GEOSITE PIAYNEMO: DISCOVER THIS PARADISE LOCATED IN FAM ISLANDS
Nestled in the heart of Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Geopark archipelago, the Fam Islands stand as one of the region’s most remarkable and serene natural wonders. While Raja Ampat Islands has garnered international acclaim for its unparalleled biodiversity and stunning landscapes, and earning the UNESCO Geopark category, one of the Geoparks’ most famous location: the Piaynemo Geosite, located in the Fam Island Group, stand out as TOP tourist attraction to Raja Ampat visitors, offering:
Breathtaking landscape
Wonderful Snorkeling opportunities
Contribute to local economy: Homestay Accommodations
Learn about local geology
ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FAM ISLAND AND PINANEMO
Fam Islands — Location
The Fam Islands group are in Raja Ampat Archipelago (West Papua Province, Indonesia). This group of islands comprise of the following:
The Fam Islands consist of several smaller islands and four larger “main” islands: Fam, Penemu, Inus, and Yar. The Fam Islands Marine Conservation Area (KKP), with a total area of 360,000 hectares, is still included in the waters of the Dampier Strait. Geographically, the Fam Islands are in the southwest of Gam and Waigeo Island, and northwest of Batanta Island. The Fam Islands conservation area is located to the west of the Dampier Strait marine conservation area, and directly borders the Halmahera Sea, North Maluku Province.
The small karst islands in Piaynemo are often described as a miniature of Wayag, which has now developed into one of the main tourist destinations in Raja Ampat due to its extraordinary natural beauty both on land and at sea.
The Fam Islands are usually divided into three parts (clusters), namely the Piaynemo islands, the Fam islands and their surroundings, and the Bambu islands. The Fam Islands have three villages: Fam Village on Fam Kecil Island, and; Saukabu and Saupapir Villages located on Fam Besar Island.
“In addition to the three villages, there are several areas where residents live: either business locations or temporary residences related to their work. Apart from that, the islands in the Fam Islands are uninhabited areas”
DISCOVER THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE FAM ISLANDS
Geopark Raja Ampat – Geosite Piaynemo
Because of its geological uniqueness, (oldest exposed rock aged 439 – 360 million years ago located in Misool), the Raja Ampat area has acquired the category of UNESCO Geopark for a total of 36,660 km² total area of the geopark!
Raja Ampat Geopark has been designated in 2023 as a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) along with 18 other geological sites in the world and is currently part of 195 UGGp sites in 48 countries.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our earth’s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural hazard-related risks.
Referring to that, in Raja Ampat Regency there are currently 29 Geosites spread in the Geopark area, from Northernmost Ayau Island to Southernmost Misool Island.
“Karst of Piaynemo” is one of the Geosite along the Geopark of Raja Ampat, a geological heritage that is valuable for tourism.
Piaynemo Geosite is the one of the two most iconic spots of any visit to the Fam Island group, the other: the famous diving site of Melissa Garden.
Piaynemo Peak, is a breathtaking viewpoint, which has been prepared for tourism: you can climb up the wooden stairs until getting to the top of the karst pinnacle. At the top of Piaynemo Peak, you find a unique and rare landscape.
A hiking trail can be walked to the top of the hills, so that visitors can enjoy the beautiful panorama of the hills of the karst island from the top of the hill through the view deck that has been built by the local community.
Refering the underwater world, one of the most impressive and most famous diving site in the diving community, namely Melissa Garden, lies underwater in a short boat distance from Piaynemo Geosite.
This dive site, is one of the most important diving sites, and one of the most rich-biodiverse marine environments on Earth, where the coral reefs thrive in waters that are relatively untouched by human activity. Diving in the Melissa Garden (located in the Fam Islands) is an unforgettable experience and a highlight of any visit to this area (not to be missed!!). The underwater ecosystems here are teeming with life, offering divers a chance to encounter a dazzling array of species. From colorful soft corals to reef sharks, and even the elusive pygmy seahorse, the waters around the Fam Islands are nothing short of spectacular.
” The rich diversity of coral species, with more than 500 varieties in the region, supports an equally impressive array of fish species—over 1,300!!”
DISCOVER HOW THE LOCAL POPULATION LIVES ON THE FAM ISLANDS
The Culture of Raja Ampat and the Fam Islands
Beyond the natural beauty, the Fam Islands are also home to the indigenous Raja Ampat Papuan communities, who live in small villages scattered across the islands. These local people have a deep connection to the land and the sea, with traditional practices centered around fishing, agriculture, and living in harmony with nature.
Visitors to the Fam Islands can often experience the welcoming culture of these communities, who are proud of their rich heritage and traditions. One of the most intriguing aspects of visiting these islands is the opportunity to learn about local customs and practices.
The Papuan people in Raja Ampat maintain traditional ways of life, which can be seen in their daily activities such as fishing with handlines or netting, and the building of their traditional wooden long-boats dug-out canoes. The islanders are also known for their intricate body art, their wedding and Christmas festivities celebrations which include drums and flutes (very often lasting the whole night) and whole village dances, which are an important part of their cultural identity.
HOW TO GET TO THIS PARADISE. HERE WE TELL YOU EVERYTHING
Getting to the Fam Islands
The nearest airport to the Fam Islands is the Domine Eduard Osok Airport (Airport code SOQ) in Sorong (West Papua Province, Indonesia) on the mainland of Papua, which is the main gateway to Raja Ampat Island / Geopark.
From Domine Eduard Osok Airport Sorong, visitors must go to the Rakyat Ferry Terminal, and take the fast ferry Bahari Express operated by PT Belivis Papua Mandiri to Waisai (main city of the Raja Ampat Regency) at 9am and 14.00hrs (two ferries each way twice a day).
Also, if you have reservations with any reputable operator, your transfers to/from the airport will most likely be organized, either on the ferry, a private speedboat or a liveaboard. Your operator, will for sure, make the visit to the Fam Islands (including the Piaynemo Geosite and Melissa Garden), part of your itinerary!
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT: HELP US TAKE CARE OF THIS NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Marine Park – Sustainability and Conservation Efforts in Raja Ampat Regency
As tourism grows in Raja Ampat Regency, conservation efforts are increasingly important to preserve the fragile ecosystems of the whole are and the surrounding waters. The local government has created an Environmental Service Fee. The fee is a fee charged to any visitor who wishes to enter Raja Ampat Marine/Geopark. The Marine Park, which covers an area of over 2 million hectares and is comprised of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Funds generated from this fee are managed by the Marine Park Authority, and go directly towards the management and monitoring of the Marine Park in order to; help maintain and/or improve the quality of the marine environment; support the livelihoods of local people through sustainable management of marine resources.
By paying the environmental services fee, every visitor directly contributes to the ongoing protection and sustainable management of the Raja Ampat’s unique marine environment.
The fees in 2025 Card / Marine Park Entry Price:
– International Visitors: IDR 700,000
– Indonesian citizens: IDR 425,000
– Children under 12yrs do not require a permit.
– All permits are valid from 12months of date of purchase
AN EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE TO LIVE STAYING AT RAJA AMPAT BIODIVERSITY RESORT
Raja Ampat Biodiversity Resort visit to the Fam Islands: A MUST!
At Biodiversity Nature Resort, we include a visit to the Fam Island group as a MUST activity, this means we make sure ALL our guests get a chance to visit this area.
The visit to the Fam Islands & Piaynemo Geosite is part of a full day excursion which includes two dives (or two locations for snorkeling)
This excursion/trip leaves everybody speechless and is an absolute must do during your stay at Biodiversity.
• First dive: Melissa’s Garden
• Coffee break on a secluded beach in the Piyanemo area
• Second dive: Fam Slope
• Lunch: at the viewpoint
• Visit to the viewpoint
Back to the resort, arriving approximately at 17:30pm.
The Fam Islands of Raja Ampat offer a truly unique and remote paradise for those looking to experience one of the last unspoiled corners of the world. With their pristine beaches, lush jungles, and extraordinary marine biodiversity, these islands provide a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to connect with the wild beauty of the Earth.
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