How to get to Raja Ampat

How to get to Sorong Papua is only a small part of the journey, especially if you’re endeavouring to get to Raja Ampat. It’s a mission. However, the remoteness of Raja Ampat Papua and its difficulty to reach are a blessing in disguise. They help deter mass tourism and thus far has kept Raja Ampat pristine and unspoiled. But once you are there, the trip is going to be worth it. But before you can get to Raja Ampat, you need to get to Sorong, West Papua first. What are your flight options? 

We suggest taking flights with the least transfers. Getting to Raja Ampat from anywhere in Indonesia is already time-consuming as it is. There are cheaper options to get to Raja Ampat but they often come with more transfers, and thus, more time consumed. So taking the most direct flight possible will help lessen the time and energy you spend to get there. Here are our recommendations to get to Raja Ampat whether you’re coming from Bali, Jakarta, or Singapore:


From Bali to Raja Ampat, West Papua

As of now, there is no direct flight from the Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali to Raja Ampat nor Sorong Papua. If you’re flying from Bali, these are your options:

Going to West Papua Airport Sorong from Bali  

Bali Ngurah Rai Intl. Airport (DPS) to Sorong Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ)

  •   Bali (DPS) → Makassar Sultan Hasannuddin Airport (UPG) → Sorong (SOQ)
  •   Bali (DPS) → Manado Sam Ratulangi Airport (MDC) → Sorong (SOQ)
  •   Bali (DPS) → Surabaya Juanda Airport (SUB) → Sorong (SOQ)

The most recommended routes are Makassar and Manado routes. Be careful when choosing Surabaya as your transfer to Sorong, as most of the flights are going to transit at Makassar (UPG) first before flying to Sorong. As a reference, Indonesian locals often use these websites to search for flights: traveloka, tiket.com.

Aerial View | Raja Ampat | Hello Papua
Panorama Landscape in Kabui Bay, Waigeo. West Papuan, Raja Ampat

From Jakarta to Papua

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia. If you don’t plan on spending some time in Bali, then flying directly to Jakarta is a good option. There are only a few direct flights from Jakarta to Sorong compared to flying from Makassar and Manado. They are usually either operated by Garuda Indonesia or Batik Air. But if there is a direct flight from Jakarta that coincides with your travel time, then we recommend taking it. Here are our recommended options: 

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) to Sorong Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ)

  • Jakarta (CGK) → Sorong (SOQ)
  • Jakarta (CGK) → Makassar (UPG) → Sorong (SOQ)
Wisesa Liveaboard | Cruising Raja Ampat | Hello Papua

From Singapore to Raja Ampat

Singapore is a very close neighbor of Indonesia that share the same timezone as Central Indonesian Time (this includes Bali). A lot of tourists coming from Asian countries; Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, and many other countries transit in Singapore. We recommend choosing a flight from Changi International Airport to Jakarta followed by a direct flight from Jakarta to Sorong. A more frequent flight, but with more transfers would be a flight from Jakarta to Makassar, then Sorong. If you’re flying from Singapore, here are your options:

Singapore Changi International Airport to Sorong Domine Eduard Osok Airport (SOQ)

  • Singapore (SIN) → Jakarta (CGK) → Sorong (SOQ)
  • Singapore (SIN) → Jakarta (CGK) → Makassar (UPG) → Sorong (SOQ)

Once you get to Sorong, the dive cruise or liveaboard team will pick you up. And off you go! Getting to Sorong is half the battle won. Now all that’s left is for you to enjoy your much-deserved treat to Raja Ampat.

Note: the information provided here merely act as a guide or reference to help you plan your trip better. Airline routes and such can change without notice. Always do your own research to make sure the information you’re getting is up to date.