Practical travel tips for Raja Ampat

The untouched beauty of Raja Ampat is something words barely do justice. This remote Indonesian archipelago, consisting of over 1,500 mostly uninhabited islands, is often referred to as “the last paradise on Earth. Traveling here is unlike any typical destination and requires thoughtful planning, because it’s unlike most tourist destinations. It’s remote, likely offline and there’s practically no shops or restaurants. Since it’s such a remote location, there’s certain things you should keep in mind before going. This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for an unforgettable journey.

Find my full Raja Ampat Itinerary here.

Best time to visit Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat lies on the equator and enjoys a humid tropical climate. The dry season, spanning from October to April, is the ideal window to visit, with November to March offering the best underwater visibility. These months have calm seas, and minimal rain—perfect for diving, snorkeling, and island-hopping. This is also the Manta Ray season!

Raja Ampat can be visited year round, but especially if you’d like to visit the South, June to September is not as well suited.If your plans include South Raja Ampat and the Misool Islands, be cautious from June to mid-September, as this area experiences a distinct windy season. The winds can make small boat navigation challenging. This poses a challenge for homestay travelers, with the ferry being the only way to reach southern Raja Ampat during these months.

How to Get to Raja Ampat

Here’s how to get to Raja Ampat :

Fly to Sorong from Jakarta, Bali, or Makassar.
Take a taxi to the harbor. The price is 100.000 IDR or walk just outside the airport an take a grab for around 20.000 IDR.
Buy a ferry ticket to Waisai (ferries leave at 9 AM and 2 PM).
The ferry ride takes about 2 hours. Buy a VIP ticket to get air-conditioning and assigned seating.
Upon arrival in Waisai, register and pay your marine park fee.
From Waisai, you get a boat transfer to your accommodation. Arrange this with your homestay or resort in advance.

Bring your own mask and fins

Snorkeling is one of the main activities in Raja Ampat, but most homestays do not have snorkeling equipment. It’s best if you bring your own. If you go diving, equipment will be provided, but it would be a shame out to miss out on all the beautiful snorkeling.

Island Hopping by Longboat

Traveling between islands is done via narrow wooden longboats powered by outboard motors. These simple boats can carry up to six people. Fares are per boat, not per person, and can be pricy due to the distances. Use the Raja Ampat Boat Sharing Spreadsheet or this Facebook group to find travelers to split costs with. Consider combining travel days with snorkeling stops for added adventure.

Expect a Simple, Off-the-Grid Lifestyle

Electricity is limited, and Wi-Fi is scarce. Accommodations are modest—usually just a bed, fan, mosquito net, and hammock. Toilets and showers vary from basic to very basic, so mentally prepare for a rustic experience.

Adjust Your Hygiene Expectations

Facilities may not match Western standards. While rooms are generally clean, bathrooms might be rudimentary. Sometimes there’s a normal shower, but often it’s just a bucket. Bring your own sanitizing wipes and manage expectations. Kri island does have rats and if you leave any food or even toothpaste out, they will come and visit your bungalow.

Take Your Trash With You

There’s no waste management on the islands. Most non-organic trash is burned, releasing microplastics into the sea. To protect the environment, bring a garbage bag and carry all non-biodegradable waste back to Waisai. If you’re on Kri island you can also hand in your trash at Soul Scuba. They will make sure it gets recycled.

Bring Enough Cash

There are no ATMs in Raja Ampat, and credit cards are rarely accepted. Withdraw enough cash before flying to Sorong. Budget carefully, especially for boat transfers and tours. Accommodation and dives at a dive center can typically be paid online in advance. Some places let you pay with wise or Revolut, but it’s best to confirm that in advance.

Meals Are Simple But Included

Every stay includes three home-cooked meals a day. The cuisine consists mainly of rice, vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and fish. Breakfast is very simple—a piece of cake, toast with chocolate spread or fried banana. If you have dietary needs, inform your host in advance.

Store Food Carefully

Since you’ll be having similar meals everyday, having your own snacks can be nice. However, bungalows are open-air and built from natural materials. Leaving snacks out can attract rats and bugs. Ask for sealed containers or hang your snacks from the ceiling in a bag. I only saw rats on Kri island.

Cultural Insights & Local Religion

Raja Ampat’s people belong to various ethnic groups and mostly follow Christianity, though traditional animist beliefs remain strong. Sunday is widely observed as a day of rest, and many locals attend church. On some islands like Batanta, this rest day shifts to Saturday. Be respectful when planning tours. Keep in mind that you might not be able to take a boat to a different island on Sunday (Saturday on Batanta).

Never touch corals or wildlife

Raja Ampat is far from emergency services, so it’s important to stay safe. Stonefish, one of the world’s most venomous fish, lie camouflaged on the sandy bottom. Always wear water shoes. Avoid swimming near mangroves, where saltwater crocodiles may live. Never touch coral or sea creatures—some, like the blue-ringed octopus, are highly toxic. Some corals will also cause bad skin inflammation.

Understand Ocean Currents

Currents in Raja Ampat can be very strong. The currents bring nutrient-rich water, but can pose a risk to divers and snorkelers. The currents can be extra strong during full and new moons. If you’re going diving with a reputable dive center they should be able to inform you of the current conditions. However, even if you’re just going snorkeling the currents can be tricky. It’s important not to underestimate the currents and always ask locals for advice.

Essential Packing List

Due to the remoteness, it’s crucial to bring certain items: reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel and fins, mosquito repellent, snacks, dry bags, and extra chargers. Pack like you’re camping off-grid.

Get a Local SIM Card

Buy a Telkomsel SIM card, the only one offering reliable coverage in Raja Ampat. If you are buying your SIM card in Jakarta or Bali, make sure to mention that you’re traveling to Raja Ampat. If you don’t specify the internet will only work in the area you’re buying the SIM card. Most homestays lack Wi-Fi, so if staying connected is important, sort this out before arriving in Raja Ampat.

Plan Your Dives

Raja Ampat is a dream for all divers, however, many sites have strong currents that require advanced skills. During the high season (Dec–Mar) it’s not uncommon for dive centers to book out, so book ahead to secure a spot. I recommend diving with a reputable dive center like Soul Scuba. Unfortunately not all of the home-stays service their dive gear properly. Diving with leaking or broken gear can be uncomfortable or even scary if you’re not an experienced diver. I did end up diving at one of the home-stays and the dives were beautiful, it’s just a bit more risky. If you do want to dive with one of the homestays make sure to check their reviews online.