What should I bring on the Piaynemo tour?

Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear and a camera for the views.

Is the climb suitable for all ages?

The trek is about 150 steps. It is manageable for most ages with a moderate level of fitness.

Can I buy the Marine Park permit online?

Yes. Buy it online or at the BLUD UPTD office in Waisai. It costs USD 80 per foreign visitor (USD 40 for Indonesian citizens) and is valid 12 months. Regency charges may apply on top.

What other tours combine well with Piaynemo?

Pair it with the Raja Ampat day tour or an island hopping day to make the most of your time.

Raja Ampat's iconic viewpoint

Piaynemo tour from Waisai

Climb the stairway above the karst islands, look down on the Star Lagoon, then snorkel Sawanderek and Yenbuba on the way back.

Plan my Piaynemo tour See the day route

~150: steps to the top
30–45 min: up and back
6: stops in one day

The stairway viewpoint

The view everyone comes for

About 150 steps lead to a panorama of karst islands scattered across clear water. The climb and return take 30–45 minutes.

A short trek away, Telaga Bintang — the star-shaped lagoon — is the second great view of the day.

Manageable with moderate fitness
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Go early or late for soft light

Timing

When to be where

Light and season make the photos. All times are local West Papua time (WIT).

Spot	Best time	Why
Piaynemo peak	06:30–08:00 or 15:00–16:30	Soft light and thinner crowds
Telaga Bintang	09:00–10:00	Sun lights up the star shape
Raja Ampat season	October to April	Calm seas, minimal rainfall
Manta rays	December to March	Peak at Manta Sandy and Misool cleaning stations
Shoulder months	April, May and October	Good weather, fewer crowds

Piaynemo peak

Best time: 06:30–08:00 or 15:00–16:30
Why: Soft light and thinner crowds

Telaga Bintang

Best time: 09:00–10:00
Why: Sun lights up the star shape

Raja Ampat season

Best time: October to April
Why: Calm seas, minimal rainfall

Manta rays

Best time: December to March
Why: Peak at Manta Sandy and Misool cleaning stations

Shoulder months

Best time: April, May and October
Why: Good weather, fewer crowds

Private speedboat day tours from Waisai start from USD 650 per person (up to 12 guests). Ask us for a quote for your dates.

The day tour

Six stops from Waisai

Most visitors see Piaynemo on a one-day speedboat tour that combines the viewpoint with a village, a sandbar and two reefs.

Book this route

1

Stop 1

Piaynemo peak

Climb the steps to the karst panorama.
2

Stop 2

Telaga Bintang

Trek to the star-shaped lagoon viewpoint.
3

Stop 3

Arborek

A community-run village known for conservation, dances and handicrafts.
4

Stop 4

Pasir Timbul

A sandbar that appears only at low tide — swim or sunbathe.
5

Stop 5

Sawanderek

Coral gardens, clownfish, sea turtles and fish feeding.
6

Stop 6

Yenbuba

Crystal-clear water for a last snorkel.