The western part of the Indonesian New Guinean Island consists mostly of islands and peninsulas, with Raja Ampat islands West Papua often regarded as the most attractive for tourists. There are some interesting facts about these islands that make it the most famous tourist attraction in West Papua as well as the entire island of Papua.
Thousands of Islands
A seemingly small and secluded tourist destination, Raja Ampat in reality consists of thousands of small islands. There are around 1,500 islands in this area, most of which are small in size, but there are some bigger islands that are also the most famous. Tourists who visit this tourist attraction generally take their time to visit some of the most famous Raja Ampat islands, including Batanta, Misool, Waigeo, and Salawati. A small island called Kofiau also becomes a favored stopover for divers, swimmers, and snorkelers who spend their time exploring the area.
The World’s Most Biodiverse Tourist Destination
Raja Ampat ranks first in the world’s biodiversity ranking. The islands are biologically diverse both above and underwater. Some of the rarest animals on earth are endemic to these islands. Among the rarest birds that tourists can see in Raja Ampat include Wilson’s bird of paradise, red bird of paradise, Waigeo brush turkey, and many others. All of them are endemic to this region and can hardly be found in other parts of the Island.
The biodiversity of the region is even richer under the sea surface. There are more than 1500 species of fish and 699 species of mollusks living in Raja Ampat. Tourists who explore the region can enjoy more than 500 species of coral beautifying its underwater scenery. Diving and snorkeling at Raja Ampat Islands West Papua are truly satisfying because of such richness.
This is the reason why even though the islands are located in one of the most remote parts of the island as well as the country, it continues to be popular for worldwide tourists. Its popularity is covered not only by local West Papua news because its attraction has gained national and even international renown.
Jellyfishes at Misool
Of all the islands in Raja Ampat, Misool is the most famous. This is not only due to the beauty above and underwater near this island. Misool is also known for its population of jellyfishes. There are three colonies of jellyfishes occupying the island’s surroundings, adding enhanced beauty to the already beautiful underwater scenery.
A Massive Tourist Destination
The Raja Ampat region cannot be considered a small region. The entire tourist destination covers an area of around 60,000 hectares with a coastline that spans 4,860 kilometers. There are about 600 large habitable islands in this region. The reason why many people consider this tourist destination smaller than its actual size is perhaps the small number of occupied islands in this region. There are currently only 35 occupied islands in Raja Ampat.
Uniquely Shaped Islands
Raja Ampat islands become famous not only due to their natural beauty. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in this region feature bizarrely shaped islands that give tourists an otherworldly feel. Among the most uniquely shaped islands that tourists can find in this region include the Pensil Rock that is slim and tall as a pencil, the Star Lagoon that looks like a perfect star when seen from above, and the unearthly green rock formation at Wayag islands. There are many more places in Raja Ampat that make tourists feel as if they are no longer on earth.
All of these uniquely shaped rocks and islands are natural wonders that make Raja Ampat Islands West Papua one of the most unique places to visit on earth.
