I seriously don't know how you do it. I find travel has way too many anomalies to stick to a budget. I find myself thinking, oh screw it, when will you ever be here again, and then I make it rain. Anyways, I always enjoy reading your blogs, you go to places I dream of someday going. As soon as I save up enough money or find a money tree. Thanks for paving the way.
I more or less have the same attitude as you... Regarding doing things that I want to do, because who knows if I will ever be back, plus, that's the reason I am there, isn't it? But I take that into consideration when making my budget, I did the same this time, but I failed to appreciate the basic costs for Papua (accommodation, food), which is higher than elsewhere in Indonesia. And really everything of interest in Papua is hard to get to, thus means chartering boats (mostly), which are ludicrously expensive. But as you I did them anyway, as much as I could, do I would dearly have loved to stay in Triton Bay instead of just going there on a day trip. Maybe the difference between you and me is that since I am always on the road I feel that there I probably will be back one day to the places I really liked but felt I didn't do properly. I'm sure you will one day make it out here. There is plenty of time left.
Thank you :) Wow Ralf, as we were planning on going there later in our travels, I sincerely thank you for this well written, elaborately argumented piece! Having seen quite a few of these Indonesian paradises ourselves, we think we know exactly what you mean. Ofcourse we'd love to go and see for ourselves anyway, but like I said: you put it extremely well and we're in doubt now! You reckon the Bandas are a better bet then?
I can't answer that question... Whether you think it's worth the money or not depends on you. There is a website called: stayrajaampat.com, it has loads of information on homestays, transport, things to do, prices etc. I would recommend you look there it will give you a good idea what there is to see and what it costs and it will help you decide. As for Banda, it's certainly cheaper and snorkeling/diving wise it's very good too, but Raja Ampat is more extensive, there is simply put more diversity in landscape, wildlife, and dive/snorkel sites. That's what makes it special if anything. 23 euros per person per night in a simple hut special? I don't know. Sorry for not being able to answer your question.
Hats off.... Yep, hats off once again to you Ralf for truly getting off the beaten track. Whilst the below-the-surface really appealed we're not so sure about much of the rest. You (very) rarely complain about unfair prices so I can only imagine what our rant might have been like. Hope you don't have to sell your second kidney to finance the experience. Aye, A&A.
I knew what I was getting into... So, it wasn't that the prices or the facilities were a nasty surprise. That's why it wasn't a rant. I went to Raja Ampat knowing what to expect regarding accommodation and transport, and I chose to go anyway. Which doesn't make the prices any less reasonable of course. You basically seem to be paying for the privilege, not for service. People who go here decide the privilege is worth if, so in that sense it's unfair of me to complain. But it remains a strange thing and I don't think it's a healthy development, or sustainable. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Happy New Year! What an awesome reunion for the three of you. I understand the effort and commitment it takes to do this when your friends are scattered around the globe... you've inspired me to try and organise a similar catch up :)
Thanks And Happy New Year to you! And yes it was great to be together again, I think we are on a five yearly cycle on that account ;) Glad I inspired you
Dancing Dave
David Hooper
Brilliant find
I'll post this in TB's "Rock Art" thread in the Photography Forum...Brilliant