WAIGEO NATURE TOURS

Our vision

To provide outstanding sustainable tours that empower local west papuan families. To make Waigeo Nature Tours the natural choice for visitors wanting to make an decision about sustainable travel in Raja Ampat.

Our mission

To become West Papua’s main provider of sustainable tours, offering trips with the least environmental impact and the most economic benefit to the local economies.

Who are we?

WAIGEO NATURE TOURS is a locally owned sustainable tour operator in Raja Ampat, West Papua. Waigeo Nature Tours offer trekking/hiking tours in the northern jungle of Mayalibit as well as snorkeling tours in various islands including the idyllic Piaynemo, Telaga Bintang and the breathtakingly beautiful islands of Wayag. All travel is done by locally-owned motorized boats, driven by experienced local drivers. Accommodation is in homestay accommodation or if you want to truly have a unique experience, a tent on a beautiful beach.

Waigeo Nature Tours has grown out of the Kamtabai Indah Permai (KIP) one of the local foundations in Raja Ampat set up with the help of NGOs. The foundation is committed to protecting the environment and empowering local communities. It is managed by locals who continue to work together with indigenous Ma’ya tribal communities, the government and tourism and nature conservation programs in Raja Ampat. The Kamtabai Indah Permai is based in Waisai, the capital city of Raja Ampat Regency.

Waigeo Nature Tours is run and owned by Wolter Gaman, known as Otter. He is a local with a degree in tourism. Wolter is passionate about conservation and sustainability of Raja Ampat. Wolter built the Kamtabai Forest Hut and strives to support local businesses through his tours.

Why Raja Ampat?

Raja Ampat, meaning the four kings, is a chain of island located in the West Papua Province in East Indonesia. The main island, Waigeo, shares its border with Papua New Guinea. The other three larger islands are Batanta, Salawati and Misool. To the West and North West are 1500 spectacular smaller islands with coral fringed beaches, limestone formations and natural forests. According to folklore, Raja Ampat is a woman who found seven eggs. Four of those eggs hatched and became the kings of those four main islands. According to “The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International”, about 75% of world marine species live in these exotic islands. There are various flora and fauna species, such as 540 types of coral, 1.511 species of fish, 700 types of Mollusca and other undiscovered species.

If you are keen to get ‘off the beaten track’ and explore a destination where you will not run into hoards of tourists, West Papua is the place to visit! To date, West Papua has been popular with divers exploring the incredibly colourful reefs. However, these divers are whisked away on diving boats and you may not see these tourists again during your whole trip. Our trips often make you feel like you are the only person in paradise. We have listed some popular tours below but we can tailor to your needs.

Tour 1: Trekking and cultural tour of West Papua

The treks explore Waigeo’s wildlife-rich tropical rainforest and the hills and river valleys near the villages of Waifoi and Warimak, which lie on the eastern shore of northern Mayalibit Bay. You will get to experience the remote village life of the Ambel Maya people and (on some treks) visit their ancient cultural sites. The Maya are the original inhabitants and traditional owners of Waigeo and many of the surrounding islands, and are the people from whom Mayalibit Bay takes its name.

Waigeo has been famous for its terrestrial biodiversity since Alfred Wallace made the first serious attempt at cataloguing it in 1860. Raja Ampat jungle trekking provides the chance to see many rare birds, animals and plants, many of which are endemic to Waigeo.

You will fall asleep to the nocturnal serenade of the deep Waigeo jungle. You will be welcomed in seldom-visited villages and experience traditional Maya village life. You will be immersed in a culture which is markedly different to that of the Biak peoples who inhabit Raja Ampat’s coastal villages.

The boat journey from Waisai to the northern reaches of Mayalibit Bay (Waifoi) passes through some utterly spectacular scenery and, if you are lucky, you may encounter the unique white dolphins that inhabit the bay. If you are really lucky, you may even get to lay eyes on one of the many crocodiles that frequent the Bay’s dark waters.

Another highlight of the trek packages is a side trip up a small river that winds through the mangrove forests that line Mayalibit’s shores. Where the river meets the land, you can explore a traditional village farm, see how the staple island food of sago is harvested and get to taste fresh cacao. If you would like to see the mangrove forest’s nocturnal animals (and increase your chances of seeing crocodiles) the mangrove forest inclusion can also be arranged as a night trip.

Your Raja Ampat trekking guides are birding specialists with extensive knowledge of local fauna, flora and cultural sites.

Your participation in the Raja Ampat trekking program will make a huge difference to the lives of the remote Mayalibit Bay communities and will both inspire and empower them to further their role as conservators of Waigeo’s rich jungle habitats.

https://www.stayrajaampat.com/ultimate-raja-ampat-guide/see-and-do/raja-ampat-trekking

Each homestay family offers overnight stays in wooden huts (mattresses all are set up with mosquito nets) and with shared bathroom facilities. You can enjoy 3 freshly cooked meals and participate in a range of activities. These include a visit to the Kali Biru (Blue River), Ajele Pool, Katin Sibai (Gender Stone) in Mayalibit Bay, bird watching including the red birds of paradise and Wilson’s bird and/or wildlife encounters (not guaranteed) with the Maleo Waigeo (Brush turkey). You can learn about the uses of various plants and trees and may find wild orchids. Or you can climb the Ilmoningkil mountain, approx. 800 meters above sea level, to take in some amazing panoramas. Other activities include a visit to a waterfall close-by or a visit to a bat cave. If you select to do some night fishing or night trekking, you may see light mushrooms, fireflies, and our native tree-dwelling cuscus.

Further details :

Trek lengths: From 2 days/1 night to 5 days/4 nights
Maximum distance per day: 10km (5 to 7 hours walking)
Fitness level required: Moderate (high humidity/rough terrain)
Accommodation details: Kamtabai Forest Hut, Kali Biru, Ajele Pool, or Lainsorongga Homestay

This adventure is a rare opportunity to meet the local inhabitants and see their own culture. You will have the opportunity to buy original Raja Ampat products such as accessories made by women in the village. You can also visit a school in the village.

Detailed trekking requirements for our tours can be found on the Raja Ampat Homestay website:

https://www.stayrajaampat.com/ultimate-raja-ampat-guide/see-and-do/raja-ampat-trekking/

All meals, transfers and accommodation are included in the price.

Tour 2: Snorkeling in Raja Ampat

This can be taken as an extension of tour 1, or as a separate tour.

Besides exploring the forest and visiting the village, we can take you to beautiful beaches on Waigeo island. Raja Ampat is a world class destination to snorkel. It has amazingly colourful and healthy soft and hard corals and amazing biodiversity. You may even spot dolphins, manta rays, wobbegongs, turtles or swim in a shallow bay with juvenile black tip sharks. We also visit hand stamp spots and can take you to ancient rock art sites.

This tour can be tailored to visit Piaynemo and smaller island in southern Waigeo, or on request, also include a trip to Wayag in western Waigeo.

Piaynemo offers some of the most spectacular sceneries on the face of the earth. Looking down from the top of the hill, it almost seems that Mother Nature painted her finest artwork and offers a glimpse of paradise. This is the most popular destination for many travellers. A visit to Arborek village can be arranged. However, the poster child is Wayag to the North. This remote Unesco-listed is truly the pearl of Indonesia. Due to its location, this area is less visited than Piaynemo and offers no accommodation. It is however a truly unforgettable destination. A visit to a local village can be arranged.

Our boats can reach any deserted beach for a quite picnic, snorkel or hike up to two different peaks. These hikes are not for the faint hearted as these are steep climbs over sharp limestone cliffs. They do however unforgettable vistas over the pristine waters of Wayag.

Raja Ampat has very expensive petrol prices so you can organize long boats, known as “colle colle” or speedboats at each homestay OR you can let us do the organization. We have the advantage that our boats can take you on non-standardised trips. Visits to Piaynemo are more affordable due to its closer proximity to Waisai. Visits to Wayag require a bigger budget due to its remoteness.

All meals, transfers and accommodation are included in the price.

Please head to our gallery for pictures of its amazing deserted white sandy beaches and azure blue water.

Tour 3: Surfing Raja Ampat

WAIGEO NATURE TOUR also opens surfing tours in Northern Waigeo. December to March is a suitable month for tourists to surf.

So far, these waves are still unchartered water but empty waves are guaranteed!

You will be staying in local accommodation in Puper and Boni villages – from here will use speed boats to catch the best waves.

Activities such as river fishing and visit to the local villages are included.

All meals, surfing transfers and accommodation are included in the price.

Surfboards are not included.

Tour sizes

We serve visitors ranging from 2-15 people. For larger tours, please email us.

Prices

Please contact Wolter for pricing. For every visitor, the price of the trip package will be sent after booking. All prices include the Permit into West Papua. Please ensure you bring some extra passport photos as well as your passport with the Indonesian visa. We recommend you take a copy of this visa. All tips to boat driver and local communities are also included.

Best time to visit Raja Ampat

As it is close to the Equator, it is warm all year round. Wet season is May-September. Dry season is October-April.

Tour details

The route begins and ends in Sorong City. Waigeo Nature Tours prepares services starting from the city of Sorong until the tourist destinations offered. The departure time of the Sorong Waisai, Waisai Sorong ships is every day at 9:00 East Indonesia Time and 14:00 East Indonesia Time. The travel time takes 2 hours by express ship while the Gethsemane or large ship takes about 4 hours. The Waisai-Teluk Mayalibit trip takes 2-3 hours by longboat while the speedboat can take 1 hour. To get to Pasir Timbul (arise white sandy) 30 minutes, Piaynemo 1 hour while traveling to Wayag 2-3 hours by speedboat while to surf in the north takes about 3 hours.

Practicalities

1. Please bring your own snorkeling gear.

2. Please bring your own trekking gear including sturdy hiking boots or trekking shoes, and a light-weight raincoat. Gloves can be useful when climbing limestone peaks.

3. Please bring your own camera and binoculars.

4. Please bring your own personal drinking water bottles. We provide ample refills. Homestays also provide morning and afternoon tea/coffee.

5. Please bring your own medicine as these are hard to buy.

6. Please bring your own sunhat and sunscreen – recommend multiple bottles/tubes. We recommend the use of coral-friendly sunscreen.

7. Please bring your own insect repellent – we provide mosquito nets in all homestays.

8. Please bring your own head torch and some spare batteries.

Please read the step-by-step guide here: https://www.stayrajaampat.com/ultimate-raja-ampat-guide/information/raja-ampat-step-by-step-guide/

How to get to Raja Ampat

There are daily flights from Jakarta, Denpasar, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore using various airlines (Garuda Airlines, Batavia Merpati, Lion Air or Express Air). These flights fly into Sorong – the location where we will meet you. Waigeo Nature Tours does not organize flights to/from West Papua.

Contact details

So what are you waiting for? Make a positive change when booking your next travel destination and select Waigeo Nature Tours. Our tours are to the benefit of the host communities, the surrounding small operators we employ but also the stunning natural environment we work and live in daily.

Please contact us on:

Phone : + 62 81288863768

email : woltergaman9@gmail.com

If you have trouble contacting Wolter, the Raja Ampat Homestay Information Center will be able to help. Please right click on this blue link above.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waigeonaturetours/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wolter.gaman.92 – contains many videos and photos.

Youtube Chanel : https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=wolter+gaman

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