Responsible tourism in the tropical paradise of Raja Ampat

Raja ampat is known as “the last paradise on earth”, and after experience only a little taste of what you have to sacrifice, it is easy to see why. Ancient forests and lush green landscapes amazed at each step. Under the surface, marine life was impressive, while on land, it meets subway crabs, extraordinary marsupials and unknown reptiles left lasting impressions. It is impossible to leave Raja ampat without being full of a deep appreciation for the natural world, and a desire too much to protect him from the growing environmental challenges of modern life. This may seem an insurmountable task for many, but for the founder Max Ammer and his team of response travel pioneers, it is a mission that they assume with an unwavering commitment every day.

Getting to Raja ampat is not simple, but with careful planning and sufficient time, it is far from being impossible. International travelers must fly to Yakarta, the capital of Indonesia, before taking a domestic flight to Sorong in the southwest Papua. From there, the options include joining a diving boat, taking a local ferry to Waisai on Waigeo Island, or organizing a fast boat transfer to the island or choice resort. Opting the latter, we arrive at Kri Island a couple of hours of leaving the port of Sorong in a shared transfer to Sorido Bay Resort.

Sorido Bay Resort: Eco Luxury on the island of Kri

Choosing the Sorido Bay complex on the virgin banks of Kri Island meant experiencing one of the most wanted ecological resorts in the region and a pioneer in sustainable tourism. Our Bungalow Sentani offered direct access to the beach and was designed using local materials and traditional architectural styles, combining comfort and environmental concion. The past nights in a hammock, serenade for the sounds of the jungle and the sea, were the perfect way to relax, while the mornings began with a strong coffee and the perspective of another day in paradise.

Life in the water

The underwater world of Raja Ampat exceeded all expectations. The crystalline waters revealed a kaleidoscope or color and biodiversity. Or known as the jewel of the crown of Indonesia, Raja Ampat sacrifices the lovers of nature the opportunity to witness one of the richest marine habitats in the world. As a “greatest” of the natural world, each diving or snorkeling trip brought new wonders: vibrant corals, prosperous marine life, fish banks, elegant turtles, majestic majestic rays and as distant and distant and distant looks and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant. distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and distant from and distant and distant. and distant, distant and distant and the distant and the distant and the distant and the distant and the distant and the distant and distant and the distant and the distant, distant and distant and distant and distant and distant and the distant and the distant and the distant and the distant and the distant and the distant and the distant and the distant and the distant, and the distant, and the distant, and the distant, and the distant The distant. To our next adventure. Every day, the divers and snorkers who return shared stories of their underwater sightings with an enthusiasm that was impossible to resist. The sense of interconnection within this marine ecosystem left a deep impression, and a renewed sense of responsibility to protect it.

Life on earth

Only the most enthusiastic diver needs time in the country, and life in Sorido Bay Resort proved to be equally captivating. Guests can walk towards the ecological complex of Sister Kri, visit the coweard shark nurse in the place that increases and releases zebra sharks in danger of extinction, or reserves a relaxing spa treatment after one day in the ocean. The surrounding landscape is equally impressive, with the nearby FAM Islands that offer a packet of dreams of turquoise lagoons, imposing limestone karsts, empty beaches, mangroves and a more marine life.

Dinner at Sorido Bay Resort

All meals and soft drinks were included in our stay, and as vegan travelers, we were delighted to find a reflective range of plant -based options. Traveling to remote islands with limited gastronomic options can often be a concern, but Sorido Bay delivered in abundance. Plant proteins such as Tempeh and Tofu presented prominently, along with vegetable dishes full of homemade flavors and condiments, such a spicy sambal made of chiles, garlic, tomatoes and shalotes. The prominent included the sticky and glaze of soybeans and the rich Jackfruit in coconut milk, while the vegan pancakes with fruits, nuts and cinnamon secured a delicious beginning of the day.

Kri Eco Resort: Responsible Tourism Pioneers

When Max Ammer first explored the region in the 1990s, Raja Ampat seemed very different. Founding Kri Eco Resort as the first diving resort in the area, since then he has directed the position in responsible and sustainable tourism. Kri Eco Resort offers simple but comfortable silent cabins on water. We stayed in a bright and aerated luxury water cabin, where we fall asleep to the rhythm of the ocean and the jungle was an unforgettable experience. Living on the island of Kri can be the material of tropical dreams, but with it comes the responsibility of protecting fragile ecosystems under growing pressure of tourism. From what we observe, and what they told us: both Sorido Bay and Kri Eco Resort are establishing the standard, minimizing their environmental footprint and showing how responsible tourism can be in practice.

SENSE IN KRI ECO RESORT

The meals in Kri Eco Resort were simpler than those of Sorido Bay, but no less satisfactory. Emphasizing local flavors and ingredients, food was fresh, nutritious and always included vegan options. Tempeh and Tofu were basic foods, something we welcome with all my heart. The staff was proactive by explaining what was suitable for vegan guests and also surprised us with additional dishes specially prepared for plant -based dinners. Meals were not only an opportunity to repost, but also an opportunity to share stories and connect with other travelers.

Sustainable and responsible initiatives with Papua divers

As operators of both resorts, Papua Diverse supports a wide range of community and environmental initiatives. These include educational programs, conservation efforts and the Raja AMPPA Research and Conservation Center, a center for sustainable tourism, research and community dissemination. Guests are encouraged to fill in reusable metal water bottles in designated stations, and bathroom comforts are natural, safe of reef, of local origin and can be used in rechargeable dispensers. In our opinion, this type of practices should be industry standard.

The future of responsible tourism in Raja ampat

Raja Ampp had been on our desire list for about two decades, and did not disappoint. But without strict governance and response operators, its virgin beauty is at risk. As travelers, we have the power to influence the future, investigating who we stay with, with whom we immerse ourselves and how we commit ourselves to destiny. Raja ampat is a marine masala of amazement and amazement, and we feel immensely privileged to have experienced a small and sustainable portion of what it has to sacrifice.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co -founder of Vegan Food Quest who writes about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with an approach to sustainable trips, ecological trips and vegan trips. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the best golf courses through the region.