Raja Ampat in February

[gypsyjim]

Good to hear. We are headed there in Feb. Really looking forward to it.

The anticipation is building, eh?

 

[chocolate]

I’m stayed at RA biodiversity last year around this time. very nice, friendly couple owns it,family style dinners, I would go back. There are also several homestays right next door so if you are ok with very basic accommodations, you can save a lot of money and stay there and dive with Biodiversity.

I also did LOB on Mermaid 1 - highly recommend!!! Reasonable prices for RA and great service and staff.

Laurie

You tried RA biodiversity 'S excursions and land activities? Like bird watching, island hopping, etc? Worth a try?

 

[gypsyjim]

Has anyone else here had experience with Paua Explorers, especially during Feb?

 

[gypsyjim]

I also have a separate question: does anyone have some idea what sort of small gifts one might bring to give a RA local, that would be valued, especially by local children?
Just thinking out loud, and curious.

 

[Dan]

I also have a separate question: does anyone have some idea what sort of small gifts one might bring to give a RA local, that would be valued, especially by local children?
Just thinking out loud, and curious.

Swimming goggles.

 

[Mike Veitch]

I also have a separate question: does anyone have some idea what sort of small gifts one might bring to give a RA local, that would be valued, especially by local children?
Just thinking out loud, and curious.

If you have some time in Sorong, buy a bunch of school supplies at Saga shopping centre and bring with you.

 

[dirtfarmer]

On my last trip to Komodo I brought some flash cards and books for the local village children.

 

[Lauriep]

I did the birdwatching that’s is done through the homestay next door - Pretty tough hike at 5 am and we didint see anything. They also have one that takes a boat to another location that I heard better results.

 

[Dan]

I got that swimming goggle idea after reading this: Alor - Again and Again, where the kids in Alor made their own home-made swimming goggles from pieces of coke bottle & coconut shell so they can free dive, have appreciation, respect and protect their fragile underwater paradise.

 

[billt4sf]

I have heard (read) conflicting things about giving to village children. One argument is that it teaches them to beg, so give it to the elders. Or to an NGO. But I don't have direct experience.