Hello, Lykkers! Let's be honest: getting to Misool is a bit of a mission. You fly to Sorong, then you hop on a boat for a few hours, and suddenly you're in the middle of southern Raja Ampat wondering why you ever bothered with crowded beaches anywhere else. This place is remote, the internet is basically a rumor, and the electricity runs on a schedule.

But that's the whole point. Misool is raw, wild, and home to some of the healthiest coral on the planet. If you're willing to trade a little comfort for scenery that feels almost fake, here are six places you absolutely cannot miss.

The Heart-Shaped Lagoon (Pulau Karawapop)

You've seen the drone shot. It's that perfect, ridiculously romantic heart-shaped lagoon carved into the limestone. Seeing it in person is surreal, mostly because it actually looks like that.

The catch? You have to earn it. A short but steep hike takes you up to the viewpoint, and the path can be slippery. Do yourself a favor and wear real shoes, not flip-flops. Go early in the morning when the light is soft and the tour boats haven't arrived yet. A typical shared group tour covering Karawapop and nearby spots runs about US$190–250 per boat, split between passengers. There is also a small local entry fee for the lagoon area, roughly US$3–5.

The Stingless Jellyfish Lake (Lenmakana)

Swimming with thousands of jellyfish sounds like a nightmare until you realize these ones don't sting. Lenmakana is a landlocked lake hidden inside the karst, and it's packed with golden jellyfish that have evolved without predators, so they've lost their sting. The trek there involves scrambling over sharp, jagged limestone, so be careful. Once you're in the water, it's pure magic—just float gently and don't touch them. The best time to see them near the surface is roughly mid-morning to early afternoon, when they follow the sun. The lake is usually included in the same shared boat tour as other Misool highlights, so the cost is bundled into the US$190–250 per boat range.

The Balbulol Lagoon Maze

If you want that classic Raja Ampat postcard view—turquoise water weaving through a maze of jungle-covered rock islands—this is it. Balbulol is a cluster of steep limestone islets that look like they're hovering over the water because the tides have undercut their bases. The best way to see it is by kayak or a small boat, gliding through the narrow channels in the early morning before the wind picks up. It's peaceful, quiet, and the kind of place where you just put the camera down for a minute and listen to the water. Kayak rental at a homestay runs around US$6–15 per day.

The Ancient Rock Art at Tomolol

Misool isn't just about what's under the water. The Tomolol cave system holds prehistoric handprint paintings on the limestone walls, left by people thousands of years ago. Access depends on the tide and local permission, so it's not a guaranteed stop, but if you can get in, it's a humbling experience. You're standing in a place that humans have been visiting for millennia, long before it became a bucket-list destination. Most multi-day boat tours and liveaboards include a stop here if conditions allow.

Puncak Harfat (Harun Fatimah) Dapunlol

Everyone talks about Piaynemo in the north, but locals and travelers in the know will tell you Harfat is just as good, if not better. The hike is short but steep, and the view from the top is a sprawling panorama of lagoons, karst islands, and that impossible blue water. It's less crowded than the famous northern viewpoints, which means you might get the whole thing to yourself. Bring water, because the humidity is no joke, and start early to beat the heat. The boat transfer to the trailhead is usually arranged through your homestay as part of a day trip, with shared group tours costing roughly US$190–250 per boat.

The Reefs Themselves (Magic Mountain & Boo Windows)

You can't come to Misool and not talk about the diving. This area sits in the Coral Triangle, and the reefs here are genuinely thriving thanks to a massive marine protected area. Magic Mountain is the famous seamount where manta rays glide in to get cleaned, while Boo Windows offers swim-throughs and walls covered in soft coral. Even if you're just snorkeling, the reefs start right at the surface in many spots, so you don't need a tank to see the chaos of color. Just remember: reef-safe sunscreen, no touching, and don't chase the wildlife. A Raja Ampat Marine Park entry permit costs around US$50 per person and is required for all visitors.

Food and dining prices

Dining options in Misool are mostly limited to the homestays and resorts, which usually offer full-board packages (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for around US$20–30 per person per day. A la carte meals are rare. If you are staying at a basic homestay, expect simple local dishes featuring rice, fresh fish, and tropical fruit. Bringing your own snacks and extra water from Sorong is highly recommended, as shops are virtually non-existent on the islands.

Final Thoughts

Misool isn't a place you "do" in a rush. The boat rides are long, the weather can change your plans, and the simple homestays are part of the charm. Budget-wise, a basic homestay with full board runs roughly US$20–30 per person per night, while the exclusive Misool Eco Resort starts much higher, around US$650 per night. But if you give it time—three or four full days at least—you'll see why people call this the last paradise. Pack your grippy shoes, charge your camera batteries while the generator is on, and prepare to be completely off the grid. That's the deal, and it's a good one.