Mutiara Laut

SORONG – RAJA AMPAT- BANDA – AMBON 11 Days 10 Nights

Located off the northwest tip of Bird’s head peninsula on the island of West Papua. Raja

Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and

shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, batanta and waigeo.

The Raja Ampat archipelago is the part of Coral Triagle which contains the richest marine

biodiversity on earth. Raja Ampat is considered the global epicenter of tropical marine bio-

diversity and is referred to as The Crown Jewel of the Bird's Head Seascape.

From there we move south to the Banda Islands which combines raw natural beauty, a warm

local heart, and a palpable and fascinating history, this remote cluster of 10 picturesque

islands isn't just Maluku’s choice travel destination, it's one of the very best in all of

Indonesia. Having utterly undeveloped picture-postcard beaches. And run, her gnarled

limestone sprouting with nutmeg and cloves, is one drop-dead-gorgeous historical footnote.

Day 01 : Sorong – Bantanta

Upon arrive in Sorong airport you will be greeted by our crew then transfer to the port to embark on Mutiara Laut. After getting on the ship we wil head for Raja Ampat’s smallest of the 4 islands Batanta, The island is made up of rugged mountains covered with dense rainforest. Those of you who are keen can trek into the island’s interior to an exquisite waterfall and do some bird spotting for the elusive bird of paradise. Despite being close to

Sorong many of the Batanta’s villages have retained their traditional architecture and we will have time to explore these during the day.

Day 02 : South Raja Ampat, Misool archipelago

Day 03-Misool Archipelago Today we will find ourselves anchored in Tomolol Bay on Misool Island. A swim through Tomolol’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites. The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave. After returning to

the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric ‘petroglyph’ cave paintings, estimated to be anything from 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, flowers and plants, tools and vessels.

Day 04- Misool Island In the morning we are still anchored in Tomolol Bay near Misool Island. Misool is one of the four major islands that make up Raja Ampat. It was home to a major Japanese naval base during WWII. We will make the most of the fact that very few people visit this area and enjoy deserted beaches and the magnificent underwater environment. With all the limestone around there are many caves to explore, if the tide is right we will go through Tomolol cave, a mysterious dome-topped cave which is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. This cave is a sacred site for the local people with a Muslim shrine at its entrance. We will spend the afternoon exploring and enjoying this remote land.

we will continue to explore the many islands that make up the Misool archipelago. We will “go with the flow” and take our time to enjoy both the land and sea attractions. Our sea kayaks will allow us to get closer to the rocky outcrops, or you might want to see the sago production in the small village of Biga. Day 05 : Pulau Pisang

On the way to Fakfak we make a stop at uninhabited Palua Pisang.(Banana Island) Fringed by beaches of the purest white sand which makes it an excellent location for swimming and snorkeling. In the evening we will have a BBQ on the beach Day 06 : Fakfak

In the morning we will anchor at the island of Was, at the foot of the Fakfak mountains. We

will take the tenders and do some coastal explorations and visit the central district of Fakfak. After lunch we sail to Karas Island, where we can go visit some local villages or just hang out on secluded beaches. From Karas we will depart westward to the Gorong Archipelago, which stretches out into the Banda Sea. Day 07 : Manawoka

After a walk through an old nutmeg grove and a visit to the Raja (king) of Manawoka, we will move to the eastern point of the island. There we will find 2 lakes with a small tunnel connected to the sea. It’s a very special experience to swim in these lakes. In the evening we will sail southward to the Wabula Archipelago Day 08: Kurap Kurap, in the Waubela group of islands, is everyone’s vision of a Paradise Island: 10 acres of of coconut trees surrounded by pure white sand and fringed by coral reefs dropping abyssal depth. This will be the décor of the day!

Day 09-10: Banda

To get a taste of history we will visit the last nutmeg plantation still in operation and run by descendants of Dutch colonists who settled here in the 17th century! We will be guided around the plantation and experience how nutmeg and mace is grown, harvested and processed. The high rising umbrella shaped Kenari tree, protect the nutmeg tree against the sun and heat. In the evening we will set sail to Ambon Day 11 Ambon

All good things come to an end, including this remarkable journey. After breakfast we will disembark the Mutiara Laut, head to the airport and fly to your next destination.

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