It might sound a bit exaggerating when you read the title, but the breathtaking view of Raja Ampat Islands has really made me stop from blinking. Yes, I am one of the lucky persons in the world to have such an opportunity to visit Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua province, Indonesia, which is popularly known for its nature beauty.
In general translation, Raja Ampat means “four kings”. The history of Raja Ampat itself varies into different versions. The one that spreads in the local community says that the name Raja Ampat came from the myth of a woman who found seven eggs. The four of them cracked open into four princes. As they grew up, they separated and became king in four different regions i.e. Waigeo, Salawati, East Misool, and West Misool. The other three eggs were believed to be a ghost, a woman, and a stone.
I went to Raja Ampat for 5 days. It took 3 hours and 50 minutes from Jakarta-Sorong by Express Air. I landed in Dominique Edward Osok Airport in Sorong at 7.05 am local time. After having breakfast, I continued to Waisai by ferry at 9.00 am. I spent two days in Waisai for snorkeling and exploring local cuisines. I snorkeled in the sea near Waiwo Dive Resort. The water was crystal clear so that I could see the fishes and the coral reefs easily. Raja Ampat is very popular for its biodiversity in marine life. The richness in marine life is said has made Raja Ampat as a living library for coral reef collections. The cuisine itself is no less exotic than its view. I found it a little bit strange when I ate Papeda. It is sago congee served with sautéed water spinach and fish soup which is very similar to Palumara, a traditional cuisine from Makassar, South Sulawesi. I felt like I was eating glue. In eating Papeda, it is suggested to use chopstick rather than spoon and fork. The taste of Papeda itself is surprisingly delicious, very fresh and no fishy smell. I really loved the fish soup. One unique thing about the soup, people in Raja Ampat gave the head part of the fish for the cook or those who are respected by others such as parents or the elder.
The next day, I continued my trip to Piaynemo, the mini Wayag, by speed boat for ± 1 hour and a half. On the way to Piaynemo, I stopped in a place called “The Emerging Sand”. It is simply an overlay white sand. When the tide comes, the so called “The Emerging Sand” will disappear. I spent few hours to take photos and selfies.
Having satisfied taking photos, I stepped up into my boat and continued to my home stay in Piaynemo, which is also known as the place for shark breeding. The weather was rather bad that day. In some places, I could see the heavy rain. Yet, miraculously, my speed boat was only hit by a small rain in a very short while. Just like South Border’s line in the song Rainbow, there’s rainbow always after the rain, I saw, in fact, not only a rainbow but two instead. This was such a rare nature phenomenon so that I decided to stop my boat and take photos of the double rainbow. All I could say was Masha Allah –as God has willed. Apparently, my boat which was stop in the middle of the sea had drawn the lifeguards’ attention. From their boat they asked whether everything was okay. I waved my hand to them showing that everything was fine and explained that I stopped because I wanted to take photos. They smiled and passed on. I saluted their swiftness and dedication in protecting the people.
Another Masha Allah was screamed when I’ve got to see the home stay. The view and its peaceful atmosphere wowed me. It really had won my heart the very first time I saw it. There were four rooms facing to the east. In the back, there were kitchen and lavatory. They were located near the beach. Everything was built from wooden planks. In Piaynemo home stay, the electricity was available only at night whenever there were some guests stayed in the home stay. When there were no guests, the owner only used kerosene lamps. It was such an experience to live without electricity, phones, television, radio, internet, and any other modern stuff without any worries. The beauty of the surrounding had been able to replace those things.
I arrived in Piaynemo home stay around 4.00 pm. After cleaned my body, I took a rest and enjoyed the amazing view in front of the home stay. I could see the baby sharks and some other fishes under my home stay. As I waited for the sunset, my eyes were completely spoiled by the view. The atmosphere was very peaceful and tranquil. It was a perfect place for a retreat. Then at 7.00 pm, my friends and I had our simple dinner i.e. grilled fish, sambal, and rice. There was no vegetable but the dinner was wonderfully delicious. The sense of simplicity and togetherness had replaced everything.
In the morning, I woke up at 5.00 am. Having finished Shubuh praying, I went to the dock waiting for the beautiful sun rise. I took some photos, and then had my breakfast. I decided not taking a shower since the fresh water was limited.
Heading to the famous Piaynemo’s “mini Wayag” spot, my friends and I felt so excited. Climbing more than 130 stairs didn’t make us exhausted. Instead, we hurriedly race to the top. We couldn’t wait to see the fabulous view. And when we got to the top of the cliff, the view was completely amazing that we couldn’t say a word but praised to Allah the Almighty. The blue and clear water surrounding the coral clusters, made a stunning nature painting. The most beautiful one I’ve ever seen. The sun was nice on that day. One of the local people said that usually it felt like there were four suns above their head which means that the weather in Raja Ampat is usually very hot.
As the time keeps ticking, it comes the time to go back to Jakarta. Bringing one outstanding experience while enjoying the islands, does make feel rich in the inside. Witnessing the beauty of Indonesia with my eyes, gives a big feeling of proud. Just as Jawaharlal Nehru said, “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There isno end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” I have started the adventure from my motherland. And I’m curious where the next journey will take me. Go travel!
Port of Waisai.
