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RAJA AMPAT is one of the recommendations as a tourist place that is included in your vacation list. However, try to travel with colleagues or friends so that the cost is more affordable. Such as lodging or rental for payment activities can be shared together.
Hailed as a dream destination for divers, the Raja Ampat archipelago of Indonesia’s West Papua is now luring tourists of all kinds with its tropical island promises and the adventures you’ll get when you get there. At first glance, a vacation to Raja Ampat costs quite a bit.
However, with a few tips, exploring Raja Ampat can become a reality even for those on a tight budget. Raja Ampat can only be accessed via Sorong, West Papua. It takes US$15 or around IDR150 thousand to buy a ticket for a public express ferry from Sorong. Meanwhile, to reach Sorong you can choose to use a plane or a ship.
If you want to save money on a boat trip, this is the right solution even if you have to spend more time on the trip. Quoted from several national airlines, the price of a plane ticket from Jakarta to Sorong is around IDR1.7 to IDR1.9 million one way.
This means, to go back and forth it takes around IDR3.8 million. For lodging, the prices offered vary, depending on the hotel class, such as for the homestay class, starting from IDR300,000 for weekdays.
While the resort class can reach IDR3 million on weekdays. Getting around Raja Ampat by boat to the surrounding islands is one of the most expensive parts of visiting Raja Ampat.
Therefore, choosing an island to stay on based on its proximity to the chosen activity is important to further save costs. The islands located in the Dampier Strait are easily accessible from Waisai and close to fantastic diving and snorkeling spots.
Arborek has a small village in Papua and is close to manta ray diving and snorkeling sites. Kri offers pristine white sand beaches and one of the best dive sites in the offshore region.
Gam and Waigeo are perfect for trekking, wildlife viewing, some homestays also offer the opportunity to experience the underwater wonders of Raja Ampat at a fraction of the cost of resorts and liveaboard boats.
However, if you take an offer from a homestay make sure the guide is properly certified and the equipment is well maintained. Not only diving activities. However, with shallow reefs and marine life visible at all depths, snorkeling is an excellent alternative for those who are not in the mood to dive.
Most homestays rent equipment for around US$5 or around IDR70 thousand per day. There are also offers to simply take a walk on the ocean by renting a boat, or trekking and wildlife viewing is best done with a local guide hired through your homestay.
Raja Ampat is one of the recommendations as a tourist place that is included in your vacation list. However, try to travel with colleagues or friends so that the cost is more affordable. Such as lodging or rental for payment activities can be shared together. [sources/photo special]
