At the top of many divers’ bucket lists is a trip to Raja Ampat off the island of Papua. With 75% of all the coral species found in the world, and well over 1000 fish species Raja Ampat is an absolute must dive for hobby divers and marine biologists alike.
Teeming with wildlife above and below the water you can totally immerse yourself in the remote beauty of the region while staying at Papua Paradise Eco Resort on the uninhabited island of Birie. You’ll quickly see why many guests say this is one of the world’s last remaining paradises.Â
Diving in Raja Ampat
Home to one of the few PADI 5* dive centers in Raja Ampat, Papua Paradise is the perfect base for divers. Gangga Divers Dive Centre offers the guidance of professional local dive masters and international dive instructors, who run the center with strict accordance to PADI best safety standards. In an area like Raja Ampat where dives can be challenging and conditions need to be judged carefully, this is incredibly important.
Papua Paradise offers purpose-built dive vessels equipped with oxygen, first aid kits, fresh towels, snacks and refreshments, and VHF Radio and standard marine safety equipment. The crew focus on customer service and a strict 4 divers to every guide ratio ensures the highest quality dive experiences.
Diving is what a trip to Raja Ampat is really about, and thankfully there are endless dives to choose from. Each day’s dive sites will be recommended by the dive guides with input from guests, and with consideration of the divers’ skill levels and the sea conditions.
There are also set trips offered as day trips like the world-renowned Fam Islands and The Passage. These dives are said to have some of the healthiest reefs in the world and are frequented by marine biologists. The Passage is also a favorite spot for photographers because of the iconic overhanging mangroves that can be seen from above and below the water.
While diving in Raja Ampat you will be overwhelmed by the number of species you can see on each dive. Everything from huge schools of brightly colored fish to reef sharks, manta rays, rare dugongs, and strange walking sharks could be seen on any dive.
The Rooms & Facilities
Papua Paradise Eco Resort offers 26 traditional style overwater bungalows built with local wood and thatching. The bungalows are spacious, private and luxurious with a rustic feel. Guests can look down onto the resort’s house reef and listen to the waves lapping below their room. Behind is the jungle, bursting with birdsong and the sounds of untouched nature.
Heading into the middle of the resort, a lounge and bar area and restaurant serving fresh dishes made with local and imported produce, welcome guests to eat, drink and chat about their diving experiences.
The resort also boasts Spa in Paradise, the only luxury spa in Raja Ampat. This beautiful spa offers guests the chance to relax, rejuvenate and experience Ayurvedic treatments. This unique spa is an oasis of calm where you can revive your senses with the sounds of the jungle and ocean.
Discoveries on Land
Although diving might be your main focus, there are also plenty of opportunities to explore above the water as well. Tours led by trained guides will take you to search out birds of paradise at dawn, learn about local village life and traditions, or even on a jungle trek to hidden waterfalls. These experiences are unparalleled adventures that you will never forget.
For more information on Papua Paradise Eco Resort visit www.papuaparadise.com
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