Snorkeling Tour in Raja Ampat Islands

Isanak Beach

I usually organize a snorkeling tour to north eastern region of Raja Ampat based on the following itinerary:

Day 1

Leaving Sorong city for Waim island by motorized boat - snorkeling

Continuing trip to Sopen village

Village Tour to see Papuan people in their daily life

Overnight stay

Front waters of Fish Lagoon

Day 2

Wake up early in the morning, going by motorized boat for Wararaf forest - hiking and watching Paradise birds,

Back to Sopen village - brunch

Snorkeling at Mamiaef island

Continue trip to Fish Lagoon - exploring the karst islets

Overnight stay in Yen Papir village

Day 3

Hiking and camping in the forest near Fish Lagoon

Day 4

Hiking and camping in the forest and wildlife watching

Coral Reef at Isanak Beach of
Raja Ampat archipelago

Day 5

Walking back to the beach

Transfer by boat to Yen Papir - wash

Going back to Sorong

Cost: It depends on the number of participants. It is very expensive to travel alone. I highly suggest that the number of participants should be at least 4 people to share the cost.

The cost includes transfortation by motorized boat between Sorong and north-east Raja Ampat islands, food, payment to local guides, and land owners, basic accommodation at the villager's house and in tents in the jungle.

The cost does not include: airfare, accommodation in a hotel in Sorong before and after the tour, travel insurance and other personal expenses.

Please, bring:

Your own snorkeling equipment, flashlight, sun-block-lotion, clothing that is suitable for beach, and tropical weather.

Tourists who are interested in joining the trip can contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by sending text/ whatsapp message to +6281332245180

Please, consider the above itinerary as reference only, it can be adjusted depending on the weather condition.

Visiting Fish Lagoon in Raja Ampat

Fish Lagoon in Raja Ampat islands

There is a lagoon in the eastern region of Raja Ampat archipelago. Its name in English is Fish Lagoon. The karst islets that are scattered in the area form a protected waters that allows coral reef and fish to thrive well. This rich marine environment is an important natural resource for the economic livelihood of the nearby villages. Local people go there to catch fish, lobster, and sea-cucumber which they eat and sell in Sorong city.
To support the Papuan people in preserving the surrounding environment, I offer tour packages for tourists who want to enjoy snorkeling and rainforest hiking in the area. Here is a typical itinerary for a 3 day/ 2-night tour.

Itinerary
Day 1
Leave Sorong city early in the morning for Waim island
Snorkeling at Isanak beach
Exploring the island and visiting its tidal lakes
Going to Sopen village
Exploring the village
Overnight stay

Day 2
Wake-up early in the morning
Going to Wararaf forest, hiking and watching paradise birds
Return to the village
Early lunch
Leaving Sopen for Mamiaef island
Swimming, Snorkeling
Continue trip to Fish Lagoon
Exploring the lagoon
Continuing trip to the nearby village
Back to the Fish Lagoon - hiking in the forest
Back to the village, visitors can enjoy swimming or snorkeling at the beach of the village
Overnight stay

Day 3
A short walk around the village to see how local people live in their daily life
Visiting the lagoon for the last time or enjoy snorkeling at the jetty of the village.
Return to Sorong city
End of Tour

The above itinerary should be seen as reference only. It can be extended to 4 days or even 1 week depending on the needs of visitors.

Things to bring
Tourists who are interested in taking this tour are required to bring:
Snorkeling  gear (mask, snorkel and fins)
Underwater camera
Binoculars for bird and wildlife watching
Anti insect and sun-block lotions
Flash light

Fish Lagoon

How to get there?
First, you need to fly from your country to Indonesia's capital - Jakarta city
After that you could fly from Jakarta to Sorong city. There are regular daily flight provided by such domestic airlines as Garuda, Xpress Air, Sriwijaya, Batik Air.
I will meet you at the airport and organize your trip to the Fish Lagoon and its surrounding areas.

Transport Vehicle between Raja Ampat and Sorong city
As a way to empower the indigenous Papuan people who live in Raja Ampat islands, we will not use speed-boat from Sorong city. We will use a large motorized wooden boat that is owned by Raja Ampat villager. It takes approximately 2.5 hours of boat ride from Sorong city to the Fish Lagoon.

Accommodation
Fish Lagoon, the nearby islands and the coastal villages in north east of Raja Ampat are not located in the mainstream tourist destination of the archipelago. Because of the lack of promotion, not many people know about its existance. That's why there are no regular visitations from tourists. Visitors will not find homestays, guesthouses or beach resorts.
Tourists who join this tour will stay in the houses of the villagers.
As a tourist guide, I also provide dome tents for tourists who want to stay in empty islands so that they can fully enjoy the natural beauty of Raja Ampat's beaches, tropical islands and coral reef as well as its rainforest.

Booking
If you are interested in Traveling to Fish Lagoon and want me to organize and guide you during the tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by sending text/ whatsapp message to +6281332245180
Also read:
7 Snorkeling Spots in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat Snorkeling Adventure
Raja Ampat Snorkeling Tours

Coastal Birds of Raja Ampat

When I went to Raja Ampat last week, I visited a lot of coastal area of the eastern region of Waigeo. White sandy beach, small tropical islands, coconut trees and mangrove forest are the typical scenery of most Raja Ampat areas. In addition to swimming and snorkeling, I also did some birding where I saw several species of coastal birds.

Plover birds in Waim island

Plover in Waim Island
In Waim island, I saw a group of plover birds that was walking on the sand, perhaps they were feeding on small fish or beach worm of the island. I used my digital camera to shoot those birds. It was a Fujifilm Finepix HS50EXR. I had to lower my body and walked slowly towards the birds. They were not aware of my presense at first. But later when they saw me, they cautiously began to walk away from me. I was able to make some shots of the birds. They did not fly away because, I tried not to intimidate them by just walking slowly.

Radjah Shelduck

Tadorna Radjah at the beach of Waigeo Island
At the beach of Waigeo island, I also saw a group of Radjah Shelduck that was also walking at the beach. They were quite fast to follow. I had to use the optical zoom of my camera to shoot the birds. It was during the sunset time with the sun was already at the back of the island and there was only a little light for me to shoot the birds. I had to use Aviary photo editor to brighten the picture of these Radjah Shelduck.

Crested Tern in Raja Ampat archipelago

Tern at the sea
Other coastal birds that I saw in east Raja Ampat islands were tern. I think they were Crested Tern. They were sitting on wooden frames that were constructed at sea for fishermen to catch fish. Because I was sitting inside a moving boat, I could not make sharp pictures of the birds. I also saw kingfisher at the branch of a tree at the entrance of the lagoon but I could not shoot the bird with my camera. The boat that took me to the Fish Lagoon was moving quite fast.

Pacific Swallow

Pacific Swallow near Fish Lagoon
This bird was small compared to the birds that I mentioned above. I had the opportunity to shoot the bird near the Fish Lagoon. Coastal birds or sea birds like to use jetty, tree branches above the sea water or man-made structres that were built in shallow waters as their sitting platform.
Forest Birds in Waigeo Island
I saw significant number of forest birds while hiking in the jungle of Waigeo island. Some of them include Papuan hornbill, western black capped lory, eclectus parrot and brahminy kite.

The scenery of east Raja Ampat region

Birding and Snorkeling Tour in Raja Ampat
As a tour guide in West Papua, I offer and organize tour to east Raja Ampat islands for tourists who are interested in snorkeling and birdwatching. The activities during the tour will include visiting small tropical islands in the region where visitors could see pristine coral reef environment and tropical fish and hiking in the rainforest of Waigeo island to see birds, trees, flowers and butterflies.
I highly recommend that visitors who want me to guide them to east Raja Ampat region to travel in a group of at least 4 to 6 people to share the cost.
Booking
If you are interested in visiting Raja Ampat islands particularly the Waim island, Mamiaef island, Fish Lagoon and the rainforest, you could contact me (Charles Roring) for customized itinerary and cost by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or text/ whatsapp message to my number +6281332245180.
Also read:
Raja Ampat Birds
Birding and Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

Snorkeling and Birdwatching in Raja Ampat

Entering Fish Lagoon in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is a famous destination in the world for visitors who like to see coral reef and tropical fish. It is a regency that is located in West Papua. Thousands of tourists visit the archipelago every year to enjoy snorkeling, see its beautiful landscape and explore its tropical rainforest.
There are hundreds of tropical island in Raja Ampat but only less than 15 percent that are regularly visited by tourists. There are still a lot of islands that haven't been visited by tourists.

Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra)

Last week, I went to East Raja Ampat region. I enjoyed snorkeling at Isanak beach, I walked around Sopen village, and watched Red Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra) in Wararaf forest, I saw a lot of fish and beautiful coral reef at DPL beaches. I also visited Fish Lagoon that look like Piaynemo or Wayag and had the opportunity of exploring the nearby forest in the lagoon.
As a tour guide, I offer this trip to tourists who are interested in visiting islands in Raja Ampat that are located outside the mainstream tourist destinations.
Here is a typical tour plan for a 4 days/ 3 nights trip:

Terrestrial Orchid

Day 1
Leaving Sorong city for Isanak beach, snorkeling
Exploring the Waim island
Visiting Sopen village
Day 2
Wake up early in the morning
Go by boat to Wararaf forest to watch birds of paradise
Back to Sopen village, lunch
Leave the village for DPL beaches, snorkeling
Continue trip to fish lagoon, exploring the karst islets,
Continue trip to Yen Papir, exploring the village
Snorkeling at Yensner jetty
Day 3
Hiking and birding  in the forest near fish lagoon
Day 4
Last visit to fish lagoon
Leave Raja Ampat for Sorong city again

Booking
If you are interested in visiting Raja Ampat, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatssapp/ text message to: +6281332245180 for customized itinerary and prices.

Snorkeling and Hiking Tour in Raja Ampat

I have just finished a snorkeling and hiking tour in Raja Ampat islands. It was a great trip because I was able to see beautiful coral reef that is the natural habitat of thousands of species of tropical fish and other marine creatures. The rainforest of Waigeo is the habitat of Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra), Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, and Eclectus Parrot.

The Front Waters of Fish Lagoon

I did not go to the main stream tourist destination such as Kri, Mansuar, Gam, Arborek, Pianemo and Wayag islands. I went to such places as Isanak beach, DPL reef, Wararaf forest and explored Fish Lagoon karst islets. That's why I did not see any tourists around. Most of the places that I visited have not been mentioned in the Lonely Planet guide book. I was satisfied with this adventure trip.

Charles Roring (in the middle) with local people at a beach in Raja Ampat

White sandy beach, coconut and mangrove trees, coral reef and tropical fish,  islanders, and boats were the typical words that we would hear when visiting Raja Ampat.
Unconventional Destination
As a tourist guide, I could organize tours for single traveling tourist or a group of visitors who want to visit Raja Ampat particularly to destinations that are not in the mainstream target of tourists. Because the places that we are going to visit are totally new to tourism, we will not find hotels, homestay or guesthouses. If we decide to stay in remote empty islands, we will have to bring tents and food supplies. We could enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, catching fish and grilling it fresh at white sandy beach. We can have fun in empty islands during the tour. After that we could go to the villagers and stay with them.

White sandy beach in Raja Ampat archipelago

Hiking, Birding and Wildlife Watching
In addition to swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing, I can also organize jungle tour where we can walk un the forest to see its tropical plants, large trees, and Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra), Cockatoo, Pigeons, and colorful butterflies.

Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra) in Raja Ampat Forest

Cost of the Tour
Traveling to this unconventional destination of Raja Ampat is quite expensive because there is no regular public ferry service. Visitors/ tourists who are interested in taking the tour is highly advised to travel in a group of at least 4 to 10 people to share the cost. However, there is tourist who prefers to have private tour, I would be happy to organize the trip too.
Or if you are a solo traveling tourist who wants me to accompany you during your tour to Raja Ampat, I could guide you to more affordable destinations such as Kri, Mansuar, Waigeo, or Gam island.
Tour Duration
On the average the tour duration can be as short as 3 to 6 days. Your trip in West Papua could be extended to land tour where you could enjoy hiking in the Klasow valley to watch paradise birds, cassowary, butterflies and wallaby.

Booking
I could prepare a customized itinerary and cost for you. Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by e-mail to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text/ whatsapp message to my cell phone +6281332245180
Also read:
Adventure in Raja Ampat
Snorkeling Pictures of Raja Ampat
Freediving Pictures from Waigeo island

Snorkeling Tour in East Raja Ampat

Insou-Duwer (fish lagoon) waters

Raja Ampat is a famous destination for marine tourism. Most visitors go there to enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, birdwatching and sightseeing. They mostly go to Kri, Mansuar, Gam, Kabui bay, Pianemo and Wayag. These are the mainstream destination in Raja Ampat islands.

Unconventional Destination
As a touris guide, I want to offer you and adventure trip to places that are new or almost unknown to tourists because they are not mentioned in major tourism publications such as Lonely Planet or Trip Advisor. The destination that I offer is the eastern region of Raja Ampat archipelago. Here, visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, hiking in the rainforest to see a large varieties of tropical trees and other plants as well as watching birds, and butterflies, exploring karts islets in Insou-Duwer (Fish Lagoon) waters, visiting coastal villages and staying with islanders in their homes.

Rainforest in Insou-Duwer Lagoon

Itinerary
Day 1
Leave Sorong city for Sopen village in east Raja Ampat islands
Snorkeling at Isanak beach and land tour in Waim island. This trip is suitable for naturists or any visitors who like to explore uninhabited islands in Raja Ampat.

Day 2
We will wake up early in the morning and leave Sopen village for Wararaf forest where we will go hiking and birding. Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, and Red Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea rubra).
After watching the jungle tour, we will go back to Sopen village to have lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue our trip to enjoy snorkeling at DPL coral reef and Mamiaef island

Isanak beach in east Raja Ampat region

Day 3
Exploring Karst islets of Insou-Duwer (fish lagoon) waters. This lagoon is relatively similar to the one in Pianemo.

Day 4
Hiking and Birding in the Forest of Waigeo island near the Fish Lagoon

Day 5
Visiting Yen-Papir village and Yensner village.

Day 6
Snorkeling at Yensner jetty
Return to Sorong

Coral reef near Isanak beach of Waim island

Cost of the tour
The cost of traveling to east Raja Ampat islands is quite expensive for single traveler. So, I suggest that visitors who are interested in taking this tour to be in a group of 2 to 4 people to share the cost. I could also prepare a customized itinerary for visitors who need private tour.
However, if you are only a single traveler who wants me to accompany you to Raja Ampat islands, I could organize a trip for you to places that are more affordable.

Sopen village

Things to Bring

• Because, this is a combined marine tour and jungle tour, I suggest that you brings clothing that are suitable for vacation at tropical beaches and islands. 
• Also bring binoculars if you want to watch birds and other wild animals in the jungle.
• Snorkeling gear and underwater camera are recommended if you want to see the marine environment and take pictures of the coral reef and fish.
• Some tourists bring blow pillow and mosquito net.

Booking
Please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send text/ whatsapp message to my number: +6281332245180