Batanta - Birie

Batanta is the smallest of the four main islands (also called four kings) of Raja Ampat. It is 452 km2 and has a circumference of 226 km. There are a few smaller islands around it. One of these islands is Birie, where one of the few resorts can be found. Both Batanta and on the islands there is a lot of forest with many rare birds. There is also a waterfall of 10 meters high.

It is totally unable to deal with tourism. On the island are a number of villages, some still traditionally built, some have stone houses, as Arefi. To stay you have to have good contacts because most homes to stay, be rented locally. There is one resort on the island and one resort on Birie island. There is no fixed ferry connection to the island; most boats sail alone around the island, but do not stop there.

It is therefore not surprising that the population is still fairly traditional. The highest point 1184 meters. In the period 50 is a part of the forest harvested because of the so-called iron timber.

Besides the nature of the island, there is also much to experience underwater. Because only a few diving excursions are organized by operators, the variety is huge underwater. There is plenty to find everything from micro to large life manta rays and occasionally even whales.



First published: 05 May 2015
Last update: 05 May 2015
© A. Heeroma

  • Travel route