With the growing popularity of Raja Ampat (although it still is logistically hard and expensive to get to), homestays and day dives are now also possible. However, the best way to see, discover, and make the most out of your trip to Raja Ampat is hands down by doing a liveaboard. Note: As Raja Ampat is a conservation area, all visitors will have to buy Raja Ampat Marine Park Entry Permit for Rp.1,000,000 (USD 75) per person per calendar year. It works like a travel visa, so if you're planning to visit Raja Ampat again within a year, the same permit will still be valid. It is also expensive in comparison to other Indonesian destinations due to its location in the far east of the Country, next to Papua New Guinea. Is it possible to visit Raja Ampat on a budget? Let me help you visit this slice of heaven on earth for only a fraction of the cost. Why visit Raja Ampat? In a nutshell? Don't argue - just pay or leave. At some locations in Raja Ampat you may be asked to pay an entry fee by representatives of local communities. These are usually charged per boat, not per person, and are levied at several popular locations, including at Wayag and Piaynemo. Most people think visiting Raja Ampat is expensive. That's true in part, but it is possible to visit the islands on a budget. In this article I will cover the main things you need to know and things you'll need to arrange for your trip. With petrol prices artificially inflated, inter-island boat travel is one of the most expensive parts of visiting Raja Ampat. Therefore, choosing an island to stay based on their proximity to your preferred activities is important when looking to save. For starters, eastern Indonesia is in general, a little more expensive than the western side of the archipelago, with Papua and West Papua, including Raja Ampat, probably being the most expensive of all provinces. Boat transfer are what makes Raja Ampat expensive. Always negotiate them because locals are sometimes exagerating. A few prices I paid for reference : 500'000Rp per boat from Waisai to Corepen one way (enough space for 4, 5 passengers at least) in July 2017. 800'000Rp per boat one way from Waisai to Arborek in October 2022. A7W4Tva.