The remotest islands
Uninhabited.
Rolandandika — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Rolandandika — CC BY-SA 4.0 · James Mamoto — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nan Marot — CC BY-SA 4.0
Raja Ampat's most remote and wild islands, a cluster of sharp forested limestone peaks rising from a calm turquoise lagoon in the far north-west, with no people or villages, looking untouched. The view from the summit is counted among the world's most beautiful seascapes. Visitors climb Pindito peak or smaller Wayag peak, a very steep scramble over sharp rock taking about half an hour to an hour, to see the islands scattered like a maze in clear water. The water holds small harmless sharks, turtles and rich coral reefs. Every foreign visitor pays a Raja Ampat environmental fee of around one million rupiah, valid for a year (check the current rate), bought in Waisai or Sorong; the speedboat is chartered or booked as a tour. The Wayag trip is long and costly given the distance, needing at least a full day, and rough seas sometimes cancel trips. Plan it for the calmer months, roughly October to April, and share the boat cost with a group. Bring gloves and sturdy shoes for climbing on sharp rock.
Uninhabited.
The maze view.
In the clear lagoon.
Far north-west Raja Ampat, about 3-4 hours by speedboat from Waisai
Piaynemo is closer, cheaper and an easier climb; Wayag is farther, pricier and harder but wilder and lonelier. With limited time or budget, Piaynemo is enough.