Raja Ampat is the home of over 75% of the world’s known coral species, which can be found scattered in dense numbers all throughout the surrounding waters of these lush, peaceful islands.
Not only does this create immense wonder surrounding the islands, but in pair with the fact that the island waters contain over 1000 species of fish means Raja Ampat is one of the MOST diverse marine ecosystems in the entire world, and therefore an exceedingly important conservation project.
With this in mind, there should definitely be some great thought and research in the minds of those who want to see this natural wonder of the world. In order to get a full understanding of Raja Ampat, here are two things any adventurous spirit needs to bare in mind before making the trip to the amazing resorts that Raja Ampat has to offer.
1. Remember Where You Are
It has been a very little known fact until just a few decades ago that Raja Ampat is the home of 1600 almost entirely uninhabited islands. This means there are almost entirely untouched masses of flourishing jungles, unexplored caves, quiet lagoons and snow white beaches untouched by the modern world.
On top of all this, the native wildlife is in abundance and thriving without the interjection of human influence over the centuries. Put as simply as it can be, Raja Ampat it one of the most mesmerising places on Earth both below and above the water.
Should this not mean that any visitor who wishes to experience the sheer beauty of the islands does so with the intent in their hearts of maintaining that beauty?
Remembering where you are while visiting best resort in Raja Ampat doesn’t just mean ensuring you understand that it is a large archipelago lying just off the coast of Irian Jaya (which lies in West Papua). This means remembering that you are in the home of thousands of other species other than humans.
Respecting their home should be the same as when you visit the home of any friend. Do not leave, having only brought a mess with you. To ensure this, keep a small bag with you at all times while exploring, as any rubbish that could be left behind will damage the delicate environment greatly.
Try to ensure that you are not leaving behind any human presence (i.e. erosion). This has always been a big issue when humans discover the beauty of a new area. We tend to get wrapped up in the amazement of the new surroundings and forget that we are already impacting them in a negative way simply by being there. Try to minimalise the impact you have by paying attention to where you are and what you are doing.
2. Travelling
Getting to the Raja Ampat Islands is simple. All you need to do is fly to Sorong, the capital of Irian Jaya, from nearly any city in Indonesia, such as Denpasar and Jakarta, then choose a form of transport.
See how simple that is? But have you given thought into how you will travel upon arrival? Going with the obvious, cars are a definite out, as we are all aware of the massive negative impact they have on any environment.
There is multiple options for travel on the islands that you can easily find for yourself, however the greatest suggestion is definitely the most obvious, simple and cost effective of all; walking.
Why walk? Aside from the humongous favour you will be doing the native flora and fauna of the islands, you will most certainly find that a more intimate relationship will be built between yourself and the islands when you can explore every crevice without the confinement of a vehicle.
You’ll find more enjoyment out of knowing you are treating the island with respect and therefore being rewarded with a unique experience that will last in your memories for a lifetime.
Keeping these things in mind while exploring the islands of Raja Ampat may seem like a lot of work to do, but broken down, these things really are quite simple. Despite the simplicity of the action, you will be doing the islands a humongous justice by helping to ensure the conservation of the beauty for future generations to come.
While baring these things in mind, make sure to enjoy every detail of Raja Ampat. It is simply an experience that everyone should have at least once in their life.
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