Katembe Private Island’s Coral restoration project at the heart of the Coral triangle.
Location: Raja Ampat
S 00°25.116` E 130°41.306
Katembe x Corals
Where hospitality meets ocean restoration.
Katembe x Coral Project is a unique collaboration rooted in the belief that travel can give back.
Since 2020, we’ve been restoring our house reef just steps from shore—reviving coral life one frame at a time.
Based in the heart of one of Indonesia’s most biodiverse marine regions, our mission is to restore coral reefs while inviting guests to be part of the journey.
At Katembe, our coral restoration journey began in April 2020, following a severe outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTs) — coral-eating predators that devastated reefs across the area.
Earlier that year, both our reef and those of neighboring islands had suffered significant damage. After removing the COTs from our house reef, we launched our first coral replanting experiment to encourage natural recovery. Just a month later, we expanded our efforts with a second experiment, steadily increasing the restoration area.
Within a year, the results were promising — average coral growth reached around 10-20 cm, motivating us to restore the entire house reef and help it return to its former vibrancy.
And today, through hands-on experiences and guided workshops, you are not only able to explore the beauty beneath the surface but actively help protect it for generations to come.
Join our
restoration efforts
Experience conservation in paradise. Take part in our coral restoration projects during your stay at Katembe Private Island, or join one of our immersive weeklong workshops.
Starting January 2026, Katembe’s in-house guests can join our coral restoration activities, ranging from half-day experiences to immersive three-day programs.
Since 2024, we have been hosting week-long coral workshops at Katembe, where guests dedicate their time to supporting the reef. The program combines education, theory sessions, and hands-on practice in the water. Together, participants learn about coral ecology and actively contribute to restoration by working directly with our team on the reef.
Our activities are thoughtfully designed to be accessible to both snorkelers and divers, making it easy for anyone to get involved and make a real i mpact—no matter your level of experience.
Holiday with a purpose.
From the participants
-
"Kurssille oli helppoa osallistua, vaikkei ollut aikaisempaa kokemusta snorkalauksesta ja uimataito ei ole kovin hyvä. Jokainen saa osallistua omien kykyjensä mukaan. Retket korallipäivien lomassa oli antoisia. Saari on kaunis, henkilökunta ihanaa ja ruoka maistuvaa! Oli myös ihana tutustua muihin osallistujiin, jotka kaikki oli kuitenkin matkustanut, koska olivat kiinnostuneet koralleista. "
December, 2024
-
"Amazing activities that improve your awareness of what happening on our earth, being part of this restoration also give me, "personally" self reward to participate on "Save Earth" movement. Looking forward to see all babies corals that we planted to grow!!!!"
October, 2025
-
"Pidin todella paljon kurssista, teoria"tunnit" eivät olleet liian pitkiä ja teoriaa tuli myös työskentelyn lomassa, jolloin se oli helpompi sisäistää ja muistaa. Ohjaaja oli todella ammattitaitoinen, mukava ja innostava. Myös muu kurssilla auttanut henkilökunta oli ammattitaitoista. Olisin voinut tehdä "töitä" useampanakin päivänä."
October, 2025
-
“The Coral restoration workshop-week was everything I could dream of and more. Never have I felt so warm-heartly welcomed, as we were in Katembe Raja Ampat. Sandra and her team had put lot of effort to the week, which was perfectly balanced with coral studies, hands-on restoration activities and free time. It was a perfect holiday, which combined meaningful work, enhancing knowledge about corals and marine life and just relaxing at the beautiful island of Katembe. Also Sandra and Katembe staff made us all feel like family and Ridwan with his team made our bellies sing from pleasure with meals, that were like art. Would definitely recommend this trip, it’s an once in a lifetime experience.”
February, 2025
-
"Last summer I heard about a course I had never heard before. A course which was going to take place in December 24 in a scenery and surroundings that had always been my dream. A course about coral nursery. Fixing, nursing, gardening and taking a well good loving care of a coral reef and its residents. The course took place in West Papua, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The very true last paradise. Our teacher and host "the mother" of this particular coral reef is magnificent! Her teaching skills in and outside water are outstanding. Calm and caring yet strict and determined and all for the love and interest towards coral’s and the entire reef. The course was very informative. Bulletin! But most of all fun! We had so much fun working together with the group. Learning about these beautiful creatures and their surroundings in the most beautiful place on the planet with awesome people was beyond all my expectations! "
December, 2024
-
”I joined the coral restoration workshop on a very short notice by a recommendation from a friend. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Everything was so well organized, the resort was lovely and the coral activities and Raja Ampat sightseeing nicely balanced. This is great way to learn new things and do something meaningful while also enjoying relaxing time on the beautiful island.”
December, 2024
