Cafe kecil di sudut jalan ...

Yeah, I haven't been to Raja Ampat Island in Irian Jaya although I've heard much about it. Far in the "corner" east of Indonesia, a nature in its virginity, a beauty still untouched.. ahh, just forget awhile about those list of luxury hotels, new cafes and hip bars that must be visited... maybe even forget Hawaii and Maldives... beauty, can be so far and close at the same time... mmhhh.... I feel like smooching an ice cream... mmhh... I wish and dream to fulfil this desire someday....

The Raja Ampat island group spreads out over a huge area and consists of over 610 islands! A recent Rapid assessment project (RAP) by Conservation International (an American based conservation group), suggests that "due to it's location near the heart of the coral triangle coupled with an amazing diversity of marine habitats, the area is potentially the worlds richest in terms of marine biodiversity" - Mc Kenna, Allen and Suryadi (April 2002). Even dolphin, whales and turtles are frequent sights!

The travelling cost is high, tho' ... check out the following prices offered by a tour company:

PRICE :
12 day cruises on live aboard "Shakti" in the Raja Ampat Islands in Irian Jaya, Indonesia. The rates for cruises are :
US$ 2365 per person, which includes all food, accommodation, transportation to/from airport and three to four dives a day. Excluded are beer/soft drinks and dive equipment which is available for rental.

One package of accommodation, full board, and Sundays transfers and 12 dives from € 841 to € 1339. Not to mention the diving packages:
Raja Ampat
2006 DIVE RATES - All prices are quoted in Euro (€)

DIVING PRICE
Dive package 15 dives *** € 450
Dive package 10 dives *** € 325
Dive package 5 dives *** € 175
Single dive € 37,50
Fuel surcharge day trip "Fam. Islands" (per person - 4 divers minimum) € 60
Fuel surcharge day trip "Passage" (per person - 4 divers minimum) € 50
Fuel surcharge day trip "Pef Island & Hidden Bay" (per person - 4 divers minimum) € 50
Fuel surcharge day trip "Gam Bay" (per person - 4 divers minimum) € 25
Fuel surcharge day trip "Jeben Island" (per person - 4 divers minimum) € 55
Fuel surcharge day trip "Dajang Island" (per person - 4 divers minimum) € 55
All dive packages are non refundable and non transferable!

EXCURSIONS

Birds of paradise (half day trip, per person, 2 persons minimum)** € 25
Fam island trip (full day trip,per person, 4 persons minimum) € 100
Batanta waterfall trip (full day trip,per person, 4 persons minimum) € 75
Kaboei Bay excursion (full day trip,per person, 4 persons minimum) € 100
Gem Bay excursion (full day trip,per person, 4 persons minimum) € 75

So, check out the pic... d'u think it's worth it? I think so ... :D