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Raja Ampat Marine Festival 2017: Meet the Unique Walking Shark

 

Prepare yourself to dive into the world's ultimate underwater paradise!

 

On 18th to 21st October 2017 the Raja Ampat Festival 2017 will take you on a spectacular adventure to some of the most breathtaking splendors of the Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua Province. This exceptional event will be centered at Waisai, the capital city of Raja Ampat Regency in Waigeo Island.

Raja Ampat Marine Festival 2017: Meet the Unique Walking Shark
Photo source: www.era-wisata.blogspot.co.id

The Festival will feature a wide variety of activities that will unveil the magical wonders of Raja Ampat, from its mesmerizing landscapes all the way to an up close and personal encounter with some of the world's most fascinating and unique sea creatures. You will also be taken to snorkeling and diving sites across the islands that have earned the regency the title of World's Best Snorkeling and Dive site by CNN Travel.

Raja Ampat Marine Festival 2017: Meet the Unique Walking Shark
Image source: Shutterstock

"This is part of the series of events that highlight Raja Ampat in 2017. We aim to continuously expand our efforts to further introduce the pristine marine wonders and fascinating cultural beauty of Raja Ampat to the world" said the Regent of Raja Ampat, Abdul Faris Umlati. The Regent further explained that this festival offers extensive opportunities for marine exploration since Raja Ampat is at the heart of the world's coral triangle. "We have whales, dolphins, dugongs, turtles and a whole lot more, you are in for a truly unforgettable experience" add Abdul Faris Umlati.

Raja Ampat Marine Festival 2017: Meet the Unique Walking Shark
Image source: Shutterstock

Raja Ampat covers an enormous area of 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of molluscs.This makes it the most diverse living library for world's coral reefs and underwater biota.

Raja Ampat Marine Festival 2017: Meet the Unique Walking Shark
Image source: Shutterstock

One most unique sea creatures you can find here is what the locals call Kalabia or Wobbegongs. Also known as carpet shark, this is an extraordinary shark that are relatively smaller with flatter body compared to most sharks and are well camouflaged with a symmetrical pattern of bold markings which make it look like a carpet (hence the name). However what makes this exceptional is that these uniquely looking creatures spend most of their time on the sea floor 'walking' on their fins, which has also give them the other name: 'The Walking Shark'.

Raja Ampat Marine Festival 2017: Meet the Unique Walking Shark
Photo source: www.era-wisata.blogspot.co.id

Adding to the magnificent natural wonders, the festival will also be highlighted by traditional arts and cultural performances from other regencies. There will also be the decorated traditional boat competition, swimming competition, Beach Volley, seafood cooking competitions and bazaar, and much more.

Raja Ampat Marine Festival 2017: Meet the Unique Walking Shark
Photo source: www.era-wisata.blogspot.co.id

Following the Raja Ampat Festival 2017, the regency will also hold Pesona (The Charm of) Misool Festival on 8th to 10th November and the New Year Festival on 30th to 31st December 2017.

To get to Raja Ampat you should first take a flight from Jakarta or Makassar to Sorong. There are small aircrafts to take you to Waisai, capital of the district of Raja Ampat, or alternatively you can take a ferry from the port of Sorong to the islands.

 

Photo source of heade banner: Shutterstock

 

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