Raja Ampat - Wayag Expedition Raja Ampat, located in far Eastern Indonesia is a paradise like few others. It's 1500 limestone islands have been carved and sculpted by the elements into a vast array of different shapes. Covered in lush vegetation, these islands create a landscape like nowhere else on the planet. The area is well known amongst the scuba diving world for having the undisputed record for marine biodiversity - nowhere on earth contains more marine life. The expedition begins in the Wayag group of islands, a remote and spectacular archipelago in Northern Raja Ampat and heads south for 11 days to Kri Island. We'll island hop along the way, exploring each island's unique character and underwater world as much as possible. Half way through the expedition we'll leave the northern hemisphere behind, paddle across the equator and enter the southern hemisphere. We'll visit tradition Papuan villages who's residents still live off the land and the ocean, we'll purchase fresh supplies from these people and through our local guide Haja get a sense of the traditions and culture that govern their lives. Our finishing point is Waisai where we'll enjoy the comforts of a bed and a freshwater shower before returning to the town of Sorong the following day. Difficulty Moderate to Hard Proposed Itinerary Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Ferry from Sorong to Waisai. Ferry departs at 2pm we need to be at the ferry by 1pm. Participants may want to arrive in Sorong a day or two before to acclimatize and get over their jet lag Charter speed boat from Waisai out to the Wayag islands - arriving in Wayag in the afternoon, if time allows go for a short paddle. Explore Wayag Day 4-12 Head south island hopping, snorkeling and exploring along the way. Arriving in Waisai in the afternoon of day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Ferry Waisai to Sorong Fly out
How to get there There are a number of airlines that fly into Sorong. We would recommend booking Garuda Airways as they are less prone to delays compared to the other flight options. Garuda fly to Sorong from Makassar in Indonesia. Airlines that fly to Makassar are Garuda (via Bali or Jakarta), Silk Air via Singapore and Air Asia via Kuala Lumpur. This is not a comprehensive list and we would recommend you check details with your travel agent and/or on airline websites. The Area and it s People The name of Raja Ampat comes from local mythology that tells about a woman who finds seven eggs. Four of the seven eggs hatch and become kings that occupy four of Raja Ampat biggest islands whilst the other three become a ghost, a woman, and a stone. History shows that Raja Ampat was once a part of Tidore Kingdom, an influential kingdom from Maluku. The main occupation for people around this area is fishing since the area is dominated by the sea. They live in a small colony of tribes that are spread out around the area. Although traditional culture still strongly exists, they are very welcoming to visitors. Their religion is dominantly Christian. Meeting Place and Time Matt will meet the group at the ferry terminal in Waisai. End of Trip The trip will finish upon arrival back in Sorong on day 14.
Climate Hot and Humid, the average temperature in Raja Ampat is 27 deg C. The rain season runs from May to October but it seldom rains for more than a couple days. June through to August is the windy months with light to moderate winds during the rest of the year. Visas and Fees Indonesia requires tourists to purchase a tourist visa at the port of entry upon arrival into Indonesia. This visa is valid for 30 days and costs 25 USD. This cost is not included in the trip costs. For those wanting to stay for more than 30 days a 60- day tourist visa can be obtained but must be applied for through the Indonesian consulate before leaving your home country. Entry into Raja Ampat requires a Marine entry permit, this permit is included in the trip costs and Matt will give trip participants their permits upon arrival in Waisai. Travel Insurance It s necessary to take out a personal insurance policy to cover yourself against sickness, accident, and loss of baggage as well as trip cancellation due to weather or other reasons and in the unlikely event that you need emergency evacuation by plane or helicopter due to illness or accident. Ensure you have read the policy thoroughly and are familiar with the claim process in case it becomes necessary to make an emergency claim. I will require proof of your insurance prior to departure. Accommodation and Camping Equipment While in Waisai we ll stay in a hotel. Expedition participants must bring their own Tent/hammock, sleeping sheet and therma- rest ( a thin tarpaulin is not a bad idea to hang above the tents as added protection from rain. ) A small battery operated fan is good idea for those sleeping in tents. Paddling Equipment
Participants must bring their own paddling clothing. The kayak, paddle, skirt and PFD is provided by the outfitter- Kayak for Conservation although we strongly suggest that participants bring their own paddle. www.kayak4conservation.com Guides and Guiding Matt is leading this trip and will organize all aspects of the trip as well as be in charge of all safety, cooking and food related matters. A local guide will provide valuable local information as well as the capability of communicating with the local people. Vaccinations and Malaria Malaria is present in West Papua but rare. We advise that you wear insect repellant as well as long sleeves and long pants during the evenings. We also suggest you take malaria medications. Consult with your doctor. Certain Malaria medications can affect people while scuba diving and make you more sensitive to the sun. Vaccinations Consult with your doctor but Hep A, B and C is advised as is Tetonis and Typhoid. Money Matters
Price $3000 AUD p/p The trip costs include - Taxi transfers to and from the Port in Sorong - Ferry transfers - Boat Transfers to Wayag - Accommodation in Waisai before and after the trip - All kayaking gear we strongly suggest participant bring their own paddle - All guiding - Food while on trip The trip does not included - Airfares - Airport transfers - Accommodation in Singapore and Sorong - Food in Sorong, Waisai and Singapore - Indonesian Visa - Alcohol Money and valuables on the Trip Valuables and spare clothing can be left at the Kayak for Conservation Base in Waisai. Passports should be triple rapped in a zip lock and kept a dry bag during the trip. Money 1 CDN = 10 000 Rupiah 1 USD = *While paddling through the islands we will be stopping into local villages where there may be an opportunity to purchase sovereigns and local delicacies. We would suggest bringing about $200 CDN worth of rupiah and not more than $500 CDN worth of rupiah. * While in Sorong credit cards can be used but will incur a 3% surcharge, rupiah is generally the only thing accepted on the islands.
Food : You can expect 3 full meals each day as well as snacks throughout the day. The selection of food that can be bought in Sorong is surprising, the menu will be a mixture of Western and Asian cuisine with fresh veges, fish and eggs for the start of the trip and dehydrated food will used later in the trip. Medical Forms and Dietary Issues Medical and Dietary requirement forms will be send out in the next month. RA Personal Gear List Camping Gear - 1 Tent - for every 2 people 3- man tent or 1 tent per person if the tent is small. Hammocks also work well in the tropics but some people find them uncomfortable. - Sleeping sheet - Therma- Rest - Dry bag for the Therma- Rest - Headlamp - Small Tarp for the tent (optional but recommended) - Good book/s - Bug Spray Paddling Gear - Paddle (optional but recommended) - Booties (optional) - Paddling Gloves - 1 synthetic shirt (long sleeve) - Hat - 5- liter lap bag - Camera (optional)
- Sunscreen yes definitely - 2 x 1 liter water bottle Personal Gear - 3 pairs of shorts - 1 pair of Crocs or Tevas or Keens (Thongs are not good enough) - 2 pairs of synthetic pants - 1 pair Sunglasses - Swimmers - 3 cotton shirts to sleep in - 1 20- liter dry bags and 1 10- liter dry bag (ensure all your personal gear will fit in the dry bags tents can go in a separate dry bag or no dry bag at all Extra Clothing and Gear You can leave extra clothing and gear with Kayak 4 Conservation while on the trip. Should be an incredible adventure, can t wait.