Southwest Papua

A new province that is home to Raja Ampat, with some of the richest coral reef ecosystems on Earth, the ultimate destination for divers.

Southwest Papua was split off from West Papua Province in 2022. Its capital is Sorong, and it covers the Bird's Head Peninsula at the western end of New Guinea and the surrounding waters. The Raja Ampat Islands are famed for extremely high marine biodiversity and spectacular karst islets, with diving, snorkeling and birds-of-paradise watching. Misool in the south is more remote and known for its coral and rock art. Seas are generally calmer from Oct to Apr, which is the peak diving season. The gateway is Sorong Airport, from where you take a ferry to Waigeo Island; entering Raja Ampat requires paying a conservation fee.

Destinations

• Northern Raja Ampat
• Misool (South Raja Ampat)

Itineraries

• Raja Ampat North & South Grand Tour – Stay on Kri Island to explore the Dampier Strait, then return to Sorong to catch the ferry south to Misool.
• Raja Ampat Dampier Strait Highlights – Based on Mansuar Island, take day trips to Piaynemo, Arborek, and Manta Sandy.
• Northern Raja Ampat Homestay Island Hopping – Hop between homestays to connect Arborek, the Fam Islands, Kri Island, and the Blue River.
• Misool Karst Lagoons Homestay – Take the weekly ferry to and from Misool to see Love Lagoon, Balbulol, and the Harfat Peak viewpoint.