Leaving Banda Neira with the aroma of nutmeg and memories of meditation (plus Andrea's utterly failed mountain smoke control attempt) felt like closing a mesmerizing history book. The next journey was to the hidden crown jewel at the eastern end of Indonesia, a name that always resonated with divers and marine beauty enthusiasts: Raja Ampat, West Papua.
The trip here required extra effort. A flight from Ambon to Sorong, followed by a transfer using a private luxury yacht that was waiting for them, carried them into the most iconic karst island cluster in the world. Upon entering Raja Ampat waters, the atmosphere immediately felt different. The ocean was calmer, the color a near-unreal turquoise blue gradient, and small, uniquely shaped limestone islands jutted out of the sea surface like giant green mushrooms. This wasn't just beautiful; it was magical.
"Okay, I'm officially speechless," said Sharon, usually the most poetic, as she stood on the yacht's front deck, gazing at the Piaynemo island cluster from a distance. "This... this surpasses all my expectations of tropical paradise."
Andrea, who had momentarily forgotten her Komodo and bat phobias, was now busy taking selfies with the karst islands as the backdrop. "No Instagram filter can beat the real view!" she exclaimed in awe.
Caroline had put on her chill reggae playlist on her portable speaker, feeling the Raja Ampat atmosphere was perfectly suited to the relaxed rhythm. Alex, of course, had flown his drone again, this time with special permission to capture Raja Ampat's beauty from the air (and promising not to interrupt Nisa-Reza's romantic moment again).
Nisa and Reza themselves looked the most relaxed during this journey. Raja Ampat was deliberately chosen by Nisa as the final destination, as the "Peak of Relaxation" after nearly a full month of adventuring. No packed schedule, no complicated cultural visits. Just enjoying the natural beauty, swimming leisurely, and recharging their batteries before returning to the reality of the Palace. The luxury yacht they chartered was also equipped with every facility, including a private chef ready to cook delicious meals at any time.
They anchored in a secluded, super-private lagoon, surrounded by small, uninhabited karst islands. The water was so clear that the shallow seabed full of coral reefs and colorful fish was clearly visible from above the boat. The atmosphere was so tranquil; only the sound of water lapping and the calls of endemic Papuan birds could be heard.
The day was truly spent on total relaxation. Some swam leisurely in the calm lagoon, some did light snorkeling (this time Jim seemed to enjoy it more, perhaps because the fish were more exotic and he hadn't had time to theorize about them yet), some just sunbathed on the deck reading a book, and others took a nap in the comfortable air-conditioned cabins. Nisa even managed to try the stand-up paddle board again, and this time she didn't fall!