Raja Ampat is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 islands spread across a vast distance. No matter where you go, you’re immersed in extraordinary island life—lush forests, stunning beaches, and a sense of untouched beauty that makes Raja Ampat truly special. You can’t go wrong wherever you choose to visit.

Because it spans such a large area, some regions of Raja Ampat have gained global recognition for their uniqueness. One such place is Wayag, located in the far north of the archipelago. It’s a breathtaking series of limestone islands that look like something out of a dream.

Ever since I first came to Raja Ampat in 2023, I had dreamed of visiting Wayag. But being so remote and far from Kri Island—where I usually stay due to its proximity to prime dive sites—it’s always been a challenge to organize a trip there, especially with other guests. Fortunately, in December 2024, I finally got the opportunity. A group of us, all staying at the same homestay on Kri, decided to make the trip together. I was beyond excited.

I had heard from others how unforgettable Wayag was, and I hoped to capture its beauty through my photography. The island group is best known for its surreal rock formations and a protected beach where blacktip reef sharks swim gracefully close to shore—this was what I looked forward to the most.

The boat ride from Kri to Wayag took around 4.5 hours. We departed at 9 a.m., stopping once at Manyaifun to pick up supplies before crossing the equator. Arriving in Wayag that afternoon felt like a dream come true. From the boat, we could already see the iconic rock islands rising from turquoise waters.

Our first stop was Shark Point Beach, and from the moment we approached the dock, we saw blacktip reef sharks cruising in the shallows. I grabbed my camera and fins and rushed to the beach. In just 3 feet of water, the sharks were swimming calmly, completely unbothered by our presence. These sleek, beautiful animals were mesmerizing.

The sharks stay near the beach mainly because they are fed by tour groups. While some people disapprove of shark feeding, I see it differently—it keeps them protected and draws attention to shark conservation. Indonesia has the largest shark fishing industry in the world, and yet Raja Ampat is a shark sanctuary. Since 2007, after full protection was established, shark populations have made an impressive recovery here.

I spent about an hour in the water with the sharks before more tourists arrived. Since no one had been feeding them earlier, I got to witness more natural behavior. I captured some decent shots, but I wasn’t fully satisfied—yet.

After snorkeling, we enjoyed a beachside lunch. What made our trip extra special was that Chris, who organized it, arranged for us to camp overnight on the beach—something very few people get to do in Wayag. This allowed for incredible photography opportunities, especially in the golden hours with no other groups around.

After lunch, we hiked to one of Wayag’s famous viewpoints. The boat ride there took about 20 minutes, followed by a steep climb up a sharp limestone path. I brought only my mirrorless camera. One of the guests, Tyler, brought his drone and later shared stunning footage and photos with me.

The view from the top was unlike anything I’ve ever seen—a panoramic vista of jagged green islands dotting the turquoise sea. It looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. I snapped a few shots while soaking it all in.

Later, we visited a nearby snorkel site, though the visibility wasn’t great due to murky water. Still, the surrounding views were beautiful. We returned to Shark Point Beach around 4 p.m., and all other tour boats had already left, giving us the beach to ourselves.

One of the crew began feeding the sharks again, and I quickly got in the water. This time, I managed to capture some incredible close-up shots of blacktips swirling in the sunlight. The golden hour light made everything glow, and I created some of my favorite shark images ever. I even encountered a friendly green sea turtle, who allowed me to snap a perfect over-the-back photo as it swam by.

That evening, we pitched our tents. The sunset was beautiful, and dinner was served at 8:30 p.m.—grilled giant trevally with rice and vegetables. Afterward, we sat on the beach, stargazing.

The night sky in Wayag was the most spectacular I’ve ever seen. Free from light pollution, the stars shone in all directions. Shooting stars streaked above us, and we identified constellations under the glowing sky. Inspired, I grabbed my headlamp and camera and walked to the jetty to shoot long exposure astrophotography. The results were stunning—definitely my best night sky photo to date. I even invited a fellow guest to join in the shot.

The next morning, we woke early, packed up, and enjoyed a simple breakfast of pancakes and jam. I took advantage of the quiet morning to fly my DJI Mini 3 Pro drone, capturing sweeping shots of the islands and top-down views of the sharks cruising the shore. I love using my drone for this—it offers a bird’s-eye view of places most people never see.

On our way back to Kri, we stopped for lunch at Yef Mat, a small island near Manyaifun. While the crew prepared food, I snorkeled along the vibrant reef and took some cool split shots of the coral and sky. After lunch, we cruised the final stretch back to Kri, watching the incredible scenery drift by.

This trip was everything I hoped for and more. I captured photos I’ll cherish forever, and I finally crossed Wayag off my bucket list. It was an adventure I’ll never forget.