Raja Ampat Islands are adjacent islands and located in the West of Papua
Island. The islands are now the destination of divers who are interested in the
beauty of the underwater scenery. The four member islands are Waigeo Island,
Misool Island, Salawati Island, and Batanta Island.
The Raja Ampat region has long been inhabited by aristocratic people who
applied the customary system of Maluku and each village was led by the king.
Since the establishment of five Muslim sultanates in Maluku, Raja Ampat has become
a claim part of the Tidore Sultanate. After the Tidore Sultanate was defeated
from the Netherlands, the Raja Ampat Islands became part of the claims of the
Dutch East Indies. The Raja Ampat Islands are generally traditional fishermen
who live in small villages that are located far apart and are different
islands. The people there are very friendly to receive guests from outside,
they are very happy if we bring souvenirs for them in the form of betel nut.
There is an event to eat shared betel nuts called "Para-para Pinang".
The community there embraced Islam and Christianity. Often in one family or one
clan embraces one of the two religions. But they still live harmoniously
despite different beliefs.
Raja Ampat Islands is a very potential place for diving tourism, because
the waters of Raja Ampat is one of the ten best waters for diving sites
throughout the world. In addition, it is also recognized as number one for the
completeness of the underwater flora and fauna at present. About 450 species of
coral live in Raja Ampat waters. Because the area with many islands and straits
is narrow, most dive sites at certain times have strong currents. This also
allows for drift diving, diving while following a strong current with very
clear water while breaking through a collection of fish. In addition to the
beauty of its coral reefs, this area also has a prehistoric heritage in the
form of a hand stamp that is applied to a rock wall. This hand stamp is very
unique because it is very close to the sea surface and not inside the cave. The
rest of the wreckage remains of World War II can also be found in several dive
sites, one of them on Wai Island.
Pictures: Google
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