Our journey to Raja Ampat began early on Thursday, 13 February 2025, with a Jetstar flight from Adelaide to Denpasar. Sonya, Tim, Cath, Sue, Cindy and Kevin touched down just after 9 a.m., and we checked into the Swiss‑Belhotel Tuban in Kuta — a convenient stopover before the long transit ahead. With our next check‑in at 3 p.m. and a late‑night airport return, the day became a gentle warm‑up: a chance to rest, wander Kuta, and prepare for the adventure to come.
Shortly after midnight, we were back at the airport for our Garuda Indonesia flight to Sorong. GA 0686 departed at 1:40 a.m., delivering us to West Papua at sunrise. From there, Meridian Adventure Dive assisted with our arrangements, meeting us at the airport and transferring us to the ferry bound for Waisai. By the time we reached Meridian Dive Resort, the fatigue of travel had melted into excitement — the turquoise water and jungle‑wrapped islands made sure of that.
For the next eight nights, Meridian became home. Each morning followed a daily rhythm: two‑tank boat dives exploring Raja Ampat’s world‑famous reefs. Between dives we were taken to a local island for delicious coffee and cake. The resort provided all scuba gear to those who needed it and we were also able to store gear that some of us had brought along, making the experience effortless. Every dive site was amazing — showcasing the incredible marine biodiversity that makes Raja Ampat legendary. The most notable dives were Blue Magic with its strong current and incredible Oceanic Manta Rays passing over our heads, Melissa’s Garden with its garden style coral as far as the eye could see, and Mikes Point with banded sea snake, blue ring octopus and Peacock Manta Shrimp.
The resort itself offered a peaceful retreat between dives. Afternoons were for rinsing gear, reviewing photos, napping, or simply watching the water shift colours with the light. In the evenings, we either shared meals at the resort, or we would wander into the local village and eat range of freshly cooked dishes which were wonderful. We’d share stories of the prolific marine life, wobbegongs, manta sightings, huge moray eels and the occasional reef shark cruising by.
On Friday, 21 February, the diving wrapped up and the day shifted to a slower pace. Gear dried in the tropical sun, and we joined the Blue River excursion — a serene contrast to the adrenaline of diving. The luminous blue water, framed by limestone formations and dense forest, felt almost otherworldly.
The next morning, we said goodbye to Meridian and ferried back to Sorong. A night at the Swiss‑Belhotel Sorong offered a comfortable reset before the long journey home. With check‑in available before 2 p.m., we had time to unwind and repack without rush.
Sunday, 23 February began with Garuda flight GA 0687 back to Denpasar, arriving mid‑morning. With many hours before the late‑night Jetstar flight to Adelaide, we booked a day room at the Hilton Garden Inn near the airport. It was the perfect buffer — a place to shower, rest and swim, and even wander down to the beach just a kilometre away.
Finally, in the early hours of Monday, 24 February, we boarded JQ128 and touched down in Adelaide at 6:55 a.m., tired but full of memories.
Raja Ampat delivered everything it promises: pristine reefs, warm hospitality, and a sense of remoteness that makes every moment feel special. The journey is long, but the reward is unforgettable — a true diver’s paradise.
Cath
Limerick by Cath Sarah
