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Misool and South-West Halmahera
Misool
Misool ist the most southern area of the Four Kings (Raja Ampat). The small islands south-east of Misool cover an area of around 2500 km2 and feature iconic dive sites galore.
The underwater topography is very varied and interesting comprising of pinnacles, long ridges, walls, tunnel swim throughs and much more. The number and size of the sea fans in this region is incredible.
Misool is equally beautiful above water. Azure lagoons and gorgeous karst rock formations dot the area.
Halmahera (South-West)
Halmahera is a frontier destination located quite remote on the far north-eastern corner of Indonesia between the large islands of Mindanao and Papua. Few people travel there. It is a secret gem with so much still to be discovered. The islands are still largely covered with tropical forests.
The marine biodiversity, like Misool, is also exceptional. You will dive in some of the best coral gardens that Indonesia has to offer. Often it is like diving in an aquarium overfilled with fish - so dense are the schools of reef fish.
Currents are ripping in the strait between the Bacan Islands and Halmahera bringing fresh nutrient-rich water to the area daily.
At some point during the trip the perfectly shaped volcanic islands of the sultanates of Ternate and Tidore will appear on the horizon (see photo right). These two islands initially were the only source of clove. This brought them power and wealth from the 15th century forward.
Both Misool and Halmahera are mainly wide-angle photography destinations. They are best dived on a Liveabord dive ship.
