Do I need a visa to enter Indonesia
Yes. Most nationalities will need a Visa when entering Indonesia. Please note in most cases a Visa On Arrival (VOA) can be obtained at the airport for US$35 (approximately £25, $50 AUD) or can be purchased in your home country before departure. The VOA is for a total duration of 30 days only and can only be extended once in country, for another 30 days (approximate cost US$60 or £40). If you are joining an expedition for more than 30 days we recommend you purchase a 60 day tourist visa or 60 day social visa from the Indonesian embassy in your country. Please contact one of our helpful trip advisers before applying for this visa, as we can provide you with all necessary forms and information to process the application.
*Please note there is now a FREE 30 day visa on arrival option for most countries. This visa however can NOT be extended when in Indonesia. Please check you local Indonesian embassy to see if your country is on the list.
What kind of insurance do I need
You will need both scuba diving and travel insurance that covers you for the duration of your expedition and for scuba diving up to 30 meters. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ADEQUATE SCUBA DIVING INSURANCE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON THE EXPEDITION.
We strongly recommend you use Divers Alert Network (DAN) for your insurance as they are by far the best and most reasonably priced. Please visit www.diversalertnetwork.org for further details.
Do I need any vaccinations
It is important that you consult with your local physician 4-8 weeks before joining the expedition. This is so you can get up to date information on vaccinations and general health concerns when travelling to East Indonesia. In general you will need to make sure the following vaccinations are up to date: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Polio, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies and Tetanus-Diphtheria.
While the site does not generally have a major issue with mosquito's (due to the beach front location and cool breeze), we still recommend you take precautions against Malaria. However we do not recommend you take Lariam (mefloquine) tablets as these can have side effects that could be mistaken for Decompression Sickness.
In all cases please consult your local physician for up to date medication advice.
What is the weather like in Raja Ampat
The temperature is around 27-30°C all year round. Generally the coastal regions are hot and muggy, but the project site has a nice cool breeze on one side and is protected on the other. The most rain falls between May and September, however most spells are short and never for more than a few days at a time.
Can I be contacted whilst in Raja Ampat
One of the beauties of Raja Ampat and our project site is the remoteness and the feeling of getting away from it all. However there is one local mobile phone operator that does have coverage in the region. At present only Telkomsel has reception in our area, so if you really do want to be contacted it is possible to purchase Telkomsel SIM cards and use them in your mobile phones while on site.
There is limited 2G internet access at the basecamp via smart phones. Volunteers have been able to access emails, Skype, Whatsapp, BBM, and even book flights and do online banking, through their smart phones and Waisai now has 3G. Please remember how remote the island is, and that patience is needed when trying to get online.
At the Expedition Leaders discretion it is possible to go to the capital to use the internet on Wednesdays when we are collecting volunteers or supplies.
No mobile phones are permitted during Scuba/Science lectures or while attending any community projects.
Whats does the science training involve
The science team at Barefoot Conservation has put together a detailed science program for you to undertake. You will learn key fish families/species, corals, invertebrate and plant life. Our science team will teach you how to identify these, first through classroom presentations and then through in-water spot dives. Following these presentations/dives there will be tests (both classroom and in-water) on each of the above sections.
You will also learn all about Manta Rays and how to monitor them, thanks to the Aquatic Alliance our new partner in our Manta Ray Research Programme.
There will also be advanced science presentations on various subjects for those who wish to attend.
What tests will I have to take
We make your safety our top priority, so for these reasons you will need to pass the scuba diving tests for PADI Open Water and Advance Open Water before we let you go on survey dives.
It is also very important that the data you collect from these survey dives is accurate. This data will be used to show the health of the reef to local government, project partners and the local community. It will also be used to suggest best practices for the community and government, to maintain a healthy coral reef and ecosystem for the future. Therefore you must also pass the relevant science tests to ensure you have the knowledge and skills to collect accurate data.
There will be in-water tests as well as class room ones, on identifying fish families/species, Corals, Inverts and Plant Life.
What community work will I do
At Barefoot Conservation we put a lot of focus on working with the community and making them a big part of our work; after all we are only visitors in their home.
Our Community Manager, together with the Community Officer, will work with the local government and community to discuss, create and manage suitable community projects. These are projects where all parties feel your help and money is needed the most. These projects could range from providing clean water, renewable energy, waste management, English lessons and providing medical healthcare/treatments.
You will be involved in providing education to all local communities, about the importance of sustainable non-destructive fishing techniques.
Other major projects you will be involved in are, encouraging entrepreneurship and educating/preparing the communities for ecotourism and globalisation.
Where is Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is in the far east of Indonesia, off West Papua. The region is made up of some 617 paradise islands, many of which are still waiting to be discovered and have coral reefs that have NEVER been dived.
How do I join an expedition
Simply drop us a call or email, which you can find on the "contact us" page, and one of our helpful trip adviser's will guide you through what you need to do to reserve your place on the project.
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How long can I spend on an expedition
We recommend a minimum of 4-6 weeks to really get the most out of your experience. The scuba diving and science training normally takes between 2-3 weeks, so it is not until the 4th week that you really get your teeth into the survey diving and community work. However, we understand that not everyone can come for this amount of time due to work commitments or other. So we have devised a shorter program for those who are already qualified divers and only have 2-3 weeks available. These places on the project are limited, so make sure you book early. Volunteers can also extend their stay while on the project from week to week. The longer you stay the cheaper it becomes!
When can I go on an expedition
Due to logistical reasons the start dates for the projects are set through out the year. We provide scuba diving and science training with in the first 3 weeks, for which all long-term volunteers need to be present. However, if you would like to attend our 2-3 week special shortened program these dates are a little more flexible. Please contact one of our helpful trip advisers for more details. For all expedition dates through out 2013/14 please see our "costs & dates" page.
How much does it cost and whats included
Please see our "costs & dates" page for exact details on how much it costs to join an expedition and what is/is not included in the expedition fee.
Where does the money I pay for the expedition go
The majority of the money you paid will go to the day to day running of the project you are on, accommodation, food, fuel and local staff wages. A proportion of it will also go to the community projects you're involved in while on the expedition. So your money may help buy new school books for the local children, building materials for the new community center or vaccinations to protect the villagers against many otherwise deadly diseases.
At Barefoot Conservation we are a true believer in transparency. We want you to know that your money is going directly to the people that need it and that you really are making a difference.