Dealing with natural beauty, Papua is one of the prime vacation sites in Indonesia. Raja Ampat in the bird’s head area of west Papua has proven to be the most vibrant marine biodiversity in the world. Raja Ampat itself is an archipelago that spans across many islands with its specific charms. Pianemo island is one of them. The small island will pose you with the best experience.
About Pianemo Island
Located on the Groot Fam, Saukabu, Waigeo west island, Pianemo is one of the beautiful natural landscapes in the area. It is part of the Raja Ampat archipelago, especially close to the big island Waigeo. Even though it is the smaller version of some isle, Pianemo does offer breathtaking scenery with its lush green forest and emerald water.
There are so many unique things about this particular island. Aside from being the small one, compared to Waigeo, the whole island is known as the Karang island or Coral island. The name goes with the reason since Pianemo offers majestic nautical beauty. Not only that, the island is geographically made of many karst hills and stunning nautical scenery.
While the island is not as developed as many other Raja Ampat islands’ West Papua, it is still the perfect destination for nature lovers. Those who enjoy sightseeing and adventure will love to visit Pianemo. Since it has a beautiful location, array of karst islands, and speedboat services, tourists can do many things, including hiking the famous Pianemo hill.
How To Get There
Before you decide to go to Pianemo, be alerted that the island is pretty isolated. It means the area is quite hard to get, except joining the trip. At the same time, the island is far less crowded compared to many other Raja Ampat islands. However, there are also some peak seasons in which the number of visitors fluctuates.
To reach the area, tourists need to reach Sorong or Waisai City by airplane. In many ways, it is safe to say that the Raja Ampat itself is two flights away from Bali. As you reach Raja Ampat, West Papua, tourists need to secure a couple of boat trips to reach the area. Again, the travel can alter based on where you want to stay.
What To Do In Pianemo
1. Reaching The Top Of Pianemo Hill
One of the famous tourist attractions and activities is hiking the Pianemo island. Since it is a small island with a less exposed nature, going on this trip will come with many challenges. Even so, the scenic beauty will follow suit during the time. Some challenges come from the rough nature and landscape. There are also chances that sharp stones are scattered around.
The track can be pretty slippery and uncomfortable. That is why every hiker needs to prepare and hike carefully. Fortunately, the hiking area itself has been renovated and built better. There is a long trail of a staircase with 320 steps to concur. It takes around 20 – 30 minutes to reach the top. For you who want to try, the ticket for the hill is about 50K rupiah.
2. Enjoy The Beautiful Scenery
When hiking is not your forte, the West Papua Raja Ampat beauty is right in front of your eyes. Be sure to get yourself some snapshots of the scenery. Don’t forget the array of karst islands around Pianemo, which resemble Wayag island. The lush green forest is also home to many animals. Be sure to open your eyes during the trip to not miss some faunas running around the forest.
Staying on the lowland and enjoying the beach along with its ocean blue panoramic picture is also a good way to spend the time. No cap, the scenic environment will draw you in its beauty. If you can reach the top of the hill, the beautiful array of the panorama will look better. So, don’t hesitate to reach the Pianemo hill’s peak.
3. Visit The Star Cape
Another iconic site of Pianemo is the Star cape or Bintang. The natural beauty of the place has created a magnificent cape shaped like a star. When seen from above, you see how the surrounding island forms the beautiful shapes of the star. Unfortunately, you can only see it by hiking the hills and seeing it from up top.
4. Diving And Enchanted With Nautical Beauty
West Papua is a famous location with its nautical beauty. So, when you are in Pianemo, be sure to dive and snorkel around the beach. Some trip itineraries include diving in Pianemo, that is why you should not miss it. The crystal clear turquoise color water can give you the utmost experience in witnessing marine life.
Pianemo might not be one of the biggest islands in Raja Ampat, but it is one of the best natural attractions found in the area. The island is also known as the miniature of Wayag, one of the karst islands in the Raja Ampat. Hiking the peak of the hill is the prime destination on this island. But, tourists can also enjoy the natural resources and the beauty of the surrounding archipelago.
