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Waigeo
The largest northern island and the gateway to Raja Ampat, home to the capital Waisai and the iconic viewpoints of Piaynemo.
Southwest Papua · Indonesia
The Four Kings, an archipelago of 1,500 islands cradling the richest marine life on Earth.
What is Raja Ampat
Off the northwestern tip of New Guinea, in Indonesia's Southwest Papua province, more than 1,500 islands, cays and shoals scatter across turquoise water around four great islands: Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool.
Its name means "Four Kings". Local legend tells of a woman who found seven eggs; four hatched into kings who took their thrones across the archipelago, giving these islands their name.
Raja Ampat sits at the very centre of the Coral Triangle, the global epicentre of marine biodiversity. Surveys record the highest marine life diversity ever measured on the planet, which is why divers and travellers from every corner of the world dream of these waters.
The largest northern island and the gateway to Raja Ampat, home to the capital Waisai and the iconic viewpoints of Piaynemo.
A narrow, mountainous island of waterfalls and jungle, lying just south of Waigeo across a slender strait.
The closest of the four to the mainland of New Guinea, fringed with mangroves and traditional fishing villages.
The remote southern jewel, a maze of limestone karst, hidden lagoons and ancient rock paintings.
Nowhere else on Earth does the sea hold so much life in so little water.The Coral Triangle · Raja Ampat
Where Raja Ampat sits within the world's largest archipelagic nation.
Read more →Flights to Sorong, the ferry to Waisai, and every leg of the journey.
Read more →Village homestays, eco-resorts and liveaboard dive boats.
Read more →Diving, snorkelling, karst viewpoints, manta rays and birds of paradise.
Read more →Weather, the best time to visit, and what to pack for the islands.
Read more →What to eat, drinking water, and tips for these remote islands.
Read more →The Indonesian visa on arrival, plus the Raja Ampat marine park permit.
Read more →Recommended vaccinations, malaria advice and staying well.
Read more →Is Raja Ampat safe? Crime, the sea, the sun and staying prepared.
Read more →