Salawati Island is one of the four main islands in Raja Ampat. The
area of this island is 1623 km². The island is so beautiful. The beauty is
so popular around that it attracts many tourists to visit the island. Together
with the other three main islands in Raja Ampat, i.e. Misool, Batanta and
Waigeo, the island has become the most attractive tourist destination in West
Papua. Many developers are interested in developing the four islands. They have
built many beautiful resorts along with its facilities. These resorts have made
the islands attract more tourists to visit the islands.
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| Pictures Rajaampat-liveaboard.com |
Location
Geographically, the island is situated
in Salawati District, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua Indonesia. To reach the island, you must go by boat. You can
first fly to Sorong, from either Jakarta or Makassar. Depending on where you
are, you can take a flight to Sorong. Once you have arrived at Domne Eduard
Osok, Sorong, you can continue your journey by taxi or rental car towards the
port. The rental car costs about Rp400,000 to Rp500,000 ($42.00 to $52.00) per
day depending on the type of the car. From the port, you can then go by speed
boat or long boat towards Sukawati Island. It takes about two hours from the
port to the island. On your way, you will see many small islands without
inhabitants. The small islands are so beautiful, especially because they are
virgin island needed to be developed.
Activities
Sukawati Island is a remote island. The
island is so quiet and peace. However, a lot of tourists come and gone. Most
tourists are foreigners, but some others are domestic ones. Most of them visit
the island to enjoy the beauty of the island. Some others come to the island to
do some researches. The island has many potentials to develop. Hence, many
scientists come to the island to do a research. They mostly do observation
about the species. The biodiversity of the island has interested many
researchers in doing some observations. However, many tourists come to the
island simply because they want to do water activities. They especially want to
dive or snorkel. The scenery of the underwater life is so fantastic. There are
many bunkers left from World War II sinking in the sea around the island. They
become interesting spots to dive.
Accommodations
When
you are about to visit Sukawati Island, you need to prepare everything
carefully. You will not find any restaurants or resorts around the island.
Hence, you need to bring enough food from Sorong. If you really need to stay
overnight in this island, the only option for you is to stay at the local
people’s house. However, you don’t have to worry as most people here are friendly.
You can even ask them to guide you when you want to explore the island or do
water activities.
To
visit the island, you must bring enough food and equipment needed to do your
activities. With careful preparation, your journey to the island will be more
fun and exciting. Sukawati Island is one of the best islands you should visit
when you are in Raja Ampat.
