raised in the west. live in the east. to inspire and be inspired. music. photography. travel. people. fashion. destiny, purpose, significance. social justice. free of category besides the category of the free.
I’ve been researching where to go in Indonesia for my next trip. I saw the black manta at the end of this video and squealed with delight. The next time that I see a manta (I really mean my FIRST time) will be a bittersweet moment. I’ll probably start crying tears of joy, after these years of long wait to see one but another part of me will be sad that the moment isn’t shared with my loved ones I dive with at home in Sipadan.
Raja Ampat, Papua, Indonesia
The Raja Ampat, or Four Kings Archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province.
The area includes the 4 large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller islands. The archipelago is part of an area known as the Bird’s Head functional seascape, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia.
Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas and dive sites around Raja Ampat are possibly the richest in the world. The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease - threats that now jeopardise the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection.
