03Cities & regions

Southwest Papua

Raja Ampat

At Indonesia’s far eastern edge, off the northwestern tip of New Guinea, the Raja Ampat archipelago scatters across the sea: more than 1,500 small islands and coral islets around four main islands—Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool. Above the water, green limestone hills rise from a turquoise sea; the best known are the Piaynemo islands, viewed from a wooden lookout platform. Below the surface lies one of the richest marine habitats on Earth: more than 600 species of hard coral—about three-quarters of those known worldwide. Divers come from everywhere, and much of the water has been a marine protected area since 2009. The capital, Waisai, sits on Waigeo; to the south lies Misool, with its limestone islets and reefs. Reaching Raja Ampat takes time and planning, but those who arrive find a place that still feels close to how it was formed. The best way to explore is by boat among the islands, with days for diving and swimming.

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Hard coral species

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Small islands and coral islets