Papua Explorers Eco Resort
A conservation-focused resort 2.5 hours from Sorong, close to Manta Point and The Passage. Runs the SEA Centre marine science programme and offers SSI freediving alongside scuba. Transfers run Sundays and Wednesdays at EUR 200 per person.
Papua Explorers Eco Resort is 2.5 hours by boat from Sorong, which places it further into the Raja Ampat archipelago than most properties near Kri Island. Manta Point and The Passage are both less than an hour away — the manta encounters at Manta Point are a consistent draw, and The Passage is one of the most unusual dive sites in the region, a shallow channel with intense current and extraordinary fish density.
Facilities
Papua Explorers is 2.5 hours by boat from Sorong and accessible by sea only, which makes it a genuine island stay rather than a resort a short hop from the mainland. The water bungalows are on stilts over the sea, with steps down to the house reef directly from the jetty.
The first thing guests might notice is that most of the resort is out on the water, so your sea views are all but guaranteed. The water bungalows are all on stilts, meaning you can just pop off the jetty in front and snorkel along the house reef. The spa is also on the jetty allowing you to enjoy the sights and sounds of the sea along with a traditional local massage from the professional in-house massage therapists. Their in-house yoga instructor also offers daily sessions out on this jetty to recharge in the morning.
The resort restaurant is at the end of the jetty, for the very best views. The restaurant dining is buffet style and there is plenty of it with snacks and a tea break in between dives as well. The meals are a mix of traditional Indonesian dishes and more international options as well. They are always happy to provide for any dietary requirements but be sure to let them know in advance as the island is very remote. Coffee and tea are available all day, perfect for sipping in the lounge area of the restaurant. There is also a beer fridge and soft drinks to enjoy with the spectacular sunsets. For a little more privacy, all the water bungalows enjoy their own private terrace with seats and a hammock to take in the views.
With some of Raja Ampat's best dive sites so close by, diving and snorkelling are definitely the favourite activities here. Manta Point and The Passage are both less than an hour away by boat, both are home to beautiful reef life and great pelagic action. Diving courses are also available with their five-star PADI resort which offers instruction in various languages. Freediving is also a popular activity and the resort not only offers freediving packages but SSI certified courses too. For non-divers or even just those who fancy exploring above the water a bit too, local nature trips to see the unique red birds of paradise and curious cuscus are available from the resort.
Conservation
This is a resort where conservation is at the forefront of the staff and owner's minds. Papua Explorers resort has founded its own non-profit group SEA Centre to promote the preservation of Raja Ampat. The name stands for Science, Education and Awareness, which the group uses to educate visitors and local people about the importance of conserving the reefs and marine life of the area. Their reef restoration projects, ranging stations and megafauna databases are all vital to the protection and development of the area. As a result, guests shouldn't be surprised if they bump into manta researchers and conservation experts around the resort.
We have a direct relationship with Papua Explorers and can advise on how it compares to the Kri Island properties and Papua Paradise in terms of location, dive character, and transfer logistics. If the Sunday or Wednesday schedule does not align with your flights, ask us.
