The"Rock Islands" of Melanesia

Being confined to the westernmost fringes of the South Pacific for much of a year, I have at last managed to finally (after years of longing, dreaming and planning) reach the cluster of uninhabited islands that may well be the most spectacular in all of Melanesia.

I put some pics on VT, among them a typical view from sea, the archipelago's trademark, beehive-shaped rock islands, what I would call a beach with good snorkelling potential, and a morning view.

Some of the islands passed on the way were pretty scenic, too - I quite liked this one or this beach.

I guess the Rock Islands of Palau, or Vavau in Tonga are something like this - could anyone compare?

A few more pics here and here.

The rock islands of Palau are older and have eroded around the bottom, giving them a mushroom shape. They are generally covered in green as opposed to the more brownish ones you show. I would guess that in several thousands of years these will look similar. The beaches look very similar though.

Wonderful photos-Thanks for sharing!

Are these islands also known as Waigeo (or part of it)?

Amazing photo's. These islands look more spectacular than anything I've seen in Tonga.

Was it difficult to get there?

Enjoy your travels.

Wouter

Terrific photos!!

These islands are quite a distance west of Waigeo, and as they are uninhabited, they are a lot more difficult (and expensive) to get to.
It's by charter only.
Waigeo itself is a much larger, inhabited island, relatively close to the largish city of Sorong, thus more easily accessible. It's also quite pretty, but not quite as strikingly unique as these.