Biak Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Travelers can reach Biak primarily via Frans Kaisiepo International Airport, which connects to major Indonesian cities like Jakarta and Makassar with flights taking approximately 4-5 hours from Jakarta. From the airport, local transport options including taxis and minibuses (bemos) provide connections to the ferry terminal, typically a 30-minute journey. Regular ferry services connect Biak to mainland Papua (Manokwari and Jayapura) and other nearby islands. For those already in Papua, passenger boats from Manokwari take approximately 12 hours to reach Biak, offering a scenic maritime approach to the island.

Nestled in the pristine waters of Cenderawasih Bay, Biak Island stands as a tropical paradise in Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua. This lush island combines spectacular white-sand beaches with verdant rainforests and a rich Melanesian cultural heritage. As a key ferry hub in eastern Indonesia, Biak offers travelers an authentic gateway to explore the natural wonders of Papua while providing a fascinating blend of traditional lifestyles and World War II historical sites.

Biak enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, averaging 27-32°C (80-90°F). The most favorable months to visit are May through October, when rainfall is less frequent and seas are calmer, making for more reliable ferry schedules and pleasant island exploration. October to December brings the peak fishing season, attracting enthusiasts from across Indonesia. The shoulder months of April and November offer good weather with fewer visitors, making them ideal for travelers seeking tranquility. During the rainy season (December-March), ferry services may occasionally face delays, though the lush, vibrant landscape compensates for any wait.

Biak serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Papua's coastal treasures. Regular ferries connect to Manokwari (12 hours), the capital of West Papua Province, known for its spectacular diving sites and access to the Arfak Mountains. Yapen Island lies just a 3-hour ferry ride south, offering pristine beaches and remarkable birdwatching opportunities, including glimpses of the region's famous birds of paradise. For the adventurous, longer ferry journeys reach Jayapura (24 hours), Papua's provincial capital, combining urban amenities with access to traditional villages. The waters between these destinations form part of Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia's largest marine national park, making the ferry journeys attractions in themselves.

Biak's clear waters make snorkeling at Bosnik Beach a must-do activity, where vibrant coral gardens teem with marine life just meters from shore. History enthusiasts should visit the Japanese Caves and War Memorial, remnants of the island's significant role during World War II. The traditional market in Kota Biak offers a sensory journey through Papuan culture, where you can sample local specialties like papeda (sago porridge) served with yellow fish soup. Don't miss Biak's famous sunrise at Korem Beach, where locals gather to start their day with fishing. For cultural immersion, time your visit with the colorful Biak Festival, where traditional war dances and crafts showcase the island's rich heritage.

Biak sits on what locals call the 'Ring of Fire' but actually benefits from this position with natural limestone formations creating some of Indonesia's most spectacular and least-visited cave systems. The island was once a major World War II battleground, with remnants of Japanese bunkers and American equipment still visible in the jungle. Biak's unique position has made it home to several endemic species, including the Biak Paradise Kingfisher, found nowhere else on Earth. The island also holds the distinction of being one of the few places where traditional navigation techniques using stars and currents are still practiced by local sailors.