What Are The Best Raja Ampat Diving Trips? Know The Sites And Practical Tips 

BY  Sibashree Dec 27, 2025

Suzanne, a corporate professional and my colleague, all of 26, was back from what she called a “Trip to Paradise.” I knew that she was not exaggerating, as Raja Ampat is indeed called “The Last Paradise.” It also has the nickname, “The Amazon of the Seas.” What else would you call a place that has close to 75% of the total coral and fish found in the world? Also, this massive archipelago, with a network of nine protected areas, has diving sites, which are around 100s of miles apart from each other.  The nine protected areas here are: Dampier Strait MPA Misool Islands MPA Fam Islands MPA West Waigeo MPA Asia & Ayau Islands MPA Mayalibit Bay MPA Batanta Marine Park Kofiau & Boo Islands MPA Raja Ampat Islands and Surrounding Seas National MPA Also, the main diving zones in Raja Ampat are Dampier Strait in the central region, Misool in the south, and the sites in the north. The diving resorts are mainly in and around the Dampier Strait, and Misool has one, the Misool Resort.  However, staying at a diving resort will never help create a diving route or itinerary between the northern and southern diving sites. That means, if you are staying in the central region near the Dampier Strait, you cannot practically travel to Misool in the south.  So, choosing a Raja Ampat liveaboard is not a luxury. It is a necessity to explore the full spectrum of diving fun Raja Ampat has to offer. And this guide will cut through the noise of booking aggregators and give you the practical Raja Ampat liveaboard tips you need to choose the right boat, the right season, and the right cabin. Why You Must Choose The Liveaboards To See The “Real” Raja Ampat?  As I was saying, when you stay in a land-based diving resort in the central region and near the Dampier Strait, you can visit the iconic sites such as Cape Kri, but your access remains limited to a small radius.  However, with a liveaboard as your accommodation, you will get a moving diving platform, taking you to all corners of Raja Ampat.  1. Access To Misool Misool, or the southern region of Raja Ampat, is home to the most beautiful soft corals in the world. Also, the Magic Mountain in Misool is the main Manta Ray site in Raja Ampat.  If you want to keep your activities limited to Misool, you can choose Misool Eco Resort as your accommodation. However, a liveaboard is a more feasible option here, and it will give you better mobility.  2. Access To Wayag If you want to see the most dramatic limestone formations in Raja Ampat, you will have to dive at Wayag and other sites in the north.  Now, the northern diving sites of Raja Ampat are strictly liveaboard territories.  Furthermore, with a liveaboard as your accommodation, you can complete at least 3 to 4 dives in a day. For example, have your breakfast early in the morning, wait for 2 to 3 hours, and go for a dive. Then, have your lunch, wait for two hours, and go for the afternoon dive. You can even go for a night dive.  What Are The Best Liveaboard Diving Trips In Raja Ampat? Choosing The Route And Three Main Itineraries  As a diver, I often get confused about the route. Will I go north? Will I go south? Or, should I go for a combined route with the north, central, and south routes?  Now, the best choice for the route of your diving trips in Raja Ampat will depend on the season and the kind of open ocean experience you are looking for.  1. The Best Of Everything: North And South Combined  Duration: 10 – 12 Nights If you are a devoted and advanced diver who wants to tick off all the diving experiences, you must choose a combination of the north and south diving routes. This route comprises: The Mantas of Misool The Currents of Dampier And The Lagoons of Wayag However, if you are planning such an itinerary, you must be prepared to travel for and spend many nights in the open ocean. Moving between regions will not be an easy task. 2. The North & Central Route (Wayag & Dampier) Duration: 7 – 9 Nights The central route is accessible throughout the year. However, October to May is the ideal season if you want to combine the north and central routes. In the north, you can go for a combined Wayag lagoon hike and a pelagic-heavy diving below.  As you dive deeper, expect drift dives at The Passage. Furthermore, Blue Magic is the site where you will experience high current.  Also, the Dampier Strait is the hub of diving in Raja Ampat and Indonesia. However, if you want to avoid the crowd, Wayag will be your go-to destination. The water here is the most cinematic, with the sunlight changing the color of the water throughout the day.  3. The South Route (Misool) Duration: 7-9 Nights Protected by the Misool Islands MPA, Misool remains the “Photographer’s Route.” You will find large sea fans, huge schools of fish, and orange soft corals here.  However, Misool is only accessible during the dry season, and despite the presence of the Misool Eco Resort, liveaboards are the main accommodation here.  Misool is also an NTZ or No-Take Zone. As a result, it has helped in the revitalization of coral health and fish biomass.  Boo Windows and Magic Mountain are some of the iconic diving sites in Misool. Also, the Jellyfish Lake is a unique, secluded lagoon here. You can swim with non-stinging jellyfish here.  Choose Your Favorite Diving Route In Raja Ampat: A Quick Decision Matrix  Still confused about the best diving route to choose? Have a quick look at this decision matrix.  FeatureNorth (Wayag/Kawe)Central (Dampier)South (Misool)Primary Attraction• Topography• Lagoons• Pelagics• Fish Biomass• Currents• Soft and Colorful Corals • MantasTopside Scenery10/10 (Iconic Views)8/10 (Jungle Islands)9/10 (Karst Peaks)Water TemperatureWarm (28-30°C)Warm (28-30°C)Warm (28-30°C)Best ForAdventure & ViewsAdrenaline & Fish ActionPhotography & Color Raja Ampat Liveaboard Tips: A Quick 5-Day Itinerary (Central And North Zones) If you don’t have the time or budget to do a best-of-everything tour, you can choose a quick 5-Day central and north tour with the central and north zones in focus. DaysLocation/RouteFocusDiving PlanKey Notes and Pro TipsDay 1Arrival in Sorong (SOQ)Logistics & RecoveryN/A• Arrival in Sorong via Jakarta (CGK) or Makassar (UPG).• Transfer to Swiss-Belhotel Sorong or A Similar Accommodation.• Assemble dive gear, test strobes, charge batteries.Day 2Sorong to Central Raja Ampat (Dampier Strait)Orientation and Easy Diving Two Dives and Optional Night Dive • Harbor Transfer in the Morning.• Board the Liveaboard and Get Done with Cabin Assignment and Safety Briefing.• Light Lunch Onboard.• Check Dives on Gentle Slopes and Bommies.• Conditions: Mild Current, Warm Water (28–29°C). • Night Dive on a Sheltered Reef or Jetty.Day 3Dampier StraitHigh-energy Fish & Currents. 3-4 Dives• Cape Kri (World-Record Fish Biomass)• Sardine Reef (Snapper & Barracuda Tornadoes)• Blue Magic (Manta Rays, Strong Current)• Optional Night Dive• Skills Required:Negative Entries and Reef Hook Proficiency.Day 4Dampier Strait to Kawe (North)Transition North and Scenery3 Dives• The Passage (Mangroves & Surreal Lighting).• Citrus Ridge (Soft Corals & Macro)• Afternoon Dive en Route North. • Evening Scenic Sail toward Kawe with Jungle Islands and Limestone Cliffs at Sunset. • Short, Comfortable Crossing.Day 5North Raja Ampat (Kawe & Wayag) to SorongIconic Raja Ampat Finale2 Dives• Black Rock (Sharks, Jacks, Heavy current).• Eagle Rock (Fish Explosions). • Optional Short Wayag Lagoon Viewpoint Visit if Weather Permits• Afternoon Return to Sorong. • No Same-Day International Flights.• Overnight stay recommended. If You Are Going From The Central Zone To The South: A Reality Check  Remember that a journey from the diving sites in the central zone to the south is going to be logistically challenging. Exploring the south route itself takes around 7-9 days.  You have to cross the Seram Sea if you are traveling from the dive sites in the central zone to the south. I have not come across any guide that talks about this challenge.  Here, crossing the open sea is a 10-12-hour journey. You have to make a journey overnight.  October to March is the best time for diving in the central and south zones of Raja Ampat. However, there can be sudden storms or strong winds causing occasional disturbance in your diving sessions or during transitions.  Also, consider that there will be a 10-12-hour journey in the Open Sea. So, there can be sea sickness. So, you must start taking the medication before the captain announces the crossing. You don’t need to wait until you feel nauseous.  Budget Vs. Luxury Raja Ampat Liveaboard Tips: What Do You Actually Get?  Liveaboards in Raja Ampat can be converted from traditional boats. These can also function as 5-star hotels. A student or a young professional, traveling solo, will, of course, opt for the budget-friendly converted boats.  On the other hand, the luxury liveaboards offer free satellite internet connection and free Nitrox. Here are the things you need to know about these liveaboards.  1. Budget Phinisis ($250 - $350/Night) These are traditional Indonesian wooden schooners. You will get bunk beds in small cabins, and sometimes the bathroom facility will be shared. Also, you will get tasty but simple local food such as Nasi Goreng and fish.  However, these boats might have the dive deck at the front of the boat. Moreover, there is no dedicated camera room in these boats.  2. Mid-Range ($350 - $550/Night) Boats such as The Mermaid or Black Manta fall into the mid-range liveaboard categories. Along with the amenities offered by the traditional and budget-friendly boats, these boats also have the following. Nitrox Availability En-suite Bathrooms with Hot Water Western and Indonesian Buffet 3. Luxury Yachts ($600+/Night) These luxury yachts have big master suites with ocean views. It also has jacuzzis on deck, massage therapists, and a 1:1 or 2:1 diver-to-guide ratio. Furthermore, it often includes free Nitrox and satellite internet.  However, you must remember that the engine room is almost always at the back of these luxury boats. To avoid this “Engine Room Trap,” you must choose a forward cabin and enjoy a quiet sleep.  You must avoid the lower decks and rear cabins. Otherwise, you will hear the noise of the engine, and you may even feel uncomfortable with the smell of the exhaust fumes.  Our Top 3 Liveaboards In Raja Ampat By Budget Have a look at the table below to know about our pick of the top 3 liveaboards by budget.  Budget LevelBoat RecommendationWhy We Love It Budget FriendlyRaja Ampat Aggressor• Reputable Standard• Great Safety Record• Special RunsMid-Range ValueThe Mermaid II• Steel Hull, More Stable than Wood• Huge Dive Deck• Great FoodLuxuryDamai I or II• Choose Your Dive ItineraryHuge Cabins Essential Practical Tips For Liveaboard Life Managing the currents of the Indonesian water, the use of Nitrox, and camera table etiquette are the things you need to keep in mind for the ultimate liveaboard trips in Raja Ampat. 1. Manage The "Indonesian Throughflow" (Currents) The current in the Raja Ampat waters is what brings the schools of fish. However, because of the current, diving in the water of Raja Ampat is a challenge.  Furthermore, in sites such as Blue Magic, you cannot float on the surface, adjusting your mask. You must roll back and descend immediately to grab the reef before the current sweeps you away. In addition, you must have a reef hook when you are diving in the waters of Raja Ampat. You hook the reef hook into a dead rock and then float in the Raja Ampat water.  2. Nitrox: Luxury Or Necessity? Don’t listen to anyone who says that Nitrox is a luxury. If you are attempting 3-4 dives for around 7-10 days, you will need nitrox, for sure.  Most diving spots in Raja Ampat have square profiles, meaning you have to remain deep in the water for a long time. So, you have to manage the nitrogen loading to reduce fatigue.  Unless you have boarded a luxury liveaboard, you may have to pay $150-$200 extra (per trip) to the boat for nitrox. So, consider this expense in your budget.  3. Camera Table Etiquette Raja Ampat is the international hub for serious and professional photographers. The rigs and accessories they use are sometimes more expensive than cars.  So, you cannot keep anything wet on the photography table as it will have dry towels, o-rings, and expensive electronics.  The Logistics: Arrival, Departure, And Hidden Costs Have a look at the table below to understand the “flight,” “airport chaos,” and more.  Arriving in Sorong (SOQ)• Sorong is the Gateway City. • It is a gritty industrial port.• It is not a tourist destination.Flights• Most flights arrive via Jakarta (CGK) or Makassar (UPG).The "Buffer Day" Rule• Domestic flights in Indonesia are notoriously delayed. • Do not fly in on the morning of your boat's departure. • Arrive one day early and stay at a hotel.Airport Chaos• You will have to say a lot of “No, thank you" and be firm to avoid the porters at the airport. • They will aggressively grab your bag.  The Hidden Costs: Raja Ampat Liveaboard Tips  When you are comparing the prices of Raja Ampat liveaboards, you have to consider the hidden costs. Otherwise, your budgeting will be in a soup.  Hidden CostsExpenses Marine Park & Harbor FeesAround $200 - $250 USD Per PersonYou will have to pay the amount in cash or by credit card on the boat. Fuel SurchargeThe Rise in fuel costs has led to a $150 - $200 USD surcharge.Crew TipsThis is the divers' salary. The standard is 10-15% of the charter price, paid in cash at the end of the trip. That’s it! Get ready with your gear and budget your trip right, and enjoy an unforgettable diveaboard experience in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.  Raja Ampat Liveaboard Tips: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Raja Ampat liveaboard tips.  1. What Is The Best House Reef In Raja Ampat? Find a rich house reef at the front of the Raja Ampat Biodiversity Eco Resorts. This site is accessible by boats only, and based on the current, you will get to see the tip of the reef between two and five meters. Along with reef sharks, you will also find moray eels and turtles. Also, you can snorkel at this site at night to spot the walking shark or the Raja Ampat epaulette shark.  2. How Many Days Are Enough In Raja Ampat? You need at least 8-12 days for a trip to Raja Ampat. However, if you want, you can also do a quick 5-6-day diving expedition in the northern or central sections. Still, if you want to explore the entire south or a combination of the Dampier Strait diving and diving in the north zone (Wayag/Kawe), you will need at least 10 days. However, if you want to dive at the best sites of Raja Ampat, you will need more than 15 days. 3. Is Raja Ampat Okay For Beginner Divers?  Yes, Raja Ampat has many diving sites for beginners and intermediate-level divers. The central Damier Strait region, especially, offers excellent visibility, but with a low current. Furthermore, the water here has many shallow reefs. So, you don’t need to get deep into the water.Also, at facilities such as At Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort, beginners can get personalized training. Thus, you will feel confident and safe in the water, even if you are a beginner.  Read Also: Is Amed Bali Worth Visiting? (Location, How To Reach, Things To Do, Nightlife, And More) Is Munduk Bali Worth Visiting? (Direction, Things To Do, Unique Attractions, And More) Bali vs Thailand: Which Place is Better?

BY  Sibashree Dec 30, 2025

You may find me rude, but I have to say that most guides on Raja Ampat budget diving are vague. First, they scare the divers with a false notion that diving in the “Last Paradise” needs at least $5000. This is a myth bubble, which needs to be burst.   A budget diver can complete their expedition for around $2000 to $2500. The budget includes diving, meals, and the tariff for basic cabins. Even mid-range liveaboards are available between $3500 to $4000 dollars.   Furthermore, there is a lot of “reading between the lines” regarding the all-inclusive packages and the ones with “Terms and Conditions.” So, being naive (don’t make a fool of yourself and let others make you pay more) here means blowing your budget even before you have done the expedition.   In this Raja Ampat budget diving guide, I will give you honest budget breakdowns and discuss the factors that impact the budget.   For example, transfers are expensive. However, if you take a shared boat or use the public ferry to Waisai, you can cut around 50% of your transport cost.   Are you planning a diving trip to Raja Ampat for the first time? Start with our Raja Ampat diving trips.   Homestays Vs. Dive Resorts: How To Dive Raja Ampat On A Budget?  Want the truth? You don’t need to stay in a $300 per night resort when you are diving in Raja Ampat. You can still have the best diving experience by staying at a $35/night local homestay and diving with a local PADI shop.   This “Homestay Dive Model” really works for smart divers and backpackers. And you must know that this daily tariff includes three meals.   However, remember that when you book a resort, the airport transfer will be way smoother. Most of the time, a resort boat will pick you up.   If you are planning to spend your days in a homestay, you will have to stand in a queue to get a public ferry ticket to reach the homestay from the airport.   Nevertheless, the hassle is completely worth it as you will be spending a quarter of the amount a luxury resort will charge you.   Also, by staying in the homestays, you can support the growth of the local Papuan communities.   “Homestay businesses empower communities to take charge of their future, and the jobs created strengthen village economies.” - Stay Raja Ampat.   1. Understanding The Homestay System In Raja Ampat   “Stay Raja Ampat” is the go-to platform if you want to stay in a traditional Raja Ampat accommodation and take part in snorkeling and diving. You can even indulge in wildlife spotting or just relax.   Arborek, Friwen, Gam, Kri, Waigeo, and Mansuar are some of the islands that host traditional Raja Ampat homestays.   You can follow the Stay Raja Ampat Facebook page to find homestays.   2. Understand The Fuel Surcharge Reality And Choose A Location That Needs Little Traveling  Fuel surcharge is a real concern for budget divers in Raja Ampat. If you are staying away from the diving site, you will need to pay an extra $20-50.   So, it is smart to choose an accommodation near the diving site. For example, if you want to dive in Cape Kri, choose a homestay on Kri Island.   3. Budget Homestays With Dive Shops  The Arborek Dive Homestay, Lagoon Homestay in Rufas, Pam (Fam) Islands, and Dayan Dive Homestay Raja Ampat at Batanta, Pulau Dayan are some of the best homestays with dive shops.   However, you cannot be complacent with your gear rental math. Based on the type of gear you are taking on rent, the cost will be around $5 to $30.  The Liveaboards: The Most Accessible And Value-For-Money Accommodation For Divers In Raja Ampat   I have mentioned earlier that liveaboards in Raja Ampat are suitable for all types of divers. Here, I will give you the cost breakdown of budget, mid-range, and luxury liveaboards.   If you want to know more about staying in Liveaboards in Raja Ampat, you can read our Raja Ampat liveaboard tips.   1. Budget Liveaboards  If you are not too much into getting comfort, the budget liveaboards are ideal for you. You will get a basic cabin, guided dives, and meals.   Additionally, you may have to share a bathroom, and you need to pay extra charges for nitrox.   2. Mid-Range Liveaboards  Mid-range liveaboards will cost you around $4500 per trip. The dining facility here is better than the budget liveaboards. Also, the dive decks are larger, and they have en-suite cabins.   So, the overall experience is comfortable but with a lesser pocket-pinch than expected.   3. Luxury Liveaboards   If you are staying in luxury liveaboards, you will get spacious cabins, which you don’t need when you are traveling solo. Anyway, luxury or the lack of it is the choice of the traveler.   Some liveaboard facilities can even offer you a spa facility, photography lessons, and personalized diving guides.   The average cost of these liveaboards is $5500-7500 per trip.   Cost Breakdown: The Unavoidable Expenses For A Diver In Raja Ampat   Irrespective of your choice to stay in a luxury resort, homestay, or liveaboard, you will have to make these expenses. These expenses are related to diving, entry to marine parks, the speedboat transfers, etc.   1. Marine Park Fee  Nine marine protection areas protect Raja Ampat. Local villages and communities preserve these protected areas in collaboration with the conservation authorities.   So, you need to pay conservation permits when you are entering these areas. The amount you pay is spent on the following reasons.   Marine Patrol  Reef Protection  Community Development  The Permit Entry Raja Ampat or PIN is the main permit among these. This is like a regional entry ticket that supports the community programs and the marine ecosystem.   2. Raja Ampat PIN Free  According to the last update in 2025, the PIN fee for international visitors is IDR 1,000,000, which is around USD 60.   Indonesian citizens, on the other hand, need to pay IDR 500,000 or USD 31 for the same. There is no PIN charge for children below 12 years.   3. Diving & Travel Insurance  When you are diving deep and covering multiple dives in a day, there can be an emergency. You may need urgent medical treatment or evacuation. A diving insurance will help in such scenarios.   You can look for liveaboard companies that already include free or paid insurance in their charges.   4. Nitrox Charges  Nitrox is important, and the luxury liveaboards already offer nitrox for free. However, if you are staying in a mid-range or budget liveaboard, you may need to pay around $15-25 for nitrox.   5. Gear Rentals   You need to pay extra charges to the liveaboard operator if you need to rent diving gear. Based on the gear you are renting, the cost will be around $5 to 30.   Many divers, that’s why choose to carry their own gear. However, that can be a concern for anyone traveling by flight. Noone wants to pay the baggage charges.   Raja Ampat Budget Diving: Should I Rent Or Bring My Gear?   It is always better to carry the light and essential gear for hygiene and to avoid extra expenses. Furthermore, you can ensure a comfortable fit if you are carrying your own mask, snorkel, and fins.   Among the large gear, the wetsuit is something that you must carry, and it is better to carry the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD). In fact, many diving centers offer you discounts if you carry your BCD and regulator.   Moreover, for visibility and safety, you must carry a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB), dive lights, and dive computers.  6. Crew Tips And Gratuities  Crew members work hard to make each trip a success. So, tipping is not mandatory, but it is a way to show gratitude to them.   The Crew tips are usually 10% of the total trip price.   The tip you pay is equally distributed among the crew members.  7. Flights And Transfers   You need to take a domestic flight from Jakarta or Bali to reach Sorong. The ticket charge is around $150 to $200. The return ticket fare is even higher, around $270 to $400.   From the Sorong publicport, Pelabuhan Rakyat, you need to take a public ferry (Bahari Express) to Waisai, which is the capital of the Waigeo Island. The ferries depart twice a day, at 9 AM and 2 PM.   The journey time is around 2 hours, and the ticket price is IDR 250,000 for an air-conditioned VIP ticket, and it is IDR 125000 for the economy class.  Moreover, if you are boarding a private charter boat from Sorong to Raja Ampat, the ticket price will be around INR 350000.   What Are The Expert Tips On Raja Ampat Budget Diving?   Cash or card? What’s more convenient in Raja Ampat? How should I remain connected throughout my Raja Ampat tours? Find answers to all these queries and more in this Expert Tips section.   1. Ride The Bahari Express  Never take a speedboat from Sorong to Waisai. The ticket for the air-conditioned section of these public ferries is even around 50% less than the speedboat ones.   Furthermore, it is faster and safer.   2. Stay On Kri Island  If you want to avoid the transport surplus charge, you must stay on Kri Island. It is close to famous diving sites such as Sardine Reef and Cape Kri.   3. Bring Your Own Mask & Computer  Rental gear can cost around $5 to $30, and renting the gear is not the most hygienic solution. So, you must bring your own mask and computer.   Moreover, many local shops offer a 10-15% discount if you have a full set of gear (BCD/Reg). Check airline baggage fees to see if the math works.  4. Sundays Are “No Dive” Days  Most local homestays and religious communities do not operate on Sundays. You can consider Sundays as your “Surface Interval” and use them for birdwatching or cultural exploration.   5. Try Local Food   Try fresh seafood, rice, and tropical fruits in Raja Ampat. Stick to Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice) or Pisang Goreng (Fried Bananas).   Meals are included in the homestay prices, and the homestays serve local food.   6. Buy The PIN At The Harbor  Buy the Marine Park PIN (Entry Fee) directly at the Waisai ferry port.  It will ensure that the money actually goes to conservation.  7. Negotiate "Walk-In" Dives  Are you traveling in the off-peak or low season from May to September? Arrive and discuss a dive package in person. Trust me! It works better than negotiations over email.   8. BYO Alcohol  Raja Ampat is a Muslim-Majority country, and alcohol is scarce and expensive here. A bottle of beer here can cost around $5 to $8. So, you must finish your duty-free alcohol shopping in Jakarta or Sorong before boarding the ferry.   9. Save On SIM Cards   You can avoid the hassle and cost of expensive international roaming by buying a Telkomsel SIM card at Sorong Airport. It is the only service provider to offer a reliable signal in the Raja Ampat islands.   The charge is $10 for 15 GB of data.   10. Take Advantage Of Shared Boats When Traveling Solo   You can join Facebook groups such as Raja Ampat Independent Travelers to make your travel costs even less.   Check the group 2 weeks before your trip to find people interested in splitting the $100+ boat transfers from Waisai to their island.  11. The Cash Vs. Card Warning  Budget homestays in Raja Ampat will only accept cash. You can use a budget calculator and know exactly how much IDR you will need. You can withdraw the amount at Sorong before leaving for Raja Ampat.   Raja Ampat Budget Diving: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Raja Ampat budget diving.   1. Is Shore Diving Possible In Raja Ampat?  Yes, shore diving is possible in Raja Ampat. If you are a beginner and want to explore the shallow waters (around 5 meters), shore diving is ideal for you.   Cape Kri and Arborek Jetty in the Dampier Strait and Waigeo in the north are the best locations for shore diving in Raja Ampat.   2. Is Shore Diving Free In Raja Ampat?  No, shore diving is not free in Raja Ampat. You will need to pay the boat fees and permits. You will also need to pay for the gear on rent.   However, if there is a snorkeling spot just off your homestay, you can do a free expedition without boat charges.   3. How Much Does A Budget Trip To Raja Ampat Cost?  A budget trip to Raja Ampat, focused on diving and snorkeling, will cost around $3000. This cost includes accommodation charges, mandatory park entry fees, transportation charges, and gear rental fees.   4. Is It Cheaper To Do A Liveaboard Or Stay On Land?  If you are a serious diver, staying in a liveaboard is a more reasonable option for you. You will get a budget liveaboard for around $2000 for a week.   Here, you don’t need to pay extra for the transport, and meals are included in the package. Moreover, being a home on the move, a liveaboard is time-efficient.   5. Can I Dive Without A Guard To Save Money?  Yes, if you are a certified diver, you can dive without a local guide to save money. However, a local guide will help you with local knowledge, such as the entry and exit points, intensity of the current, and potential hazards such as coral and marine life.   Furthermore, if you are diving deep, there are always risks of equipment failure or sudden changes in weather. Emergency response is crucial in these scenarios, and you will need a local guard.   6. Do Homestays Accept Credit Cards?  No, most homestays in Raja Ampat do not accept credit cards. You will have to pay in local currency or Indonesian Rupiah.   There are no ATMs in Raja Ampat. The last ATM you will get is at Sorong.   7. How Much Is A Single Dive In Raja Ampat?  A single dive in Raja Ampat will cost around $30 to $60. The expense will depend on the diving location and the gear you will be renting.   Furthermore, the liveaboard you will be staying in, the cost of transportation, and the diving group size will determine the cost of a single dive in Raja Ampat.   8. Do I Need To Tip In Raja Ampat?  There is no mandatory rule for tipping in Raja Ampat. However, there is a popular custom for paying tips to the crew members.   The tipping percentage is usually 10% of the total trip cost.   9. What Is The Cheapest Month To Fly To Sorong?  January, February, and October are the cheapest months to fly to Sorong. These are like transitional months, with the beginning or toward the end of the peak season.  

BY  Sibashree Sep 3, 2025

Whenever people think of Bali, they think of crowded places full of tourists. However, many travellers often wish to escape from the rat race of getting the ideal accommodation, the ideal selfie, and the most cliché food items to experience, where they have to compete with a bunch of other tourists.  Munduk Bali, a small village in Northern Bali, is an exception among all of these things. It is a slow-paced town in Bali, offering a proper laid-back, sleepy vibe. In this Tour and Travel Blog, we will talk about a complete tour plan in Munduk Bali.  A Complete Tour Plan For Munduk Bali  Serene temples, gurgling waterfalls, natural waterslides, immersive lakes, rice fields, and coffee plantations make Munduk Bali an ideal place for agrotourism and ecotourism.  Here are the details about how to reach Munduk, where to stay, and things to do.  1. How To Reach Munduk Bali? Bali is not very big. Hence, renting a motorcycle can help people travel conveniently.  The place is located approximately an hour and a half's drive from the cities of Canguu and Ubud.  The road takes you through rice terraces, villages full of vibrant Balinese culture, and through the exceptionally beautiful mountains. However, the air provides you with a mild chill as the Sun sets. Thus, riders should take warm clothes when traveling to places like Munduk, Bali.  Many travellers do not feel comfortable while riding a bike. They can always take Go-Jek (Local Bike Taxi) rides to different places. Even buses are available. Moreover, the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar is the nearest airport to Munduk. It is located at a distance of 81 km, and you can arrange a private ride or a shared-ride by road to reach Munduk from the airport in more than two hours.  2. Accommodation In Munduk, Bali Munduk provides two main places to live. Travellers either stay in the Twin Lake area or the town area in Munduk. However, people who stay near the Twin Lakes do not find any small shops or amenities around them. But they can get proper peace of mind away from the crowd. The area is situated in close proximity to the local waterfalls and the temple. Staying Near The Town In Munduk  The town offers a mesmerizing view of the ocean and the beaches of Lovina, situated below. The travelers find better food and lodging options that are conveniently located near basic amenities, such as ATMs, Petrol Pumps, and other services. The area offers a variety of restaurants serving Western cuisine, making it an ideal destination for travelers. Most accommodation facilities here do not have air conditioners or various other amenities. However, you can find places like Puri Lumbung Cottage with air conditioning and other amenities. The approximate cost of staying in Munduk Bali should be around $20-100 per night, based on the type of hotel you choose.  3. What Are The Things To Do In Munduk, Bali? Bali's Munduk provides tourists with some of the most incredible travel destinations and spots that offer wonderful adventures. Visiting Different Waterfalls The place is like the land of Waterfalls, where people get to see multiple types of waterfalls.  The travellers should visit waterfalls like Banyulama Twin Waterfalls, which is one of the most famous ones in the region. Apart from that, they should visit waterfalls like Banyu Wana Amertha, Labuhan Kebo, Golden Valley, and Air Terjun. Exploring The Rice Terraces Travellers know about Bali Munduk for its rice terraces and the fields. Therefore, the tourists should visit the rice terraces and enjoy the view of the mountains from there. Reach the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, spanning over 600 hectares, after a one-hour ride from Munduk. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest in Bali.  Praying At The Ulun Danu Beratan Water Temple The Ullu Danu Bayan Temple in Bali is one of the most incredible temples in the region. It is located in the middle of a lake, and it looks stunning with the backdrop of the mountains.  The temple also has a well-manicured garden, and it worships the supreme god, Sang Hyang Widhi. It is the representative of Brahman or the universe in Hindu Philosophy. The temple also worships Goddess Laxmi for protecting the lake.  Visiting The Twin Lake At Munduk Bali  While people drive to Munduk Bali, they will find the twin lakes once they climb up the mountain. Tamblingan and Buyan Lakes are referred to as Twin Lakes. The Twin Lake area is peaceful, and you will find amazing viewpoints such as Wanagiri Hidden Hills here. You can even go for jungle trekking or just soak in the spirituality in silence. In the jungle, you will find ancient temples such as Pura Dalem Tamblingan.  Moreover, if you are an adventurous soul, you can enjoy canoeing in the lake or explore the hidden waterfalls.  Enjoying The Beauty Of The Incredible Pesiraman Natural Waterslide  The Pesiraman natural waterslide is one of the hidden gems of North Bali. It is located near the Aling-Aling Waterfall.  Smooth natural rocks in the river and the natural current of the river water have formed this natural waterslide.  Why Visit Munduk Bali? Is Munduk Bali Worth It? Munduk Bali has everything serene. However, it is slowly emerging as a luxurious ecotourism hub, offering boutique hotel experiences, such as Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort.  Moreover, the terraced rice fields and coffee plantations here are important for the agricultural landscape, natural preservation, and cultural heritage of Bali. Sampé jumpa, Munduk! Munduk Bali: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about Munduk Bali 1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Munduk Bali? April to October is the best time to visit Munduk Bali. It is the dry season with moderate weather conditions. So, it is the ideal time for hiking, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities. The wet season in Bali starts in November. 2. How Long Does It Take To Stay In Munduk? The ideal duration of staying in Munduk Bali depends on the kind of experience you want. You can touch the major attractions in two days. However, if you have a jungle safari and hiking in your itinerary, you will need at least 5 days to visit Munduk.  3. Are There Monkeys In Munduk? Yes, there are monkeys in Munduk. You will especially spot these mischievous animals near the Munduk Viewpoint overlooking the Twin Lake area. It is their natural habitat. So, be respectful to them and maintain a safe distance.  4. What Is The Cost Of A Trip To Munduk Bali?  The cost of visiting Munduk Bali is around $500-600 per person. It is less expensive than other popular tourist attractions of Bali, such as Nusa Penida.  5. Is Munduk A Jungle? Many tourists mistake Munduk for a lush jungle area. However, in reality, it is an important agricultural hub of the country with coffee and spice plantations and rice fields. So, despite being a highland area surrounded by lush vegetation, Munduk is more than wilderness. It is a unique destination where nature, spirituality, unique livelihood, and adventure meet.  Read Also: Is Amed Bali Worth Visiting? (Location, How To Reach, Things To Do, Nightlife, And More) Bali Beyond The Beaches: Exploring The Hidden Gems Of The Island Planning a Vacation to Bali? Read This Blog!