Fun times exploring Raja 😊

Arrived in Sorong, West Papua, arvo of 28th to be met by the owner of Marina, who kindly helped us into our 1st med-style berth (drop ⚓️ & reverse park in-between very expensive boats 😮), then 2 days provisioning via local markets & shops... this was a unique & learning experience for us 🫣🤔😬🤯😵‍💫🤗,
We met Ma, Pa & Julie @ ✈️ very early on 31st, whisking them back to OtD to start our 2 week ⛵️ exploring of Raja assp.
Week 1: Bantanta to Waigeo has been a blast with great company and stunning scenery (above & below water). We found & swam in the famous Blue River freshwater pools, blessed 🙌 to have them to just ourselves ❤️. We visited Waisai ( the main village of Raja), enjoying local markets & tea out before heading West to Friwin 🏝 with all stops, & some in-between = snorkelling 🤿🐠🐟🦈🪼🐡. Our guests report "abundance of fish & coral are amazing", " the oceans garden never ceases to amaze", "the colours of fish & coral are vibrant, iridescent & all colours of rainbow", "the varieties of soft coral are mind blowing" & " when the 🌞 is out the colours pop even more"..... so I guess we have satisfied customers so far 😀 . To ensure 5 🌟 experience, we have also provided daily squalls, monsoonal 🌧 & the occasional bitch slapping (tide against wind rock-n-roll) so never a dull moment on board... thankfully the crews humour 😀 appears to still be positive.
Fun facts...
* Batanta 🏝 is densely forested, & its hills rise high enough to almost always generate cloud. The jungles (with mangrove trees 35m high) are home to a wide range of endemic species & it is the only place in Raja where Cassowaries can be seen, along with scores of other uncommon bird species.
* Kali Biru (Blue River) According to folklore, is known as the bathing place of Raja Waigeo Island & has a uniqueness that is always clear and blue, & will not be muddy even though it rains with high intensity.
* Waisai on the island of Waigeo was founded in 2003, it is the capital of the Raja Ampat Regency and is home to a little over 8,000 people, it is a transit point for tourists & has, according to Ted & Dad, the BEST CHILLI MUD CRAB ever 🦀 👍 !!!!!

P.S. for those who are interested, we will add extra footprints for underwater 📸sLes mer