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Misool and South-West Halmahera
Misool
Misool is the southernmost region of the Four Kings (Raja Ampat), and its remote charm is matched only by its breathtaking marine life. Southeast of Misool lies a scattering of small islands covering an area of approximately 2,500 km²—home to some of the most iconic dive sites in Indonesia.
The underwater topography here is dramatically diverse, featuring towering pinnacles, sweeping ridges, vertical walls, and thrilling tunnel swim-throughs. The sheer number and size of the sea fans in this region are nothing short of extraordinary.
Above the surface, Misool is equally captivating. Turquoise lagoons shimmer beneath the sun, while jagged karst rock formations rise from the sea, creating a landscape as photogenic as it is serene.
Southwest Halmahera
Halmahera is a true frontier destination—tucked away in the far northeastern corner of Indonesia, between Mindanao and Papua. Still largely off the beaten path, it remains a hidden gem, blanketed in tropical rainforest and steeped in mystery.
Much like Misool, the region boasts exceptional marine biodiversity. Dive sites here include some of the richest coral gardens in the archipelago. Often, it feels like plunging into an overstocked aquarium—reef fish schooling so densely they obscure the reef below.
In the Bacan Strait, strong daily currents drive nutrient-rich water through the channel, feeding this vibrant ecosystem and delivering thrilling drift dives.
A journey through Halmahera wouldn't be complete without a glimpse of the perfectly conical volcanic islands of Ternate and Tidore, former sultanates that once held a global monopoly on cloves. Their historical significance and stunning profiles on the horizon offer a surreal blend of culture and scenery (see photo, right).
