jungles, visit traditional Papuan villages, or simply relax on the secluded beaches. The biodiversity here is unparalleled, making it a haven for snorkeling and bird-watching enthusiasts. Raja Ampat offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or a tranquility seeker, Raja Ampat is a perfect getaway. Experience the untouched beauty of Indonesia with us.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Iconic Karst Islands

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Wayag Island. This is the most iconic spot in Raja Ampat with its beautiful karst islands. The view from the top is breathtaking, and the underwater life is rich and colorful. Perfect for snorkeling with the family.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach. The tour operator will provide a delicious Indonesian meal, including fresh seafood and local fruits.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Pianemo Islands. Similar to Wayag, Pianemo offers stunning views of the karst formations. It's less crowded, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful family outing.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local homestay. Experience the local culture and cuisine, with dishes like grilled fish, sago, and local vegetables.

Evening

Relax and unwind at your homestay. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the starry night sky.

Morning

Visit the Arborek Village in the morning. This small island village is known for its friendly locals and beautiful handicrafts. You can also snorkel in the clear waters around the island.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local homestay in Arborek. Enjoy the fresh seafood and local dishes prepared by your hosts.

Afternoon

Take a tour of the Pasir Timbul Beach. This unique beach appears only at low tide and offers a great spot for family photos. You can also swim in the shallow waters.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at your homestay. Try some local dishes like fish soup and sago.

Evening

Spend the evening relaxing at your homestay. Listen to the sounds of nature and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Kri Island. This island is known for its diverse marine life, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling.

Lunch

Have a picnic lunch on the beach. Enjoy the fresh seafood and fruits provided by your tour operator.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Sawinggrai Village. Here, you can see the famous bird of paradise and learn about the local culture.

Dinner

Have your final dinner at a local homestay. Enjoy the local cuisine and reflect on your wonderful trip.

Evening

Spend your last evening relaxing at your homestay. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and prepare for your journey home the next day.

Attractions in Itinerary (6)

Wayag Island

1
Wayag Island

Wayag Island is known for its iconic view of scattered rock islands over the turquoise sea. It's a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Attractions
Beaches
Landmarks
Pianemo Islands

2
Pianemo Islands

The Pianemo Islands are a group of small, picturesque islands in Raja Ampat, known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.

Attractions
Tours
Landmarks
Arborek Village

3
Arborek Village

A small, traditional village known for its friendly locals and beautiful handcrafted souvenirs.

Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods
Pasir Timbul Beach

4
Pasir Timbul Beach

A unique sandbar beach that appears only at low tide, offering a unique beach experience.

Beaches
Attractions
Kri Island

5
Kri Island

A beautiful island with white sandy beaches, clear waters, and abundant marine life, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Attractions
Beaches
Tours
Sawinggrai Village

6
Sawinggrai Village

Famous for its bird watching activity, Sawinggrai Village offers a unique cultural experience.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Tours

Local Food and Drinks (11)

Papeda

Papeda

A staple food of Raja Ampat, Papeda is a sago porridge served with fish soup. It has a unique, sticky texture and is a must-try for anyone visiting the region.

Ikan Bakar

Ikan Bakar

Ikan Bakar is a popular grilled fish dish in Raja Ampat. The fish is marinated in a mixture of spices and then grilled to perfection. It's a common dish in coastal areas of Indonesia.

Sayur Asem

Sayur Asem

Sayur Asem is a traditional vegetable soup from Raja Ampat. It's sour and refreshing, made with tamarind, vegetables, and sometimes, meat.

Kolak

Kolak

Kolak is a sweet dessert soup, made from banana, palm sugar, and coconut milk. It's a popular dessert in Raja Ampat, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Es Cendol

Es Cendol

Es Cendol is a traditional Indonesian drink made from rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut milk. It's a refreshing drink, perfect for the tropical climate of Raja Ampat.

Es Kelapa Muda

Es Kelapa Muda

Es Kelapa Muda is a refreshing drink made from young coconut water, often served with the coconut meat. It's a popular drink in Raja Ampat, perfect for cooling off in the tropical heat.

Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng, or fried rice, is a popular dish throughout Indonesia, including Raja Ampat. It's typically made with rice, vegetables, and a variety of meats or seafood.

Satay

Satay

Satay is a popular Indonesian dish of skewered and grilled meats, served with a peanut sauce. In Raja Ampat, you can find a variety of satay, including fish and chicken.

Rendang

Rendang

Rendang is a spicy meat dish that originated from the Minangkabau ethnic group of Indonesia. It's popular throughout the country, including Raja Ampat.

Es Teh Manis

Es Teh Manis

Es Teh Manis is a sweet iced tea that is a common drink in Raja Ampat and throughout Indonesia. It's a perfect refreshing drink for the tropical climate.

Es Teler

Es Teler

Es Teler is a fruit cocktail made from avocado, coconut meat, jackfruit, condensed milk, and syrup. It's a popular dessert drink in Raja Ampat and throughout Indonesia.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Raja Ampat, Indonesia is between October and April. This period is considered the dry season, with less rainfall and more sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as diving, snorkeling, and exploring the islands. The sea conditions are also typically calmer during these months, which is perfect for boat trips. However, it's worth noting that Raja Ampat has a tropical climate, so occasional rain showers can be expected even in the dry season.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

February 8

Thu

Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad

February 9

Fri

Lunar New Year Joint Holiday

February 10

Sat

Lunar New Year's Day

March 11

Mon

Bali's Day of Silence and Hindu New Year (Nyepi)

March 12

Tue

Joint Holiday for Bali's Day of Silence and Hindu New Year (Nyepi)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 8

Mon

Idul Fitri Joint Holiday

April 9

Tue

Idul Fitri Joint Holiday

April 10

Wed

Idul Fitri

April 11

Thu

Idul Fitri Holiday

April 12

Fri

Idul Fitri Joint Holiday

April 15

Mon

Idul Fitri Joint Holiday

May 1

Wed

International Labor Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day of Jesus Christ

May 10

Fri

Joint Holiday after Ascension Day

May 23

Thu

Waisak Day (Buddha's Anniversary)

May 24

Fri

Joint Holiday for Waisak Day

June 1

Sat

Pancasila Day

June 17

Mon

Idul Adha

June 18

Tue

Joint Holiday for Idul Adha

July 7

Sun

Muharram / Islamic New Year

August 17

Sat

Indonesian Independence Day

September 15

Sun

Maulid Nabi Muhammad (The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

To get to Raja Ampat, you'll first need to fly to Sorong's Domine Eduard Osok Airport from Jakarta, Bali, or another major Indonesian city. From Sorong, you'll take a smaller plane or ferry to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat.

Once you've arrived in Sorong, you can take a public ferry to Waisai. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours. Ferries usually run twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

For a faster and more convenient option, you can charter a speed boat from Sorong to Waisai. The trip takes about 1.5 hours. Speed boats can be arranged by your hotel or resort.

Once you're in Waisai, you can use local boats to get around to different islands in Raja Ampat. These boats are typically small, wooden boats operated by locals. They're a great way to experience the local culture and see the islands at a slower pace.

If you're planning on doing a lot of diving, you might want to consider booking a liveaboard scuba diving boat. These boats will take you to various dive sites around Raja Ampat and provide accommodation and meals onboard.

Ridesharing services are not commonly used in Raja Ampat due to its remote location and the predominance of boat travel. However, in larger towns like Sorong, you may be able to use a ridesharing app for short trips.

Many of the islands in Raja Ampat are small enough to explore on foot. Walking allows you to take in the stunning natural beauty at your own pace and is a great way to get around once you're on an island.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

CurrencyRp IDR

Time zoneUTC+7

Driving sideLeft

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 118; Fire: 113; Police: 110

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Raja Ampat, Indonesia as a first time visitor

1

Raja Ampat is located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world's coral reef biodiversity.

2

The official language is Indonesian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

3

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of resorts, so carry cash.

4

Raja Ampat is in the Eastern Indonesia Time zone, which is UTC +9.

5

The climate is tropical, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 89°F (25°C to 32°C) year-round.

6

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from October to April.

7

Raja Ampat is a marine protected area. Respect the environment and do not touch or disturb the wildlife.

8

Healthcare facilities are limited. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

9

Malaria is prevalent in Raja Ampat. Take preventative measures such as using mosquito repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing.

10

There are no ATMs on most islands. Withdraw cash before you arrive.

11

Internet access can be limited and slow. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better connectivity.

12

Raja Ampat is a popular destination for scuba diving. Ensure you have the appropriate certifications if you plan to dive.

13

The water is safe to swim in, but avoid drinking tap water. Bottled water is widely available.

14

Local customs and traditions are important. Dress modestly and respect local culture.

15

Transportation between islands is typically by boat. Sea conditions can be rough, so if you're prone to seasickness, come prepared.

16

Indonesia uses the type C and F electrical plug types. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

17

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.

18

Raja Ampat is not a budget destination. Accommodation, food, and activities can be expensive.

19

There are no large supermarkets on the islands. Stock up on essentials before you arrive.

20

Emergency numbers in Indonesia are 110 for police, 118 for ambulance, and 113 for fire.

Basic Indonesian to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Halo

Ha-lo

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Selamat tinggal

Se-la-mat ting-gal

Leaving a place or person

Please

Tolong

To-long

Asking for a favor

Thank you

Terima kasih

Te-ri-ma ka-sih

Expressing gratitude

You're welcome

Sama-sama

Sa-ma sa-ma

Responding to 'Thank you'

Excuse me

Permisi

Per-mi-si

Getting someone's attention

I'm sorry

Maaf

Ma-af

Apologizing

Yes

Ya

Ya

Agreeing or confirming

No

Tidak

Ti-dak

Disagreeing or denying

I don't understand

Saya tidak mengerti

Sa-ya ti-dak men-ger-ti

When you don't understand what was said

Do you speak English?

Apakah anda berbicara bahasa Inggris?

A-pa-kah an-da ber-bi-ca-ra ba-ha-sa Ing-gris

Asking if someone speaks English

How much is this?

Berapa ini?

Be-ra-pa i-ni

Asking for the price of something

Where is the bathroom?

Di mana kamar kecil?

Di ma-na ka-mar ke-cil

Looking for the bathroom

I need help

Saya butuh bantuan

Sa-ya bu-tuh ban-tu-an

When you need assistance

Can I have the menu, please?

Bisa saya lihat menu, tolong?

Bi-sa sa-ya li-hat me-nu, to-long

Asking for the menu in a restaurant

I would like to order

Saya ingin pesan

Sa-ya in-gin pe-san

Ordering food or drink

Water

Air

Air

Asking for water

Beer

Bir

Bir

Ordering a beer

Cheers

Tos

Tos

Making a toast

Good night

Selamat malam

Se-la-mat ma-lam

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Swimwear

  • Water shoes

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat

  • Rain jacket

  • Underwear

  • Shorts

  • T-shirts

  • Sandals

  • Toiletries

  • Travel size shampoo and conditioner

  • Travel size body wash

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • First aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Visa

  • Travel insurance

  • Flight tickets

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Emergency contact information

  • Local currency

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger

  • Power bank

  • Waterproof camera

  • Memory cards

  • Headphones

  • Travel adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snorkeling gear

  • Water bottle

  • Travel pillow

  • Books or e-books

  • Travel guidebook

  • Dry bag

  • Reusable shopping bag

  • Snacks

Weather Conditions

Raja Ampat, Indonesia, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning biodiversity and beautiful landscapes. However, the weather can be unpredictable, so it's essential to plan your trip accordingly. The region experiences a tropical climate, with temperatures typically ranging between 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C) throughout the year. The warmest months are usually May, June, and September. Despite the heat, a light rain jacket is a must-have item in your luggage as rainfall can occur at any time of the year. The wet season in Raja Ampat runs from June to September, with the heaviest rainfall usually in July and August. If you're planning to dive or snorkel, it's best to avoid these months as the visibility can be reduced due to the rain and wind. The dry season, from October to April, is the best time to visit Raja Ampat for outdoor activities. The sea is calmer, making it ideal for diving, snorkeling, and boating. However, even during the dry season, occasional rain showers can occur, so it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast regularly. Remember, the sun can be intense in this tropical region, so don't forget to pack sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen. Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade whenever possible. Lastly, it's worth noting that weather conditions can change rapidly in Raja Ampat. Therefore, flexibility in your travel plans can help you make the most of your visit, regardless of the weather.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

32° / 24°

January is the start of the rainy season, with high humidity and frequent showers. However, it's still warm with temperatures ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius.

February

32° / 24°

February continues the rainy season, with high humidity and occasional showers. The temperature remains warm, ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius.

March

32° / 24°

March marks the end of the rainy season, with less frequent showers. The temperature remains consistent, ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius.

April

33° / 24°

April is the start of the dry season, with less humidity and fewer showers. The temperature starts to rise slightly, ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius.

May

33° / 24°

May continues the dry season, with clear skies and less humidity. The temperature remains warm, ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius.

June

33° / 24°

June is a great time to visit Raja Ampat, with clear skies and warm temperatures ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius. It's perfect for outdoor activities and water sports.

July

33° / 24°

July is one of the driest months in Raja Ampat, with clear skies and warm temperatures ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius. It's an ideal time for snorkeling and diving.

August

33° / 24°

August continues the dry season, with clear skies and warm temperatures ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius. It's a great time for exploring the islands and wildlife.

September

33° / 24°

September is the end of the dry season, with slightly increasing humidity. However, the temperature remains warm, ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius.

October

32° / 24°

October marks the start of the rainy season, with increasing humidity and showers. The temperature drops slightly, ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius.

November

32° / 24°

November continues the rainy season, with high humidity and frequent showers. The temperature remains consistent, ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius.

December

32° / 24°

December is the peak of the rainy season, with high humidity and frequent showers. However, it's still warm with temperatures ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Did you know?

Did you know that Raja Ampat, Indonesia is known as the 'Four Kings' because it is made up of four main islands: Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo?

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Waisai

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The capital of Raja Ampat Regency, offering a glimpse into local life and culture.

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