Raja Ampat Marine Park

Who says in the Papua nothing spectacular marine tourism object? So far, Papua better known simply exotic culture and natural resources are abundant. However, come to Raja Ampat, and enjoy the beauty of the coral reef, complete with captivating marine life and marine scenery impressive.

Nothing wrong when the then Miss Indonesia 2005 Nadine Chandrawinata expressed his admiration for the region after the dive, feeling the grain panoramic underwater Raja Ampat are very alluring. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts are guaranteed not to be disappointed. Instead, they would be called to come and come again.

Raja Ampat is a fraction Sorong, since 2003. District has a population of 31 thousand souls has 610 islands (only 35 islands are inhabited) with a total area of about 46,000 km2, but only 6,000 km2 of land, 40,000 km2 in the sea.

The islands are unspoiled and the sea is still beautiful to make direct tourists hooked. The archipelago is located in northwest New Guinea bird's head, with approximately 1500 small islands and atoll and 4 major islands, namely Misol, Salawati, Bantata and Waigeo. This then makes the Raja Ampat's largest marine park in Indonesia.

This area had been targeted by poachers by reef fish bombing and cyanide poison to spread. However, there are still many people who attempt to protect the region so that the wealth of the sea could be saved. Coral reefs in Raja Ampat is considered the most complete sea in the world. Of the 537 coral species of the world, 75 percent were in these waters. Also found 1104 species of fish, 669 species of molluscs (soft animals), and 537 species of coral animals. Incredible!

The World Bank in collaboration with global environmental institutions establish Raja Ampat as one region in East Indonesia, which received assistance Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program (Coremap) II, since 2005. In Raja Ampat, this program covers 17 villages and involve the local population. Fishermen are also trained to cultivate fish, grouper and sea grass.

Especially for you who are not interested in diving activities, the blue expanse of ocean that refract the beauty of the sky, a sprinkling of white sand that radiate like a pearl sheen, can be enjoyed. In addition, there are group of islands with a fascinating and unique flora and fauna such as red paradise, paradise Wilson, maleo Waigeo, various parrots and parrot, possum Waigeo, as well as various types of orchids.

Diving on the island of Papua Mansuar is one of the leading resorts in this region. Foreign tourists diving enthusiasts at home for days in a month even enjoy the beauty of Raja Ampat's there and stay in Papua Diving.

Maximillian J Ammer, a Dutch citizen of Papua Diving Resort owners are also pioneers of marine tourism drive this region, need desperately to set up various facilities to attract tourists from abroad. Since starting his business eight years ago, many of the funds must be spent. However, the results are also satisfactory. Each year the resort is visited at least 600 special tourist who spent an average of two weeks.

Lodging is very simple that only a walled and roofed woven palm leaves that cost at least 75 euros, or Rp 900,000 a night. If you want to dive must pay 30 euros, or approximately USD $ 360,000 once a dive at one particular location. Most tourists come from Europe. Only a few tourists from Indonesia to stay and dive in there.

Kri Island, Waigeo, and Misool also prepare the resort for visitors. On the island there Misool Eco Resort is built by applying the principles of strict nature conservation. There are agreements with indigenous populations around the region to maintain an integrated ecosystem-called "No Take Zone" which prohibits any taking of marine exploitation, ranging from hunting shells, turtle eggs, shark's fin to just fishing. In the extreme, even in eco resort prohibits the use of antiseptics as waste exhaust feared would kill the coral reef ecosystem in the vicinity.

Some resorts are relatively expensive to set prices for presenting a complete facility. Travelers with limited costs can also take advantage of government-owned resorts are much cheaper in the area Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat.

You have to fly first to Airport Domne Eduard Osok, Sorong, Papua, and then directly to the location by speed boat with a capacity of about 10 people at a rate of Rp 3.2 million each way. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach the area of Raja Ampat Islands in particular to Mansuar.

To get around the island you want, we can hire a speedboat capacity of 10 persons with a price of USD 3-5 million per 8 hours, depending on the intelligence we offer. We can also take a package tour by visiting the village to see typical local plants and animals such as birds of Paradise.

To enter the area of Raja Ampat, each person must pay an entrance fee of Rp 250 thousand for domestic tourists, and $ 500 thousand for tourists from abroad. A round pin that serves as this identity we will receive, after paying the fee.

Uniquely, the pin is valid for one year, from 1 January to 31 December. So if in one year that we go back and forth to visit Raja Ampat, only need to pay an entrance fee only once. Of course, the pins were not allowed to be lost and should we wear as identification.