Arborek Island is one of islands in West Papua that is fast developing as a region for
marine conservation. The island which includes Arborek Village has gained
popularity for its success of developing the island into the best marine
conservation area. The success has been recognized both by the local authority
and international community.
The island has succeeded in managing their
conservation area since many parties gave their support. Many parties involved,
including national and local government, non-government organization, research
centers and local people. They have managed the island into the best
conservation area and marine tourism at once. When you visit the island, you’ll
see the beautiful scenery, both on the surface and underwater. The village in
the island and the ocean life are all fascinating.
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| Pictures Rajaampatlodges.com |
Location
The
tourism village of Arborek Island is situated in Meos Mansar, Raja Ampat
District, West Papua Province. You can reach this spot from Sorong. Several
flights are available to serve you from Jakarta or Makassar to Sorong. You can
fly by Express Air, Merpati Airline or Line Air. You can also reach the spot
via sea transportation. Several sea transportations are available to serve you
as well, such as Gunung Dempo, the Dorolonda, the Labobar, Tatamailau and
Sinabung. After you have arrived at Sorong, you can continue your journey by
motorboat to Waisai. This is the capital city of Raja Ampat District. From
Waisai, you can then go by long boat for about two hours. The long boat will
take you to Arborek Village. In this village, you can start to enjoy your
lovely vacation and exploration.
Activities
There
are many activities you can do in Arborek Island, including diving and
snorkeling. If you decide to snorkel and dive, you better take your own
equipment since there is no rental facility here. Apart from snorkeling and
diving, you can also go fishing along with local fishermen. When the low tide
comes, it is the right time to join with them for Barmeti. Barmeti is a kind of
local saying for sea-cucumber and other marine creatures hunt. This will be an
exciting experience for you. In addition, you can simply walk around the island
and enjoy the natural beauty. On your way, you can shop the most popular
souvenirs of the island, i.e. a unique hat of Arborek. The hat is shaped like a
manta fish. Manta fish is a typical fish of the island. The price of this hat
is about Rp180,000 - 290,000 (US$20.00-US$30.00).
Accommodations
You
don’t have to worry about where you have to stay. There are nearest resorts
such as the Sorido Bay Resort or the Kri Eco Resort. These resorts are managed
by Papua Diving. You can also stay in other resorts such as Misool Eco Resort.
This resort is built from salvaged wood making it incredibly unique and
attractive. Around the resort, you can find colorful fist and reef in shallow water.
Hence, you can see and enjoy them because they are clearly visible from your
cottage.
If
you have a plan to visit Raja Ampat, don’t forget to include this island in
your travel plan. You will never regret visiting Arborek Island.
