If you look at a few pictures of the gorgeous views of Raja Ampat you might not need any more reasons to visit the region. However, there is even more than natural beauty to be found. Read our Top 5 reasons to visit Raja Ampat and we bet you’ll be ready to book a ticket by the end of this article.

1. Diving Raja Ampat

The number one reason to visit the Raja Ampat islands is the absolutely breathtaking scuba diving. This is a divers dream with more biodiversity than anywhere else in the world. Over 1,700 species of fish and 600 species of hard corals, you won’t know where to look. There are endless choices for dive sites include drift dives, pristine mangroves, manta ray cleaning stations, and crystal clear lagoons. Whatever your preference is you will definitely find more than enough diversity to appeal to every kind of diver.

2. Breathtaking Views

If there is anywhere in Indonesia with iconic views, it’s Raja Ampat. Limestone formations shoot up out of crystal blue waters, and islands are dotted as if they were thrown by hand. One of the most famous outlooks is in the Piaynemo Islands, a stop that can be included on a dive trip from Papua Paradise Eco Resort to the Fam islands chain. Even the view from your overwater bungalow is quite extraordinary, especially at sunset when pinks and oranges fill the sky.

3. Birdwatching

If you are a birdwatching enthusiast Raja Ampat is a world-class location to see rare birds in their natural habitat. West Papua is famous for birds of paradise, one of the emblems of the region. Two species, Wilson’s bird of paradise and the red bird of paradise can be found on Batanta and Waigeo Islands, close enough to Papua Paradise Eco Resort for an early morning birdwatching trek. A sunset hornbill cruise also leaves from the resort at the request of guests.

4. Cultural Tours

The remoteness of Raja Ampat has made it a very unique area of the world to visit. It has many of the traditions of West Papua, but also it’s own distinctive feel. The people of Raja Ampat are generally warm and welcoming to guests and are proud to show their traditional crafts, music, and dances. For a real peek into the culture of the islands, you must visit Arefi Village. Walking around you can see traditional houses, rickety jetties and often kids playing and splashing in the water.

5. Pure Natural Beauty

If you are looking for somewhere with as little human impact on nature as possible, Raja Ampat is the perfect place to escape to. Lush jungles and mangroves are rich with flora and fauna, especially on uninhabited islands. Thanks to the remote location of Raja Ampat there are few tourists, so you take hikes and tours into the pristine nature without running into any other people. You group and guide will be the only humans in some areas. A Batanta Island Waterfall trek is a great way to experience the purity of the islands and enjoy the lush scenery.

There are so many reasons to book a trip to Raja Ampat but these 5 are our top picks. You will be reminded that there is so much natural beauty in the world; you just have to travel a little way to find it sometimes. If you are ready to book a trip to Raja Ampat or just want to ask a question about traveling to the region, leave us a comment in the box below.