INSIDE GUA KERAMAT: PLUNGING INTO DEEP

It's my fourth times visiting this cave (see: Gua Keramat), but there's always something new about Misool. Tahun ini saya (akhirnya) mengambil kursus freedive, sebelumnya saya hanya "coba-coba" saja jika menyelam bebas turun saat di laut, dan memang meski baru punya skill tipis-tipis saja, it really feels different :) 

It's my fourth time visiting this cave (see: Gua Keramat), but there's always something new about Misool. This year I (finally) take the freedive course, while before I only did "trial" only if free diving down at sea, and indeed despite only have a little skill, it really feels different :)

Kini, saya bisa turun lebih lama, yang tentunya membuat saya dan Ferry juga dapat lebih melihat apa saja yang ada di bawah air di Gua Keramat. Kami juga ditemani MikhaelDominico, our freedive instructor from Apnea Culture.

Now, I could go down for longer time, which of course makes me and Ferry also can see better at what's under the water in the Gua Keramat (in English: Sacred Cave). We are also accompanied by Mikhael Dominico, our freedive instructor from Apnea Culture.

Area "pintu masuk" Gua Keramat berupa celah besar gua, di mana area bawahnya tertutup air laut, sehingga untuk masuk ke dalam gua harus berenang/ body rafting. Area masuk ini dangkal, dengan bagian dasar yang diliputi pasir dan sedimen yang mudah terangkat, sehingga menimbulkan "smoke effect" yang menarik.

The "entrance" are of Gua Keramat is in the form of a huge crack of the cave, where the underneath area covered by the sea, so to get into the cave we must swim / body rafting. The entrance area is shallow, the bottom  is covered with sand and sediment that is easily lifted, giving an interesting "smoke effect".

Mikhael exploring the cave

Kedalaman Gua Keramat maksimal sekitar 5 meter, dengan pasir putih dan lumpur di bagian bawah, namun formasi bebatuan yang muncul di tengah area datar, dan bebatuan di area pinggir gua serta stalagtit dan stalagmit yang sebagian terendam air membuat menyusuri Gua Keramat menjadi sangat menarik saat melihat di kedalaman.

The maximum depth of Gua Keramat is about 5 meters, with white sand and mud at the bottom, but the rock formations that appear in the middle of a flat area, and the rocks in the area of the edge of the cave and stalactites and stalagmites are partially submerged in the water make Gua Keramat becomes very interesting when viewed in depth.

Kami pun menemukan celah kecil yang cukup lebar untuk masuk, meski hanya ada ruangan kecil di dalamnya. Hampir tidak ada binatang di area gua, kami hanya menemukan ikan-ikan kecil saja, di area yang menuju ke pintu keluar Gua Keramat.

We also found a small gap which is wide enough to get in, even though there is only a small room in it. There is almost no creature in the area of the cave, we found only small fish, in the area that led to the exit of the Gua Keramat.

Kali ini saya mendapatkan experience yang berbeda, Gua Keramat tidak terasa spooky, namun lebih menarik. Masih ada area-area di bawah air yang belum kami eksplorasi, hopefully next time we can see more from what's underneath :)

This time I got a different experience, Gua Keramat did not feel spooky, but more interesting. There are still some areas under water that we have not explored, hopefully next time we can see more from what's underneath :)

  

@marischkaprue - having fun in surface and below

Photos by Ferry Rusli 

Also see the video here:

NOTES:

• Misool terletak di area Selatan Raja Ampat. Misool adalah salah satu pulau dari 4 pulau utama di Raja Ampat, area di Pulau Misool dan sekitarnya ini juga disebut Misool.
• Misool located in the southern area of Raja Ampat. Misool is one of the 4 main islands in Raja Ampat. The area around Misool Island is also called Misool.
• Untuk menuju ke Misool ambil penerbangan menuju Sorong. (Penerbangan Jakarta - Sorong biasanya via transit di Makassar, budget Rp. 4 juta PP). Dari Sorong dilanjutkan dengan speed boat selama 4-5 jam perjalanan.
• To reach Misool, take a flight to Sorong (Flight from Jakarta to Sorong usually via Makassar. The usual ticket price for return ticket Jakarta - Sorong - Jakarta is around 350 USD). From Sorong you can continue with speed boat, around 4 to 5 hours boat trip.
• Terdapat homestay Harfat Jaya di Pulau Harapan Jaya, Misool dengan budget sekitar Rp. 400.000,- hingga Rp. 500.000,- per orang per hari.
• There is a homestay in Harapan Jaya Island, Misool. Harfat Jaya homestay cost about 34 USD to 43 USD per person per day.
• Sewa kapal ke Misool sangat mahal sehingga untuk mendapatkan budget trip sekitar 6 juta selama 5 hari, anda harus share hingga 20 orang dalam satu kali trip. Lebih baik ikut penyedia trip seperti Tukang Jalan yang menyediakan Misool Trip dengan budget di bawah Rp. 6 juta (exclude tiket pesawat). Contact Tukang Jalan di 081315890191 / 087888002004, atau Whatsapp/ Line di 08180689303/ 085810697553.
• Renting a speedboat to Misool is highly expensive, to get a 509 USD budget for 5 days exploring Misool, you will need to share speedboat cost with around 20 person on one trip. I suggest you to join open trip such as Tukang Jalan who provide Misool Trip with budget under 509 USD (exclude plane ticket). You can contact Tukang Jalan through 081315890191 / 087888002004, or Whatsapp/ Line di 08180689303/ 085810697553.
• Penginapan yang tersedia hanya homestay, pilihan lain adalah Misool Eco Resort dengan rate Rp. 5,8 juta per orang per hari. 
• The only accomodation available is homestay, for more comfortable choices you can stay at Misool Eco Resort with rate around 492 USD per person per day. 

***

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Lenmakana, another retreat in Misool

Terlalu banyak lokasi indah di Raja Ampat, apalagi di Misool. Lima hari tentunya tidak cukup untuk benar-benar tahu tentang Misool, namun cukup untuk membuat siapapun yang datang jatuh cinta pada birunya langit dan laut, jernihnya air dan keindahan pulau-pulau karang yang tidak ada habisnya.

There are too many beautiful place in Raja Ampat, especially in Misool. Five days certainly not enough to really know about Misool, but enough to make anyone who came there to fall in love with the blue sky and sea, crystal clear waters and beautiful coral islands that seems never end.
 

Its a bright day!

Lenmakana adalah lokasi pertama kali kami berhenti di Misool untuk istirahat dan makan siang. Matahari yang bersinar cerah membuat pasir putih bersinar dan laut Misool yang jernih terlihat semakin mempesona.

Lenmakana is the first place we visit in Misool for lunch and rest a bit. The sun is shining bright making the white sands glitters and those crystal clear sea water even more dazzling.

Entry to the hidden paradise

Walk in and you'll find this!

Berjalanlah ke arah dimana terdapat "celah" yang diapit batuan karang, saya langsung merasa menemukan surga yang tersembunyi!

Go walk to where you can find a "gap" between the coral rocks, I immediately felt like I just discovered a hidden paradise!

@marischkaprue - living in paradise

NOTES:

• Misool terletak di area Selatan Raja Ampat. Misool adalah salah satu pulau dari 4 pulau utama di Raja Ampat, area di Pulau Misool dan sekitarnya ini juga disebut Misool.
• Misool located in the southern area of Raja Ampat. Misool is one of the 4 main islands in Raja Ampat. The area around Misool Island is also called Misool.
• Untuk menuju ke Misool ambil penerbangan menuju Sorong. (Penerbangan Jakarta - Sorong biasanya via transit di Makassar, budget Rp. 4 juta PP). Dari Sorong dilanjutkan dengan speed boat selama 4-5 jam perjalanan.
• To reach Misool, take a flight to Sorong (Flight from Jakarta to Sorong usually via Makassar. The usual ticket price for return ticket Jakarta - Sorong - Jakarta is around 350 USD). From Sorong you can continue with speed boat, around 4 to 5 hours boat trip.
• Terdapat homestay Harfat Jaya di Pulau Harapan Jaya, Misool dengan budget sekitar Rp. 400.000,- hingga Rp. 500.000,- per orang per hari.
• There is a homestay in Harapan Jaya Island, Misool. Harfat Jaya homestay cost about 34 USD to 43 USD per person per day.
• Sewa kapal ke Misool sangat mahal sehingga untuk mendapatkan budget trip sekitar 6 juta selama 5 hari, anda harus share hingga 20 orang dalam satu kali trip. Lebih baik ikut penyedia trip seperti Wisata Raja Ampat yang menyediakan Misool Trip dengan budget di bawah Rp. 6 juta (exclude tiket pesawat). Contact Wisata Raja Ampat di +62852 960 43961 atau PIN BB di 2A495979. Trip biasanya diadakan 2-3 kali dalam setahun, antara di bulan Mei, Oktober dan Desember.
• Renting a speedboat to Misool is highly expensive, to get a 509 USD budget for 5 days exploring Misool, you will need to share speedboat cost with around 20 person on one trip. I suggest you to join open trip such as Wisata Raja Ampat who provide Misool Trip with budget under 509 USD (exclude plane ticket). You can contact Wisata Raja Ampat through +62852 960 43961 or Blackberry PIN 2A495979. The trip usually takes time in May, October and December.
• Penginapan yang tersedia hanya homestay, pilihan lain adalah Misool Eco Resort dengan rate Rp. 5,8 juta per orang per hari. 
• The only accomodation available is homestay, for more comfortable choices you can stay at Misool Eco Resort with rate around 492 USD per person per day.

 RELATED STORIES:

• Yapap, Misool, a piece of heaven

ABOUT RAJA AMPAT:

• Modest Homestay with Million Dollar View in Raja Ampat
• Pianemo, Mini Wayag in Raja Ampat
• Trapped in Blue Arborek, Raja Ampat
• Patrick in Raja Ampat

DIVING IN RAJA AMPAT:

• Manta Show at Manta Sandy, Raja Ampat

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Terjebak Biru Di Arborek, Raja Ampat.

You know I love sea with different colors. Perbedaan warna biru, biru muda dan turquoise selalu membuat saya tersihir, simply happy and relax. Mungkin warna biru secara psikologis memang menenangkan, namun warna dan pemandangan yang berpadu sempurna adalah obat bagi apapun masalah yang sedang anda pikirkan.

You know I love sea with different colors. Different kinds of blue, light blue and turquoise always mesmerize me, giving happiness and relax feeling. Maybe blue is psychologically soothing, but the color and the scenery is a cure for any problem you are might be thinking.
 

The clear water around Arborek

The dock

Kampung Wisata Arborek terletak di Meos Mansar, Raja Ampat, Papua Barat. Tidak perlu bertanya mengapa wilayah ini menjadi kampung wisata, sejak menjejakkan kaki di dermaga Pulau Arborek saya sudah dibuat terpesona dengan laut yang berwarna warni.

Arborek Tourism Village is located in Meos Mansar, Raja Ampat, West Papua. No need to ask why this island turned into tourist village, set your foot at the Arborek dock and you'll stunned by its sea colors.

Lihatlah warna biru yang berpadu dengan turquoise, hijaunya pohon kelapa yang menghiasi pesisir pulau, serta langit yang membiru. Sebagian area di sekeliling Arborek sangat dangkal dengan pasir putih di dasarnya dan sejumlah koral menambah pesona warna laut disini.

Look at the blue mixed with turquoise, the green palm trees adorn the coast of the island and the blue sky. Some of the area around Arborek dock is very shallow with white sand at its base and a number of sea corals adds the charm here. 

Look at the stunning view!

Near Manta Sandy you can find this heaven!

Arborek pun sangat dekat dengan lokasi penyelaman yang jadi salah satu favorit di Raja Ampat yaitu Manta Sandy. Ingat pengalaman saya bertemu manta? Di Manta Sandy ada delapan pari manta yang berkeliling, bahkan begitu dekat dengan para divers. Namun sebelum bercerita tentang keindahan dan serunya bawah laut, mari kita nikmati the super beautiful Arborek sea!

Arborek is also close with one of the most favorite sites in Raja Ampat which is Manta Sandy. If you remember my story about dancing with the manta rays, well here I encounter eight manta rays, so big and so close to the divers. But before telling you about the beauty and thrill of the sea bottom, let's enjoy the super beautiful Arborek sea!

perfection!

@marischkaprue - her favourite colour is the colours of the sea

NOTES:

• Pulau Arborek terletak di Raja Ampat, Papua Barat.
• Arborek Island located in Raja Ampat, West Papua.
• Cara menuju ke lokasi yaitu dengan penerbangan menuju Sorong, Papua Barat dan dilanjut dengan naik kapal ferry (harga tiket VIP sekitar Rp. 220.000,-) menuju Waisai. Dari Waisai menggunakan kapal kecil menuju Arborek dengan waktu tempuh sekitar 2 jam
• To get there you will have to take a flight to Sorong, West Papua, then took a ferry boat (VIP ticket Rp. 220.000,-) to Waisai. From Waisai take a boat to Arborek, its about 2 hours boat trip 
• Untuk pilihan penginapan di Raja Ampat lihat disini
• For option of home stay in Raja Ampat, see here

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Pianemo, the "mini" Wayag in Raja Ampat

"I don't have to die to go to heaven, I just have to spend my money for the right reason, travel"

Trip ke Raja Ampat, Papua Barat selalu identik dengan mahal. Harga tiket pesawat ke Sorong memang seringkali lebih mahal dibanding harga tiket ke Hong Kong, begitu pula dengan transportasi dengan kapal di wilayah Raja Ampat karena mahalnya bahan bakar minyak disana, untuk ke Raja Ampat kita memang harus merogoh kocek lebih.

Most Indonesian people imagine Raja Ampat as an expensive destination. Flights to Sorong is often more expensive than the price of a ticket to Hong Kong, the same thing goes for the boat transportation in Raja Ampat due to the high price of the fuel there. Simply saying, to get to Raja Ampat, we gotta spend more money.

The beautiful sea in Raja Ampat

Namun terkadang harga dan perjuangan sebanding dengan hasil. Raja Ampat memiliki landscape yang luar biasa, indahnya laut, gugusan pulau dan pemandangan yang membuat kita terbelalak, mengagumi ciptaan yang kuasa.

But sometimes the price and struggle are so worth. Raja Ampat have incredible landscape, the beauty of the sea, islands and scenery that make us stunned, admiring the power of creation.

This is not Wayag

Sebagian besar orang mengingat Raja Ampat dari foto Wayag, gugusan pulau karang yang tersebar indah dan terlihat jelas dari atas bukit. Rupanya Raja Ampat tidak hanya punya satu daerah gugusan pulau karang, di area barat dari Pulau Gam, sekitar 2 jam dengan speed boat dari Waisai, anda dapat menemukan "mini Wayag."

Most people remember Raja Ampat from Wayag photos, islands made of coral rocks scattered beautifully and clearly visible from the top of the hill. Apparently Raja Ampat don't just have one area of those coral islands, in the western area of the Gam island, about 2 hours speed boat trip from Waisai, you can find a "mini Wayag."

Pianemo, the mini Wayag. Taken using Sony Xperia Z1

turquoise lagoon between the islands

Pianemo nama lokasi dengan kontur yang sangat mirip dengan Wayag, hanya dengan gugusan pulau pulau karang yang lebih kecil. Selebihnya sangat mirip dan dengan sensasi visual yang serupa.

Pianemo is the name of the place that is very similar with Wayag, but apparently smaller. At a glance, this area is indeed giving you a similar visual sensation.

Pretty combination of colors

Masuk ke area Pianemo saya menikmati menyusuri pulau pulau karang yang timbul di laut berwarna warni, sebagian biru tua, sebagian turquoise karena dangkal dengan pasir putih di dasarnya, sangat indah.

Coming into Pianemo area, I enjoyed the feeling at the moving boat through the small islands which arise in different colors sea, some blue and some turquoise due to the shallow water with white sands at the bottom, really beautiful.

Climbs up up up!

Namun untuk mendapat sensasi utama anda harus mendaki ke atas bukit, hanya sekitar 15 menit untuk sampai di atas bukit namun karang keras dan tajam membuat kami mesti berhati hati saat melangkah naik. Namun tanpa sadar anda akan sampai di titik semua gugusan pulau karang ini terlihat jelas, membentuk panorama yang indah dan mempesona.

But to get a major sensation you have to climb up the hill, only about 15 minutes to get on top of the hill but you have to get through the sharp and hard coral rocks so it will slow you down. Even though it will be a little hard to climb, without you notice you'll find yourself at the point where the islands is visible clearly, forming a beautiful and enchanting panorama.

It might be a mini Wayag but I got the excitement as big when I see this. Taken using Sony Xperia Z1

Standing at one of the best spot to see Pianemo. Taken using Sony Xperia Z1

Saat kami datang matahari bersinar terang, sangat terik namun membuat warna Pianemo semakin jelas. I think this heaven is welcoming us greatly, then I know I spent my money for the right reason.

When we came the sun shining so bright, makes the colors more vivid. I think this heaven is welcoming us greatly, then I know I spent my money for the right reason.

@marischkaprue - always searching for new heaven

NOTES:

• Pianemo terletak di bagian barat Pulau Gam, Raja Ampat, Papua Barat.
• Pianemo located at the western side of Gam Island, Raja Ampat, West Papua.
• Cara menuju ke lokasi yaitu dengan penerbangan menuju Sorong, Papua Barat dan dilanjut dengan naik kapal ferry (harga tiket VIP sekitar Rp. 220.000,-) menuju Waisai. Dari Waisai menggunakan kapal kecil menuju Pianemo dengan waktu tempuh sekitar 2 jam
• To get there you will have to take a flight to Sorong, West Papua, then took a ferry boat (VIP ticket Rp. 220.000,-) to Waisai. From Waisai take a boat to Pianemo, its about 2 hours boat trip 
• Bawa sepatu trekking atau sendal yang nyaman untuk menaiki bukit karena kontur karang yang keras dan tajam
• Bring your shoes or comfy slippers to trek into the top of the hills, the coral rocks are quite sharp so prepare your footwear.
• Untuk pilihan penginapan di Raja Ampat lihat disini
• For option of home stay in Raja Ampat, see here

RELATED STORIES:

• Modest Homestay With Million Dollar View in Raja Ampat

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Modest Homestay With Million-Dollar View in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat selalu jadi destinasi impian, sejumlah foto yang memperlihatkan surga dan beningnya laut di timur Indonesia ini membuat Raja Ampat jadi salah satu must visit list before we die.

Raja Ampat has always been a dream destination, a number of photographs showing the heaven and those clear sea water in eastern Indonesia, Raja Ampat became one of the ​ must visit list before we die.

The modest homestay

Clear water in front of Mangkur Kodon homestay

Akomodasi yang satu ini jadi pilihan kami saat mengunjungi Raja Ampat, terletak di Pulau Kri, Papua Barat, Mangkur Kodon memiliki salah satu area homestay terbaik dengan cekungan pantai berpasir putih, pulau di seberang dan luasan area air laut dengan pasir putih sebagai karpet yang membuat warna turquoise memancar di saat matahari bersinar cerah.

We stayed at this home stay duringour trip to Raja Ampat. Located at Kri Island, West Papua, Mangkur Kodon have one of the best view for homestay, with stretching white sandy beach, another island across the area and the extent of sea water with white sands as carpet that makes the turquoise color radiates when the sun is shining brightly.

Greeted by these friendly dog in Kri Island

Another separate homestay in Mangkur Kodon

Bangunan bangunan sederhana tanpa penyejuk ruangan dibangun di atas pasir putih, ditambah satu bangunan yang dibangun di atas pantai yang tergenang air laut. Sayangnya kadangkala di saat puncak musim liburan homestay ini terlalu padat, kapasitas ideal hanya sekitar 25 orang namun bisa dipadati lebih dari 40 orang sehingga sebagian harus berjejalan di dalam bangunan sederhana ini.

Mangkur Kodon have several simple hut with no air conditioning. These hut built on top of the white sands and one hut built on top of the sea water. Unfortunately sometimes during the peak holiday season this homestay is too dense. The ideal capacity of only about 25 people but during high season can be filled with more than 40 people so it won't be that comfortable to sleep in such small space.
 

Daylight is good for your eyes

View from Mangkur Kodon, see how clear the water is

Sunset, seen from Mangkur Kodon

Di luar sepotong kekacauan dalam menangani kapasitas tamu, Mangkur Kodon memiliki pemandangan yang luar biasa, a simple paradise to spend your vacation.

Aside those chaotic in handling guest and capacity, Mangkur Kodon have wonderful view, a simple paradise to spend your vacation.

@marischkaprue - accomplished one of her dream destination in 2013.

NOTES:

• Mangkur Kodon terletak di Pulau Kri, Raja Ampat, Papua Barat.
• Mangkur Kodon located at Kri Island, Raja Ampat, West Papua.
• Cara menuju ke lokasi yaitu dengan penerbangan menuju Sorong, Papua Barat dan dilanjut dengan naik kapal ferry (harga tiket VIP sekitar Rp. 220.000,-) menuju Waisai. Dari Waisai menggunakan kapal kecil menuju Pulau Kri (biaya pengganti bahan bakar minyak sekitar Rp. 500.000,- dari Waisai menuju Kri, dengan kapal berkapasitas 15 orang).
• To get there you will have to take a flight to Sorong, West Papua, then took a ferry boat (VIP ticket Rp. 220.000,-) to Waisai. From Waisai take a boat to Kri (the price is about Rp. 500.000,- from Waisai to Kri in a boat with capacity of 15 people).
• Tarif menginap di homestay Mangkur Kodon Rp. 500.000,- per orang per hari, sudah termasuk makan 3 kali sehari.
• Price to stay in Mangkur Kodon is Rp. 500.000,- per person per day, includes 3 meals per day. 
• Di Mangkur Kodon juga terdapat dive centre, namun disarankan untuk membawa peralatan diving sendiri karena keterbatasan alat.
• There is a dive center in Mangkur Kodon but I suggest you bring your own diving gears due to the very limited of gears available for rent.
• Di saat high season pelayanan dan manajemen homestay sedikit kacau karena overload, jika anda tidak sabar usahakan untuk tidak datang di saat high season.
• During high season, the service and management in this home stay could be quite a challenge for your temper. If you're easily boiling up I suggest not to come during high season.
• Pilihan lain homestay dengan pengelolaan lebih rapih ada di Maria Homestay, Yenwaupnor, Raja Ampat dengan tarif sama. Untuk booking Maria homestay melalui ibu Maria +6282199347626 atau +6281247361290 / email: mariarumbiak@ymail.com 
• Another alternative for better management is in Maria Homestay, Tenwaupnor, Raja Ampat, with similar price. For booking in Maria Homestay you can contact Mrs. Maria directly +6282199347626 or +6281247361290 / email: mariarumbiak@ymail.com

ps: 

I got complaint about this homestay antara lain kekacauan koordinasi kamar dan makanan sehingga nomor kontak booking Mangkur Kodon dihapus dari postingan ini. Jika masih ingin menginap di Mangkur Kodon, dapat langsung bertanya via email ke marischkaprudence@gmail.com ,namun harus disadari terdapat resiko pengalaman yang tidak baik karena kekacauan koordinasi.

RELATED STORIES:

•  Pianemo, The mini Wayag

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