The roaring engines Ampakines fixed to a large wooden boat are finally quiet.Nothing can be heard but the rifting little waves, lapping against the
vibrant paint on the sides of the vessel that gracefully slows down.
Native birds hop on the tip of a small tree in one of the deserted
islands in the distance.
Raja Ampat or ‘Four Kings’, is the name
given to these islands and comes from a local myth. The four major
islands found here are Waigeo, Misool (which is home to ancient rock
paintings), Salawati, and Batanta.
Underwater enthusiasts flock
to this region because it offers the world’s best marine sights. Two
days earlier, some of these travelers had been at a deafening corner of a
tourist trap in Bali. Once they took their flight to the bird head of
the island of Papua everything changed as they embarked on a diving tour
of a lifetime. In the Raja Ampat islands, divers can explore vertical
underwater walls. The thrill of drift diving is another great challenge.
These are the awesome experiences you will find in Raja Ampat.
Meanwhile,
on this tour several divers were well equipped and looked advanced. The
territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering
9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more
than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes it
the most diverse living library for world’s coral reef and underwater
biota. According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and
Conservation International, around 75% of the world’s species live here.
When divers first arrive here their excitement is palpable. It’s common
to hear people praise God as they take in the remarkable scenery.
Others prefer to remain in silence taking in the overwhelming sight of
so many islands with crystal clear water that softly brushes over the
white sandy beaches.
says the friendly local
guide who had been appointed by the tour operator who runs an eco-lodge
in Raja Ampat, indicating that they have arrived at one of the most
fantastic diving sites. On other days, this guide is just a simple
fisherman. The local fishermen here are accustomed to foreigners and are
friendly, especially when offered pinang (betel nuts) or some sweet
candies. These are very popular and offering these sweets is considered
polite and a good way to win an instant smile. The fishermen usually eat
this snack during Para-para Pinang, or social chatting and exchanging
funny stories while chewing Pinang. In many respects, like nature,
culture, and history, these fishermen are closer to the Moluccas.
"No doubt about it, Raja Ampat is definitely the richest place for fish that I have ever been." -
-Dr G.R. Allen
"I
was like a five-year-old, seeing a reef for the very first time. I was
awestruck, held by the incredible power of this richest reef. We must,
with all available resources, preserve the beauty of Raja Ampat. This
may be the last frontier." --Michael Aw
"I love the people, I
love the diving, it's super! I've never been for a second time to the
same dive destination but now I'm thinking about going back for the
third time! Should I say more?" --Peter van Dalen
(These testimonials are taken from
www.iriandiving.com)
While
the landscape may look like a dream, this is not an illusion. As you
embark on your dive, the phrase ‘Attention to detail’ takes on new
meaning as pigmy seahorses swim around your fingers. Manta Rays and
wobbegongs will glide right by you. Tuna fish, giant trevallies,
snappers, and even barracudas are there to complete your underwater
‘meeting list’. Not to mention the friendly assistant of the dugong, and
a busy colleague, the turtle. Natural and untouched beauty is the main
attraction here. With no unnecessary adages, the sky, the lush islands,
the sea, and everything above and under it is genuinely saying ‘Welcome
to Raja Ampat Islands; your personal Disneyland of diving sites’.
More facts about the Raja Ampat Conservation Area:*
This area is home to 1,511 species of reef fish in the Bird’s Head Seascape;
1,320 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat;
75% of all known coral species in the world;
10 times the number of hard coral species found in the entire Caribbean;
In the Birds Head Seascape there 600 species of hard coral recorded;
5 species of endangered sea turtles;
57 species of Mantis Shrimp;
13 species of Marine Mammals;
And 27 species of endemic reef fish found only in that area
To see more pictures on the enchanted Raja Ampat click
http://www.indonesia.travel/en/photoessay/details/post/1
