Getting to Raja Ampat is a two step process.
Step 1: Arrange your international air transportation to one of three Indonesian Gateway cities—Manado, Bali, or Jakarta.

Step 2: Purchase a domestic air ticket from your Indonesian Gateway city to Jefman Airport in Sorong (city code SOQ) on Papua Island (formerly known is Irian Jaya). This is the starting point for your Raja Ampat voyage.(Please note that without an Indonesian crecit card you will be unable to purchase Indonesian domestic flights - we can arrange these for you at a nominal charge)

Bali Gateway:
Using this routing you would fly to Denpasar Airport in Bali (DPS) usingyour international carrier. This route to Raja Ampat requires two legs. First is a 75 minute flight from Bali (DPS) to Ujung Pangdang (UPG - also called Makassar), a city on the island of South Sulawesi. An overnight hotel stay will be required in Ujung Padang as the onward flight does not depart until the following morning (We recommend the Imperial Aryaduta Hotel) for your overnight stay. The two hour and ten minute flight to Sorong (SOQ) the following day is operated daily with early morning departures. On the return guests can route through either Ujung Pandang or Ambon (AMQ) to return to Bali. The return to Bali can be accomplished in a single day.

Manado Gateway:
Using this route you would fly into Manado (MDC) on North Sulawesi with your international flightn normally from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. An overnight stay may then be required in Manado at this point, depending on your flight schedules. From Manado connections can be made using either Lion Air or Merpati Airline for the flight into Sorong (SOQ). Flight times range between one hour fifteen minutes to two hours ten minutes depending on the carrier and whether they route through Makassar or fly direct. Between the two carriers, there are flights every day, except Sunday. The return flights work just the opposite. Again, an overnight stay may be required in either Manado, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to sync up the international segments.

Jakarta Gateway:
A third alternative for guests is to use Soekarno Hatta International Airportin Jakarta (JKT), Indonesia as their gateway. The journey toSorong (SOQ) can then be completed in a single day with flights on either Xpress Air or Merpati Airline that connect in Ujung Padang (UPG - also known as Makassar) on South Sulawesi Island. The return trip from Sorong to Jakarta can also be completed in a single day.

No matter which gateway city guests choose to utilize, we recommend two hotel nights be built into your travels. One upon arrival between the international and domestic legs, and one on your journey home between the domestic and international legs. Should a flight delay (or baggage delay) be encountered in either direction, your domestic and international airline tickets are not “linked”, and as such, no compensation or assistance would be offered by the airline. The only protection available would be Trip Interruption and Cancellation insurance.

Domestic Air Carrier Notes:
We recommend two hotel nights be built into your travels. One upon arrival between the international and domestic legs, and one on your journey home between the domestic and international legs. Should a flight delay/cancellation, baggage delay, or schedule change be encountered in either direction, your domestic and international airline tickets are not “linked”, and as such, no compensation orassistance would be offered by the airline. The only financial protection available would be Trip Interruption and Cancellation insurance.
Domestic airlines have different baggage weight restrictions than international carriers. Many times these flightsare on smaller turboprop aircraft and not jets which do not have as much space and cannot take as much weight. Therefore they have more restrictive luggage reqirements. A rule of thumb is that passengers are allowed 44lbs (20kg). Above that - expect excess baggage charges. All guests are advised to please pack carefully and light using soft bags for easier storage on the boat. Just because excess luggage charges are paid it does not necessarily mean that your luggage and you will travel on the same fight or arrive on the same day.
Premier liveaboard diving and its local agents will schedule domestic flights and purchase a tickets on behalf of guests as a service for a nominal fee, however, in doing so, Premier liveaboard diving is only acting as an agent for the airline and is not responsible for, and can accept no responsibility for, cancellations, delays, schedule changes, or problems caused by the air carrier.

WHERE IS RAJA AMPAT IN INDONESIA?
Located west of Sorong on the peninsula of New Guinea Island, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals. The four main islands-Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo and their satellite islands cover an areas some 23,630 square miles (61,200 sq. kilometers). Raja Ampat is a part of the newly named West Papua province of Indonesia which was formerly Irian Jaya.

WHAT KIND OF DIVING IS FOUND IN RAJA AMPAT?
Put simply, Raja Ampat could quite possibly be the best diving in the world. The pristine beauty of the area, both above and below the water is truly unrivalled. This area's staggering abundance of marine life is a result of its incredibly low human population density. According to the Conservation International Rapid Assessment Bulletin the marine life diversity for diving in Raja Ampat is considerably greater than all other areas sampled in the coral triangle of Indonesia. The Raja Ampat area is considered home to more than 1,000 fish species, 101 of which were previously unknown in Raja Ampat and four that are new to all of Indonesia. The reefs of Raja Ampat are just as varied as the marine life. There are vertical walls, reef flats, slopes, sea mounts, mucky mangroves, lagoons and pinnacles. The reefs are in pristine condition with miles of perfect hard corals and many varied colorful species of soft corals.

IN WHAT TIME ZONE IS RAJA AMPAT LOCATED?
Raja Ampat is covered by Eastern Indonesia Standard Time and is 9 hours ahead of GMT.

WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN ON BOARD?
There are about 583 languages and dialects spoken in the archipelago. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. In all tourist destination areas English is the number one foreign language. Our crew will converse in English with the guests.

WHAT WEATHER CONDITIONS CAN I EXPECT IN RAJA AMPAT
Raja Ampat is a year round diving destination. There is no real rainy season like that found in other areas of Indonesia. A light wetsuit is necessary, though some people choose more thermal protection (a 3mm suit) to ensure continued core temperature warmth throughout their visit.

WHAT CURRENCY IS USED?
Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency. It is advisable to exchange currency at banks, as the most favorable exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere. Most banks are open Monday to Friday. It is recommended that you exchange enough for island tipping and small pocket change. Major credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, hotels, car rental companies, and shops. Travelers checks are accepted everywhere.

WHAT DOES MY PARADISE DANCER PACKAGE INCLUDE?
All staterooms are air-conditioned and fitted with private toilets, showers and sinks. Breakfast (cooked to order), buffet lunch and an elegant meal at dinner with table side service are served daily in addition to fresh midmorning and mid-afternoon snacks. Beverages (non-alcoholic) are complimentary while onboard. Bathrobes and some toiletries are available for your use onboard. The yacht is equipped with hairdryers in each stateroom. Linens are changed mid-week and fresh towels are placed in each stateroom daily as needed. Filled tanks, weights and weight belts are included. Ground transfers are also included, from the Sorong Airport to Paradise Dancer and from Paradise Dancer back to the Sorong Airport.

FOR WHAT ADDITIONAL EXPENSES WILL I BE RESPONSIBLE?
No air transportation is included in the Dancer package. An airport departure tax must be paid at the airport when leaving. Please see the latest rate schedule for departure tax amount. Dive instruction, dive and photo equipment rentals and “Boatique” purchases must be settled onboard prior to departure. Acceptable methods of payment include: US Dollars, local currency, Traveler’s Checks, or Credit Cards (AMEX, Visa or MasterCard). Personal checks are not accepted.
Crew gratuities are not included.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF INDONESIA
The name Indonesia has its roots in two Greek words: "Indos" meaning Indian and "Nesos" which
means islands. It is an appropriate description of the archipelago as there are estimated to be a total of
17,508 islands, of which only about 6,000 are inhabited, stretching for 5,150 km between the Australian
and Asian continental mainland and dividing the Pacific and Indian Oceans at the Equator.
The islands and people of Indonesia constitute the fourth most populated nation in the world. As a
democratic republic, Indonesia is divided into 27 provinces and special territories and classified
geographically into four groups. It is a part of the newly named West Papua (province) of Indonesia
which was formerly Irian Jaya.
A rich history of kingdoms, conquests, colonialism, trade and natural disasters has bequeathed
Indonesia with an exhilarating kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions, people, languages and religions,
aspirations and problems, and the dramatic scenery of changing landscapes. It is the combination of
the friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, and the year-round
pleasant climate that make this such a desirable vacation destination. And then there is Raja Ampat's special "magic” as the epicenter of marine biodiversity in the “Coral Triangle”.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF RAJA AMPAT
Prior to the 16th century and the arrival of the Portuguese, very little was known in the west about this region, but trade with the Moluccan Islands, Timor and perhaps Java existed long before this.
After a few years of unsuccessful attempts to discover this fabled island of gold, Ynigo Ortiz de Retes finally landed in 1545, naming New Guinea and claiming it for the King of Spain. Several failed gold explorations followed, but it was only in 1714 that Spain was forced to relinquish control to Holland and England.
The Dutch and English had long been interested in Irian Jaya's trade commodities of nutmeg, massio bark, trepang (dried sea cucumbers), tortoise shells, pearls, birds of paradise skins and slaves. The British finally proclaimed a Protectorate in the east in 1884 and the Dutch established two permanent posts in the west in 1899. The boundaries were settled in 1895 and 1910.
It was World War II that finally put New Guinea on the map in western history, when it became a fierce battleground between the Japanese and Allied forces. When the end of World War II came the Dutch handed over the territories to Indonesia.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW DO I GET TO THE RAJA AMPAT ISLANDS?
Getting to Raja Ampat is through one of three Indonesian Gateway cities: Manado, Bali, or Jakarta.
No matter which gateway city guests choose to utilize, we recommend two hotel nights be built into your travels. One upon arrival between the international and domestic legs, and one on your journey home between the domestic and international legs.

WHAT LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS DO I NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT?
For international flights, please check with your carrier about weight restrictions and any other restrictions on the content of your luggage.
No matter which gateway you are using, you will also be flying on a domestic Indonesian air carrier to reach Sorong.
Guests are encouraged to pack as light as possible as these aircraft do have strict weight restrictions. The
individual luggage allowance on these flights are 44lb (20kg) per person. Luggage in excess of this weight is charged at a per kilogram rate determined by the particular airline being used. (A connecting flight would have two segments.) However, please be advised there is no guarantee that any excess luggage (especially that above 45kg) will actually travel on the same flight as the guest. This in turn could result in luggage not making it to the guest in time for the charters departure or an international flight home.

WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WILL I NEED?
You are required to posses a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and have proof of return or onward ticketing. You may also require a Visa. You may qualify for a free Visa or a Visa on arrival depending on your citizenship. Please contact your local Embassy or Consulate for your destination or review the requirements one of the many travel visa information websites.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION?
At the airport, customs formalities are usually quick and trouble free. Tourists are allowed articles for use during their stay. These include items of personal adornment, wearing apparel, toilet requisites and any portable articles which someone can reasonably be expected to use during their stay.

WHAT ARE THE EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION TIMES?
You may board the Paradise Dancer at 4:00 pm on the embarkation day. Once all guests are onboard, the Paradise Dancer will depart.
On the day of disembarkation, you will be transferred to the airport between 6:00 am and 1:00 pm.

HOW DO I GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO PARADISE DANCER?
The Paradise Dancer package includes a transfer from the Sorong Airport to the yacht.
Once you have claimed your luggage, please look for an agent holding a Paradise Dancer sign or a sign with your name on it. A transfer company has been hired to meet and greet our Paradise Dancer guests and transport you to the yacht. It is approximately a 20 minute drive from the airport to the harbor where the yacht is.

HOW DO I GET FROM THE HOTEL TO PARADISE DANCER IF I ARRIVE EARLY?
If you arrive early into Sorong you will be responsible for making your way to the Paradise Dancer docks, or you may join up with other guests arriving at the airport for transport to the yacht.

WHAT DO WE DO ON THE DAY WE DISEMBARK?
The Paradise Dancer returns to port on the morning that you disembark the yacht. Final disembarkation will occur between 6 am – 1 pm at the end of the charter. Transfers are provided to the airport for guests departing this day.
For those guests with an afternoon flight to Manado, Bali, or Jakarta our crew can attempt to make arrangements for an island tour in Sorong in the morning to give you time to off gas and enjoy the land sites that Indonesia has to offer, prior to boarding a domestic flight.

HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR PRE AND POST CHARTER HOTELS AND TRANSFERS?
Your Peter Hughes Diving® reservationists can arrange packages for those Paradise Dancer guests who wish to extend their stay in Indonesia. Please inquire with us if your schedule will permit.

DO I NEED TRIP INSURANCE?
We strongly recommend that each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance when space is reserved. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to illness or family illness, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or yacht from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond the control of Peter Hughes Diving, there will be no refund or credit issued. We also recommend diving accident insurance.

ON-BOARD
IF I AM TRAVELING AS A SINGLE, WILL I HAVE A ROOMMATE?
All rates are quoted on a share basis; therefore, unless you require a guaranteed single room and pay an additional supplement, you will very likely be sharing your stateroom with one other guest of the same gender.

WHAT TYPE OF FOOD IS PREPARED?
Meals prepared by our onboard chef consist of an international mix with a local flair. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise our office as soon as possible so we can adequately prepare to meet your needs. Certain special dietary and beverage requests may not be available on a consistent basis due to the remote nature of this location.

WHAT KINDS OF BEVERAGES ARE AVAILABLE?
The Dancer’s selection includes fruit juices, soft drinks, plenty of iced water, tea and coffee and a limited selection of local beer, wine and alcoholic beverages. Fresh milk may not be available, although UHT long life milk is provided onboard. We recommend that you purchase any special brands of alcoholic beverages that you may want to consume onboard the Dancer at the Duty Free Shop at any airport. We encourage you to consume lots of non-alcoholic liquids during the week to avoid dehydration.
REMEMBER: ALCOHOL AND DIVING DO NOT MIX.
For your safety, we recommend that the consumption of any alcoholic beverage be delayed until your dive day is complete.

WHAT ELECTRICAL CURRENT IS AVAILABLE?
The electrical current on Paradise Dancer is 220 volts. Guests may wish to bring a converter for the use of small appliances in your stateroom. There is a charging station in the Salon which offers access to both 110V and 220V power.

HOW MUCH SHALL I PACK?
Please plan to travel light, as on all live-aboard dive yachts, space is limited. We recommend that you pack your gear in soft luggage such as duffel bags for easy stowage and to add to your comfort in your cabin, leave those large, rigid suitcases at home.
Clothing should be lightweight, comfortable sportswear and bathing suits are a must. A light sweater or jacket is ideal for the evenings. Dress aboard is always casual. Light clothing that reflects the sun is best, and a hat is a recommended. Evening dress is informal. Additional items you may want to bring are sunscreen, sunglasses, walking shoes for your time on shore. Hairdryers are provided in each cabin. We recommend you pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, bathing suit and change of clothes and essential items in your carry-on bag. This will make it easier in the event your luggage is delayed. Please check with your
airline as to what weight restrictions will apply to your carry-on and checked luggage.

WILL THERE BE ANY OPPORTUNITIES TO GO ASHORE DURING THE CRUISE?
There is often an opportunity to visit a local village during the cruise.

WHAT IF I AM PRONE TO SEA SICKNESS?
Currents and winds may cause moderate movement of the yacht at times. If you have a tendency toward seasickness we strongly urge you to bring some over-the-counter motion sickness medication or consult your doctor about prescription brands, such as the trans-dermal patch or Scopace tablets. Chewable ginger tablets or capsules of powdered ginger have also proved to be effective.

WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY ONBOARD?
All Dancer crews are trained in first aid and diving accident management. Each yacht is equipped with a complete first aid kit and a high capacity oxygen system. Each yacht also has direct contact with the closest hyperbaric chamber. Since emergency transportation and treatment cost is the responsibility of each guest, we strongly recommend that you dive conservatively and obtain special insurance for divers from Divers Alert Network, Dive Assure or similarly ranked company.

HOW CAN MY FAMILY CONTACT ME IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY AT HOME?
Your family may contact you in the case of a medical emergency by calling our Miami office at 1-800-932-6237 or 305-669-9391 during business hours (8 am – 6 pm EST weekdays and 9 am – 5 pm EST on Saturdays). If outside of our operating hours, you may call our emergency cell phone number, 305-778-8004. Please reserve calling this number for emergencies only.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, MAIL, AND E-MAIL
Check with your local cell phone provider for service while visiting the Dancer yacht and it’s destination. Each Dancer is equipped with Satellite based phone and email for emergency communications.

IS SMOKING PERMITTED?
A designated area on the back of the outdoor lido deck is available for smoking. Smoking is not permitted in any other area for any reason.

IS THERE ENTERTAINMENT ONBOARD?
The Dancer has a multi-system TV/VCR unit for videotape and video camera playback, a compact disc player, a DVD player and stereo in the main salon. If you have a favorite movie, slide show or a video to share, we encourage you to bring it along! You may also bring your own favorite music CD’s or DVD’s. A small library of “books for exchange” is maintained onboard, as well as fish identification books for reference.

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE A SPECIAL OCCASION?
Our crew is delighted to help you celebrate any special occasion onboard including birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons or weddings. Kindly advise our office at least 30 days prior to departure so that we can adequately prepare.

IS IT CUSTOMARY TO OFFER A GRATUITY TO THE CREW?
Aboard Dancer Fleet yachts, gratuities are not included. We prefer that our guests reward our crew based on performance. If the crew performs to your expectations, we suggest that a gratuity of approximately 10%-15% of the published package price be considered normal aboard a live aboard dive yacht. Payment of gratuities is entirely at the discretion of the guest. It is policy on all Dancer Fleet yachts to equally divide all collected gratuities among the crew. Payment of gratuities can be by cash, traveler’s checks,
or credit card (AMEX, MasterCard or Visa).

HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY EXPENSES AND PURCHASES ONBOARD?
Each Dancer yacht has a small, onboard “Boatique” which sells a selection of logo clothing, custom jewelry, sundries, diving accessories, batteries, logbooks, etc. A crew member will gladly assist you with your purchases at any time during the week. The US Dollar, local currency, Traveler’s Checks or credit cards (MasterCard, AMEX, or Visa) are accepted onboard. Personal checks are not accepted.

DIVING OPERATIONS
HOW MANY DIVES WILL WE DO EACH DAY?
We will offer up to four dives per day, including a night dive. On the first and last dive days there will be 2-3 dives (weather and sea conditions permitting).

WHAT PAPERWORK WILL I NEED FOR DIVING?
Please bring your application form, certification card and log book for verification of your dive training and experience. You will be required to complete and sign a standard release and waiver form prior to your arrival. Please remember that you alone are responsible for determining your medical and physical fitness to dive or to take part in any other activities during this trip.

DIVING ACTIVITIES ARE CONDUCTED AT YOUR OWN RISK.
We take no responsibility with respect to your determination. If you have any questions concerning your medical or physical fitness to dive or take part in any such activities, please consult your personal physician.

HOW WILL WE DIVE FROM THE PARADISE DANCER?
TENDER DIVING IS THE RULE RATHER THAN THE EXCEPTION.
All dives will be made from 2 dive tenders. Guests get on board without full dive gear. Guests will then don their gear at the dive site. For divers who require special assistance we will happily to provide it. Backward roll entry from the tender is the most convenient way to enter the water. Our crew will hand down
cameras and other equipment. To re-board the tenders, guests may remove their gear in the water and hand it up to our staff and simply climb aboard by way of a ladder secured to the gunwale of the tender.
For your safety, it is mandatory for each diver to carry an emergency SMB (safety sausage), Dive Alert (personal air horn), and mini-strobe light on all dives. If you do not bring any one of these devices with you they are available for rent on board, however, quantities may be limited. If you do not possess these items, please notify our office prior to departure.

ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS ON THE DIVING?
All diving on board the Paradise Dancer should be within the limits and standards your certification agency. All dives should be planned no-decompression dives.
Solo diving and re-breather diving is not permitted.

CAN I EARN ADVANCED DIVING CERTIFICATIONS OR SPECIALTIES ON BOARD?
Several diving specialty courses are offered on the every Dancer yacht, but it is necessary to give at least one month notice to Peter Hughes Diving in advance of your charter date to ensure that an instructor will have the time available and that all required paperwork is complete.
IMPORTANT: If you intend to receive diving instruction onboard, you must complete a medical statement
in advance and return it to Peter Hughes Diving prior to he departure date. A doctor’s note will be required if you answer yes to any of the questions on the medical statement. A list of available courses and prices is located on our website.

ARE NITROX FILLS AVAILABLE?
Every Dancer is equipped with Nitrox facilities. Nitrox fills of up to 32% are normally available to all certified Nitrox divers for an additional charge. Nitrox Dive Profiles must be planned and executed with a Nitrox compatible computer. It is recommended that the planned PO2 level be set within the limits of your certifying agency. All Nitrox fills must be analyzed by the divers using the mix and logged prior to each and every dive. Oxygen analyzers available for use by guests while onboard will be calibrated a minimum of one
time per day by a crew member. Nitrox certifications are usually available onboard to all certified open water divers for an additional charge.

WHAT DIVING EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED TO BRING?
Equipment provided aboard the Paradise Dancer includes tanks (80 cu. ft. aluminum with yoke style "K" valves), weights and weight belts. Divers will also need the following equipment:

WHAT SAFETY EQUPMENT DO I NEED TO HAVE?
We suggest that you bring your own to ensure compatibility with your personal equipment. The Paradise Dancer has a limited supply available for rental by our guests.

ARE DIVE GEAR AND PHOTO/VIDEO GEAR AVAILABLE FOR RENT?
Every Dancer has a limited amount of diving equipment available for rent, so it is critical that you advise our office staff in advance if you decide you want to rent gear. We offer ScubaPro BCD's with Dive Alerts and ScubaPro regulators. The photo shop offers digital cameras housed in an underwater housing.

I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER – WHAT CAN I EXPECT
Photo opportunities are abundant and no matter what system you have. Guests who are shooting digital photography may view their images on either of the two computers, a PC and a MAC, we provide in the salon for your use.
Camera Tables: Every Dancer has a camera table built into the dive deck for your use.
Charging Stations: There is a charging station for your use with 110V power available.
Rinse Buckets: There is a “cameras only” rinse bucket for the exclusive use of photographers onboard.
All divers are required to have a buddy with them at all times. When on a drift dive, photographers are expected to stay with the body of the group on their tender. You may move away from the group within reason – providing that the divemaster leading the dive is kept in sight at all times. You will not be permitted to separate from the group or carry your own drift line.

CAN I FISH OR SPEARFISH?
Fishing and spear fishing are not available. Spear fishing equipment is prohibited onboard the diving yacht.