Papua Explorers

Scheduled transfer options Sundays and Wednesdays:

Sorong to the resort:

Transfers include a 30-minute car ride to Sorong Harbour. The transfer boat leaves no later than 12:00 noon.

Resort to Sorong:

Departing the resort at 06:00 am, you will arrive at Sorong Airport in time for any flights departing later than 10:30 am.

Non-scheduled transfer options: Public Ferry via Waisai

• Ferry crossing, airport transfers & resort transfer boat from Waisai

Flights advice

The easiest way to get to Sorong is by flying via Jakarta, Singapore or Bali. Domestic travellers can also fly through Makassar or Manado.

From Bali: Garuda has recently commenced a weekly scheduled flight direct from Bali to Sorong on a Sunday, which arrives in time for the transfer to Papua Paradise.

From Jakarta or Bali: Garuda Indonesia, Express Air, Sriwijaya Air, and Lion/Wings operate daily flights from Jakarta to Sorong, with stopovers in Ujung Pandang/Makassar or Manado.

From Singapore: Silkair offers regular flights from Singapore to Manado. From Manado to Sorong, regular flights are available with Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Express Air.

Here's an easy way to see all the Flight Connections

Note: Flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

Visa on arrival is available for many countries which costs USD35. However, VoA also tends to attract significant delays with queues etc.

Nomadic Scuba's Top Tip: To get ahead of the game use the online portal and arrange your visa before you leave home.

Check it out: https:/molina.imigrasi.go.id/

Papua Paradise is suitable for all levels of diver. However, Raja Ampat is known for its strong currents so if you are new to diving don't expect to be hitting the ripping current sites straight away. In the interest of everyone's safety and your enjoyment, the dive staff will always asses your ability as a diver before taking you to a dive site that may be challenging. They will also let you know what to expect of each site, and any currents you may experience.

Nomadic Scuba's Top Tip: Stick with the dive staff advice, they know the waters very well and have your interests as their number one priority.

Raja Ampat's yearly air temperatures show little variation and remain consistently steady. The average daytime high is 32°C (91°F), and the nightly low is 25°C (78°F). However, it often feels hotter due to the region's average relative humidity of 83%. Temperature fluctuations are more influenced by wind and rain, which affect humidity levels, making it feel warmer.

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

The majority of established hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards, however; smaller, family-run places probably will not. There are banks and ATM's with various maximum withdrawal limits and fees.

Nomadic Scuba Top Tip: We use WISE for our transactions, and we save hundreds on pointless fees and exchange rates. If you haven't opened an account yet, we strongly urge you to do so (it takes 5 minutes).

Link: Show me how to be WISE

The archipelago’s equatorial climate ensures warm temperatures year-round, with average air and water temperatures hovering between 27-30°C (80-86°F).

Dry Season (October to April)

The dry season, which stretches from October to April, is often considered the
best time to dive in Raja Ampat. During this period, the weather is more stable, and the seas are generally calmer. This is also the time when the strong north east trade winds bring nutrient-rich waters to the surface, creating ideal conditions for marine life.

Wet Season (June to September)

The wet season typically begins in June and extends through September. During this time, the archipelago experiences higher rainfall and increased humidity. While diving is still possible, divers may encounter brief, sporadic rain showers and slightly reduced visibility due to run-off from the mainland. The bonus to diving during the wet season is the water temperature is at its peak, there are less crowds, and more Mantas in the region.

Yes, Indonesian law, forbids any visitors diving without a local guide or instructor. Guides are provided free of charge, however, guests are reminded that they are responsible for their dive profiles and must stay within the limits of their certification.

Papua Explorers' guide ratio is 6:2 - comprising a Head Guide and an assistant for every 6 divers.