Why tourists are flocking to this little-known Indonesian island instead of Bali: ‘The best place on earth’

A secret archipelago with aquamarine water in Indonesia is the new ‘must-visit’ tropical destination for Aussies – and it’s been dubbed ‘heaven on earth’ by visitors.

Raja Ampat, the ‘last paradise’ in the country’s northwest, is well off the beaten track but just a three hour flight or seven day ferry ride from the crowded sands of Bali. 

The little known location is a lush, jungle covered utopia of 1,500 islands with pure white sands and a vibrant coral reef that makes for some of the world’s best diving.

Domi and Thomas, of 2troubletravelers, shared the hidden island paradise that less than one per cent of all tourists to Indonesia will ever reach. 

‘All you need to do is fly to Sorong International Airport, then take a ferry to Waisai Harbour and ask your homestay to pick you up there,’ they said.

‘It’s the place with turquoise water, white sandy beaches, stunning views and an incredible underwater world.’

The untouched beauty of one of the world’s ‘last wild places’ has been likened by some to the stunning fictional moon-world of Pandora in the Avatar films.  

Guests visiting the faraway islands have called them the best place ‘in the universe’ and raved about the snorkelling, fishing and ‘incredible’ bird watching on offer. 

Visitors to the hidden destination boast of swimming in the ‘most beautiful’ waters they have ever seen 

A famous heart shaped lagoon lies in Karawapop on the island of Misool in Raja Ampat

Travellers also hire boats to island hop and explore hidden lagoons and relax on protected beaches, but can’t expect quite the same conveniences as Bali. 

However, the ‘insanely beautiful’ Kri Island has limited running water and electricity.

There are no ATMs or credit card machines and you will need to bring all of your spending money in cash and arrange accommodation ahead through a home stay. 

Pam Island boasts ‘magical’ crystalline waters, picture perfect beaches and recreational sports that keep visitors coming back more. 

‘The diving was absolutely mind blowing. The people are very kind and friendly….it was just an incredible experience,’ one said.

Hiring small boats to go island hopping is the perfect way to explore the connecting family of islands that make up Raja Ampat

Travellers to the remote island called the white sandy beaches and turquoise water ‘unreal’ and easily some of the best in the world

‘Definitely adding this to our bucket list,’ another agreed. 

Some complained that the remote location made it ‘super expensive’ for Indonesians to visit Raja Ampat, even though it’s relatively close to Bali.

First time visitors to the area are advised to stay for a week or longer and while there are many budget options available, a few have said that the visit can be pricey when taking into account food and accommodation. 

Travellers have insisted that the remoteness of the islands are what sets them apart.

‘Pristine islands with dense forests, may it stay that way. Unspoilt and protected. Not easy to reach, but that’s okay,’ one said.

‘I find that the hardest places to get to are usually the most worth it,’ another added.