The islands of Raja Ampat are mostly covered in dense jungle, likely hiding hundreds of beautiful spots such as waterfalls, viewpoints, caves, and rivers. One of the few discovered places amidst this thick jungle is Kali Biru, also known as Blue River. This small river is located deep in the jungle on Waigeo Island. The bright blue water is icy cold, and it’s wonderful to take a refreshing dip here and float down the river. Below, we share our tips for your visit to Kali Biru!
Why is Kali Biru (Blue River) so Blue?
What makes Kali Biru so photogenic is, of course, the blue water. This color is due to the water being rich in certain minerals. Additionally, light-colored rocks lie at the bottom of the river, and this combination results in the striking blue color. How vivid the color is can vary daily, depending on whether it’s sunny or cloudy. Try not to disturb the riverbed and leave the stones where they are, as this helps maintain the river’s bright color and keeps it open for swimming.
How to Travel to Kali Biru (Blue River)?
It’s quite a journey to reach Kali Biru, as it’s far from other popular attractions in Raja Ampat. The starting point for the trip to Kali Biru is the town of Waisai, which is also the gateway to the Raja Ampat islands. Therefore, it’s best to visit Kali Biru on the day you arrive in Raja Ampat or on the day you depart. Below, we describe the exact travel route.
- Travel to Waisai. You can either travel at the end of your trip from one of the islands with a private boat or at the start of your trip by taking the ferry from Sorong to Waisai. With good planning, you won’t need to stay overnight in Waisai before visiting Kali Biru.
- From Waisai, take a taxi to Warsambin Village. This is a one-hour ride with beautiful views over the rich jungle of Waigeo. The driver will wait for you here until you return.
- In Warsambin Village, take a boat for a 15-minute ride up a large river deeper into the jungle.
- On the other side of the river, you’ll get off, and it’s just a few more minutes’ walk to Kali Biru.
What Does a Visit to Kali Biru (Blue River) Cost?
The complete round-trip from Waisai to Kali Biru costs 1,700,000 IDR / $110. This price covers the taxi ride and the boat across the river, which you can share with up to 4 people, making the visit much more affordable if you’re traveling with others.
Tip: It’s helpful to arrange your visit to Kali Biru a few days in advance to ensure transportation is arranged, allowing you to travel directly from Waisai to the river. You can message our friend Anton via WhatsApp at +62 821-9832-5785 to arrange your transportation to Kali Biru. Say hi to Anton from us!
The Best Time to Visit Kali Biru (Blue River)
Due to its beauty, Kali Biru is one of the few places in Raja Ampat that can quickly get crowded. If you have the option, it’s recommended to arrive before 9:00 AM, as the first groups often arrive then. Ideally, visit Kali Biru on the last day of your trip through Raja Ampat. From one of the islands, you can take a boat to Waisai at sunrise, where you’ll step directly into your pre-arranged taxi. That same day, you can take the 2:00 PM ferry back to Sorong. This way, a visit to Kali Biru won’t cost you an extra travel day, and you’ll likely get there before the crowds!
