Unique combination trip • Diving in Raja Ampat & the Baliem Valley Festival
A unique combination of Raja Ampat’s underwater world and the ancient cultures of Papua. First, you’ll explore the world’s most biodiverse marine area, followed by a visit to the famous Baliem Valley Festival, where various tribes showcase their traditional customs, dances, and rituals.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Raja Ampat & Baliem Valley Festival: From the Richest Underwater World to Ancient Cultures
This unique journey combines two completely different worlds within Indonesia. In Raja Ampat, you’ll stay right in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the area with the greatest marine biodiversity in the world. From the small-scale Biodiversity Nature Resort, you’ll discover an underwater world renowned for its unparalleled richness: colorful coral gardens, enormous schools of reef fish, manta rays, and a wide variety of macro life. With multiple dives each day and unlimited house reef dives, you’ll have plenty of time to experience this extraordinary natural environment in detail.
After this intensive week of diving, you’ll travel further inland to Papua, to the remote Baliem Valley. Here lies Wamena, surrounded by mountain ranges and green valleys at an elevation of about 1,800 meters. In this region, the culture of the Dani and Lani tribes is still very much alive in traditional villages, agriculture, and rituals that are deeply connected to the land.
The highlight of this part of the trip is the annual Baliem Valley Festival, which takes place every August in Wamena. During this three-day event, various tribes from across the region come together to showcase and celebrate their traditional culture. At a specially organized festival grounds, war dances are performed, ceremonial rituals are carried out, and traditional clothing is worn, including the iconic outfits that have made the region famous worldwide. The festival was originally created to bring different tribal cultures together in a peaceful manner and to preserve and share their heritage with visitors.
One of the most impressive parts is the Barapen, a traditional ceremony in which pigs, vegetables, and sweet potatoes are cooked in an underground oven with hot stones. In addition, the various tribes give demonstrations of ancient traditions that were once part of daily life in the valley.
Best time to go on a diving trip to Raja Ampat:
Diving and snorkeling are possible year-round. There is no specific season that is particularly dry or rainy. The summer months can be a bit rougher and windier, but they do offer the best visibility. The festival takes place every year in August.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Raja Ampat
Given the pleasant water temperatures, a 3mm wetsuit is perfectly suitable for diving here. Shorties are also commonly worn here.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Days 1–3 | The Trip to Gam Island
Today marks the start of the journey to Raja Ampat. It’s a long trip, but it’s definitely worth it when you know what kind of paradise awaits you.
When traveling from Europe, you’ll often fly to Jakarta first, where you’ll transfer to Sorong. This is Raja Ampat’s airport and is essentially the gateway to most resorts and liveaboards.
Upon arrival in Sorong, usually on Day 3, the crew from the Biodiversity Nature Resort will be there to greet you and escort you to the ferry. There, you can purchase your ticket and board the ferry. The trip to Waisai takes about 2 hours. Once there, someone from the resort will be waiting for you again with a speedboat. You’ll have another 40-minute ride ahead of you before you arrive at the resort.
The resort is located on Gam Island, in the central part of Raja Ampat and within the Dampier Strait region. It is about 77 kilometers northwest of Sorong.
Once you arrive at the resort, you can relax after your trip and start enjoying yourself!
Days 4–9 | Diving at the most beautiful spots in Raja Ampat
During your stay at Biodiversity Nature Resort, everything revolves around exploring the unparalleled underwater world of Raja Ampat. Every day, you’ll go on three boat dives to the most beautiful dive sites in the resort’s vicinity, while also enjoying unlimited diving on the colorful house reef. Thanks to the resort’s convenient location, many of the most famous dive sites are just a short boat ride away, allowing you to spend more time underwater and less time on the boat.
Biodiversity stands out for its personalized approach and small dive groups. You’ll dive in groups of up to six divers per guide, though often with as few as four divers. This allows the guides to tailor the experience to your level of experience, preferences, and interests—whether you’re looking to discover unique macro creatures or simply want to enjoy the impressive schools of fish for which Raja Ampat is famous.
Another major advantage is the long dives: the maximum dive time is 75 minutes, depending, of course, on your air consumption. That gives you plenty of time to float peacefully over the vast coral gardens, spot hidden reef dwellers, and fully enjoy the enormous biodiversity of Raja Ampat.
The dive sites around the resort offer an impressive variety. For example, Cape Kri is known for its enormous schools of fish, barracudas, and reef sharks, while Blue Magic regularly attracts manta rays and other pelagic life. At Sardine Reef, you’ll be surrounded by thousands of reef fish and colorful corals, while sites like Mioskon and Friwen Wall are particularly popular for their combination of beautiful reefs, unique macro species, and excellent opportunities for underwater photography.
The house reef is also a destination in its own right. During a leisurely dive or a night dive, you can encounter a surprising amount of marine life here, from colorful nudibranchs and lionfish to the iconic walking shark that has made Raja Ampat famous worldwide.
With its spectacular coral reefs, enormous fish biomass, and unparalleled biodiversity, Raja Ampat ranks among the world’s best diving destinations. Biodiversity Nature Resort offers the perfect base from which to explore this extraordinary area in a relaxed and personalized way, with plenty of time underwater and attention to the needs of every diver.
Day 10 | To the Baliem Valley
After one last morning in Raja Ampat, you’ll travel back to Sorong, then fly on to Jayapura and from there to Wamena. This transition feels like a complete change of world: from tropical islands and coral reefs to the rugged highlands of Papua.
Wamena is located at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters and is surrounded by green mountain ranges and fertile valleys. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your local guide and taken to the hotel, located in the heart of the city. That same afternoon, you’ll get your first taste of the area during a city tour. You’ll visit the lively local market, where residents from the surrounding villages gather to sell their goods. Piles of sweet potatoes, cassava, bananas, and tropical fruit are sold alongside handmade goods and traditional household items. It’s a colorful and authentic glimpse into daily life in the highlands.
Next, you’ll visit a traditional Dani village near Wamena. Here you’ll see the characteristic round huts (honai), built of wood and thatch, and learn about the local community’s centuries-old way of life. Despite modern influences, many families still live largely according to traditional structures, with strong ties to the land and agriculture.
Day 11 | Hike through the southern Baliem Valley
Today you’ll head into the southern Baliem Valley, one of Papua’s most impressive landscapes. The day begins with a transfer to the trailhead, after which you’ll set off on foot into the valley.
You cross the Baliem River via a suspension bridge and continue hiking through a varied landscape of steep mountain slopes, riverbeds, and small villages. Along the way, you’ll see expansive gardens where the Dani grow their most important food crops, particularly sweet potatoes, their daily staple. Farming is done entirely by hand on very steep slopes, which gives a good sense of this community’s immense knowledge and resilience.
During the hike, you’ll frequently come across local residents carrying their goods to the market in Wamena. They often carry heavy loads on their backs or balanced on their heads as they trek for hours through the mountainous terrain. It’s a striking glimpse into a way of life that has remained virtually unchanged here for generations.
The trek offers constantly changing views of the valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. It’s not a difficult hike, but it does provide an immersive and authentic glimpse into one of Indonesia’s most remote regions.
Days 12 & 13 | Baliem Valley Festival
The next two days will be entirely devoted to the Baliem Valley Festival, one of Papua’s most unique cultural events. Early in the morning, various tribes from the region will gather in the valley to showcase their traditions.
You’ll see impressive war dances, in which groups of Dani and Lani warriors, dressed in traditional attire and carrying ceremonial weapons, perform their rituals. These demonstrations are based on ancient traditions that were once part of conflicts between tribes, but today are primarily performed as part of the cultural heritage.
One of the highlights is the Barapen, a traditional cooking method in which pork, vegetables, and sweet potatoes are cooked in an underground pit using hot stones. The process is a social and ceremonial occasion that involves the entire community.
In addition, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area, observe the various groups, and have special encounters with people from remote villages who have come to Wamena specifically for this event. The atmosphere is lively, colorful, and one of a kind. A rare chance to experience a culture that remains deeply connected to its roots.
Day 14 | Jiwika Village and Kontilola Cave
Today you’ll visit the village of Jiwika, one of the most famous traditional villages in the Baliem Valley. Here lies the more than 250-year-old mummy of a former tribal chief, which is still preserved with great reverence by the local community.
Next, you’ll travel to Kontilola Cave, an impressive limestone cave hidden in the lush green landscape. After a short climb, you’ll reach the entrance, where you’ll step into a cave featuring towering stalactites and stalagmites. The interplay of light, shadow, and underground silence gives this place an almost mystical atmosphere. Deeper inside the cave, you’ll hear the sound of an underground river, which makes the experience even more special.
Days 15 & 16 | The Return Trip
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Wamena Airport. Via Jayapura and Jakarta, the return journey to Europe begins—a travel experience that has connected two completely different worlds: the underwater world of Raja Ampat and the ancient cultures of the Baliem Valley.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from this trip to Raja Ampat?
Unique Biodiversity
Few places in the world can match the abundance of marine life you’ll encounter underwater in Raja Ampat. During a single dive, you can find yourself surrounded by enormous schools of fusiliers, snappers, and barracudas, while reef sharks patrol the drop-off. At the most fish-rich dive sites, it sometimes seems as if every square meter of reef is teeming with life. The combination of healthy coral reefs, currents, and nutrient-rich water creates an impressive biomass that amazes even experienced divers.
Stay in the heart of nature
Baliem Valley Festival
The Baliem Valley Festival in Wamena takes place every August and brings together various tribes from the Baliem Valley to celebrate and showcase their traditional culture. During this three-day event, you’ll see impressive war dances, ceremonial rituals, and the use of traditional clothing and weapons. The Barapen, in which food is prepared in an underground oven with hot stones, is also an important part of the festival. The festival offers a rare opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of the Papua highlands up close and to witness the diversity of the local tribes.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
Biodiversity Nature Resort
Biodiversity Nature Resort is located on the island of Gam, right on the secluded white-sand beach of Yenanas Beach, at the entrance to picturesque Kabui Bay. Here, you’ll be surrounded by tropical rainforest, limestone islets, and the crystal-clear waters of Raja Ampat. Thanks to its small-scale design—with just 9 detached bungalows and a limited number of guests—the atmosphere is relaxed and personal. The resort was designed entirely with respect for nature and makes use of local materials and traditional Papuan architecture, combined with modern amenities.
The house reef is just a few meters from your bungalow and offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling or an extra dive. Besides diving, you can kayak through the mangroves, hike through the jungle, or go in search of the famous red bird of paradise. The resort also features a charming restaurant with ocean views, a cozy beach bar, various lounge areas, and a massage area for those who want to completely unwind.
You’ll also find plenty to satisfy your culinary cravings. The open-air restaurant serves fresh meals daily, prepared with local ingredients and inspired by Indonesian cuisine, complemented by international dishes. After sunset, it’s wonderful to enjoy a drink on the beach while the starry sky unfolds above Raja Ampat. Thanks to minimal light pollution, this is also an excellent spot for stargazing.
Biodiversity Nature Resort features just nine spacious beachfront bungalows scattered along the beach. This allows you to enjoy plenty of privacy and a stunning view of the sea. The accommodations are built in traditional Papuan style, combining natural materials with comfort and space. Large panoramic windows ensure that you can fully enjoy the tropical surroundings right from your room.
All bungalows feature a private veranda with comfortable seating, lounge chairs, and a daybed where you can relax while enjoying the view of the beach. They also have a private bathroom with a freshwater shower, comfortable beds with mosquito nets, ventilation, and plenty of space to unwind after a day of diving. The semi-open bathrooms enhance the feeling of being surrounded by nature, without compromising on comfort.
You can choose from various room types. The Raja Ampat Cottages are the most authentic option and offer everything you need for a comfortable stay close to nature. If you’re looking for a little more space and extra comfort, you can opt for a Superior Beachfront Cottage. No matter which bungalow you choose, each one offers the same combination of tranquility, personalized service, and a direct connection to Raja Ampat’s spectacular natural surroundings. Thanks to the limited number of accommodations, the resort has an intimate feel and serves as the ideal base for a relaxing diving vacation.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is NZD 7.528 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from NZD 7.528 p.p.
- Biodiversity Nature Resort
- 7 nights in a Raja Ampat Cottage
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Coffee, tea, drinking water, and snacks
- 3 boat dives per day
- Unlimited diving on the house reef
- Use of kayaks
- Return transfers
- Baliem Valley Festival
- 5 nights in a double room
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- Local guide for 5 days
- Admission Fee for the Baliem Valley Festival
- Donation to Traditional Villages
- Airport Transfers
- General
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Sorong from NZD 2.344 p.p.
- Ferry Sorong–Waisai NZD 59 per person
- Biodiversity Nature Resort
- Marine Park Fee of IDR 700,000 = approx. NZD 84
- Tourist Retribution Fee of IDR 1,000,000 = approx. NZD 117
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Baliem Valley
- Domestic flights from NZD 781 p.p.
- Photo fee for locals and local activities in Wamena
- Lunch & Dinner
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Diving equipment (NZD 371 per week)
- Dive computer (NZD 117 per week)
- Night dive (NZD 20 per dive)
- Guided dive on the house reef (NZD 49)
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Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday
Diving general
Here, you can do both shore dives and boat dives. In addition, the dives are tailored to your experience and preferences. There are dive sites suitable for every skill level. Most dives are long and shallow. The maximum dive time is 75 minutes—provided you have enough air, of course.
Most dive sites can be reached between 5 and 30 minutes by boat.
This dive package includes 3 boat dives per day and unlimited shore dives. You’ll do two boat dives in the morning, one boat dive in the afternoon, and then you can dive on the house reef. Want to do fewer dives? That’s also an option—you can choose a package with two boat dives per day.
Yes, you can book this on the spot.
Yes, there’s a spectacular house reef that you can reach from the dock. The house reef features a coral garden teeming with incredible biodiversity. The area around the dock is teeming with life: diamondfish, big-eye trevally, batfish, fusiliers, sea turtles, and even blacktip sharks. You also have a good chance of seeing the walking shark here, which is endemic to this area.
Yes, you can take various SSI and PADI courses.
The diving school is located at the resort.
The Raja Ampat Marine Park is one of the most valuable marine areas in the world, and we want to keep it that way. The money from admission tickets is used to cover the operational costs of Raja Ampat’s five marine protected areas, such as patrols, administration, and programs for nature conservation and local community development.
Diving equipment
The tanks are INT. If you use DIN, there are a few adapters available. Keep in mind that there aren’t many of them and you won’t be able to buy them on the spot.
No, there are only 12L tanks.
No, there’s no nitrox here.
That’s possible. A full set costs US$ 40 per day or US$ 217 per week. You’ll need to rent a dive computer separately. This costs US$ 11 per day or US$ 69 per week.
The accommodation
For all non-diving guests, there are plenty of fantastic snorkeling opportunities. You can discover the beauty of Raja Ampat’s reefs right from the resort’s shore. Even right near the dock, you can see blue-spotted stingrays, sea turtles, crocodilefish, blacktip reef sharks, batfish, a huge school of jackfish, and sometimes even a school of humphead parrotfish.
If you want to explore more of the surrounding reefs, they also offer guided snorkeling packages.
All meals are included during your stay at Biodiversity Nature Resort. The restaurant prepares fresh dishes daily using local ingredients whenever possible. This not only reduces the ecological footprint but also gives guests the opportunity to experience the flavors of Raja Ampat. Fresh fish is a regular feature on the menu and is often delivered directly by local fishermen from the surrounding area.
Sustainability plays an important role at the resort. For example, the resort does not use MSG or palm oil products and uses locally produced coconut oil whenever possible. The environmental impact is also taken into account when designing the menu. For this reason, no dishes containing beef or pork are served, and shrimp are not included on the menu due to the harmful effects of industrial shrimp fishing.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Coffee, tea, and drinking water are also available throughout the day. Soft drinks, fruit juices, and beer are available at the beach bar for a fee.
In addition to the restaurant, the resort features several cozy seating and lounge areas where you can relax and enjoy the ocean view, while the tropical nature of Raja Ampat is always within reach.
For all non-diving guests, there is plenty of fantastic snorkeling available. Just from the shore of the resort you can already discover the beauty of the reefs of Raja Ampat. Even close to the jetty, you can see blue-spotted stingrays, turtles, crocodile fish, blacktip reef sharks, batfish, a huge school of jackfish and sometimes even a school of humphead parrotfish.
If you want to explore more of the surrounding reefs, they also offer guided snorkeling packages.
No, we made a conscious decision not to install air conditioning. This was done to minimize the environmental impact. The rooms are equipped with fans. In addition, the cottages are designed with an open layout, allowing a natural sea breeze to flow through.
Wi-Fi is available at the resort from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; however, the connection may be intermittent at times.
If you plan to use the internet frequently, we recommend purchasing a tourist SIM card or eSIM upon arrival in Jakarta or Bali. The most reliable network in Raja Ampat and most of Indonesia is TELKOMSEL. With a TELKOMSEL National Data SIM card, you’ll generally have access to 4G at the resort, although the connection may still be sporadic at times due to the remote location.
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