Words: Gentleman's Journal
We are all well aware by now of the seasonal hotspots that continue to attract superyachts to their shores year after year. The beach bars in St Tropez, the sunsets in Santorini and the New Year’s celebrations in St Barth’s all hold endless appeal, but what if you are looking for somewhere new to discover and escape the crowds? The Raja Ampat Islands in the beautiful region of Indonesia are becoming increasingly popular for this very reason, and the best way to explore them is by sea.
With thousands of islands scattered across the equator, the expansive Indonesian archipelago has remained largely unspoilt by tourists. The Raja Ampat Islands are among the most remote of these, made up of around 1,600 mostly uninhabited islands and islets located off West Papua. Life and culture here is rich in diversity, the landscapes ranging from dense tropical jungles to pristine sandy beaches, while the towns on the bigger atolls are full of hustle and bustle.
The crystal-clear waters that surround the islands offer a window into what makes the area truly unique – a diverse paradise amid the world’s largest marine diversity. Some of the best dive sites can be found around the coastlines of the Wayag Islands, which you have probably seen gracing the covers of travel books and postcards. The limestone islets pop out from the calm blue waters to form a maze of forested peaks and are perfect for an afternoon tour aboard a speedy tender.
Most superyacht charters in this area will begin in Bali, which, with its volcanic landscape and coastline indented with coves and caves, is a stunning destination to start your Indonesian adventure. Many itineraries will also include stop-offs in Komodo (home of the dragon), which is well worth a visit to swim amongst the whale sharks, ocean sunfish, manta rays, eagle rays and so such more that occupy these waters.
By Dominique Thew
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
