Realm Of The Four Kings

Without Modern Dive Gear, The Rajas of the East Indies Never Saw Their Most Splendid Treasures.

- Jody Chapman

Raja Ampat is the name given to the 600 islands off West Papau, on the convergence of the Indian and Pacific oceans. There is little documented about the islands’ ancient past but according to oral history, the islands were ruled by four kings who resided on the islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. During the spice wars in the 17th century, the islands became of strategic importance with the trade of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon from the East Indies to Europe.

The national park that it is today covers over 400 square kilometres and contains seven protected marine parks. Its reputation for pristine reef habitats has put it at the top of the list of keen divers. It boasts the highest marine bio-diversity on earth, with over 1,300 species of fish and 75 per cent of all known coral species. The karst limestone islands are also famous for their indigenous bird life and isolated communities living in harmony with nature among virgin tropical rainforest.

The incredible array of wildlife was first documented by Alfred Russel Wallace during his Malay Peninsula expeditions in the 1860's. I was invited by Aman Resorts to experience a cruise on their private charter vessels Amandira and Amanikan, touring the idyllic islands of Raja Ampat in a rare quiet week between charters. Six days in paradise, a perfect balance of luxury and adventure.

ECO-TOURISM

Raja Ampat is remote. Even the scruffy port of Sorong, the main hub for dive boats and yacht charters on the north western tip of West Papua, feels isolated. Of the hundreds of verdant islands peppering the seas, only one has paved roads and the occasional tiny coastal villages are many miles apart, cut off from main electricity or phone reception.