Raja Ampat travel guide 2027, flights, the Sorong–Waisai ferry and the latest entry fees

Getting to Raja Ampat still takes a few steps, and almost every cost changed during 2026. This guide brings together the latest prices you can use to plan a 2027 budget, from flights to Sorong to the entry fees paid separately to the regency and to the province. All figures were checked in October 2026.

The route in four steps

• Fly to Sorong, Domine Eduard Osok Airport.
• Get to Sorong's public ferry port, about 3 km from the airport.
• Take the fast ferry to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat, about 2 hours.
• Take a longboat from Waisai to your homestay's island, between 45 minutes and 2.5 hours.

If you would rather not handle all four steps yourself, the DAMPIER Easy-going Arrival Package takes care of everything from Sorong Airport to the front of your homestay. The details are at the end of this article.

Flights to Sorong

Sorong has domestic flights from Jakarta, Makassar, Denpasar and Manado, with airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Lion Air, Super Air Jet and Sriwijaya Air. The figures below are one way fares seen on flight comparison sites during 2026, not official airline prices.

• Jakarta to Sorong, about 4–5 hours direct, longer with a stop in Makassar. From around IDR 2.8–3.6 million on quiet dates, IDR 4–7 million on average. Return fares from around IDR 5.7 million.
• Denpasar to Sorong. From around IDR 1.7 million on sale dates, around IDR 6 million on average. Garuda sometimes flies overnight, so you land in the morning in time for the ferry.
• Makassar to Sorong, about 2 hours direct, from around IDR 1.5–2 million.
• Manado to Sorong does not fly every day and often needs an overnight stay.

Book two to three months ahead, especially for November to March, Christmas and New Year, and the Eid holiday in 2027. Choose a flight that lands before 12.00 so you can still catch the 14.00 ferry. If you land in the afternoon, spend a night in Sorong.

From the airport to the port

The fast ferry leaves from Sorong's public port. A taxi from the airport to the port costs around IDR 150,000, Grab around IDR 50,000 but picks you up outside the airport area, and a motorbike taxi around IDR 30,000 if you travel light. If you would like someone waiting for you at arrivals, book Land transport (Sorong) on DAMPIER.

The Sorong–Waisai fast ferry, return

The fast ferry leaves Sorong every day at 09.00 and 14.00, and leaves Waisai at the same times. On public holidays there is usually only the 14.00 boat. The crossing takes about 2 hours, depending on the sea. Fares went up in 2026 and depend on the class and where the passenger is from. These are one way fares.

• Foreign visitors, economy class, IDR 200,000.
• VIP class IDR 300,000.
• Indonesians from outside Raja Ampat IDR 175,000.
• Raja Ampat residents IDR 125,000.

You also pay a port fee at the departure port, IDR 12,000 in Sorong and IDR 5,000 in Waisai. A return trip in economy class therefore costs foreign visitors about IDR 417,000, VIP class IDR 617,000, and Indonesians IDR 367,000.

Tickets are sold at the counter on the day of travel, and there is no official online sale for this route yet. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. If you would rather not queue, book a Sorong–Waisai ferry ticket on DAMPIER. Our team queues and buys your ticket at the counter. The price is final, the official fare plus the port fee and a queueing fee of IDR 25,000 per ticket, so you pay nothing more at the port.

Entry fees are paid twice, to the regency and to the province

This is the part that confuses people most. There are two different charges, run by two different bodies, and both are compulsory. Paying one does not replace the other.

First, the Raja Ampat Regency tourism levy

The tourism levy is set by Regent's Regulation 34/2025 and collected by the Raja Ampat Regency tourism office. Since January 2026 it costs IDR 1,000,000 for foreign visitors and IDR 300,000 for Indonesians, per person per visit. Children under 12 are exempt.

Register and pay on SIPARI (sipari-rajaampat.id) before you arrive. Some sources also mention counters at Sorong Airport, Sorong's Marina port and Waisai harbour, but do not count on paying cash.

Second, the Southwest Papua province marine park PIN

Raja Ampat's marine conservation area is managed by the BLUD UPTD for the Raja Ampat Islands Marine Conservation Area, a unit under the Southwest Papua provincial office for agriculture, food, marine affairs and fisheries. Proof of payment is a PIN card. The current fee is IDR 700,000 for foreign visitors and IDR 425,000 for Indonesians, valid for 12 months from purchase. Children under 12 are exempt.

In July 2026 the park authority announced a new fee of IDR 1,000,000 for foreign visitors from 3 August 2026. In a circular dated 24 August 2026, the Regent of Raja Ampat asked for collection of the new fee to be postponed while the scheme is discussed again. For 2027, budget IDR 700,000 to 1,000,000 and check the latest figure before you pay. The PIN is sold at the authority's office in Waisai or through kkprajaampat.com. Keep the card, as it may be checked at jetties and dive sites.

That makes entry fees for foreign visitors about IDR 1,700,000, or IDR 2,000,000 if the new PIN fee takes effect. For Indonesians it is about IDR 725,000.

From Waisai to the islands

There are no public boats between the islands. You ride a longboat owned by your homestay or a local boat owner, and prices are per boat one way, shared between passengers, usually up to 4 people.

• Waisai to Kri, about 1 hour, IDR 700,000–800,000.
• Waisai to Gam, about 1 hour, around IDR 800,000.
• Waisai to Arborek or Sawandarek on Mansuar, around IDR 1,000,000.
• Waisai to Piaynemo, Fam or Rufas, about 2 hours, IDR 2,000,000–2,500,000.
• Waisai to the Pam Islands, about 2.5 hours, IDR 2,000,000–2,500,000.

When you book your homestay, make sure the Waisai pick up is included. Without it no boat will come. To split the cost with other guests heading to the same island, use Boat sharing on DAMPIER, or book a longboat directly in Inter-island transport.

A sample budget per person for 2027

This example is for two foreign visitors from Jakarta, staying 7 nights in a homestay on Kri island.

• Return flight Jakarta–Sorong, around IDR 5.7–8 million.
• Return taxi between the airport and the port, shared, around IDR 150,000.
• Return fast ferry in economy, IDR 417,000.
• Regency tourism levy, IDR 1,000,000.
• Provincial marine park PIN, IDR 700,000 to 1,000,000.
• Return longboat Waisai–Kri, shared, around IDR 700,000–800,000.
• 7 nights in a homestay with three meals a day, IDR 470,000–700,000 a night, around IDR 3.3–4.9 million.

The total comes to around IDR 12–16 million per person, before diving, a trip to Piaynemo and souvenirs. Indonesians pay less for entry fees and the ferry, saving about IDR 1 million.

Raja Ampat without the stress

If you would rather not arrange everything yourself, DAMPIER has the Easy-going Arrival Package. We meet you at Sorong Airport and take you all the way to the front of your homestay on Kri island or East Mansuar (the Yenbuba area). This is what it includes.

• Transfer from Sorong Airport to Sorong ferry port.
• A porter in Sorong and in Waisai, for up to 2 large suitcases or bags.
• A Sorong–Waisai fast ferry ticket in VIP class, subject to seat availability.
• The regency tourism levy for foreign visitors.
• The marine park PIN.
• A longboat from Waisai to Kri or East Mansuar.

It costs IDR 3,900,000 per person, homestay not included. Other homestays on Mansuar, such as those in Sawandarek, carry a route fee of IDR 300,000 per person. To book it, open the Easy-going Arrival Package details, choose a homestay on Kri or Mansuar that it serves, then add the package while booking. All other homestays are in Homestays & resorts.

If you would rather plan the trip yourself, the DAMPIER Planner helps you build it day by day with ferry times, prices straight from the listings, and a reminder about entry fees. Everything can be paid upfront by QRIS, bank transfer, e-wallet, card or PayPal, so you do not need to carry much cash to the islands.

Small things people forget

• Cash. The only ATMs are in Waisai, they are often empty or reject foreign cards, and the withdrawal limit is around IDR 1–2 million. Withdraw money in Jakarta, Bali or Makassar before you fly to Sorong.
• Signal. On many islands the signal is weak, so keep your tickets and receipts on your phone and print a copy too.
• Visa. Visitors from many countries use the e-Visa on Arrival, which costs IDR 500,000. Check the latest rules on the Indonesian immigration website.
• Season. From October to April the sea in the Dampier Strait is usually calm and manta rays are plentiful. From June to September the southeast wind makes southern Raja Ampat rougher.
• Wayag. According to the latest guidebook, Wayag has been closed to visitors since August 2026, and it is not yet known when it will reopen. Do not build your plans around Wayag. Piaynemo and the Pam Islands have karst scenery that is just as beautiful.

Common questions

Can I buy fast ferry tickets online? There is no official online sale yet. Buy at the counter on the day, or book through DAMPIER so our team queues for you.

Are the regency levy and the marine park PIN the same thing? No. They are separate charges from two bodies, and both are compulsory.

Is the PIN valid for my next visit? The marine park PIN is valid for 12 months from purchase. The regency levy is charged per visit.

Prices and schedules can change at any time. This article was written on 18 October 2026 for travel in 2027.