From Reefs to Rainforests.
December 9 - 19, 2026
Two worlds. One unforgettable journey.
The coral trips at the end of the year will receive a unique addition this year.
We have created a package that combines the cultural experience of Papua’s rainforest with the incredible underwater world of Raja Ampat into one deep and exceptional journey.
Two worlds. One unforgettable journey.
The 3-night Papua segment takes you into a region where traditional ways of life and culture have remained strong. This is not a typical travel destination, but an experience that offers a rare insight into local life, nature, and history. In contrast, the 6-night journey to the Raja Ampat archipelago offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of coral reefs, marine species, and the functioning of the entire ecosystem. During the trip, you will take part in hands-on coral restoration work, explore one of the richest underwater environments in the world, and gain a comprehensive understanding of how these delicate ecosystems function and why their protection is so important.
The entire experience has been designed to be as effortless as possible. You only need to arrange your flights between destinations and your Indonesian visa—everything else is taken care of.
This trip is limited to a maximum of 9 participants, making it an exceptionally unique and intimate experience.
Does this sound like your kind of journey? Let’s take a closer look at the full experience.
From Reefs to Rainforests - 10 nights & 11 days
Papua Highlands Experience // 4 nights & 5 days
Step into one of the most remote and fascinating regions of Indonesia, where untouched nature meets a rich cultural heritage. From the moment you arrive in Wamena, your journey is carefully arranged from start to finish. Accommodation, guided excursions, and full board allow you to fully focus on the experience itself. Throughout the trip, we are accompanied by a local guide who offers deeper insight into the culture, history, and daily life of the region.
The program includes hikes through the highlands, visits to local communities, and an introduction to traditional village life. We walk through villages and valleys, visit local markets, and witness a way of life that has remained largely unchanged.
Our visit coincides with a time when a traditional pig festival takes place in the village, which our group has the opportunity to take part in. This is one of the most significant cultural events for the Dani and Lani tribes, offering a deep and rare insight into their way of life, traditions, and sense of community.
It is important to emphasize that this experience is not designed as a tourist performance. The intention is not to “display” people, but to enable a genuine and respectful encounter with local communities. Your visit directly supports local tribes and helps create meaningful employment opportunities within these communities.
The region was only opened to the outside world in 1938, and its culture has remained exceptionally strong to this day. With only around 500 international visitors each year, along with slightly more local travelers, the experience remains rare and authentic.
Raja Ampat Coral Experience // 6 nights & 7 days
This unique part of the journey takes you to one of the most beautiful and remote regions of Indonesia, the untouched islands of Raja Ampat. During your stay, you will be accommodated on a beautiful private island, where limited electricity and internet invite you to slow down and disconnect from everyday life.
Throughout the week, you will immerse yourself in the world of coral reefs through a 3.5-day restoration course that combines theory with hands-on practice. You will learn how coral reefs function, how to identify healthy coral, and how fragments are collected and planted onto frames. The days are carefully balanced between learning, practical work, and in-water sessions, either snorkeling or diving. You will also have ample free time to relax, enjoy the surroundings, or, if you wish, join additional dives in the area.
The course is designed for both beginners and more experienced snorkelers and divers,
and no prior experience is required.
From Reefs to Rainforests - 10 nights & 11 days
The first “Rainforest” segment includes:
3 nights in resort accommodation in a shared room (private room available at an additional cost)
1 night in Sorong between flights and transfer to the island
Local Papuan guide throughout the entire journey
All transfers according to the program
All entrance fees
Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Drinking water, tea, and coffee
Special travel permit for Papua (surat jalan)
The second “Reefs” segment includes:
6 nights in an overwater bungalow in a shared twin room (private room available at an additional cost)
Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
(special dietary requirements are accommodated)Drinking water, tea, and coffee
Return transfers Sorong – Katembe – Sorong
(taxi, ferry, and private boat)3.5-day coral restoration workshop
(theory and practical work in the water)Katembe coral team T-shirt and your own planted coral frame
Reef ecology guide
Snorkeling trip to nearby islands
Katembe jungle trek
Raja Ampat marine park fee (~50€)
Not included in the price:
Flights to/from the destination or any airport taxes
Personal expenses and beverages in restaurants
Tips
Indonesian visa
Travel insurance
All-inclusive trip price:
2200 € in a shared room (both destinations)
Early bird (first week): 2150 €
2700 € in a private room (both destinations)
Early bird (first week): 2650 €
-The trip is suitable for travelers of all fitness levels. Daily walks in the rainforest and highlands are approximately 4–5 hours in duration.
-A diving certification is not required, and the Raja Ampat portion is suitable for everyone. The majority of the coral restoration work is conducted above the water surface.
-You also have the option to add day trips or additional dives during your free time.
-A more detailed itinerary will be provided upon booking. Packing lists and any necessary documents will be shared after the reservation is confirmed.
-A 10% deposit is required to secure your booking.
Save your spot today !
Additional costs / estimated flight expenses:
Helsinki – Wamena & Sorong – Helsinki = ~1500–2000€
Wamena – Sorong = ~150€
Indonesian visa = ~30€
Please note:
-Traveling to Papua requires flexibility. The itinerary may change due to local events, weather conditions, or road conditions.
-Due to the remote nature of the region, exact schedules cannot always be guaranteed, and the local guide will adapt the journey accordingly.
-Papua is a remote and logistically more demanding destination, where the cost level reflects the unique conditions of the region. The experience is genuinely authentic, and services are intentionally kept simple.
-The trip is organized by PT Katembe Indonesia in cooperation with trusted local travel partners.
-Travelers are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance. Please note that in the event of natural conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, PT Katembe Indonesia is not liable for possible trip cancellations.
-In case of changes, the Raja Ampat part of the trip can be rescheduled to a new date without additional cost. Papuan tribe visit will be checked based on availability and possibilities.
-A minimum group size of 4 participants is required for the trip to take place.
Travel planning tips:
-It is easy to combine this journey with a few nights before or after in destinations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bali. I am happy to assist with planning these segments. Splitting the journey can often help with flight schedules and may also reduce overall costs.
Accommodation:
-Both accommodations have been carefully selected and represent authentic and unique travel experiences. Internet access is available in both locations, but only in limited areas.
-On the private island in Raja Ampat, electricity is available from the afternoon until the evening, and the bungalows do not have air conditioning. The showers use a mix of fresh and salt water.
Accommodation in Papua
Accommodation in Raja Ampat
Restaurant
Save your spot today!
Send us a inquiry and we will tell you more.
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