Health & Medical Advice
For Raja Ampat
Consult an Expert
We are not qualified to give medical advice and reading this page - or anything else on the internet - is no substitute to seeking counsel from a health professional.
Professional Medical Advice
We only intend to give an overview on the risks present in Raja Ampat. The information found here represents our personal experiences, do not mistake it for an expert opinion.
Health Risks in Raja Ampat
Like with any remote tropical environment, there are risks involved in travelling to such places and Raja Ampat is no exception. Professional medical care is not available in remote areas and it can be a considerable journey to the next health facility.
We Are Well Prepared
Wherever we go, we always bring first aid supplies and a fairly well equipped medicine cabinet, put together addressing the particular circumstances, with us. This allows us to react and offer initial treatment - only after consulting with a health professional first - to a variety of incidents.
What Else
Don't let all of this discourage you from your journey to Raja Ampat. Except for the lack of facilities, the risks are not higher than in Bali.
We can't stress this enough: Consult a tropical medicine specialist before travelling to Raja Ampat. Don't take information found on the internet for granted.
Health Facilities
Be aware that any facility in Raja Ampat - and all of West Papua for that matter - is not comparable with western medical standards.
Raja Ampat Hospitals & Clinics
Clinics in the Villages
There are government-mandated community health clinics - called Puskesmas - operating in some of Raja Ampat's larger villages. They can provide first aid, but for anything serious treatment in Sorong is a better choice.
Waigeo: Yenbekwan, Waislip, Kabare, Waifoi
Misool: Folley, Waigama and Dabatan
Hospital in Waisai
Waisai's hospital is better equipped than the clinics, but for serious treatment you are still better off to go to Sorong. To our knowledge, The Hyperbaric Chamber in Waisai is currently not operational - and has not been for at least two years, so don't count on it.
Hospitals in Sorong
Sorong is the best choice for any treatment in the area. There is a number of clinics and hospitals, but in our experience the Pertamina Private Hospital offers by far the best service. It is clean, well organized and doctors as well as nurses are rather professional. Pertamina Hospital has proven to be very capable of doing smaller medical interventions and anything outpatient.
Risks
Risks are comparably low and overall Raja Ampat is a rather safe destination to visit.
Diseases and Other Dangers
This is an overview, for details you can do your own research and don't forget to consult a professional.
Keep in mind, this only represent our personal experience and opinion and shall not be understood as professional medical advice.
Dehydration
Often overlooked, dehydration is one of the biggest risks in Raja Ampat. Drink enough water throughout the day. It's a good idea to bring rehydration salts to fill up on electrolytes.
Heat and humidity will make you lose a lot of water and electrolytes - make sure you replace them.
Dengue Fever
Raja Ampat's low population density minimises the risk of an infection, but try to avoid mosquito bites. A dengue vaccine is available, sold under the brandname Dengvaxia.
Despite what locals or other sources on the internet might say, there is dengue fever in Raja Ampat.
Digestive Diseases
Digestive diseases are not too common in Raja Ampat, but the risk is there. It's a good idea to bring rehydration salts, basic medicine and drink only clean water.
Like with any far away and remote destination, your body might need time to adjust to local germs.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are common in Raja Ampat. After being in the ocean, rinse your ears with fresh water and try to keep them as dry as possible. Bring ear drops.
Warm and humid environments come with a risk of ear infections, especially when spending a lot of time in the sea.
Insect Bites & Stings
You'll most likely come across sandflies, mosquitoes and spiders. Latter don't usually bite, the other two are best fought off by using insect repellent - especially in the late afternoon and evening.
There are a lot of insects in Raja Ampat. Most are not really dangerous, but can give irritating bites and stings.
Japanese Encephalitis
The rarest of the mosquito-borne diseases in Raja Ampat, the risks of an infection are next to zero. Vaccines are available but expensive, the most widespread being Ixiaro.
Although very rare, infections with Japanese Encephalitis have been recorded in Raja Ampat.
Jellyfish
We have never seen dangerous species of jellyfish in Raja Ampat, but most likely you will encounter the itchy and stingy tiny jellyfish present all over Raja Ampat.
Jellyfish in Raja Ampat are not dangerous, but they can sting and cause skin irritation.
Lymphatic Filariasis
Lymphatic Filariasis is caused by a parasitic worm and transmitted by mosquitos. Currently there is no vaccine or prophylaxis available, but fortunately treatment is rather easy.
Although almost eradicated, a few cases have been reported in West Papua in the past years.
Ocean Currents
Always be aware of your surroundings while in the water. In some places currents can be too strong to swim against - even with fins. Always listen to our - or other local - advice.
Raja Ampat's tidal currents can be powerful in some places, especially around full- and new moon.
Skin Infections
Though irritating, most of the skin infections are rather harmless. Many will disappear even without treatment, once back in drier climate. Bring antifungal and antibacterial creams.
Skin infections - both, fungal and bacterial - are not uncommon in Raja Ampat's humid and hot climate.
Sunburn & Sunstroke
Make sure you use reef-friendly sun screen, or even better lycra clothing with UV-protection. Don't risk nasty burns and skin cancer - and keep in mind, normal sunscreen is harmful to coral.
The power of the tropical sun is too easy to underestimate, especially when on the water with a breeze.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a mycrobacterial infection, generally affecting the lungs. Avoid people showing symptoms, in particular coughing blood. A vaccine is available.
Be careful when you suspect someone of having Tuberculosis. Keep your distance!
Wound Infections
Even the smallest wounds should be treated with antiseptic and kept a look on for signs of infection. The climate offers ideal conditions for bacteria and infections can turn ugly very fast.
Due to Raja Ampat's humid and hot climate, every little scratch is at risk of an infection.
Health Insurance
We require all our guests to have a valid insurance during their tour. Your policy must cover emergency evacuation and treatment.
Should I get medical insurance?
Yes, without a moment of hesitation. We highly recommend insurance for everyone, who wants to visit Raja Ampat. In fact, for our guests, we require it.
Emergency evacuation can be very expensive an the devil never sleeps. Some parts of Raja Ampat are rather remote without any adequate facilities near by.
Credit card providers often include travel insurance, make sure you check your policy.
