Misool Game Reserve in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

In the heart of the Raja Ampat archipelago , amid vibrant coral reefs and azure lagoons, lies Misool Island—the second largest and southernmost of the four key islands in this corner of Indonesia. Free from busy highways, airports, high-rise buildings, and noisy tourist traffic, the hilly terrain, covered in dense tropical forests, offers a sense of solitude and tranquility.

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General information about Misool

Formerly a shark finning camp, Misool Island is now surrounded by its own marine reserve, the Misool Marine Reserve, covering 1,220 square kilometers. It was established in 2005 as a result of a successful partnership between local communities and the private enterprise Misool Resort. This area is also a shark and manta ray sanctuary. All forms of extractive activities are prohibited here, including fishing, collecting turtle eggs, net fishing, and shark finning.

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Underwater life of the reserve

Interesting fact: More than 1,600 species of reef fish have been recorded within the reserve. And a single football-field-sized patch of Misool Reefs contains nearly five times more coral species than the entire Caribbean Sea.

Dozens of dive sites are scattered around the island, rivaling Bali's famous dive sites in terms of beauty and diversity of marine life . Blacktip and grey reef sharks, giant moray eels, trevally, barracuda, octopuses, dugongs, green turtles, and other ocean inhabitants are regularly encountered. The manta ray cleaning station deserves special attention. Among the most impressive dive sites are Nudi Rock, Magic Mountain, and Boo Windows.

Misool's underwater biodiversity is so astonishing that it has become the subject of intense film attention, with documentaries filmed there on numerous occasions.

The Misool Foundation contributes to the reserve's success by hiring local rangers to patrol the area, ensuring compliance with conservation regulations. Their efforts have led to a significant revival of marine life. Specifically, the shark population in the marine reserve has increased by 190% since 2012, and the manta ray population has doubled in 10 years.

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Where to stay on Misool Island

Misool is an island for those seeking a natural ambiance and authentic experiences, rather than mass tourism. You won't find noisy hotels or large resort complexes here. Instead, there are several modest guesthouses offering a true local experience. For those seeking a comfortable vacation without sacrificing natural beauty, there's the unique Misool Eco Resort —an island resort with a maximum capacity of just 40 guests.

Due to its remote location, Misool operates on a fixed schedule, offering all-inclusive packages of 7, 9 or 12 nights.

The package price includes: accommodation, meals and snacks, drinking water, soft drinks, coffee and tea, one night at a hotel with breakfast in Sorong after your stay in Misool, as well as meet and greet services at Sorong Airport, transportation between the airport and the port.

The resort offers villas on the beach, over the water, and surrounded by tropical jungle. Each villa features a Balinese-style open-air bathtub, air conditioning, a wall fan, and handcrafted furniture and accessories.

It's important to note that the resort was built with a particular focus on environmental conservation: not a single tree was felled during its construction, the villas are constructed from recycled wood, and the roofs of many buildings are covered with traditional alang-alang grass. The resort actively supports recycling projects and pursues a conscious policy of sustainable tourism.

The beach restaurant offers four meals a day, with an emphasis on fresh, local, and organic ingredients. Misool is also an internet-free zone, designed to allow you to enjoy the natural surroundings and unwind from digital distractions.

Misool Eco Resort

How to get to Misool

Most travelers depart for Misool Island by public or express ferry from Sorong. It's important to remember that ferry schedules are subject to change without notice. Guests of the Misool Resort are provided with a private boat transfer. The transfer costs approximately $390. The journey from Sorong to Misool takes approximately 5 hours, depending on sea conditions.

Important! Every visitor, regardless of diving, must purchase an entry permit to Raja Ampat Marine Park. It costs 1,000,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately $60 USD).

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Things to do in Misool: diving and water sports

Misool's main attraction is, of course, its underwater world. For those who prefer a more casual dive, snorkeling at the magnificent house reef of Misool Eco Resort offers the chance to see colorful corals and marine life right off the shore. You can also relax on the dive center's cozy terrace with a cup of coffee and a book about marine life.

The optimal season for diving and snorkeling is from October to April, when the weather is most stable and the water is clear and warm. In July, August, and early September, the weather is not favorable for diving, and the off-season in June and September can be changeable.

In addition to snorkeling and diving, there are exciting opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Routes of varying difficulty pass through picturesque bays, turquoise lagoons, and karst islands—scenery that will remain etched in your memory for a long time. Some canoeists choose to stop at secluded beaches and spend the night on Indonesian phinisi boats, offering a unique cultural immersion experience.

Misool serves as a benchmark for sustainable tourism, demonstrating how comfortable holidays can be harmoniously combined with effective conservation programs.

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