Last paradise on earth

The archipelago of the Raja Ampat islands is in Indonesia, more precisely in West Papua off New Guinea, in the Doberai peninsula on the edge of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Among the 1,500 or so mountainous islands that comprise the archipelago, Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool are the main ones. They explain its name, Raja Ampat, which literally means the "Four Kings" in Indo-nesian. According to legend, a woman discovered seven eggs here, four of which hatched to be-come kings of the islands. The Raja Ampat islands also lie at the heart of the Coral Triangle, an area representing hardly one per cent  of the planet, but boasting the richest marine biodiversity in the world. The archipelago is thus the N°1 spot for fans of scuba diving but also, and above all, a natural paradise to be protected and preserved. 

A haven of marine biodiversity

The waters around the Raja Ampat islands are of incomparable richness, starting with their 600 spe-cies of corals representing over 75 % of all species known on the planet. They are also home to over 2,000 species of fish, 700 mollusks, 16 marine mammals, and six of the world's seven species of sea turtles. For this reason, the archipelago is in line to enter UNESCO's World Heritage. When diving in this natural aquarium of almost surreal beauty, it is not rare to observe species found nowhere else, such as wobbegong and walker sharks, black manta rays, the Dugong and pygmy seahorse. Sadly, these extraordinary depths are in peril due to climate change, overfishing, and also some-times tourism. Many local and international organizations aiming to safeguard the environment strive to assist the archipelago's development through responsible choices for ecological tourism. The Misool Foundation is one of them.

A luxury hideaway at world's end 

Created by a couple of foreigners in 2005, the Misool Foundation is responsible for a protected marine reserve around the island of the same name. This zone encompassing 120,000 sq. km is under close surveillance, with illegal fishing prohibited. Studies show that the number of species here has risen significantly since its creation. In 2008, the creators of the Misool Foundation opened a luxury hotel unlike any other on the private island of Batbitim: the Misool Eco Resort. Respectful of its environment, it is a perfect example of sustainable tourism. From income from each stay, 50 dollars are automatically handed over to the Foundation. The hotel was built of reclaimed hard-wood from the surrounding islands. Solar energy takes pride of place, waste water is filtered and re-used, rubbish is recycled and plastic virtually non-existent, as guests are invited not to bring any. The Resort can accommodate 40 guests at most in 19 luxury villas. Some are built on stilts, others are right on the beach or in the jungle, occasionally solely accessible from the sea. Amenities are completed by a restaurant overlooking the lagoon and a spa whose treatments contain natural Misool products created 

An exclusive destination 

To reach the Raja Ampat archipelago from France, a daunting trip awaits you. You first fly to Indo-nesia via Dubai (about a 15-hour flight), then to Sorong (4-hour flight from Jakarta). A 4-hour cross-ing takes you to your final destination, the island of Misool. A paradise well worth the detour!