SERBA-SERBI: 2014

Raja Ampat,
Marine Tourism Of Enchantment Exotism Papua

Who says nothing in Papua stunning marine tourism objects? So far, better known by the exoticism of Papua modest culture and abundant natural resources. However, come to Raja Ampat, and enjoy the beauty of coral reef, complete with captivating marine life and marine scenery impressive.

Nothing wrong when Putri Indonesia 2005 Nadine then Chandrawinata expressed his admiration for the region after a dive, feel the grain underwater panorama of Raja Ampat is very alluring. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts is guaranteed not to be disappointed. Instead, they will be called to come and come again.

Raja Ampat is a fraction of Sorong regency, since 2003. District has a population of 31 thousand inhabitants has 610 islands (only 35 islands are inhabited) with a total area of about 46,000 km2, but only 6,000 km2 of land, 40,000 km2, the sea again. The islands are unspoiled and the sea is still beautiful to make direct tourists hooked.

Raja Ampat Islands located in the northwest of the Bird's Head of New Guinea, with more than 1500 small islands and atolls as well as the 4 main large islands, namely Misol, Salawati, Bantata and Waigeo. This then makes the Raja Ampat marine park in Indonesia. This region had become the target of hunters reef fish by means of bombing and cyanide poison to spread. However, there are still many people who seek to protect the region so that the wealth of the sea could be saved. Coral reefs in Raja Ampat marine rated most complete in the world. Of the world's 537 species of coral, 75 percent were in these waters. Also found 1104 species of fish, 669 species of molluscs (soft animals), and 537 species of coral animals. Excellent!

The World Bank in collaboration with global environmental institutions establish Raja Ampat as one region in East Indonesia which received assistance Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program (Coremap) II, since 2005. In Raja Ampat, this program covers 17 villages and involve the local population. Fishermen are also trained to cultivate grouper and seaweed. Especially for those of you who are not interested in diving activities, which refract the blue expanse of ocean beauty of the sky, emitting a sprinkling of white sand sparkle like pearls, can be enjoyed. In addition, there are a cluster of islands are charming and unique flora and fauna such as red paradise, paradise Wilson, maleo Waigeo, various parrots and parrot, possum Waigeo, as well as various types of orchids. Mansuar Papua Diving on the island is one of the leading resorts located in this region. Foreign tourists diving enthusiasts at home for days and even months in Raja Ampat are enjoying the beauty that was there and stay at Papua Diving.

Each year the resort is visited at least 600 special tourist who spent an average of two weeks. Lodging is very simple that only a walled and roofed woven palm leaves that cost a minimum of 75 euro or Rp 900,000 a night. If you want to dive must pay 30 euros, or about USD 360,000 was diving at a particular location. Most tourists come from Europe. Only a few tourists from Indonesia to stay and dive in there. Kri Island, Waigeo, and Misool also prepare the resort for visitors. On the island there Misool Eco Resort is built by applying the principles of strict nature conservation. There are agreements with indigenous populations around the region to maintain an integrated ecosystem called the "No Take Zone" which prohibits any taking of marine exploitation, ranging from hunting shells, turtle eggs, shark's fin to just fishing. In the extreme, even in an eco resort prohibits the use of antiseptics as the waste exhaust feared would kill the coral reef ecosystem around it.

Some resort set prices relatively expensive due to deliver a complete facility. Travelers with limited costs can also take advantage of government-owned resorts are much cheaper in the area Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat. You have to fly first to the airport Domne Eduard Osok, Sorong, Papua, and then directly to the location of the fast boats with a capacity of about 10 people at a rate of Rp 3.2 million each way. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach the Raja Ampat Islands in particular to Mansuar. To get around the island is desired, we can hire a speedboat capacity of 10 persons at a price of USD 3-5 million per 8 hours, depending on the intelligence of our bid. We can also take a tour package to visit the village to see typical local plants and animals such as birds of paradise.

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To get into the area of Raja Ampat, each person must pay an entrance fee of Rp 250 thousand for domestic tourists, and $ 500 thousand for tourists from abroad. A round pin that serves as the identity we will receive, after paying the fee. Uniquely, this pin is valid for one year, from 1 January to 31 December. So if in one year we go back and forth to visit Raja Ampat, only need to pay a one-time entrance fee alone. Of course last pin should not be lost and should we wear as identification.