Sorong (Raja Ampat) Ferries

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

Sorong is accessible via Domine Eduard Osok Airport, which receives daily flights from Jakarta, Makassar, Manado and other Indonesian cities. From the airport, the ferry terminal is approximately 30 minutes away by taxi or ojek (motorcycle taxi), with fares typically negotiable. Public minivans (angkot) also run throughout the city and can take you to the harbor for a more budget-friendly option. If arriving from nearby islands, speedboats and wooden boats regularly connect Sorong to various parts of Papua. For those driving, limited parking is available near the ferry terminal, though most travelers opt to leave vehicles behind when heading to Raja Ampat.

Perched on the northwestern tip of West Papua, Sorong serves as the vital gateway to the breathtaking Raja Ampat archipelago, home to the most diverse marine ecosystem on Earth. This bustling port city blends Indonesian urban energy with the promise of untouched natural wonders just a ferry ride away. As you step off your ferry in Sorong, you're standing at the threshold of a world where pristine coral reefs, jungle-covered islands, and extraordinary wildlife await your exploration.

The dry season from October to April offers the most reliable weather for ferry travel to Raja Ampat, with calmer seas and exceptional underwater visibility for diving and snorkeling. November to March typically provides the best balance of good weather and manageable tourist numbers. The wet season (May to September) brings occasional heavy rainfall and rougher seas, though prices are lower and you'll encounter fewer fellow travelers. Ferry services run year-round but may be subject to weather-related cancellations during the monsoon season. For wildlife enthusiasts, the mating season of the Birds of Paradise (October to November) offers rare glimpses of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

From Sorong's busy port, the jewels of Raja Ampat beckon just a ferry journey away. Waisai, the main town on Waigeo Island, serves as the hub of Raja Ampat and can be reached in approximately 2-3 hours by ferry, operating daily. The pristine Misool Island, famous for its ancient rock paintings and vibrant coral gardens, is accessible via a 4-6 hour ferry journey, though services run less frequently. For a closer adventure, Doom Island sits just 10 minutes from Sorong harbor and offers a glimpse into local life and colonial history. The remote Batanta Island, with its lush rainforests and waterfalls, can be reached in about 3 hours by ferry, making it perfect for nature lovers seeking seclusion.

While most travelers quickly transit through Sorong to reach Raja Ampat, the city and its surroundings offer worthwhile experiences. The vibrant Remu Market provides an authentic glimpse into local life, where you can sample exotic fruits and fresh seafood while observing the daily rhythm of Papuan commerce. Nature enthusiasts should visit Sorong's mangrove forests, home to unique bird species and an important ecosystem protecting the coastline. For cultural immersion, the traditional villages outside the city center showcase authentic Papuan craftsmanship and lifestyle. Don't miss trying papeda (sago porridge) with yellow fish soup, a regional delicacy that reflects the rich culinary heritage of West Papua. The waterfront area near the harbor offers sunset views where you can watch fishing boats return with their daily catch.

Sorong's name derives from the local Biak language word 'Soren' meaning 'deep and choppy seas,' aptly describing the waters that connect this frontier city to Raja Ampat. Despite being a gateway to the world's richest marine biodiversity hotspot, Sorong itself was originally developed as an oil town in the early 20th century by the Dutch colonial administration. The waters surrounding Raja Ampat contain over 75% of the world's known coral species and more than 1,700 species of reef fish, more than twice the number found in the entire Caribbean. Local folklore tells of a woman who laid seven eggs, four of which hatched and became the kings of Raja Ampat's main islands, Raja Ampat literally translates to 'Four Kings.'