Waisai is located on Waigeo island and is the capitol city of the Raja Ampat Regency. The town was founded only a few years ago and has grown quickly. Instead of the scruffy chaotic growth that hits other Indonesian cities like this, Waisai is organized, well-laid out and very friendly. The colorful houses and tidy gardens make this town known as “Mayberry of Papua” It also has a very special charm that makes it a comfortable place to relax and spend more time than you planned!
From Waisai you can stop by our Dive Center, right in town, or head to our Raja Ampat Dive Resort, just south of the pier.
The rapidly changing nature of the town is helping shape the tourism in Raja Ampat. Rather than spending a fortune on resorts, or being taken by the exorbitant transfer fees to homestays, more and more people are enjoying the numerous accommodation options found in Waisai. The town features hotels, homestays and plenty of adventure – but don’t expect luxury. This is still a developing area. This is a town still undiscovered by mass-tourism. Wi-fi is virtually unheard of and cold beers are very expensive. Yet is also features the fastest internet in Indonesia?!
From Waisai all your travel can be arranged, your banking sorted and souvenirs bought. There are many warungs, a few cafes and even a couple of restaurants. There are ATM’s and banks in the town as well as couple of travel agents. The “Tourist beach” is not a beach and is very…um…kitsch, however it does make for a very pleasant evening stroll and great sunrise photos as the flocks of parrots fly overhead.
The incredible natural resources of Raja Ampat – above and below the water – are all accessible from Waisai. Daytrips, overnights and liveaboards all depart from here. In addition nearly all resorts can be accessed from here as well. There are waterfalls, caves, massive bays, islands and birdwatching available from town. And that’s only the beginning!!!
The tourism office is incredibly helpful and has endless amounts of brochures and flyers for the different homestays throughout Raja Ampat.
Sundays in Waisai
Please note that Sunday is a very important day throughout Raja Ampat. Most shops are closed on sundays, many forms of transportation are cancelled and services may be running at minimum. Please ry to plan your visit and activities accordingly. Don’t be surprised!
Best Time to Visit
Waisai and the Raja Ampat marine park is open year round, with all services and facilities being available. Most visitors tend to visit around December and January. The diving and snorkeling is great throughout the year
History
Waisai was chosen as the capitol of the Raja Ampat Regency due to it’s optimal location, great resources and scenery. The town is less than 10 years old and is still growing.
Weather
Waisai’s climate is classified as tropical, and as such has a significant rainfall. Even in the driest month there is a lot of rain. The temperature here averages 25.8 °C and the average annual rainfall is 2640 mm. Between the driest and wettest months, the difference in precipitation is 164 mm. While the sun comes out most days, expect a shost afternoon sprinkle almost everyday.
At an average temperature of 26.4 °C, November is the hottest and driest month of the year. July is the coldest and wettest month, with temperatures averaging 25.1 °C.
