Raja Ampat

02.11 |

Stunning Raja Ampat

Some tourists seemed engrossed in eating and chatting casually, looking out to sea the color of predominantly blue, green, and white. The colors that appear due to the influence of coral reefs in the shallow sea floor and inside. They were enjoying lunch at Papua Diving Resort, the waters of West Irian Jaya f.Hot sun and brisk air makes the annoyance of the guests to dive and dive. Sunlight penetrates the cracks often waves to the reef. Beauty of the scenery and marine life do make a lasting impression for tourists. For lovers of coastal tourism and underwater fanatic, Raja Ampat is very well known even considered the best in the world for the quality of coral reefs.Many international underwater photographers capture the charm of the sea Raja Ampat. Some even came over and over again and make a special book about the beauty of coral reefs and marine life of this region. Mid-2006, a special team of the world's leading scientific adventure magazine, National Geographic, making coverage of the Raja Ampat that will become a major report in 2007.A total of 610 IslandRaja Ampat is the fraction of Sorong regency, since 2003. District has a population of 31 000 inhabitants has 610 islands (only 35 islands are inhabited) with an area of about 46,000 km2, but only 6,000 km2 of land, 40,000 km2 in the sea. The islands are unspoiled and beautiful sea is still making direct tourists hooked. They seemed to want to explore the waters of the "Bird's Head" New Guinea.This region had been the target of poachers of fish and corals by spreading cyanide bomb. However, there are still many people who attempt to protect the marine wealth of the region that could be saved. Coral reefs in the sea Raja Ampat considered comprehensive in the world. Of the world's 537 coral species, 75 percent were in these waters. Also found 1104 species of fish, 669 species of molluscs (soft animals), and 537 species of coral animals. Extraordinary.The World Bank in collaboration with global environmental institutions set Raja Ampat as one of the regions in East Indonesia Coral Reef Rehabilitation assistance and Management Program (Coremap) II, since 2005. In Raja Ampat, this program covers 17 villages and involve the local population. Fishermen are also trained to cultivate grouper and seaweed.ExoticPapua Diving, the only exotic resort that offers underwater tours in the region, visited by tourists diving enthusiasts at home for days and even up to a month to wade through the contours of the seabed. They seemed to not want to go back to their own countries because they get an "island paradise second to none on this earth."Administrators could not easily prepare a place for tourists. Maximillian J Ammer, owner of Dutch citizens of Papua Diving Resort is also a pioneer drive the region's marine tourism, need desperately to set up various facilities to attract tourists from abroad. Since he started his business eight years ago, many of the funds must be spent. However, the results are also satisfactory. Every year the resort is visited at least 600 special tourist who spent an average of two weeks.Lodging is very simple, just walls and a roof of woven palm leaves that cost a minimum of 75 euro or Rp 900,000 a night. If you want to dive must pay 30 euros, or about USD 360 000 was diving at a particular location. Most tourists come from Europe. Only a few tourists from Indonesia to stay and dive in there."Tourists dive almost every day because of the dive sites are very broad and diverse. The beauty of the coral reefs are varied, so many choices and invite curiosity. There are tourists who are aged 80 years of diving is still strong, "said the woman was married to Max Ammer the Manado.Three years ago, Papua Diving build a modern inn not far from the first location. Apparently, the inn was built by relying on local building materials are almost always fully booked. Though the charge reaches 225 euros, or about Rp 2.7 million per night. In the new location, equipped with modern equipment, including telephone and internet facilities.Tourists to the Raja Ampat just want to Papua Diving on the Island Mansuar because the facilities are of international standard and the waiters, the food also. They landed at the airport Domne Eduard Osok, Sorong, directly to the location of speed boat with a capacity of about 10 people at a rate of Rp 3.2 million each way. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Mansuar.Like the other islands, Mansuar looks beautiful because of its forests are still awake and was so clean sea water marine life which is not far from the surface can be seen clearly. Tourists simply swim or snorkel to see the beauty of the sea, whereas if you want to directly observe the beauty of marine life at depth, they should dive.Feel SafeLocal residents involved in the development and management of the resort, even 90 of the 100 employees are Papuans. Residents also supplies fish, vegetables, fruits, and others. One of the tour package to visit the village to see the plants and animals typical of the local, including birds of Paradise. Many tourists who become donors of the church building and education of children around the Man-flare.Max Ammer is committed to improving the economy and the skills of local residents. They have been trained in foreign languages and using scuba gear. Tourists feel safe at any time day or night while enjoying hot and sunsets as well as swimming and diving in the deep sea.In addition to marine and fisheries, Raja Ampat has a wealth of natural resources, including oil and nickel. On the seabed there are also many sunken ships of World War II that the former is estimated to contain "treasure trove" of high value. However, if mismanaged, it is feared exploitation activities threaten the preservation and natural beauty of the sea.