Traveling to Raja Ampat from Lombok is an exhilarating journey that should be on your bucket list. Raja Ampat is every dream vacation for travelers worldwide, especially those interested in nature.
If you are enjoying your vacation in Lombok and want to travel from Lombok to Raja Ampat, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive plan to make your journey smooth.
Where is Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is an untouched paradise in the Bird’s Head Peninsula, Southwest Papua, Indonesia. It is the easternmost island in the Indonesian archipelago and is quite difficult to reach.
Situated in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat is often hailed as the last paradise that offers breathtaking landscapes, pristine beach, crystal-clear water, and friendly locals. Raja Ampat is home to various fish species, teeming vibrant coral reefs, and unique marine creatures. Due to its rich marine biodiversity, Raja Ampat is one of the best dive sites for divers and snorkelers in the world.
Fly from Lombok to Raja Ampat
The journey from Lombok to Raja Ampat consists of multiple stages of travel. As it is a remote island, it is quiet but memorable. The journey begins by taking a domestic flight from Lombok to Raja Ampat. But there is no direct flight to Raja Ampat. So, you must fly to the nearest airport, Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong, Southwest Papua. Many airlines provide connecting flights, including one to three stopovers to Sorong. Here is the flight option you can choose from.
A. Lombok Airport [LOP] to Domine Eduard Osok Airport [SOQ] with Garuda Indonesia
- Details of flight: This flight departs from Lombok Airport at 14:50 and arrives at Domine Eduard Osok at 06:15 a day later. This flight takes around 14 hours and 25 minutes, including one stopover at Jakarta Airport [CGK].
- Estimated cost: This flight is operated by Garuda Indonesia and it will cost you approximately USD 317.10.
B. Lombok Airport [LOP] to Domine Eduard Osok Airport [SOQ] with Lion Air + Garuda Indonesia
- Details of flight: This flight departs from Lombok Airport at 16:00 and arrives at Domine Eduard Osok Airport at 06:15 a day later. This flight takes around 13 hours and 15 minutes, including 2 stopovers at Surabaya [SUB] and Jakarta Airport [CGK].
- Estimated cost: This flight will cost you approximately USD 357.79.
C. Lombok Airport [LOP] to Domine Eduard Osok Airport [SOQ] with Super Air Jet + Garuda Indonesia
- Details of flight: This flight departs from Lombok Airport at 06:00 and arrives at Domine Eduard Osok Airport at 06:15 a day later. This flight takes around 23 hours and 15 minutes, including 2 stopovers at Surabaya [SUB] and Jakarta Airport [CGK].
- Estimated cost: This flight will cost you approximately USD 357.29
Indonesia Airplane Regulation
It’s essential to check that your baggage weight is within the regulations before you take a flight from Lombok to Raja Ampat. As a general rule, airline regulations allow you to carry 7 kg for cabin bag and a maximum of 20 kg for your baggage as standard flight baggage.
How Long to Reach Raja Ampat from Lombok
The total time required to reach Raja Ampat from Bali typically varies depending on the route chosen. The journey begins with a domestic flight from Lombok to Sorong, normally requiring a stopover in a major city such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar. Flight times vary depending on the specific flight, from 14 to 24 hours.
After landing at Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong, the next leg of your journey is to Sorong Port to reach Waisai City. Waisai is the capital of Raja Ampat Regency and is located on Waigeo Island. This town is the main gateway to explore Raja Ampat.
There is a wide range of taxis from the airport that can take you to Sorong Port. The cost of the cab may change depending on the season, but it’s typically around USD 5.86 and takes about 10 to 20 minutes. In Sorong Port, you have two main transportation options to reach Waisai City.
1. Ferry
Due to their cost-effectiveness, ferries are the most common transportation choice to reach Waisai. Even though the ferries are quite slow, they offer breathtaking seascapes during the journey. The ferries typically run twice a day on weekdays at 09:00 and 14:00 and on Saturdays at 09:00 and 12:00.
2. Speedboat
If you want to get to Waisai a bit faster, speedboats are the way to go. Speedboats are valued for their quickness and efficiency. This option suits those who prefer a more direct and immediate route, even though it can be more expensive. It’s important to note that the availability of speedboats in Sorong Port is limited.
Please Note!
The above routes are often used by people intending to visit the capital city of Raja Ampat for daily activities such as fishing or simply to meet up with friends and family.
However, if you’re planning to visit Raja Ampat’s most popular tourist destinations or its best diving and snorkeling spots, we recommend you book a tour package well in advance.
Read More: Paradise Gateway: From Sorong to Raja Ampat
Entry Permits Raja Ampat
Before visiting and exploring Raja Ampat, it’s essential to register to get an entry permit. The entry card for the marine park also referred to as the “kartu TLPJL,” is available for purchase at the Raja Ampat Marine Park Authority office in Waisai.
The entry fee to the Marine Park includes the following conditions:
- International visitors: IDR 700,000 (USD 44.52)
- Indonesian citizens: IDR 425,000 (USD 27.03)
- Children under 12 years old do not require a permit.
- All permits are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
How to Find the Best Tour Operator
Please note! It’s recommended to bespoke the Raja Ampat tour package from a certified tour operator, as it remote area with strict and changing government policies.
If you’re still unsure which tour operator to choose, you can contact our team, who have over 9 years of experience providing the best holiday experience in Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park.
If you have already booked the Raja Ampat Tour Packages through KomodoLuxury, you can take advantage of all the benefits and privileges:
- Once you reach the Domine Eduard Osok Airport, our tour guide will pick you up so you can start your exploration of Raja Ampat from Sorong. You won’t need to worry about dealing with overpriced taxis, porters, or scams.
- You don’t have to look for a speedboat at the port, as it is already part of the tour package.
- Our expert local guide will accompany you throughout the tour, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience without any inconvenience or discomfort.
The Best Recommendation for Vacation in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is an untouched paradise with breathtaking landscapes, expansive beaches, and world-class underwater diving spots. Its tourist destinations are spread across hidden islands, earning it the title of the last paradise on Earth.
Therefore, we recommend considering the Raja Ampat tour packages, which offer a variety of options starting from a minimum of 4 nights up to 12 nights. This tour is ideal for those seeking an exceptional experience while exploring Raja Ampat.
By taking Raja Ampat tour packages provided by Komodo Luxury, you have the opportunity to explore the beauty of Raja Ampat along the way
- Enjoy iconic views of Raja Ampat from Puncak Wayag
- Enjoy exotic views from Piaynemo Hill in Raja Ampat
- Swimming and playing with sharks at Shark Post, Wayag Island
- Explore the beauty of Kabui Bay
- Enjoy Kalibiru with a prominent river
- Snorkeling with a view of the pristine underwater biota at Yenbuba Pasir Timbul
- Experience local activities and wisdom in Sauwandarek Village
- Soak up the beauty of the white sandy beach at Pasir Timbul and much more!
Itinerary Raja Ampat Tour by Komodo Luxury
If you are unsure of what to do and which destination to visit in Raja Ampat, we can recommend our Raja Ampat itinerary for you. When booking the Komodo Luxury Raja Ampat tour package, arrive the day before the tour begins. Those arriving on the day of departure are requested to reach Sorong before 7:00 AM. We will pick you up at the airport at 7:00 AM and take you to the phinisi at Sorong Port for your adventure around Raja Ampat.
Raja Ampat Tour 7D6N
Join us on our 7 days and 6 nights Raja Ampat itinerary. In a week, this itinerary offers a chance to experience Raja Ampat’s beauty and diversity. The trip will include diving at world-class dive sites, viewing breathtaking landscapes, and participating in water activities.
Day 1: Sorong to Dampier Strait
You will begin your journey from Sorong to the Dampier Strait. During your cruise, you can participate in water activities such as kayaking and snorkeling, as well as enjoy a delicious dinner on board.
Day 2: Explore the Kri Peninsula
Enjoy a day of snorkeling or paddling in the crystal-clear waters of the Kri Peninsula. Dive or snorkel at world-class dive sites such as Sardine Reef, Mike’s Point, or Cape Kri.
Days 3 & 4: Visit Wayag Island
Explore the iconic Wayag Island in Raja Ampat. Take a hike to the summit of Wayag to witness the stunning view of the islands surrounded by the blue ocean.
Day 5: Explore Gam Island
See the rare Red Bird of Paradise on Gam Island. There is a chance that you will be able to swim with stingless jellyfish in Kabui Bay if you are lucky.
Day 6: Dampier Strait and Arborek Village
Get a taste of local life by swimming with manta rays in the Dampier Strait and visiting Arborek Village.
Day 7: Return to Sorong
As soon as you’ve explored Batanta, it’s time to make your way back to Sorong.
Raja Ampat Tour 9D8N
Explore Raja Ampat’s wonders on this 9 days and 8 nights Raja Ampat itinerary. Enjoy the region’s natural beauty and marine life on this extended itinerary.
Day 1: Sorong to Waisai
Get ready for an exciting dive adventure from Sorong to Waisai.
Day 2: Central Dampier Strait
Discover majestic oceanic manta rays at Blue Magic, a diving and snorkeling spot in the Central Dampier Strait. You can dive at sites such as Cape Kri and Yenbuba Jetty.
Day 3: Melissa Garden Dive Site
Experience the vibrant coral reefs of Melissa Garden when you dive there.Don’t forget to take in the iconic views from Piaynemo’s summit.
Day 4: Batanta Island
Find out what Batanta Island has to offer. Snorkel and dive here, and possibly see manta rays.
Day 5: Misool Island
Take a trip to Misool Island, one of the four main islands. Among the marine life you’ll see are Oceanic Manta Rays, Giant Trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, and more.
Day 6: Boo Window and Anchovy Dive Sites
The Boo Window and Anchovy sites are great places to see schools of Mobula Rays darting through anchovies, creating stunning underwater scenes.
Day 7: Whale Rock and Tank Rock
Dive at Whale Rock and Tank Rock, which are filled with beautiful soft corals and schools of fish.
Day 8: Andiamo Dive Site
Andiamo, an amazing dive site in southern Raja Ampat, is one of the best sites in the world. There are Pygmy Seahorses, Giant Trevallies, and Barracudas to be seen.
Day 9: Return to Sorong
We anchor in Sorong at 5:00 AM to end the adventure.
Raja Ampat Tour 11D10N
Take advantage of this comprehensive 11 days and 10 nights Raja Ampat itinerary. Discover the rich biodiversity of Raja Ampat by visiting more destinations and diving deeper into the marine wonders.
Day 1: Sorong to Misool
Explore the iconic Raja Ampat island of Misool from Sorong.
Day 2: Fiabacet Dive Site
In southeast Misool, you can dive at Fiabacet, one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Day 3: Love Lagoon
Visit the heart-shaped blue lagoon surrounded by vibrant coral reefs at Love Lagoon.
Day 4: Misool’s Scenic Views
Explore Misool’s maze of towering rocks, cliffs, and hidden lagoons.
Day 5: Melissa’s Garden Dive Site
Take a dive at Melissa’s Garden, a kaleidoscope of vibrant coral reefs.
Day 6: Wayag Island
You can explore pristine white beaches and mushroom-shaped islets on Wayag Island.
Day 7: Yanggefo Mangroves
In Yanggefo, you can explore lush mangroves that contrast vibrant forests with crystal-clear waters.
Day 8: Arborek Village
Visit Arborek Village and explore dive sites such as Manta Sandy and Sauwandarek Jetty.
Day 9: Red Bird of Paradise
Swim with manta rays or see the rare Red Bird of Paradise and an underwater World War II plane wreck.
Day 10: Kali Biru
A speedboat ride to Kali Biru will take you to crystal clear freshwater that is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Day 11: Return to Sorong
After a final breakfast and farewell, return to Sorong. Our team will safely escort you to the airport or your hotel.
Personalized Raja Ampat Tour
Besides these itineraries, Komodo Luxury offers customized Raja Ampat tours tailored to your preferences and needs. We can tailor a tour just for you, whether you are interested in snorkeling, scuba diving, a honeymoon, or an intimate moment with family and friends. Let our tour specialists know your desires, and we will prepare your best journey. To get the best experience for your dream vacation, take advantage of the opportunity to hop and live aboard our Raja Ampat tour package.
Read More: How to Get to Raja Ampat from Italy
