Misool Journey Information For Raja Ampat, Indonesia

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The island of Misool has a few of the most superb sights within the Raja Ampat archipelago, and due to its remoteness, it’s nonetheless a little bit of a hidden gem in Indonesia.

This place has all of it: gorgeous surroundings, nice snorkeling, heart-shaped lagoons, limestone caves, and even a lake the place you possibly can swim with stingless jellyfish.

I spent every week in Misool lately, and didn’t wish to depart. Many of the lodging there may be very primary, however it’s value it for the expertise.

This journey information will clarify methods to get to Misool, the place to remain, and what to see and do there!

 

How To Get To Misool

Misool is positioned in southern Raja Ampat, off the coast of West Papua, and the one solution to get there may be by public ferry or non-public speedboat. Most individuals use the ferry.

There’s no airport in Misool, so the closest airport is the one in Sorong (SOQ), which has direct flights from Bali, Jakarta, Makassar, or Manado. I flew with Garuda from Bali and it was a cushty 3 hour journey. You’ll be able to store for flights on Skyscanner.

When you arrive in Sorong, you’ll want a taxi for the 15 minute drive to the harbor (map right here). There are at all times loads of taxi drivers on the airport, or you should utilize the Seize or GoJek apps.

The ferry journey to Misool is in a single day and it’s purported to take 8 hours, however due to ‘Indonesian time’ it may be delayed wherever from 1 to 4 hours, which is what occurred to me. A bunch of us nearly missed our flight out of Sorong.

I wouldn’t say the ferry is snug, however it’s not horrible both. You’ll be able to pay further to hire a non-public cabin and get some sleep throughout the night time. The waves have been a bit bumpy in my expertise, however by no means bought scary.

Your homestay in Misool can ship you the present ferry schedule and e-book tickets for you prematurely, or you are able to do it your self by contacting the ferry captain, Meidy Imut. His WhatsApp quantity is ☎ +62 822-4582-8899.

Except for the ferry, the one solution to get to Misool is an costly non-public boat, such because the one utilized by Misool Eco Resort. A speedboat like that may carry you to Misool or again in 5 hours.

When you arrive on the Yellu harbor in Misool (map right here), you’ll want a switch to wherever you’re staying.

Your homestay can prepare a small boat to choose you up, and relying on the place you’re staying, this final leg of the journey will solely take 30-60 minutes.

Welcome to Misool!

 

Greatest Issues To Do In Misool

• Balbulol Lagoon

Essentially the most superb place we noticed in Misool was in all probability the Balbulol lagoon.

It appears like one thing out of an alien world, with big vertical rocks rising out of a turquoise lagoon.

How is that this an actual place?

After having fun with the loopy surroundings and swimming within the lagoon, in case you’re nonetheless feeling adventurous, there’s additionally a little-known viewpoint above Balbulol.

You’ll be able to attain the perspective in quarter-hour, however it’s a steep climb with publicity, and a fall might be deadly.

In American phrases, it’s mainly Class 4 mountain climbing, so be very cautious! There’s a rope to climb, however I didn’t belief it. I used to be additionally sporting flip flips, however footwear can be a lot safer when you’ve got them.

On the prime of the Balbulol viewpoint, you possibly can see the entire lagoon and the encircling mountains. It’s an epic view!

 

• Yapap Rocks

Yapap is among the best spots to achieve in Misool, and the surroundings is fantastic.

The rock formations right here look somewhat bit like Seychelles with a twist. It’s a really distinctive panorama.

There’s additionally a viewpoint the place you possibly can climb a couple of minutes and see this space from above.

 

• Lenmakana Jellyfish Lake

One other well-known web site in Misool is the jellyfish lake, the place you possibly can swim with 1000’s of stingless jellyfish!

There are literally a bunch of jellyfish lakes like this scattered throughout Indonesia, however this was my first time going to one among them. It was actually cool.

The jellyfish haven’t any capability to sting, and so they’re utterly innocent to people. You continue to would possibly wish to put on a rash guard so that you don’t must really feel the creepy sensation of jellyfishes brushing your naked pores and skin.

The worst half about visiting the jellyfish lake is the trail to get there. It’s steep and muddy, and the final part close to the lake is particularly treacherous, with a ladder of thin tree branches.

They actually need to construct a correct path and add a jetty on the sting of the lake so it’s simpler to get in with out hurting your self. For now, watch out.

Is it nonetheless value going to the lake? Yeah, completely! Swimming with jellies was a particular expertise.

 

• Karawapop Love Lake

There are two totally different heart-shaped lakes in Misool: Karawapop and Dafalen.

Karawapop is positioned on the far south finish of the Misool space, however it’s spectacular and value seeing.

It’s a vibrant blue lagoon within the form of a coronary heart, and you are able to do a brief 10 minute hike to a viewpoint above the lake.

 

• Dafalen Peak

That is one other heart-shaped lagoon in Misool, close to the Yapap space, that you could see by climbing a mountain.

There’s a stairway as much as the perspective and you may attain the highest in 10 or quarter-hour, however a bunch of the wood boards are rotting or damaged, in order that makes it a bit tougher. Simply take every step fastidiously!

This coronary heart lake has an enormous limestone mountain subsequent to it, making it much more spectacular.

 

• Harfat / Dapunlol Peak

That is one other small peak you possibly can climb for views of the entire Misool space.

It takes about 10 or quarter-hour to achieve the highest, after which you possibly can see numerous islands and lagoons throughout you.

We watched boats passing by, and other people kayaking within the lagoons, which regarded enjoyable.

There are many damaged and rotting boards within the stairway at Harfat, so watch your step!

One of many members of our group fell via a board and sliced herself on a rusty nail, leaving an enormous bloody gash on her leg.

Fortunately she didn’t fall very far or get significantly damage, however you continue to don’t need an accident like this, so tread frivolously.

 

Extra Issues To See In Misool

• Namlol Seaside & Lagoon

Namlol is a pleasant seaside with a blue lagoon the place you possibly can swim.

We had lunch right here in the future on our approach again from touring Balbulol, and the guides climbed the palm timber to seize some recent coconuts.

 

• Olobi Seaside

That is an island with two seashores inhabited by pleasant locals.

We stopped right here to eat our lunch throughout a tour to Karawapop, after which I flew my drone whereas the native children gathered round and watched.

It was humorous watching the children go loopy over the drone, so I made certain to take a drone selfie with them earlier than I left.

 

• Gua Keramat Cave

This cave is a hidden gem in western Misool, about 1.5 hours by boat from the Yapap space. It’s probably the most distant spots within the space, however it’s nonetheless value a go to when you’ve got time.

After docking the boat and strolling 3 minutes, you get to see a cool water cave with jagged limestone rocks protruding of the ceiling.

You’ll be able to go swimming within the shallow water right here, and in case you’re feeling courageous you possibly can even swim into the cave itself, which is fairly huge and darkish on the within.

       
 
 

• Gua Putri Termenung Cave

That is one other limestone collapse Misool, however it’s a dry cave solely on land.

Strolling via this cave requires a little bit of ducking in locations, and you may see some good stalactites, plus the occasional bats. We even noticed some tiny hen nests within the ceilings, with child birds sleeping in them.

I didn’t suppose Gua Putri was pretty much as good because the cave at Gua Keramat, however it’s a lot simpler to achieve, and it’s value a fast stroll via.

 

• Sunmalelen Rock Artwork

It is a limestone rock wall coated with historic work over the water. There’s a small floating jetty the place you possibly can park the boat and get a more in-depth look.

You’ll be able to see drawings of fish, whales, dolphins, and a few human hand prints just like those which have been present in locations throughout Indonesia like Sombori island and Rammang Rammang in Sulawesi.

Don’t anticipate something too spectacular, however this one is a freebie because you’ll in all probability be close to it anyway in case you go to Harfat peak or Keramat cave.

 

Map Of Sights In Misool

Right here’s a map of all the principle sights and lodging within the Misool space. You should use this to plan your boat excursions and general itinerary.

Vacationer sights are marked with blue icons, and homestays with orange. You’ll be able to click on on the icons for more information.

 

Snorkeling In Misool

Raja Ampat is thought for nice snorkeling, and the Misool space is not any exception.

Throughout our time in Misool, we snorkeled nearly on daily basis and noticed numerous good fish and coral, plus some oddities like squids, lobsters, pufferfish, stingrays, and child sharks.

Except for the jellyfish lake, there are additionally superior snorkeling spots within the ocean. My favourite was Gamfi, which has a robust present however numerous pristine coral.

 

How Lengthy To Keep

You’ll be able to see the highlights of Misool in 3 full days, however it’s good to have further time in case the climate doesn’t cooperate.

I spent 6 days in Misool, together with the day I arrived and the day I left on the ferry. That turned out to be good in my case, as a result of I used to be unfortunate with the climate and had a number of wet days.

Right here’s an instance itinerary you possibly can comply with for a 3 day journey to Misool:

• Day 1 – Begin the day at Yapap lagoon, seeing the rock formations and doing the quick climb up the perspective. Subsequent, head over to Harfat peak, stopping to see the rock artwork alongside the way in which, after which hike to the highest of Harfat for views of the entire space. For those who nonetheless have power, end the day by going to Gua Keramat cave.
• Day 2 – Hop in a ship and head over to Balbulol. Cruise round within the lagoon at Balbulol after which go snorkeling at close by Gamfi. Seize lunch on the seaside at Namlol, after which go swim with 1000’s of jellyfish at Lenmakana. End the day by seeing the Gua Putri cave.
• Day 3 – That is one other lengthy day. It’s a 1.5 hour boat journey to Karawapop, the place you possibly can climb the perspective to see an enormous coronary heart lake. Afterwards, go snorkeling close to the lagoon and seize lunch at Olobi seaside. For those who nonetheless have time, end the day by climbing Dafalen peak to see one other coronary heart lake.

 

Homestays In Misool: What To Count on

Many of the motels in Misool are very primary homestays. Don’t anticipate Bali requirements, however they’re snug sufficient.

Although the rooms are non-public, the vibe on the homestay is sort of like a hostel and you may meet different vacationers from all over the world, and share boat excursions with them. I made some new buddies from Canada.

The worth contains 3 meals per day, plus limitless clear consuming water, tea, and low. For facilities you’ll often have a mattress with a mosquito web, fan, mirror, sink, bathroom, wash bucket and dipper, and perhaps a weak bathe head in case you’re fortunate.

The homestays flip a generator on from 6 PM to six AM on daily basis, and that is the one time you’ll have electrical energy in Misool, so that you’ll wish to use this time to recharge batteries and such.

Even probably the most primary homestays have Starlink WiFi now, which appeared to work effectively for shopping the web and even importing photos. I used to be capable of again up my pictures on daily basis after ending the excursions.

The meals I had on the homestays was good, however not nice. There was fish, rice, noodles, veggies, fried bananas, the occasional rooster or lobster, and extra fish. The primary issues are fish and rice, so that you’ll in all probability get uninterested in these after awhile. Did I point out they serve fish?

That’s okay, as a result of the true motive you’re right here is to get pleasure from nature!

 

The place To Keep In Misool

This isn’t an entire listing of all lodging in Misool, however these are a few of the prime selections in the intervening time:

• Yapap Homestay – Overwater bungalows on the sting of a lagoon, close to the Yapap rock formations. This homestay would’ve been my first alternative, however sadly it was full booked for my dates.
• Yamnini Homestay – Overwater bungalows close to the Dafalen peak. That is the place I spent most of my nights in Misool. They converse English however ceaselessly overbook their rooms, so be careful for that. The supervisor girl was pleasant and helped with excursions, ferry particulars, and different issues.
• Yalapale Homestay – The final 2 nights of my keep at Yamnini have been by accident double booked, so that they moved me to this homestay for the remainder of the time. Yalapale has largely overwater bungalows, or one huge non-public room on the sting of the jungle. The workers have been good, however this homestay wouldn’t be my first alternative. It’s extra buggy than the others.
• Nut Tonton Homestay – Overwater bungalows close to the jellyfish lake. I didn’t keep right here because the costs have been larger than a few of the different homestays, however I talked to them and so they have been useful with answering my questions.
• Panun Paradise Homestay – Non-public island with 3 seashores, and it’s probably the most distant homestays in Misool, positioned close to Balbulol.
• Misool Eco Resort – It is a 4 star resort and it’s the nicest lodging in Misool, however it’s additionally dear. Individuals who keep right here rave in regards to the meals, rooms, spa, excursions, and the home reef.
• Wayaplyan Homestay – Overwater bungalows with larger rooms. The placement wouldn’t be my first alternative because it’s not very near any of the principle sights in Misool.
• Harfat Jaya Homestay – That is on the identical island as Yalapale homestay, however it’s on the opposite facet of the island. It’s near the principle harbor in Yellu.

 

Greatest Time To Go to

Most journey guides suggest visiting Misool from October to April. The locals we talked to agreed with this recommendation.

The one time to keep away from is mid-June to mid-September due to heavy wind, making it onerous for boats to go there. Numerous locations shut throughout these months. That is additionally after they have the heaviest rainfall.

I went to Misool in February, which is meant to be a good time to go, however I’ve to say the climate was poor for many of my journey, with thick clouds and rain nearly on daily basis.

If I went again to Misool, I feel I’d attempt a special month, like November or March. However perhaps I used to be simply unfortunate. There have been nonetheless some moments of solar, so I used to be capable of benefit from the journey anyway.

       

 

Different Ideas For Misool

• What To Deliver: For the boat excursions, a water-resistant bag or telephone pouch is a good suggestion to guard your electronics. An influence financial institution can be helpful if it’s essential to cost issues when the electrical energy is off.
• Cell Service: Most of Misool has no telephone reception, and I used to be solely ready to make use of knowledge after I was close to the principle harbor in Yellu. That makes the Starlink WiFi much more useful if it’s essential to discuss to anybody.
• Conservation Card: All adults visiting Raja Ampat want to purchase a conservation card for the marine park, which is legitimate for 12 months. Your homestay can prepare this for you, or you should purchase it on-line on the official web site.
• Entrance Charges: Among the locations in Misool just like the jellyfish lake even have an additional charge that you must pay in money on the spot. As of 2025, they have been charging 75k Rupiah per particular person at this place and some others.
• Gown Code: The individuals in Misool are usually Muslim, however they’re not as strict as another areas in Indonesia, so that they gained’t thoughts you sporting a bikini on the islands.
• Bugs: I noticed some mosquitoes in Misool, however they tended to be on the larger islands the place there’s jungle cowl. The overwater homestays have been extra ethereal and had only a few bugs.
• Malaria: Based on this Lancet research from 2018, there’s been a significant discount of Malaria in Misool and the encircling areas, which is nice. I’d nonetheless watch out and sleep beneath a mosquito web, and use bug spray once you’re climbing. I didn’t take Malaria capsules.

 

Extra Indonesia Journey Ideas

Thanks for trying! I hope you loved this journey information for Misool island in Raja Ampat.

I’ve written a whole bunch of different journey guides for Indonesia, so don’t neglect to test these out whereas planning your journey!
 

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