Raja Ampat's deep-sea treasures

Sun, 06/22/2008 11:16 AM  |  Travel

"It was fun," 2006 Miss Universe runner up Kurara Chibana exclaimed after a three-day dive trip in Raja Ampat, Papua.

Deep-sea enthusiasts around the world agree Raja Ampat is a diving paradise, where beautiful coral reefs and exotic sea creatures can be spotted.

Seahorse, pygmy, nudibranch, coral fish, and tasseled wobbegong can all be seen swimming amidst the coral. If they're lucky, divers can also spot whales.

Watching manta rays swimming with their "wings" spread out up close is the highlight of Raja Ampat. The Jakarta Post was invited by the marine and fishery ministry to Raja Ampat to see the activities being conducted in the second phase of coral reef rehabilitation and management in Papuan waters.

Sites such as Batu Lima, Misokon, Chicken reef, Cape KRI and Manta Point are some of the most popular diving spots, drawing divers back to Raja Ampat time and again.

"I'll come back next year for my vacation," Kurara said.

--Text and photos by Arief Suhardiman

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