Wildlife Watching and Snorkeling Tour in Sorong Regency and Raja Ampat

There are a lot of tourist attractions in Sorong and Raja Ampat. Here are some of them.

Australian Visitors in Raja Ampat

Sorong Regency - There is a valley in the east of Sorong city. Its name is Klasow. It is the natural habitat of various kinds of plants and animals. There are tropical food crop plants such as sago, banana, cassava, taro and sweet potatoes. They are grown by villagers. Visitors who travel to the valley and stay in one of the villages can see the fruit and vegetable gardens of local people and how these crops are processed or harvested. After exploring the village, visitors could explore the forest to see birds such as King Bird of Paradise, Magnificent Riflebird, Red-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Wompoo Fruit Dove, and etc. Usually the duration of the tour in this forest is around 3 days/2 nights.

Wildlife watching activities are carried out in during the days and at nights. 

A couple of Yellow-billed Kingfisher in Klasow valley of Sorong regency

Raja Ampat - For visitors who want to enjoy snorkeling, they can go to one of the islands to swim over the coral reef and see a lot of colourful species of tropical fish. Waigeo, Mansuar, Gam, Arborek and Misool are some of the many islands which visitors can choose to stay. Accommodation are simple beach houses that are mostly made of wood and palm thatch. 

Typical accommodation for visitors who want to stay in Raja Ampat

To watch birds, insects, monitor lizards, and interesting animals in tall trees, a good pair of binoculars are needed. The rainforest of Waigeo island is the habitat of beautiful birds including Hooded Butcherbird, Eclectur Parrot, Violet-necked Lory, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Spice Imperial Pigeon, Claret-breasted Fruit Dove, Moluccan King Parrot, Lowland Peltop, Beach Kingfisher, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, and etc.

Red Bird of Paradise in Waigeo Island

Equipment

Visitors need to bring their own mask, snorkel and swim fins if they want to enjoy snorkeling. For taking underwater photographs, camera such as Nikon W300 or Olympus TG-6 will greatly enhance the snorkeling experience. 

Camera that is good for wildlife photography is usually D-SLR camera with 600 mm telephoto lens. However, it will be very heavy to carry it. The alternative choice for that purpose is bringing Nikon P1000. It will be a good photographic device especially when taking pictures of birds or orchid plants in tall and distant trees.

Reef Fish in Yembuba Strait of Raja Ampat

Flight route

Visitors who are interested in taking a holiday trip to Sorong and Raja Ampat needs to take a flight trip to Sorong city. 

• International visitors need to fly from their country to Jakarta or Surabaya or Denpasar or Manado. These are big cities in Indonesia.
• After that, they can continue their trip to Sorong city by such airlines as Garuda, Sriwijaya, Batik Air and Lion Air.
• There are hotels, restaurants, shops and supermarkets which visitors can choose to meet their needs.

Location of Raja Ampat islands

If you are interested in taking a tour in West Papua and want me (Charles Roring) to be your guide, please, contact by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Orchid flower in the jungle of Raja Ampat islands