Imagine diving the waters of Misool, foraging in the lush jungles of Raja Ampat, learning age-old cooking techniques, sleeping on deck under the stars and sharing tales of folklore and ancestry with Indonesian locals.
These, among many others, are the experiences offered by our sister company Emperor Adventure on the amazing nine-night Culture & Cuisine trip. Curated by famous wild-cook Tait Miller, this unforgettable voyage is taken from the comfort our beautiful schooner Emperor Raja Laut – an intimate vessel which holds just 12 guests. It will take you into the heart of Indonesia. It will engage all your senses and enliven both heart and mind – it’s the real Raja Ampat.
And here, in Tait’s own words, is how this wonderful journey-like-no-other came to be…
As soon as I stepped off the plane in Sorong, my senses were immediately ignited. The heat wrapped around me like a welcome, and the unmistakable scent of sea air mingled with the aromas of spices drifting from nearby food stalls. I had been thinking about Raja Ampat constantly since my last visit – the vivid memories of colourful markets filled with herbs, the buzz of the bustling port city framed by lush jungle, and the anticipation of raw, untouched beauty had all been building up in my mind.
We were greeted by a warm, smiling driver who ushered us through the energetic city and out toward the harbour. The journey was a blur of scooters, street vendors, and glimpses of jungle canopy. At the dock, we boarded a rib and set off across the open water, slicing through waves toward our floating home for the next 10 days – the majestic Emperor Raja Laut.
Our mission? To explore Raja Ampat in depth – uncover the best of its adventures, its flavours, its soul – and craft the ultimate tour experience.
Our first destination was the far south islands of Misool, an area famed for its ethereal Jellyfish Lake and pristine dive sites regarded as some of the best in the world. That first night, I chose to sleep on deck beneath the stars. There’s something magical about letting the sea cradle you to sleep, the salty breeze cooling your skin, the sky stretching endlessly above.
At first light, the boat stirred to life. I woke to the sound of gentle waves lapping against the hull and the faint clinking of coffee cups as the crew prepared for the day. Our dive gear had been set up the night before, so we were ready to hit the water with the rising sun.
Slipping into the ocean at that hour felt like entering a dream. Schools of fish shimmered like confetti through the beams of sunlight, and enormous fan corals swayed gently in the current, painting the reef with colour.
Each dive brought something new – manta rays gliding overhead, pygmy seahorses camouflaged in coral, and moments of silence where the vastness of the ocean humbled us all. Even above water, the scenery stunned: limestone cliffs rising dramatically from turquoise lagoons, secret coves where the water looks like glass, and islands dotted with villages whose people welcomed us like old friends.
For me, travel is about full immersion. It’s not just about seeing a place, but tasting it, learning its rhythms, and understanding its stories.
Onboard Raja Laut, I spent hours in the galley with our local chef, learning the art of Papuan cooking. He showed me how to make tempeh from scratch – fermenting soybeans wrapped in banana leaves – and how to use jungle-foraged ingredients like sago, pandan, and wild greens to create dishes both nourishing and unforgettable.
We cooked sambal with volcanic spice, grilled freshly-caught fish over open flame, and steamed banana leaf parcels filled with fragrant rice and forest herbs. Every meal was a lesson, every flavour a portal into the heart of Raja Ampat.
I also took time to sit with the crew and hear their stories. It was fascinating to hear tales of their ancestors who navigated these waters by the stars, of sacred caves and spirit birds, and of the deep respect they hold for the land and sea.
As our journey neared its end, we stopped at a secluded beach that felt almost too perfect to be real – white sand, clear water, and a gentle breeze whispering through palm fronds.
This would be our final rest before returning to Sorong. But this spot held more than just beauty – it held purpose.
My friend Jack, who had moved to Raja six years ago, had transformed this stretch of land into a living example of sustainability. He’d built a thriving permaculture garden, cultivating native species and using natural systems to recycle water and nourish the soil.
His work now supports nearby homestays and helps provide a sustainable future for tourism in the region. Talking to him I felt inspired; this was a chance to be part of something bigger.
And now, with reefs explored, flavours savoured and stories shared, I have the blueprint for a tour that captures the heart of Raja Ampat.
This isn’t just about ticking off sights, it’s about immersion. It’s about waking up to the rhythm of the sea, diving into crystal waters, cooking with locals, and connecting with both nature and yourself.
I can’t wait to take you on this journey of a lifetime. Whether you’re a diver, a foodie, an adventurer, or a curious soul seeking meaning through travel – Raja Ampat has something for you.
And I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Fancy joining Tait on this incredible journey? Spaces are very limited so don’t miss out. It takes place over nine nights from October 26, 2025 and you can find out more on the Emperor Adventure Culture & Cuisine page. You can also book your place and ask our team any questions by emailing [email protected] or going to our Contact Us form.
