RAJA AMPAT

Raja Ampat is a tour destination for all reasons to visit. From the highest point in the sky down to the ocean floor, Raja Ampat has the fascinating beauty for everyone. If there is a tour destination you must visit at least once in a lifetime, Raja Ampat is one of them.

RAJA AMPAT: LAST PARADISE ON EARTH

World's Last Paradise, this is the name Raja Ampat archipelago is widely known and called today. It may sound an exaggeration, but not for those who have been there. Raja Ampat archipelago consists of a group of large and small islands, strands of coral reefs, mountains, tropical forests, white sandy beaches and varieties of wildlife making Raja Ampat’s landscape an unmatched beauty.

The landscape of Raja Ampat is beautifully crafted like strings of pearls enchanting everyone who sees it. It is really not easy to find the right phrases to describe the beauty. The scenery of Raja Ampat is a natural view which will make your heart tremble, your breath stuck and your skin goose bumps when you look at it. Its beauty will make some of you to shed the tears admiring just how magnificent and merciful Creator giving the natural resources Raja Ampat archipelago.

PARADISE FOR DIVERS

 it is no exaggeration to Raja Ampat being called "Underwater Paradise on Earth". The geographical location of Raja Ampat archipelago in the hub of the world's coral triangle has made Raja Ampat waters rich of marine biodiversity.

With average sea temperatures from 22 o-30o Celsius, the waters of Raja Ampat has approximately 603 hard coral species. This number represents 75% of total coral reefs in the world. Based on various studies by the world natural conservation agencies like Conservation International and Nature Conservancy, Raja Ampat waters were estimated to have 1397 fish species. It is not mistaken that the waters of Raja Ampat is also called "Capital for Fish in the World".

Besides fish species in the marine waters of Raja Ampat archipelago, there are also 60 crayfish, 699 types of soft animals (species of mollusks) consisting 530 snails (Gastropoda), 159 shells (bivalva), 2 Scaphopoda, 5 squid ( Cephalopoda) and 3 Chiton. This richness has made Raja Ampat archipelago a group of small islands with verily abundant marine biodiversity. (Source: Raja Ampat Regency Tourism Profile)

 The rich undersea life in Raja Ampat waters has made it one of the most interesting diving destinations for scuba enthusiasts in the world.  

PARADISE FOR RARE WILDLIFE

The abundance of natural resources of Raja Ampat archipelago lies not only found in its waters but also on its land. The land contour without mount or mountains exceeding 1000 meter above the sea level makes the forest in the lands of Raja Ampat lowland forest. The diversity of wildlife living in the forests of Raja Ampat is extraordinarily rich. The conservation of wildlife habitats is protected in the nature reserve. There are 4 nature reserves in Raja Ampat regency as follows:
1. Island Nature Reserve West Waigeo
2. Island Nature Reserve West Batanta
3. Island Nature Reserve North Salawati
4. Island Nature Reserve South Misool

 Based on research conducted in West Waigeo Nature Reserve, there are found and recorded more than 171 bird species and 27 mammal species including bandikut (Echymipera kalubu), a spotted cuscus (Phalanger maculatus), striped opossum (Dactylopsila trivirgata), bats and the tree rat. The survey in South Misool nature reserve recorded 159 bird species including 4 cendrawasih (birds of paradise) and 5 bat species.
In addition, the forests of Raja Ampat are also paradise for numerous protected rare birds. There are yellow-crested white cockatoo bird (Cacatua galerita), forest kingfisher (Halcyon macleayii), julang Irian (Aceros plicatus), king parrots (Probosciger aterrimus), parrots (Eclectus roratus), red-black-headed parrot (Eclectus roratus lory), Mambruk Viktoria (Goura victoria), cassowaries, Cendrawasih (Paradisaea sp.), and maleo (maleo Magrocephalus). (Source: The Enchanting Tourism of Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua, 2009).

From numerous locations above, Yenwaupnor, Sawinggrai, Yenbeser and Gam Island is relatively an accessible site for watching wildlife, especially birds habitat. If you are lucky, you'll see for yourself the beauty of birds playing on the white sandy beach or flying and twittering in the trees around you.
The abundance of undersea and land biological diversity is so stunning has also made Raja Ampat archipelago a paradise for eco-tourism activities. Raja Ampat possesses all the beauty.



Reference : http://www.gorajaampat.com/