Raja Ampat, comprises an archipelago of over 1,000 islands, islets and rocky outcrops scattered around the ocean surrounding Bird's Head peninsula, in West Papua. The four larger islands are Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool. The area also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest Marine National Park in Indonesia.

Cruising around the archipelago is a truly exploratory experience. Intervention of men has very little and visible impact at Raja Ampat; the surroundings remain pristine and unchanged as they have done for centuries. Regardless to say, the area simply beckons to be explored by divers and snorkellers. Its topography also creates a rewarding experience for bird watchers, hikers and kayakers.

The vistas above surface are simply breathtaking — low-lying sandy knolls, punctuated with bands of green are complimented by knurled karsts, similar to those in Palau. Beneath the surface, the area supports one of the richest coral reef biodiversities on record — it is home to a staggering amount and rich variety of marine life attracted to the 4.6 million hectares. But corals are not all they have — there are many wrecks scattered around the area, many of them are planes forced down in WWII.

There are a couple of ways to enjoy all the natural wonders that Raja Ampat has to offer — either from one of the few resorts on the larger islands, or by joining a liveaboard excursion, of which there are only a few to choose from.