Gam is a centrally located island in Raja Ampat, and from here, you can take many exciting trips. You can snorkel at colorful coral reefs, spot mantas, or paddle through the mangroves. There’s plenty to explore on land too, like paradise birds in the jungle, caves with bats, and beautiful viewpoints. Along the coast of Gam, you’ll find a few stunning accommodations. In this blog, you’ll read about the best activities on Gam, excursions on and around the island, and the best accommodations.
What to do on Gam?
The following activities and excursions are definitely worth it on Gam.
Visit Arborek & snorkel with mantas at Manta Point
Arborek is located 15 to 20 minutes by boat from Gam. This tiny island is the most populated in Raja Ampat. It’s fun to walk around the island and experience the local life. From the pier, you can enjoy beautiful snorkeling. Arborek is perfect to combine with Manta Point. Between December and April, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter several mantas. Manta Point is also called a “cleaning station” because many fish live here that eat parasites and clean the mantas. In addition to mantas, you can also spot tuna, trevallies, and turtles here.
Tip: It’s handy to bring some money to Arborek as it’s one of the few places in Raja Ampat where you can buy something.
Spot the Red Bird of Paradise
The Red Bird of Paradise is one of the world’s most beautiful birds, and Gam is probably the best place to spot these colorful birds. Just before sunrise, when the birds are most active, you can walk for about 30 minutes from the village of Sawinggrai to the Red Bird of Paradise’s favorite tree. With a bit of luck, you’ll see the male performing his unique dance for the female. He jumps up and down, waving his long feathers in the air while making a very distinctive sound. A fantastic experience for birdwatchers!
Tip: Wear long pants and sleeves and bring mosquito repellent as there are many mosquitoes in the jungle.
If you have the time and want to see a lot of Gam, you can sail around the entire island in one day. You’ll visit several beautiful snorkeling spots (or diving spots if you book this tour with a dive school), and with a bit of luck, you might encounter animals like parrots or dolphins along the way. The stops you make depend on the weather, but the most common stops are Hidden Bay, The Passage, and Mike’s Point. These are all very different places where you will encounter different sea life at each location!
Kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of Gam
Some accommodations on Gam have kayaks, and it’s a great way to explore the surroundings. Try to leave as early as possible since there’s usually little wind in the morning, allowing you to cover greater distances with less effort. Bring your snorkeling gear and plan your own snorkeling tour!
Visit Gam Bay: Mangrove, Jelly Lake, and Bat Cave
Gam Bay is characterized by huge mangrove forests with greenish water. These tropical trees with long roots grow both above and below the water, creating a shelter for various fish species. It’s fascinating to explore this ecosystem underwater while snorkeling. Then, make a short stop at ‘Bat Cave,’ where bats hang upside down in a cave. Afterward, this short tour continues to ‘Jelly Lake,’ a hidden lake full of jellyfish that cannot sting. You can snorkel with the jellyfish or admire them from the boat—they are completely harmless.
Snorkel or dive at Friwen Wall and Mioskon
In the vicinity of Gam, you’ll find two well-known dive and snorkeling spots called Friwen Wall and Mioskon. Friwen Wall is located at the eastern tip of Gam. Along the steep limestone cliff, you’ll discover a unique underwater landscape. In the shallow waters, you’ll find fascinating sea creatures like seahorses, colorful nudibranchs, and pufferfish. Mioskon Island is ideal for snorkelers since the currents are usually mild, and the reef is shallow. Here, you’ll often encounter schools of yellow snappers, Napoleon wrasse, and even wobbegong sharks.
Our Favorite Homestays on Gam
Methos Homestay is one of the best homestays on Gam. You’ll stay in a large bungalow equipped with all the comforts. A good mosquito net, a comfortable mattress, and a large veranda with a hammock and lounge chair. Dive straight into the sea from your bungalow with your snorkel because the house reef is stunning! With only a few huts, Nyanse Homestay offers a peaceful oasis. This small-scale homestay is perfect for couples. The location is beautiful, as the bungalow is ideally positioned to watch the sunset. It’s close to two small local villages, and the house reef here is also wonderful. Host Feri and his family will do everything they can to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Finally, we recommend Raja Ampat Blue Sea. There are five different bungalows on a long pier. The bungalows are equipped with a fan, a comfortable bed, and a private bathroom. This homestay is located near a village but far enough to enjoy complete tranquility. The family gives you a warm welcome and cooks three delicious meals for you each day, plus a snack at 4:00 PM. And a fun bonus: Paula the cuscus comes by almost every day to eat a banana with you!
 Methos Homestay |
 Nyanse Homestay |
 Raja Ampat Blue Sea |
