Papua’s Hidden Paradise - Whale Sharks & Waterfalls in Indonesia’s Far East

Finally we arrive in the wild and little-known paradise of Triton Bay, located on the southern edge of the Bird’s Head Seascape in West Papua, Indonesia. Near Kaimana.

Often overshadowed by its famous northern neighbor, Raja Ampat, Triton Bay offers a more untouched and intimate experience with nature. Here, we begin our journey exploring vibrant coral gardens and nutrient-rich waters that nurture an incredible diversity of life—from tiny nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses to swirling schools of fish.

One of the most breathtaking moments of this episode is our close encounter with whale sharks at traditional fishing platforms known as bagans. In this extraordinary scene, we dive alongside these gentle giants as they glide beneath the wooden rafts, attracted by the small fish released by local fishermen. It’s a unique and respectful interaction, showcasing a rare and symbiotic relationship between people and wildlife.

But Triton Bay is not just about what lies beneath the surface. We venture inland to discover a hidden waterfall near the village of Karawawi, where time seems to slow down. Greeted by the warmth of local villagers, we experience the gentle rhythm of life here—children playing by the river, elders weaving, and stories passed down through generations. This moment offers a deeper connection to the human side of the region, reminding us that conservation must also consider the communities who call this place home.

Along the way, we sail aboard a traditional Phinisi liveaboard, capturing life at sea, stunning coastal landscapes, and the camaraderie between divers and crew. The episode is infused with a sense of adventure, serenity, and reverence for the ocean.

Shot in cinematic 4K and paired with modern classical music, immersive sound design, and narrative storytelling, this film is part of a long-form documentary series that aims to highlight the wonders—and fragility—of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems.

Triton Bay is the beginning of our journey north, and this episode serves as a prologue to the famed biodiversity of Misool and Raja Ampat, which we explore in future chapters.

🐋 Featured Highlights:
• Diving with whale sharks at local bagans
• Exploring coral reefs rich in macro life
• Visiting the Kawawawi waterfall and nearby village
• Sailing and life aboard a traditional Phinisi
• Reflections on conservation, connection, and the magic of remote Indonesia

🎬 This is more than a dive trip. It’s a story of discovery, biodiversity, and balance between humans and the sea.

➤ Subscribe for the next chapter as we head into Misool, the crown jewel of Raja Ampat.

➤ Follow me on Instagram   / sam_indowild  

➤ Checkout my video of how the wonderful handcrafted Phinisi boats are built by the Bugis tribe in Bira, Sulawesi.    • Meeting the Ship Builders of Indonesia | T...  

⸻

#TritonBay #WhaleSharks #CoralTriangle #UnderwaterIndonesia #RajaAmpatJourney #LiveaboardAdventure #OceanDocumentary #PhinisiSailing #BiodiversityHotspot