The New York Times has named Raja Ampat, West Papua as one of the must-visit destinations for tourists in 2025.
As quoted from the New York Times, Friday, the accolade was officially included in the list titled “52 Places to Go in 2025”.
In the review provided, it is mentioned that Raja Ampat is a regency surrounded by the most diverse marine ecosystem in the world, namely the Coral Triangle.
The region, consisting of a series of 1,500 islands, cays, and reefs in Indonesia, can offer tourists a stunning natural landscape both above and below the water.
“Swim among the spotted yellow boxfish and dive among the gorgonian purple sea fans.” On land, explore remote beaches surrounded by coconut trees or walk into the forest to see the striking and rare Wilson’s bird-of-paradise,” said the author Ratha Tep.
Besides its extraordinary beauty, Raja Ampat is also a rare conservation success. Amid the declining populations of rays and sharks worldwide, the number of reef manta rays there continues to increase.
The list of tourist attractions even emphasizes that access to Raja Ampat is now much easier.
As a suggestion, travelers should avoid the crowds by taking a direct flight from Bali to Sorong, followed by a boat (or two) ride to their own simple overwater bungalow through the Raja Ampat Homestay Association, managed by local Papuans.
The tour operator has Abercrombie & Kent also introduced its first trip to Raja Ampat in March.
Besides Raja Ampat, other destinations that made it onto the “52 Places to Go in 2025” list include Jane Austen in England, the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, the Museum of the City of New York in the United States, and the Lofoten Islands in Norway.
West Papua Now 