The island of Misool has a number of 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 per week in Misool just lately, and didn’t need to go away. Many of the lodging there may be very fundamental, but it surely’s price it for the expertise.
This journey information will clarify how you can get to Misool, the place to remain, and what to see and do there!
The unimaginable Balbulol rocks in Misool
How To Get To Misool
Misool is situated in southern Raja Ampat, off the coast of West Papua, and the one technique to get there may be by public ferry or personal 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 snug 3 hour journey. You’ll be able to 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 at all times 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 virtually missed our flight out of Sorong.
I wouldn’t say the ferry is snug, but it surely’s not horrible both. You’ll be able to pay further to lease a personal cabin and get some sleep throughout the night time. The waves had been a bit bumpy in my expertise, however by no means obtained scary.
Your homestay in Misool can ship you the present ferry schedule and e book 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 great place to see.
Other than the ferry, the one technique to get to Misool is an costly personal boat, corresponding to the one used by Misool Eco Resort. A speedboat like that may deliver 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 prepare a small boat to choose 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 most likely the Balbulol lagoon.
It appears like one thing out of an alien world, with big 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’ll be able to attain the perspective in quarter-hour, but it surely’s a steep climb with publicity, and a fall might be deadly.
In American phrases, it’s principally Class 4 mountaineering, so be very cautious! There’s a rope to climb, however I didn’t belief it. I used to be additionally carrying flip flips, however sneakers can be a lot safer when you’ve got them.
On the high 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 without doubt one of the best spots to achieve in Misool, and the surroundings is fantastic.
The rock formations right here look a little bit 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 considered one of them. It was actually cool.
The jellyfish don’t have any means to sting, they usually’re utterly innocent to people. You continue to would possibly need to put on a rash guard so that you don’t must really feel the creepy sensation of jellyfishes brushing your naked pores and skin.
The jellyfish are the dimensions 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 price going to the lake? Yeah, completely! Swimming with jellies was a particular expertise.
Hundreds of jellyfish
• Karawapop Love Lake
There are two completely different heart-shaped lakes in Misool: Karawapop and Dafalen.
Karawapop is situated on the far south finish of the Misool space, but it surely’s spectacular and value seeing.
It’s a shiny 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, 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 a giant 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 achieve the highest, after which you’ll be able to see plenty of islands and lagoons throughout you.
We watched boats passing by, and folks kayaking within the lagoons, which regarded enjoyable.
Taking photographs 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 via a board and sliced herself on a rusty nail, leaving a giant bloody gash on her leg.
Fortunately she didn’t fall very far or get significantly damage, however you continue to don’t need an accident like this, so tread evenly.
Drone pic of the height
View on the high of Harfat
Extra Issues To See In Misool
• Namlol Seaside & 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 approach again from touring Balbulol, and the guides climbed the palm bushes to seize some recent coconuts.
Our lunch spot
Namlol seashore
• Olobi Seaside
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 youngsters go loopy over the drone, so I made certain 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 some of the distant spots within the space, but it surely’s nonetheless price a go to when you’ve got 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’ll be able to 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 massive and darkish on the within.
That is one other limestone collapse Misool, but it surely’s a dry cave fully on land.
Strolling via 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 hen 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 achieve, and it’s price a fast stroll via.
Gua Putri Termenung cave
• Sunmalelen Rock Artwork
It is a limestone rock wall coated with historical work over the water. There’s a small floating jetty the place you’ll be able to park the boat and get a better look.
You’ll be able to see drawings of fish, whales, dolphins, and a few human hand prints just like those which were 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 most likely 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 principle sights and lodging within the Misool space. You should utilize this to plan your boat excursions and total itinerary.
Vacationer sights are marked with blue icons, and homestays with orange. You’ll be able to click on on the icons for more information.
Snorkeling In Misool
Raja Ampat is understood for nice snorkeling, and the Misool space is not any exception.
Throughout our time in Misool, we snorkeled virtually day by day and noticed plenty of 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 plenty of pristine coral.
Snorkeling in Misool by no means will get outdated!
Coral formations at Gamfi
How Lengthy To Keep
You’ll be able to see the highlights of Misool in 3 full days, but it surely’s good to have further 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 good 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 brief climb up the perspective. Subsequent, head over to Harfat peak, stopping to see the rock artwork alongside the way in which, after which hike to the highest of Harfat for views of the entire space. If you happen to 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 a giant coronary heart lake. Afterwards, go snorkeling close to the lagoon and seize lunch at Olobi seashore. If you happen to nonetheless have time, end the day by climbing Dafalen peak to see one other coronary heart lake.
Karst rocks at Namlol
One other aspect of Balbulol
Homestays In Misool: What To Count on
Many of the resorts in Misool are very fundamental homestays. Don’t count on Bali requirements, however they’re snug sufficient.
Despite the fact that the rooms are personal, the vibe on the homestay is form of like a hostel and you may meet different vacationers from world wide, and share boat excursions with them. I made some new associates from Canada.
The worth contains 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, bathroom, wash bucket and dipper, and possibly a weak bathe head if you happen to’re fortunate.
Yamnini homestay
The homestays flip a generator on from 6 PM to six AM day by 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 effectively for searching the web and even importing footage. I used to be in a position to again up my photographs day by 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 hen or lobster, and extra fish. The primary issues are fish and rice, so that you’ll most likely get bored with these after awhile. Did I point out they serve fish?
That’s okay, as a result of the actual cause you’re right here is to get pleasure from nature!
Yalapale homestay
The place To Keep In Misool
This isn’t a whole record of all lodging in Misool, however these are a number of the high decisions in the mean time:
- Yapap Homestay – Overwater bungalows on the sting of a lagoon, close to the Yapap rock formations. This homestay would’ve been my first selection, 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 communicate English however regularly 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 had been unintentionally double booked, in order that they moved me to this homestay for the remainder of the time. Yalapale has largely overwater bungalows, or one massive personal room on the sting of the jungle. The employees had been good, however this homestay wouldn’t be my first selection. It’s extra buggy than the others.
- Nut Tonton Homestay – Overwater bungalows close to the jellyfish lake. I didn’t keep right here for the reason that costs had been greater than a number of the different homestays, however I talked to them they usually had been useful with answering my questions.
- Panun Paradise Homestay – Personal island with 3 seashores, and it’s some of the distant homestays in Misool, situated 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 dear. Individuals who keep right here rave concerning the meals, rooms, spa, excursions, and the home reef.
- Wayaplyan Homestay – Overwater bungalows with greater rooms. The placement wouldn’t be my first selection because it’s not very near any of the principle sights in Misool.
- Harfat Jaya Homestay – That is on the identical island as Yalapale homestay, but it surely’s on the opposite aspect of the island. It’s near the principle 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 laborious for boats to go there. A variety of locations shut throughout these months. That is additionally after 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 virtually day by day.
If I went again to Misool, I believe I’d attempt a distinct month, like November or March. However possibly I used to be simply unfortunate. There have been nonetheless some moments of solar, so I used to be in a position to benefit from the journey anyway.
Otherworldly surroundings at Yapap
Different Suggestions 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 be helpful if you could cost issues when the electrical energy is off.
- Cell Service: Most of Misool has no telephone reception, and I used to be solely ready to make use of knowledge once I was close to the principle harbor in Yellu. That makes the Starlink WiFi much more useful if you could 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 prepare this for you, or you’ll be able to buy it online at the official website.
- Entrance Charges: A number of the locations in Misool just like the jellyfish lake even have an additional charge that it’s important to pay in money on the spot. As of 2025, they had been charging 75k Rupiah per individual at this place and some others.
- Costume Code: The individuals in Misool are usually Muslim, however they’re not as strict as another areas in Indonesia, in order that they received’t thoughts you carrying 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 had been extra ethereal and had only a few bugs.
- Malaria: In line with 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 below a mosquito web, and use bug spray whenever you’re climbing. I didn’t take Malaria tablets.
Cone rocks at Balbulol
Extra Indonesia Journey Suggestions
Thanks for trying! I hope you loved this journey information for Misool island in Raja Ampat.
I’ve written a whole lot of different journey guides for Indonesia, so don’t neglect to verify these out whereas planning your journey!
