The island of Misool has among the most wonderful sights within the Raja Ampat archipelago, and due to its remoteness, it’s nonetheless a little bit of a hidden gem in Indonesia.
This place has all of it: beautiful surroundings, nice snorkeling, heart-shaped lagoons, limestone caves, and even a lake the place you’ll be able to swim with stingless jellyfish.
I spent every week in Misool just lately, and didn’t need to go away. A lot of the lodging there may be very fundamental, but it surely’s value it for the expertise.
This journey information will clarify learn how to get to Misool, the place to remain, and what to see and do there!
The unbelievable Balbulol rocks in Misool
How To Get To Misool
Misool is positioned in southern Raja Ampat, off the coast of West Papua, and the one strategy to get there may be by public ferry or non-public speedboat. Most individuals use the ferry.
There’s no airport in Misool, so the closest airport is the one in Sorong (SOQ), which has direct flights from Bali, Jakarta, Makassar, or Manado. I flew with Garuda from Bali and it was a cushty 3 hour journey. You possibly can shop for flights on Skyscanner.
When you arrive in Sorong, you’ll want a taxi for the 15 minute drive to the harbor (map here). There are all the time loads of taxi drivers on the airport, or you should use the Seize or GoJek apps.
Ferry
Cabin
The ferry journey to Misool is in a single day and it’s purported to take 8 hours, however due to ‘Indonesian time’ it may be delayed anyplace from 1 to 4 hours, which is what occurred to me. A bunch of us nearly missed our flight out of Sorong.
I wouldn’t say the ferry is snug, but it surely’s not horrible both. You possibly can pay additional to lease a non-public cabin and get some sleep throughout the evening. The waves have been a bit bumpy in my expertise, however by no means acquired scary.
Your homestay in Misool can ship you the present ferry schedule and ebook tickets for you prematurely, or you are able to do it your self by contacting the ferry captain, Meidy Imut. His WhatsApp quantity is ☎ +62 822-4582-8899.
The Yapap rocks, one other good spot to see.
Other than the ferry, the one strategy to get to Misool is an costly non-public boat, corresponding to the one used by Misool Eco Resort. A speedboat like that may convey you to Misool or again in 5 hours.
When you arrive on the Yellu harbor in Misool (map here), you’ll want a switch to wherever you’re staying.
Your homestay can organize a small boat to select you up, and relying on the place you’re staying, this final leg of the journey will solely take 30-60 minutes.
Welcome to Misool!
Swimming with stingless jellyfish
Finest Issues To Do In Misool
• Balbulol Lagoon
Probably the most wonderful place we noticed in Misool was in all probability the Balbulol lagoon.
It seems like one thing out of an alien world, with large vertical rocks rising out of a turquoise lagoon.
How is that this an actual place?
Drone pic of Balbulol
Epic rock formations
After having fun with the loopy surroundings and swimming within the lagoon, if you happen to’re nonetheless feeling adventurous, there’s additionally a little-known viewpoint above Balbulol.
You possibly can attain the perspective in quarter-hour, but it surely’s a steep climb with publicity, and a fall could possibly be deadly.
In American phrases, it’s mainly Class 4 mountaineering, so be very cautious! There’s a rope to climb, however I didn’t belief it. I used to be additionally sporting flip flips, however footwear can be a lot safer if in case you have them.
On the prime of the Balbulol viewpoint, you’ll be able to see the entire lagoon and the encircling mountains. It’s an epic view!
Climbing
Viewpoint
This was my favourite spot
• Yapap Rocks
Yapap is likely one of the best spots to succeed in in Misool, and the surroundings is fantastic.
The rock formations right here look a bit of bit like Seychelles with a twist. It’s a really distinctive panorama.
There’s additionally a viewpoint the place you’ll be able to climb a couple of minutes and see this space from above.
Yapap rocks from above
A turquoise lagoon
Jagged rocks and clear water
• Lenmakana Jellyfish Lake
One other well-known web site in Misool is the jellyfish lake, the place you’ll be able to swim with hundreds of stingless jellyfish!
There are literally a bunch of jellyfish lakes like this scattered throughout Indonesia, however this was my first time going to one in all them. It was actually cool.
The jellyfish haven’t any capacity to sting, and so they’re fully innocent to people. You continue to would possibly need to put on a rash guard so that you don’t need to really feel the creepy sensation of jellyfishes brushing your naked pores and skin.
The jellyfish are the scale of your hand
The worst half about visiting the jellyfish lake is the trail to get there. It’s steep and muddy, and the final part close to the lake is very treacherous, with a ladder of thin tree branches.
They actually need to construct a correct path and add a jetty on the sting of the lake so it’s simpler to get in with out hurting your self. For now, watch out.
Is it nonetheless value going to the lake? Yeah, completely! Swimming with jellies was a particular expertise.
1000’s of jellyfish
• Karawapop Love Lake
There are two totally different heart-shaped lakes in Misool: Karawapop and Dafalen.
Karawapop is positioned on the far south finish of the Misool space, but it surely’s spectacular and price seeing.
It’s a vivid blue lagoon within the form of a coronary heart, and you are able to do a brief 10 minute hike to a viewpoint above the lake.
Love lagoon
Drone pic of Karawapop
• Dafalen Peak
That is one other heart-shaped lagoon in Misool, close to the Yapap space, which you can see by climbing a mountain.
There’s a stairway as much as the perspective and you may attain the highest in 10 or quarter-hour, however a bunch of the picket boards are rotting or damaged, in order that makes it a bit more durable. Simply take every step fastidiously!
This coronary heart lake has an enormous limestone mountain subsequent to it, making it much more spectacular.
Dafalen viewpoint
Drone pic of the love lagoon at Dafalen
• Harfat / Dapunlol Peak
That is one other small peak you’ll be able to climb for views of the entire Misool space.
It takes about 10 or quarter-hour to succeed in the highest, after which you’ll be able to see numerous islands and lagoons throughout you.
We watched boats passing by, and folks kayaking within the lagoons, which regarded enjoyable.
Taking pictures at Harfat peak
There are many damaged and rotting boards within the stairway at Harfat, so watch your step!
One of many members of our group fell by way of a board and sliced herself on a rusty nail, leaving an enormous bloody gash on her leg.
Fortunately she didn’t fall very far or get severely harm, however you continue to don’t need an accident like this, so tread evenly.
Drone pic of the height
View on the prime of Harfat
Extra Issues To See In Misool
• Namlol Seashore & Lagoon
Namlol is a pleasant seashore with a blue lagoon the place you’ll be able to swim.
We had lunch right here in the future on our means again from touring Balbulol, and the guides climbed the palm timber to seize some contemporary coconuts.
Our lunch spot
Namlol seashore
• Olobi Seashore
That is an island with two seashores inhabited by pleasant locals.
We stopped right here to eat our lunch throughout a tour to Karawapop, after which I flew my drone whereas the native children gathered round and watched.
It was humorous watching the children go loopy over the drone, so I made positive to take a drone selfie with them earlier than I left.
Olobi seashore
Drone selfie with the native children
Olobi island from above
• Gua Keramat Cave
This cave is a hidden gem in western Misool, about 1.5 hours by boat from the Yapap space. It’s one of the distant spots within the space, but it surely’s nonetheless value a go to if in case you have time.
After docking the boat and strolling 3 minutes, you get to see a cool water cave with jagged limestone rocks protruding of the ceiling.
You possibly can go swimming within the shallow water right here, and if you happen to’re feeling courageous you’ll be able to even swim into the cave itself, which is fairly huge and darkish on the within.
That is one other limestone collapse Misool, but it surely’s a dry cave totally on land.
Strolling by way of this cave requires a little bit of ducking in locations, and you may see some good stalactites, plus the occasional bats. We even noticed some tiny chook nests within the ceilings, with child birds sleeping in them.
I didn’t suppose Gua Putri was nearly as good because the cave at Gua Keramat, but it surely’s a lot simpler to succeed in, and it’s value a fast stroll by way of.
Gua Putri Termenung cave
• Sunmalelen Rock Artwork
It is a limestone rock wall lined with historic work over the water. There’s a small floating jetty the place you’ll be able to park the boat and get a more in-depth look.
You possibly can see drawings of fish, whales, dolphins, and a few human hand prints just like those which have been present in locations throughout Indonesia like Sombori island and Rammang Rammang in Sulawesi.
Don’t count on something too spectacular, however this one is a freebie because you’ll in all probability be close to it anyway if you happen to go to Harfat peak or Keramat cave.
Sunmalelen rock artwork
Map Of Sights In Misool
Right here’s a map of all the primary sights and lodging within the Misool space. You should use this to plan your boat excursions and total itinerary.
Vacationer sights are marked with blue icons, and homestays with orange. You possibly can click on on the icons for more information.
Snorkeling In Misool
Raja Ampat is thought for excellent snorkeling, and the Misool space is not any exception.
Throughout our time in Misool, we snorkeled nearly every single day and noticed numerous good fish and coral, plus some oddities like squids, lobsters, pufferfish, stingrays, and child sharks.
Other than the jellyfish lake, there are additionally superior snorkeling spots within the ocean. My favourite was Gamfi, which has a powerful present however numerous pristine coral.
Snorkeling in Misool by no means will get previous!
Coral formations at Gamfi
How Lengthy To Keep
You possibly can see the highlights of Misool in 3 full days, but it surely’s good to have additional time in case the climate doesn’t cooperate.
I spent 6 days in Misool, together with the day I arrived and the day I left on the ferry. That turned out to be excellent in my case, as a result of I used to be unfortunate with the climate and had a number of wet days.
Right here’s an instance itinerary you’ll be able to observe for a 3 day journey to Misool:
- Day 1 – Begin the day at Yapap lagoon, seeing the rock formations and doing the quick climb up the perspective. Subsequent, head over to Harfat peak, stopping to see the rock artwork alongside the best way, after which hike to the highest of Harfat for views of the entire space. In case you nonetheless have vitality, end the day by going to Gua Keramat cave.
- Day 2 – Hop in a ship and head over to Balbulol. Cruise round within the lagoon at Balbulol after which go snorkeling at close by Gamfi. Seize lunch on the seashore at Namlol, after which go swim with hundreds of jellyfish at Lenmakana. End the day by seeing the Gua Putri cave.
- Day 3 – That is one other lengthy day. It’s a 1.5 hour boat journey to Karawapop, the place you’ll be able to climb the perspective to see an enormous coronary heart lake. Afterwards, go snorkeling close to the lagoon and seize lunch at Olobi seashore. In case you nonetheless have time, end the day by climbing Dafalen peak to see one other coronary heart lake.
Karst rocks at Namlol
One other facet of Balbulol
Homestays In Misool: What To Anticipate
A lot of the accommodations in Misool are very fundamental homestays. Don’t count on Bali requirements, however they’re snug sufficient.
Despite the fact that the rooms are non-public, the vibe on the homestay is type of like a hostel and you may meet different vacationers from around the globe, and share boat excursions with them. I made some new associates from Canada.
The value consists of 3 meals per day, plus limitless clear consuming water, tea, and low. For facilities you’ll normally have a mattress with a mosquito web, fan, mirror, sink, rest room, wash bucket and dipper, and perhaps a weak bathe head if you happen to’re fortunate.
Yamnini homestay
The homestays flip a generator on from 6 PM to six AM every single day, and that is the one time you’ll have electrical energy in Misool, so that you’ll need to use this time to recharge batteries and such.
Even probably the most fundamental homestays have Starlink WiFi now, which appeared to work properly for shopping the web and even importing footage. I used to be capable of again up my pictures every single day after ending the excursions.
The meals I had on the homestays was good, however not nice. There was fish, rice, noodles, veggies, fried bananas, the occasional rooster or lobster, and extra fish. The principle issues are fish and rice, so that you’ll in all probability get bored with these after awhile. Did I point out they serve fish?
That’s okay, as a result of the true purpose you’re right here is to get pleasure from nature!
Yalapale homestay
The place To Keep In Misool
This isn’t a whole listing of all lodging in Misool, however these are among the prime selections in the meanwhile:
- Yapap Homestay – Overwater bungalows on the sting of a lagoon, close to the Yapap rock formations. This homestay would’ve been my first alternative, however sadly it was full booked for my dates.
- Yamnini Homestay – Overwater bungalows close to the Dafalen peak. That is the place I spent most of my nights in Misool. They converse English however ceaselessly overbook their rooms, so be careful for that. The supervisor woman was pleasant and helped with excursions, ferry particulars, and different issues.
- Yalapale Homestay – The final 2 nights of my keep at Yamnini have been by accident double booked, in order that they moved me to this homestay for the remainder of the time. Yalapale has principally overwater bungalows, or one huge non-public room on the sting of the jungle. The workers have been good, however this homestay wouldn’t be my first alternative. It’s extra buggy than the others.
- Nut Tonton Homestay – Overwater bungalows close to the jellyfish lake. I didn’t keep right here because the costs have been greater than among the different homestays, however I talked to them and so they have been useful with answering my questions.
- Panun Paradise Homestay – Personal island with 3 seashores, and it’s one of the distant homestays in Misool, positioned close to Balbulol.
- Misool Eco Resort – It is a 4 star resort and it’s the nicest lodging in Misool, but it surely’s additionally expensive. Individuals who keep right here rave in regards to the meals, rooms, spa, excursions, and the home reef.
- Wayaplyan Homestay – Overwater bungalows with greater rooms. The situation wouldn’t be my first alternative because it’s not very near any of the primary sights in Misool.
- Harfat Jaya Homestay – That is on the identical island as Yalapale homestay, but it surely’s on the opposite facet of the island. It’s near the primary harbor in Yellu.
Yapap homestay
Finest Time To Go to
Most journey guides advocate visiting Misool from October to April. The locals we talked to agreed with this recommendation.
The one time to keep away from is mid-June to mid-September due to heavy wind, making it onerous for boats to go there. Plenty of locations shut throughout these months. That is additionally once they have the heaviest rainfall.
I went to Misool in February, which is meant to be a good time to go, however I’ve to say the climate was poor for many of my journey, with thick clouds and rain nearly every single day.
If I went again to Misool, I believe I’d attempt a distinct month, like November or March. However perhaps I used to be simply unfortunate. There have been nonetheless some moments of solar, so I used to be capable of benefit from the journey anyway.
Otherworldly surroundings at Yapap
Different Ideas For Misool
- What To Carry: For the boat excursions, a waterproof bag or phone pouch is a good suggestion to guard your electronics. A power bank can also be useful if you want to cost issues when the electrical energy is off.
- Cell Service: Most of Misool has no telephone reception, and I used to be solely in a position to make use of knowledge once I was close to the primary harbor in Yellu. That makes the Starlink WiFi much more useful if you want to discuss to anybody.
- Conservation Card: All adults visiting Raja Ampat want to purchase a conservation card for the marine park, which is legitimate for 12 months. Your homestay can organize this for you, or you’ll be able to buy it online at the official website.
- Entrance Charges: Among the locations in Misool just like the jellyfish lake even have an additional charge that you must pay in money on the spot. As of 2025, they have been charging 75k Rupiah per particular person at this place and some others.
- Costume Code: The folks in Misool are typically Muslim, however they’re not as strict as another areas in Indonesia, in order that they gained’t thoughts you sporting a bikini on the islands.
- Bugs: I noticed some mosquitoes in Misool, however they tended to be on the larger islands the place there’s jungle cowl. The overwater homestays have been extra ethereal and had only a few bugs.
- Malaria: In response to this Lancet study from 2018, there’s been a serious discount of Malaria in Misool and the encircling areas, which is nice. I’d nonetheless watch out and sleep beneath a mosquito web, and use bug spray if you’re mountain climbing. I didn’t take Malaria tablets.
Cone rocks at Balbulol
Extra Indonesia Journey Ideas
Thanks for wanting! I hope you loved this journey information for Misool island in Raja Ampat.
I’ve written tons of of different journey guides for Indonesia, so don’t overlook to verify these out whereas planning your journey!
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