 Luxury Resorts: This is among the best places in the world for snorkeling and diving. Behold, the enchanting Misool Eco Resort, which is located on a private island in Southern Raja Ampat. This eco-friendly resort is as secluded and exotic as it is ecologically sound and luxurious.
The privately owned island of Batbitim is surrounded by 400 kilometers of sea that is an enforced no-take zone. The entire resort is made from island driftwood. There are eight aboveground suites that stand on stilts above the tranquil waters.
Visitors range from savvy island-hopping millionaires to researchers to explorers to diving and snorkeling lovers. The clear waters of Raja Ampat offer a water world that is an oasis of vibrant faun and fauna as well as colorful coral reefs, clear waters, and powdery white sand beaches.
Getting to Batbitim is also somewhat of an adventure. The trip from the airport in Sorong involves a ride on a speedboat. The resort’s owners recommend a specific travel itinerary to ensure a smooth arrival.
Notable: Many of Raja Ampat's finest dive sites, such as the Manta Cleaning Station, Boo, Fiabacet, Gorgonian Passage, and Yillet are within the no-take zone around Batbitim.
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DescentLine Arts commented on April 24, 2010
I visited Misool Eco Resort during a liveaboard dive cruise through Raja Ampat a few years ago and found the resort both socially and ecologically responsible and the concept well thought out and beautiful. I'm going back this year and look forward to maxing out my underwater camera and video batteries due to the constant photo ops. True, it is difficult, and expensive to get there from California, but that's what will help keep this place special.