


Misool
Raja Ampat / IndonesiaThis quiet island resort and conservation centre rests in secluded southern Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Surrounded by one of the most well-preserved reef systems on the planet, Misool’s innovative conservation and sustainability initiatives have helped to maintain the region’s natural brilliance. It’s the same heightened level of care that goes into its facilities – from its dreamy beach villas to its naturally-sourced wellness treatments. Misool's story is a powerful tale of man's ability to turn the tide against environmental destruction and rebuild a strong vibrant eco-system, equally sustainable for the animals as it is to the locals who live there.
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What to love
- Staying at Misool directly supports the conservation initiatives established to safeguard the reefs and empower local communities.
- Misool’s well-equipped dive centre is ideal for photographers looking to get extraordinary snaps of the vibrant coral reef.
- The resort’s restaurant offers a varied range of Asian and Western cooking, with an emphasis on locally provided and organic ingredients.
- Immense care has gone into the creation of the resort’s accommodation, with Balinese-style open-air bathrooms, handcrafted furniture and large common areas facing out on to the pristine waters.

What to know
- The island resort has a capacity limit of 40 guests at any one time, as well as a guest-to-staff ratio of four to one.
- Located in an archipelago of uninhabited islands, the nearest port to Misool is 100 miles away, while the nearest village is 20 kilometres by boat.
- Private dinners can be arranged in conjunction with the resort’s restaurant to be enjoyed in guests’ accommodation.
Description
The Misool resort island sits just below the equator in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, in amongst a quiet archipelago of uninhabited islands. Surrounded by tropical trees, pale-sanded beaches and one of the world’s most pristine reef systems, its founders share a belief that sustainable tourism and community conservation can greatly benefit each other. Working alongside its sister organisation, the Misool Foundation, it’s already helped in protecting hundreds of thousands of acres of the world’s most diverse reefs, as well as establishing important local education and recycling projects.
The resort itself is a place that embraces its paradisiacal surroundings. All structures have been built entirely from reclaimed tropical hardwoods, while a maximum guest threshold of 40 people at any one time keeps the human impact low. The accommodation ranges from water cottages perched on stilts above the island’s north lagoon to more spacious villas that can be found around the lagoon or on the south beach. Each of these hideaways has its own sense of island style and is fitted with Balinese-style open-air bathrooms, air conditioning and handcrafted furniture and fittings.
Despite its abundant sense of calm, Misool provides guests with plenty to do. The resort’s dive centre is equipped with a large wet area and work station, along with a comfortable dry area, giving keen snorkelers and divers ample opportunity to explore an underwater area so vibrant it was featured in BBC’s ‘Life’ series. Three guided boat dives are scheduled each day, as well as a dusk dive or a night dive. There are also several other world-class dive sites within a 15-minute radius of the resort.
The island’s restaurant serves four meals a day with a focus on Asian and Western cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients (all fish is line-caught outside the region’s no-take zone). Cookery lessons can be arranged with the resort’s kitchen staff, where guests can take on tradition Indonesian dishes like pandan-scented crepes and Sumatran coconut curry. A range of wellness treatments made from locally sourced ingredients can also be experienced at the resort’s designated lookout area or in your room, with coconut oil aromatherapy to aloe plant body wraps just part of an extensive spa menu.
When to Visit
Misool closes for maintenance when the weather tends to be rough in July, August and early September. Aside from this yearly occurrence, diving in Raja Ampat is not particularly seasonal. September and October bring massive schools of bait fish, which attract bigger hunting fish and Mobula rays. The south winds in May and June bring more sharks and pelagics. Visibility tends to be at its best in November and February/March.
Location
Misool sits on the Resort Island of Batbitim, in the Misool Archipelago of Raja Ampat. Fly to Sorong and then enjoy a scenic 4 hour transfer to resort on the resort's comfortable boat. Due to current flight schedules, a one night stay is required in Sorong prior to departure (unless you are connecting with a liveaboard).
Great For
Spa-WellnessBeachFamilyWater-sportsWildlife-SafarisScuba-divingCouplesFacilities
Spa-WellnessSee all accomodation
The eight rustically luxurious Water Cottages are built on stilts over the North Lagoon, just steps from the Dive Centre and restaurant. In the same area, are four slightly larger North Lagoon Villas.
On a powder-white beach, you'll find seven South Beach Villas overlooking a blue water swimming hole. This beach is reached by a short but steep walk over the hill. Alternatively, a Water Taxi is reachable by radio and available at all times except very low tide.

Water Cottages
The Water Cottages are built on stilts over the water. For lazy afternoons with a good book, there is a hammock built right into the veranda. The view from your veranda is framed by a traditional grass roof, offering a high degree of privacy as well as shade. Stairs lead down from your veranda to the North Lagoon, and the House Reef is just a few fin kicks away.

Villa Utara
Villa Utara overlooks the House Reef and the spectacular dive sites of Fiabacet beyond. Steps down into the sea give easy access to the House Reef. This Villa features two en-suite bedrooms, a shared common area with a half bath, a loft, and a massive veranda. We especially recommend this Villa for families or groups of 4-6 friends. Private dinners can be arranged on your veranda.
Villas Nasnoos & Wakachom
These two neighbouring villas are built on stilts over the House Reef. They feature a hammock built into the verandas. This is the ideal spot for early evening shark-gazing while the sun goes down. Villas Nasnoos and Wakachom each feature a master bedroom and an indoor living area with sofa. The sofa can be converted into another twin or double bed, and there is a partition to add privacy to the master bedroom. These Villas also have lounge seating sunken into the veranda as well as steps down into the sea. Perfect for 2-3 guests.
Villa Tabisasu
Villa Tabisasu is located on the eastern edge of the North Lagoon. This Villa, named after the local word for 'orchid,' features an en-suite bedroom and adjoining living area. The outdoor living-area face east and enjoys glorious sunrise views, all your own. This Villa is perfect for couples who appreciate a bit more space.
Villa Waya Biru
Villa Waya Biru is tucked into the jungle under a wild almond tree, this Villa features unrivalled views over the far southern horizon, with the powder-white South Beach just a stone's through away. The bathroom is built into the surrounding rocks, with a view from the shower that cannot be beat. This Villa also features an extra octagonal shaped 'pod,' perfect for meditation or yoga.
Villa Moro Laiyn
Villa Moro Laiyn is named after the Misool language word for 'South Breeze.' This villa has a decidedly tree house feel to it. Like its neighbour Waya Biru, this Villa is surrounded by trees and jungle sound. From the octagonal-shaped bedroom, you'll be able to see baby sharks cruising along in the shallows of the South Beach. This Villa also features an extra octagonal shaped 'pod,' perfect for meditation or yoga.

Villan Kalanme
Named after one of our island's most important spirits, Villa Kalanme is a complex of three separate en suite bedroom units, with a shared octagonal-shaped lounge area and huge outdoor living space. This Villa is particularly well-suited to those who enjoy greater privacy and gorgeous white-sand beaches. Private dinners may be arranged in the shared lounge area. Recommended for groups of 4-6 guests or families with small children.
Villa Santai
Villa Santai is located towards the end of the South Beach, tucked under the coconut palms. This stunning en suite bedroom features expansive views over the Southern horizon from its huge terrace. Outdoor showers are the perfect place to admire cockatoos and hornbills flying overhead.

Villa Tenang
Villa Tenang is the last accommodation at the end of the South Beach. Enjoy the sounds of the jungle, with the sea right at your doorstep.
Family
Misool is a paradise! Kids will love to explore the beaches and snorkel to their hearts content. Child divers are considered from age 10 upwards.
Villa Kalanme is a complex of three separate en suite bedroom units, with a shared octagonal-shaped lounge area and huge outdoor living space. Kalanme is particularly recommended for families.