LOCATION You’ll find Misool Eco Resort in a deliciously remote corner of the planet, in the southern part of Raja Ampat, Indonesia on a small private island, Batbitim. A half day’s journey from the nearest resort, Misool Eco Resort is one of the last true Paradise Islands.  Fringed by powder-white beaches and protected by stunning clear lagoons and abundant reefs, you’ll find just eleven guest cottages, plus a restaurant – and some of the world’s richest & most awesome reefs to dive.   THE ACCOMMODATION The cottages are built of native materials & salvaged driftwood with western comforts in mind. There are 8 Water Cottages, which are built on stilts over the lagoon and from which you can slip directly into the water to explore the house reef.  Each cottage is equipped with air conditioning, a mini-bar, a massive veranda with a built in hammock, and a Balinese-style en suite bathroom. Three Reef View Cottages are located on the South Beach with views over the deep water swimming hole, just steps away from the beach.  Several deluxe Villas on the planning board to be available in 2009. The restaurant is at the beach and overlooks a shallow turquoise lagoon.  The cuisine is designed to delight.  An internationally-trained chef will prepare lovely meals using organic, locally grown produce as much as possible.   A note directly from the resort owners:  "The construction and operation of the resort have been meticulously engineered to minimize our environmental impact. In addition to salvaging driftwood and milling our own lumber, we've engineered our buildings with energy efficiency in mind. We've installed waste water gardens to minimize our consumption, and we're experimenting with solar and wind power to augment our generators.  Our labor force is drawn largely from Yellu, the closest village. We're proud to offer them favorable working conditions, health benefits, job training, and English lessons." This is one of those rare opportunities to take part in truly sustainable tourism. DIVING   Describing the diving experience in this area in a succinct fashion is pretty much an impossible goal. We'd like to suggest, especially if you are new to Raja Ampat, that you take a few minutes to view the National Geographic report by underwater photographer, David Doubilet.  The information is superb and the photography inspiring.  Follow the link below: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/09/indonesia/indonesia-undersea-interactive Misool Eco has selected more than 60 dive sites within a one-hour boat ride of the resort - and that's only the beginning!  Within 10 minutes of the resort lie at least 20 of what are considered world-class dive sites , all within the 200 square kilometer Marine Protected Area established by Misool Eco in 2006.  You'll find virtually all types of underwater topography here and a vast variety of reef systems plus visibility that is usually more than 25 meters.  Water temps average about 26 - 28 degrees C - 78 - 82 F.   You'll dive coral covered walls, reef flats, caves and swim throughs, gentle sea mounts, placid lagoons, and current-raked pinnacles. Due to the acknowledged immense bio-diversity in this area, a list of what you can see here is not an undertaking conducive to a quick website overview!   If you haven't yet watched the National Geographic video, here's a quick glimpse of what you can expect:      The Big Stuff - Giant Mantas, Mobula Rays, immense schools of surgeons, swirling      Barracuda, Wobbegang sharks, and more.      The Macro - ghost pipefish, blue-ringed octopus, frogfish, pygmy seahorse, mandarin fish     - plus, plus, plus, plus, plus! Given the extreme desirability of this area for photographers, the dive center has been designed and built to meet all the needs of amateur & professional videographers and photographers. HOW TO GET THERE   You will transfer from Sorong in West Papua on a private speed boat.  The transfer is included in the package price, provided you go on regularly scheduled transfer dates. Departure is from Sorong at 07:30 on alternating Sunday mornings, arriving at about 13:00 at Misool Eco Resort. The journey takes you through some of the most incredible scenery you've ever imagined, and the time will seem like nothing at all. COMMUNICATIONS You'll find satellite internet connection for a small fee and also Skype is a available. Friends and family can always send you a message at the resort and a staff member will deliver it to you. WHAT'S INCLUDED? Diving, accommodation, meals and afternoon snacks, drinking water, coffee and tea, transfer to and from the resort on scheduled transfer dates, and all government taxes.  Unlimited dive packages include all optional excursions like Lagoon Tours and JellyFish Lake trips. WHEN TO GO The resort is closed during in July, August and September due to weather conditions.  October and November bring schools of bait fish, which attract bigger fish and Mobula rays and the south winds in May and June bring more sharks, but really this is a year-round destination - excluding the months of closure.  EXTRAS For divers and non-divers alike there are plenty of extras at Misool Eco.  Of course, the snorkelling around resort is world class, but the resort will also be happy to organize visits to a nearby jellyfish lake or an exploration to view ancient rock paintings.  They can also provide kayaking tours, lagoon tours, river excursions and bird-watching.  Also, a visit to a local village is highly recommended as a way to round-out your visit to Indonesia.  Contact us for additional details or to book spaces.