I Left My Hearth in Raja Ampat

Name: Rifan Herriyadi (125110100111024)


















“Raja Ampat in West Papua, as if a small heaven fallen down in the earth.” – Agnesss Swetta Pandia.


For scuba divers like me, who don’t really want to visit to Raja Ampat, the Four Kings which is comprised of four main islands –Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. A joint survey by Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy suggests that marine life in this region is the most diverse on earth. There are more than 1,400 species of reef fish here, as well as 96 per cent of the world’s reef-building hard corals. Scientists estimate that in a sample area the size of two football fields, there are more than six times as many species of coral as in the entire Caribbean Sea. Raja Ampat will make anyone fascinated. Natural beauty, especially the oceans, makes Raja Ampat to become traveler's paradise. However, the beauty of Raja Ampat is comparable with the cost. Most people said that only very rich people can afford to visit Raja Ampat. But not for me, because I got a free ticket from the Indonesian government as deputy ambassador adolescents and young marine archipelago in the event of Sail Morotai 2012. This event was organized by the goverment in order to promote and improve the wealth of of Indonesian Maritim. Whereas, I was one of the lucky youth ambassadors who was chosen by the misnistry of youth and sports, upon recommendation of the Indonesian Board of Population and Family Planning (BKKBN). It was Because I was elected to be the ambassador of the BKKBN in central java, 2012.


My journey was begun from Priok Port with Surabaya 591 navy ship released by Andi Malangrangeng, the youth and sports minister. This is my first trip with the big ship as high as 31 meters in length and twice the size of a football field. During the trip I could see the blue water harmonized with the blue sky as perfect gradation. The outbreak of sea water which was hitted by the ship create a beautiful effect when we see it in the stern of the ship. It would need about five days to reach Sorong Port. However, the journey was not so boring because we have some activities like seminar, motivation, and training with the famous motivator namely Mr. Abdul Basyit. We had so many fun games and ice breakers from him.


When we arrived at the Sorong Port, the people of Papua welcomed us with a welcome dance. My first day with my friends explore the town slide heading into the field to follow a planting trees sponsored by go green. After that we headed to the hall of the building to see dance performances and art of Papua. I think this day was very tiring, because in that day we would go directly to Raja Ampat, precisely in the District of Saonek.




Saonek Monde like paradise hidden in Raja Ampat, West Papua. This small island unclaimed present for lovers of beautiful panoramic sunsets and of course the amazing underwater world. Saonek Monde one of the islands located in Waisai, West Papua. Our adventure begins. Our footsteps begins with a car driving towards Kali Waisai, which is located not far from the homestay while participating Kemenparekraf visit to Sail Raja Ampat, 2014.




The activity in time Waisai still squirm though it was already afternoon. Fishermen busy buying and selling the results of their fish catches by local residents. Wooden boats and speedboats lined park on the edge of time. Travel to the Island Saonek Monde started by renting a speedboat. “Rent a speedboat priced round $ 500 thousand to $ 1 million for a day's visit. This price becomes lighter in the pocket if the island to go with a group alias can be joint“, said my friend who join sail Morotai from Raja Ampat. Luckily we brought three small boats that can be used for 35 people, which we refer to as the LCT boat.


It takes 10 minutes to the island, which covers only about 1 hectare it. Speedboat drove splitting beach waves high enough. The weather was shrouded in clouds and strong winds. Our adventure chasing the sunset in Saonek Monde more beautiful when the speedboat docked to the dock. Expanse of fine white sand and leafy trees like to welcome our arrival.




My second day, we headed to Wayag, one of the most beautiful and best-known islands in Raja Ampat. We woke early and left for Wayag at about seven in the morning, making the three-hour trip by speedboat. It is a stunning journey to Wayag, taking in all the beauty of Raja Ampat. We stopped in Kabui Bay, a great place to dive or snorkel, and passed the hidden Mayalibit Bay and Kawe Island. There were flying fish and dolphins that accompanied us on our trip.


Wayag is a collection of jungle-covered islets rising up out of the water, fringed by powdery soft white sand beaches. We headed to Coral Island and made the 30-minute climb to its peak. And when I arrived at the top, I was stunned speechless by the gorgeous views. I had never been anywhere as beautiful as this. We stopped at an uninhabited island for lunch and took advantage of the opportunity for some swimming and snorkelling. On the way back to the resort, I saw the perfect sunset from the speedboat.


Our third day was a dive day. Because I don’t have a lot of experience I stayed close to the resort rather than heading off for one of Raja Ampat’s more famous dive spots. It was still stunning. I saw a group of butterfly fish and some adorable Moorish Idols. There were starfish, clownfish and the funny pufferfish.








For some of the more famous dive spots, you can head to the Boo Islands, Fabiacet, Farondi Island, Kaleidoscope, Gamfi Damu Island, The Passage, Kri Island, Pinnacle, Wofoh Island, Sel Pele Bay, Waigeo Island, Yangelo Island, Jef Fam, Manta Ridge, Mios Kon, Melissa’s Garden, Mike’s Point, Sardines Reef and many more.


We spent our last day snorkelling, swimming and lazing on the beach, waiting for the sunset. That night we joined some of the other resort guests for a bit of karaoke. And when morning came, it was back to Sorong and then Jakarta. But I already know that the beauty of Raja Ampat will draw me back.