Floating Away on the Kri Floating Island, Raja Ampat

by | Jun 3, 2016 | Indonesia, Travel | 24 comments

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As the soft, soothing swell of the ocean brings you closer to the pristine, golden sands you’ll be forgiven for staring. The water here is stunningly crystal clear blue, framed by an island of golden sand. You can be forgiven for standing there with your mouth wide opened and wondering where in the world are you. Have you been transported out of the Indonesian waters to a hidden paradise.

You’ve just discovered the floating island of Kri, Raja Ampat’s secret paradise

You step off the back of the boat the warm water embraces you and invites you to forget all your worldly worries and enjoy a moment of frivolity playing in the sand. There is nothing but pure unadulterated nature in all her glory.

What you won’t find on the floating island of Kri

There’s no pop up bar with TayTay blaring. Actually there’s no bar at all. 
No children being forced out of school to sell you a bracelet. Not even a lady there to offer you eye brow threading.
There’s no people here, except the ones who joined you on the boat.
There’s no souvenir shop to purchase cheap crap.
 
Kri floating island Raja Ampat, indonesia

As far as the eye can see is the shimmer of the sirens below the seas, tempting you to come play within the gradient blue, green water.

The Pasir Timbul Sandbar is the most beautiful and unforgettable spot to explore in Raja Ampat

The Pasir Timbul sandbar, or as it’s more affectionately known, the Kri Floating Island is the perfect place to stop appreciate the world around you and grab that enviable profile pic. Without a doubt this is the most beautiful and unforgettable spot to explore Raja Ampat. If you or someone you are travelling with isn’t into scuba diving then this is one of the few great non-diving activities to do together in Raja Ampat.
 
The islands themselves are actually sandbars. When the tides are out and the moon has been shining and other things happen, the sandbars connect. Allowing the adventurous traveller the opportunity to get out on those interconnecting sandbars and have some fun. 

It’s rather easy to get to the Pasir Timbul Sandbar.

The Pasir Timbul sandbar is located only 20-25mins from the majority of the main resorts and home stays in Raja Ampat this sneaky beach is easily accessible during a day trip and can be used as a drop point for scuba diving or snorkeling. If you are that way inclined. 
 
According to our resident scuba diver photographer, Peter McGee, this spot offers some of the world’s most magnificent diving. His thoughts have been confirmed by the international dive community. In April 2012 Dr G Allen took a few dips in the water here and recorded 374 different species. Making this the worlds most richest house reef. Even if you don’t scuba and only snorkel there’s still a whole lot of fish around to keep you company.
 

What to do on the floating island of Kri?

Be a mermaid.
Take ridiculous photos.
Sit on the sand and reflect on all your life choices that brought you to this very sacred spot.

Looking beyond Bali and exploring Indonesia.

Hard, yet fun fact – Indonesia has a lot more to offer the traveller then just Bali. Don’t get me wrong, if you want to a digital nomad in Bali and base yourself in Canggu then go for it. Ain’t nothing wrong with that sweetheart. But as an unexplored destination Indonesia has oh so much more to offer. Raja Ampat is just one of these destinations. It is an area of the world that is going to be affected heavily by climate change and is probably one of the few areas that I’d really encourage you to go and visit sooner rather then later. It isn’t the cheap destination either. With there being very few budget options and most resorts are a little bit rough, but rather enjoyable. You’ll find the most places only offer full board services. As these islands are exactly that. Islands that don’t have amazing bars, cafes or restaurants. 

Don’t let the remote nature and the solitude change your plans to visit Raja Ampat. Where else in the world can you sit on the beach for breakfast and watch dolphins swim by, see whales before lunch, swim with manta rays in the afternoon and not see any bogan travellers? There’s no place quite like Raja Amapt.

Jeanette

Jeanette

Founder, Principal Blogger & Coffee Drinker

Coffee Lover | Travel Blogger | Horse Rider | Adventure Racer | Donut Dame. Generally nice lady-enjoys wine, indie movies & random dance parties in my tent.

24 Comments

  3. Ilse@thelifeinlimbo on February 26, 2017 at 11:16 pm

    Selamat Siang! I love Indonesia and have been to a few places, but not yet to this island paradise! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  4. Katrina | Aqua & Ink on February 25, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    Such a dream! And the underwater world looks awesome too. seen this place recommended by so many bloggers, I’ve got to check it out!

    Reply
  5. Jess on February 25, 2017 at 6:33 pm

    Love it! Its on the bucket list. We have a friends living in Nabire so we’ve got the excuse to go, just need the time off to make it happen!

    Reply
  6. Chiera on February 25, 2017 at 6:33 pm

    This looks absolutely stunning! Sounds like the perfect place to get away from the world. Also – your writing is amazing 🙂

    Reply
    • Jean on February 25, 2017 at 6:35 pm

      Aww thanks! You made me blush

      Reply
  7. Nicole Arnott on February 25, 2017 at 5:29 pm

    I’ve been seeing so many photos of Raja Ampat recently and it looks like a truly unspoiled paradise! Great to know that there is still places left in the world like this. Thanks for sharing 😀

    Reply
  8. Bhushavali on February 16, 2017 at 10:05 pm

    This place looks incredible! I love how its so pure and pristine with hardly any human intervention. I’m hoping it would be like this for years to come!!!

    Reply
  9. Janine Good on February 16, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    I would so love to travel to Bali someday. I would however, not only explore Bali, but also Lombok, Java, and other hidden gems in a city that mostly dominates its tourism in Bali. I don’t scuba dive, but I would love to snorkel and get up close and personal with turtles.

    Reply
    • Jean on February 16, 2017 at 5:03 pm

      Ahh Janine this isn’t in Bali. Raja Ampat is quite a few flights away from Bail. Totally different area.

      Reply
  10. CreativeTravelGuide (@CTGTravelGuide) on February 16, 2017 at 10:24 am

    Your scuba diving shots are incredible! The amazing colours of the coral and fish is gorgeous!! 2017 Aim – get my PADI course done!

    Reply
  11. Julianne on February 16, 2017 at 7:30 am

    I must admit, I don’t know a ton about Indonesia beyond Bali, so this was refreshing to read. 374 different species in that reef? Wow – I’ll have to add that to my list of diving spots to visit. Living in NYC, it’s tiring being around so many people sometimes, so Kri Floating Island looks like a real paradise to disconnect and get away from everything!

    Reply
  12. Caroline @ The Travelling Sloth on February 16, 2017 at 6:45 am

    Raja Ampat has been on my diving list since I started diving in 2011… Unbelievable that there’s 374 different species, it’ll be almost impossible for me to spot them all (mainly because I haven’t got the best luck when it comes to spotting wildlife). This is making me miss diving, heaps!

    Reply
  13. MVMTblog (@MVMTblog) on February 16, 2017 at 6:29 am

    I’ve never scuba-ed before, but this would be the place to try it! The reefs are gorgeous, and I would be ecstatic to find a sea turtle. This looks like the perfect trip. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Ivy on February 16, 2017 at 5:44 am

    This looks like heaven!! I’ve heard amazing things about Raja Ampat but the Kri Floating Island is a first. Thanks for sharing this slice of paradise 🙂 We’ll be returning to Indonesia to do a liveaboard in Komodo this September, perhaps one day we’ll check out the pristine diving in Raja Ampat.

    Reply
  15. Only By Land on February 15, 2017 at 9:11 pm

    It’s great to read about somewhere other than Bali in Indonesia and this place is stunning. Under the sea is incredible too, I’d love to get down there with my under water camera and get some images like Peters. I wonder how easy it was for Mr Allen to count the fish species?

    Reply
  16. Linger Abroad on February 15, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    Oh my goodness, the Kri Floating Island looks absolutely spectacular. That water just looks so pristine and beautiful. And I will absolutely love the underwater activities. I love snorkeling or scuba diving and taking photos of the marine life. Looks like another perfect place in Indonesia (and there’s really too many!).

    Reply
  17. neha on January 10, 2017 at 1:10 am

    The water looks beautiful. And as beautiful is the underlying marine life – if I go by your writing. This is the kind of place I absolutely love to visit. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  18. My travel moment on January 7, 2017 at 3:26 am

    Raja Ampat is definitely one of best place on Earth for scuba diving! I would recommend also to go diving in the Komodo National Park!

    Reply
  19. Jenni on January 7, 2017 at 2:35 am

    This place looks picture perfect. I’ve just got into snorkling so think it would be a great place to visit when I’m that side of the world

    Reply
  20. Christine Krzyszton on January 7, 2017 at 2:24 am

    I have been to Jakarta, Indonesia but not to any of the scenic beaches of the country. This is a lovely area and one that would be great to visit. Thanks for sharing as I have never heard of it. Nice post.

    Reply
  21. xyuandbeyond on January 7, 2017 at 1:45 am

    Those pictures could make we want to try scuba diving again – what a pristine heavenly place.

    Reply

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