Top 10 Things To Do In Raja Ampat For Non-Divers

Raja Ampat is a world-famous divers’ paradise, but you don’t need your scuba equipment to enjoy its charm and beauty. Whether or not you can twist and reverse underwater, this archipelago in Indonesia is a tropical paradise worth visiting. From birding to culture, discover the top things to do in Raja Ampat for non-divers.

Sightseeing

Raja Ampat is as beautiful above the surface as it is under. Translucent, sparkling ocean, scattered small islands, lush tropical greeneries, secluded lagoons, those alone are enough to crown Raja Ampat a paradise. The archipelago offers 360-degree beauty virtually everywhere, but among the most popular sightseeing spots are Pianemo and Wayag, overlooking the vast blue ocean and small islands with lush greeneries.

Hiking

Birdwatching

Beyond the lively underwater scene, Raja Ampat is also home to various exotic and endemic species, including some birds of paradise with their vibrant colors and graceful build. Popular spots for birding include Waigeo, Gam, Kri, Mansuar, and Urai, but Raja Ampat is basically a large, rather untouched habitat for birds – so it shouldn’t be hard to spot one or two pigeons or lories without even trying.

Feast on local cuisine

Being a string of islands, fresh seafood will always be on the menu in Raja Ampat. Even casual, grilled seafood can taste marvelously different with the many, delicious variations of spicy condiments used in local recipes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try the traditional papeda (sago starch porridge), served with the savory, spicy yellow fish soup so loved by locals.

Island-hopping

Raja Ampat comprises more than 1,500 small islands and you’ll never see enough of it. If you’re travelling with a group (or can form one on the spot), chartering a live-aboard or joining a boat tour can make it much easier to craft your own island-hopping adventure. Between visits to remote, untouched islands, you can also explore countless beaches, relax on the boat, and even sleep under the stars in the middle of the sea.

Swim or snorkel

Diving isn’t the only way to enjoy Raja Ampat’s vibrant marine biodiversity. The underwater scene is beautiful at every depth, so you can choose how deep to go. Snorkeling in the clear water can grant you a breathtaking view of the famed, captivating corals, and rubbing shoulders with exotic fish, turtles, manta rays, and others is a real possibility while swimming.

A free diver explores a coral reef slope adorned by a beautiful gorgonian in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Wander the villages

More than just breathtaking scenery, Raja Ampat is also about the people and their diverse, fascinating culture. Explore the villages to see a glimpse of the indigenous culture, the language, traditional customs, crafts, and more. Don’t forget to say hi to the locals you encounter, the people of Raja Ampat are as friendly as they come!

Relax and pamper yourself

Raja Ampat may be a remote and relatively untouched archipelago, but it has a great selection of modern luxuries, from waterfront restaurants to luxury resorts with spa and stylish poolside daybeds. Find a good place to stay, and you should be more than content with the tranquil atmosphere, tropical breeze, and wonderful view of the island paradise.

Watersports

In many parts of the Raja Ampat archipelago, the ocean can be almost perfectly still, making a good spot for sea kayaking or stand-up paddling. You can set your own pace and traverse the small islands, enjoying the tropical charms without worrying about the current. On the other hand, some spots are lively enough for surfing and other watersports.

Shop traditional souvenirs

Raja Ampat is an unforgettable and outstanding destination like no other, but luckily you can bring a part of its charms and beauty home. From keychains and traditional fabrics, to traditional musical instruments and wood carvings, don’t go home without Raja Ampat’s authentic souvenirs.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.