On the northernmost point of West Papua, Indonesia sits Raja Ampat Marine Park.
Governments at all levels, including the federal, provincial, and regional ones, prioritize protecting the ocean and managing resources sustainably in Raja Ampat.
Coral Reefs of Raja Ampat
The colours of the coral reefs in Raja Ampat’s seas are stunning. Without needing to dive and enter the deep sea, all of the shallow sea’s contents are visible and constitute most of the deep sea’s contents.
Small fish enjoy dancing and displaying their bodily contortions. Calm waves allow them to swim in groups and approach closer to human settlement.
Raja Ampat Marine Park does have a beauty that any place has not matched in Indonesia.
Even Raja Ampat can be compared to the world’s beautiful waters, such as the Maldives, the Mediterranean Sea, or the Fiji Islands.
The sea surface temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius, and at specific depths, it reaches 27 degrees Celsius.
In addition, sunlight can penetrate sea depths of up to 30 meters. Of course, this is very good for coral reefs and marine fish in Raja Ampat.
The coral reef ecosystem in Raja Ampat has unique characteristics that can actively manage the food for its organisms.
The coral reef ecosystem in Raja Ampat is an area with poor nutrients.
Best Diving Spots
Raja Ampat is one of the ten best dive sites in the world. It is recognized as the number one water in the world that has the complete flora and fauna in the world.
Raja Ampat Marine Park has 450 identified coral species in excellent developing condition. Moreover, Raja Ampat has almost 75% of the coral reefs in the world.
In addition, the Raja Ampat Marine Park waters are home to more than 1,000 types of reef fish and 700 types of molluscs. None of the world’s waters has this condition apart from Raja Ampat.
The Raja Ampat Sea Area covers more than 85% of the total area of Raja Ampat. This condition is inversely proportional to the mainland.
This sea area is a unique attraction for Raja Ampat, especially in divers’ eyes.
The famous dive points in Raja Ampat include Cape Kri, not far from Mansuar Island, and Blue Magic which has beautiful corals. And the waters around Arborek Island, the habitat of Manta Rays.
Aquatic Fauna of Raja Ampat Marine Park
The fish species that live in these waters outnumber the land animal species.
The world’s divers love Raja Ampat so much because of the rich biodiversity of its underwater paradise that they call Raja Ampat the World’s Underwater Paradise.
Many species of unique marine animals, such as wobbegongs (a type of cuttlefish/squid), miniature seahorses, or even large fish such as sharks, manta rays and the legendary mermaids.
Divers also often find and swim with schools of Tuna, Giant Trevally or Snappers.
Dangerous fish such as barracuda often accompany divers when enjoying the beauty of the underwater ecosystem of the Raja Ampat Marine Park.
The Raja Ampat Sea’s diversity is due to this region’s position. The location is between 2 continents and two oceans.
Thus, the sea has resulted in many ecosystems crossing over. Moreover, also species between the two major regions of Asia-Pacific.
Permit to Enter the Marine Park
It is critical that all visitors comply with permission restrictions to successfully manage Protected Marine Areas (MPAs) and ensure their long-term use.
All visitors must pay the Raja Ampat fee to obtain a permit to enter the area with the following restrictions:
Children under 12 are admitted free of charge, and all admission permits are suitable for a year from the date of purchase. International visitors pay IDR 700,000. Domestic visitors pay IDR 425,000.
It is necessary to have entry permission to enter the Raja Ampat Marine Park. This regulation helps to ensure that these areas are sustainably and adequately maintained.