Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 04/2016 | Page 92

BUDGET AND LUXURY GAM INDONESIA RAJA AMPAT Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort Text by ARLIE HAFT Images by RAJA AMPAT BIODIVERSITY RESORT Ask any experienced diver to name their dream destinations and Raja Ampat will undoubtedly be very high on the list. Reputed to be near the centre of the most biodiverse marine habitat on Earth, this is home to many species not found anywhere else. Spectacular, otherworldly, the stuff of underwater reveries, Raja Ampat is irresistible. Historically, the area has primarily been served by liveaboards and therefore the domain of more-experienced divers. However, a more accommodation options have evolved on these remote islands over the last few years and this is attracting a wider range of visitors and diving experience including newly certified divers and snorkellers. Raja Ampat, the Four Kings, comprises over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo.