HALMAHERA AND WEST PAPUA
With 15 years of experience diving at sites all over the world, it is of our opinion that Western Papua is simply the best. The stunning assortment of underwater life is unrivalled. It's even official, with an entry in the Guinness Book of Records for the most fish species observed in one dive - 374! Since our first dive here in May 2005 (Raja Ampat Islands) we have brought seven small independent diving groups for this once in a lifetime experience. It's fair to say; there’s no place like it! Previously known as West Irian Jaya, West Papua is also astonishing above water. A vast range of flora and fauna flourish including numerous marsupials, birds of paradise and colourful orchids. The vivid green landscape of this beautiful area is in perfect harmony with the tropical colours of the surrounding waters and the spectacular sunsets - they must be seen to be believed! A trip to West Papua will open your eyes to the diversity of our planet and create lifelong memories.
The inclusion of the Halmahera Islands in this trip is our answer to satisfying a growing demand for visiting the world's most pristine and unexplored diving spots. Study the map below: to the west, Manado, with Bunaken and the Lambeth Straits; Banda and Ambon to the south; Raja Ampat to the east and the open Pacific to the north. With the Halmahera Islands trapped between such abundant waters, there's only one conclusion: the marine life around the archipelago must be extraordinary!
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
OUR BOAT
Our trip begins in the dynamic city of Sorong, the capital of West Papua. Here we transfer to our dive boat and set out on our watery adventure! We have over 600 beautiful kilometres above and below the water to explore - let’s get going!
Our home is a brand new Indonesian style boat - lots of wood and lots of space! At 30 metres long and 7 metres wide it provides plenty of room for 12 divers onboard. It comes complete with diving deck, lounge, sun deck and a bar at the stern with cosy sofas to relax on.
The marine environment is home not only to a massive number of fish species but also dazzling coral reefs! While diving, you’ll find creatures such as manta rays, wobbegong sharks and tiny pygmy seahorses are everyday occurrences. The surrounding waters of the Raja Ampat Islands and Halmahera have seen the uninterrupted growth of underwater flora and fauna for hundreds of years. There are no main shipping routes here, no significant commercial fishing practices and the local airport is only a recent addition for a slowly expanding tourist market. Thankfully for us, this place is remote, wild and still untouched!
The islands that make up Raja Ampat and Halmahera compliment the region's underwater beauty with their stunning landscapes. In search of the perfect dive sites, you’ll find our boat winding its way through a labyrinth of fairytale islands swathed in thick vegetation. Their vivid green in sharp contrast to the crystal clear turquoise waters. Imagine yourself relaxing on the deck of our boat, enjoying the gentle sea breeze. Perhaps a stingray will emerge from the water in its quest to impress a mate, or the ominous fin of a shark will make an appearance. You’re in one of the most incredible corners of the globe - some would call it paradise!
Our route from Sorong in the Raja Ampat Islands to Halmahera Island will be nine happy days and over 600 km. We finally end in Ternate, the capital of North Maluku. Ternate has numerous historical forts, some in ruins, which were occupied at one time or another by either the Portuguese, Spanish, or Dutch. In past centuries, these European powers would have traded spices and wood with the local population. We also find some spectacular beaches on the island of Halmahera. Warm seas teeming with life, good food and white untouched beaches - all the ingredients of a great holiday!
19th April 2021 – Depart Poland for Jakarta with a change in the Middle East.
20th April 2021 – Touchdown in Jakarta. Transfer to our airport hotel for rest.
21th April 2021 - 28th April 2021 – Morning flight from Jakarta to Sorong (West Papua) in the Raja Ampat islands and transfer to our dive boat. The next few days are ours to relax, feel the sun, dive, snorkel, bird watch, catch breathtaking sunsets, and just enjoy this beautiful part of the world!
29th April 2021 – Morning transfer to Ternate Airport (Halmahera) for our return journey to Jakarta. Transfer to our airport hotel for rest.
30th April 2021 – Departure just after midnight from Jakarta to Warsaw with a change in the Middle East. Touchdown in Warsaw around noon.
End of trip.
PRICE:
USD 3680 + flights
Included in the Price:
Not Included in the Price: