Getting from Malaysia to Raja Ampat offers a memorable experience. Raja Ampat is a dream vacation for many travelers around the world because this island is an untouched island that boasts stunning landscapes and rich marine biodiversity.
If you are planning to visit Raja Ampat from Malaysia, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the best way to get there, since Raja Ampat is remote and quite difficult to reach. To enhance your trip, here is a complete guide on how to get to Raja Ampat from Malaysia.
Where is Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is a remote island located in Southwest Papua, the easternmost of the Indonesian archipelago. This fascinating island consists of about 1,500 small islands, most of which are uninhabited. Raja Ampat means “The Four Kings” in Bahasa Indonesia, and refers to four main islands: Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo, and Misool.
Raja Ampat is famous as the last paradise for its breathtaking landscapes and rich marine biodiversity, due to being located in the heart of the Coral Triangle. This fascinating island is home to various species of fish, teeming vibrant coral reefs, and a wide variety of unique marine creatures. Raja Ampat is therefore a diver’s paradise and one of the best dive sites in the world.
From Malaysia to Raja Ampat
Getting to Raja Ampat from Malaysia can be quite a journey due to the archipelago’s remoteness. It involves several stages, including flying to Indonesia, flying domestically to Sorong, and sailing to Raja Ampat.
The distance between Malaysia and Raja Ampat, Indonesia, varies depending on the starting point in Malaysia and the final destination in Raja Ampat. However, if you start your journey from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Sorong, Raja Ampat, the distance is approximately 2,300 kilometers (about 1,429). Here is a step-by-step guide to start your journey from Malaysia to Raja Ampat.
1. Take a Flight to Raja Ampat
Please note that there are no direct flights from Malaysia to Raja Ampat. So, you must head to the nearest airport to Raja Ampat, Domine Eduard Osok Airport, located in Sorong, Southwest Papua. This airport is the first gateway to reach Raja Ampat, located in the capital town of Raja Ampat. Here is the flight option you can choose, so you can get the best flight to Sorong.
A. Kuala Lumpur Airport [KUL] to Domine Eduard Osok Airport [SOQ] via Makassar
- Outbound flight: Depart from Kuala Lumpur Airport at 13:40 and arrive at Domine Eduard Osok at 06:10 a day later.
- Details of flight: This flight takes around 15 hours and 30 minutes, including one stopover at Makassar Airport [UPG].
- Estimated cost: This route is operated by AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) + Lion Air and will cost you approximately RM 977.74
B. Kuala Lumpur Airport [KUL] to Domine Eduard Osok Airport [SOQ] via Jakarta
- Outbound flight: Depart from Kuala Lumpur Airport at 12:50 and arrive at Domine Eduard Osok at 06:15 a day later.
- Details of flight: This flight takes around 16 hours and 25 minutes, including one stopover at Soekarno Hatta Airport [CGK].
- Estimated cost: This route is operated by Garuda Indonesia and will cost you approximately RM 1,436
C. Kuala Lumpur Airport [KUL] to Domine Eduard Osok [SOQ] via Surabaya
- Outbound flight: Depart from Kuala Lumpur Airport at 07:25 and arrive at Domine Eduard Osok at 06:15 a day later.
- Details of flight: This flight takes around 21 hours and 50 minutes, including one stopover at Juanda Airport [SUB] and Soekarno Hatta Airport [CGK].
- Estimated cost: This route is operated by Garuda Indonesia and will cost you approximately RM 2,542.
Note: Before you fly from Malaysia to Raja Ampat, please check that your baggage weight is within the Indonesia Airplane Regulations. For standard flight baggage, airline regulations generally allow you to carry a maximum of 20 kg and a 7 kg cabin bag.
Read More Best Time to Visit Raja Ampat
2. Boat Tour to Raja Ampat
If you arrive at Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong, you must connect to Sorong port in order to reach Waisai City. From the airport, there is a wide selection of taxis to reach the Sorong Port, which takes about 10 to 20 minutes and typically will cost you about USD 5.86 depending on the season. Waisai City can be reached via two main transportation options in Sorong Port.
1. Ferry
Ferries are the most common means of transportation to reach Waisai because of their cost-effectiveness. Although the ferries are quite slow, they offer breathtaking views of the sea during the trip. During the week, the ferries run at 09:00 and 14:00, and on Saturdays, they run at 09:00 and 12:00.
2. Speedboat
Speedboats are the fastest way to get to Waisai. The speed and efficiency of speedboats make them highly sought after. It’s essential to know that there are limited speedboats available in Sorong Port.
Noteworthy:
It’s common for people to use the above routes to visit Raja Ampat’s capital city for daily activities such as fishing or to meet with family and friends.
If you wish to visit Raja Ampat’s top tourist destinations, or its best diving and snorkeling spots, we recommend booking a tour well in advance.
How to Find the Best Raja Ampat Tour
Please note! Book your Raja Ampat tour package well in advance with a certified operator, since Raja Ampat is remote and difficult to reach.
The KomodoLuxury tour company has over 9 years of experience in providing the best vacation in Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park for travelers who are confused about which tour operator to choose. Raja Ampat private tours are available from KomodoLuxury to provide you with an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the island tailored on your preference.
KomodoLuxury offers you the following perks and benefits if you book Raja Ampat Tour Packages through us:
- A tour guide will pick you up at the Domine Eduard Osok airport, and you will begin your exploration of Raja Ampat from Sorong.
- A speedboat is already included in the tour package, so you don’t have to find it at the port.
- A local expert guide will accompany you throughout the tour to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
Raja Ampat Entry Permit
An entry permit is required before visiting Raja Ampat and exploring the island. “Kartu TLPJL,” the entry card for the marine park, is available for purchase at the Waisai office of the Raja Ampat Marine Park Authority. A Marine Park entry fee includes the following conditions:
- Visitors from abroad: IDR 700,000 (USD 44.52)
- Citizens of Indonesia: IDR 425,000 (USD 27.03).
- Permits are not required for children under 12 years old.
- Permits are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Are you ready to start an exciting adventure by exploring Raja Ampat with Komodoluxury? You can get in touch with us anytime. We are ready to aid you in turning your dream vacation into a reality!
