How to Get to Raja Ampat from the Netherlands

Exploring Raja Ampat from the Netherlands is a fascinating experience and a dream for many adventurers, divers, and nature lovers. Raja Ampat is a hidden gem that boasts stunning landscapes and rich marine biodiversity.

Understanding the best way to get there is essential if you want to explore this unspoiled paradise. To make your trip easier, here is a guide on how to get to Raja Ampat from the Netherlands.

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Where is Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is an untouched hidden gem spot in Southwest Papua, Indonesia. This island is renowned as the last paradise, boasting bountiful natural beauty and rich marine biodiversity. Nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat’s underwater offers some of the world’s ultimate experiences, making it known as the best place for diving in the world.

Raja Ampat means “The Four Kings” in local languages, and refers to four main islands: Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo, and Misool. Home to over 1,500 small islands, Raja Ampat offers a fascinating experience with its rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs, pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, lush jungles and exotic wildlife.

From the Netherlands to Raja Ampat

Traveling from the Netherlands to Raja Ampat involves several steps, each bringing you closer to the exotic beauty awaiting you in Indonesia. It is important to have a good understanding of the route and to be ready for the lengthy trip to Raja Ampat.

1. Take a Flight to Raja Ampat

Your journey begins with a long-haul flight from the Netherlands to Indonesia. There is no direct flight to Raja Ampat. Thus, you must head to the nearest airport, Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong, Southwest Papua.

Several airlines provide flights to Sorong from the Netherlands. Here are the flight options available for your selection.

A. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol [AMS] to Domine Eduard Osok [SOQ] via Dubai with Emirates + Lion Air

Outbound flight: Depart from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol at 15:20 and arrive at Domine Eduard Osok at 06:10 two days later.
Details of flight: This flight takes 31 hours and 50 minutes, including two stopovers at Dubai [DXB] and Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport [CGK].
Estimated cost: This route will cost you approximately EUR 1,032.07

B. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol [AMS] to Domine Eduard Osok [SOQ] via Jakarta with Garuda Indonesia + Lion Air

Outbound flight: Depart from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol at 12:05 and arrive at Domine Eduard Osok at 06:10 two days later.
Details of flight: This flight takes 35 hours and 5 minutes, including one stopover at Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport [CGK].
Estimated cost: This route will cost you approximately EUR 1,158.05

2. Boat Tour to Raja Ampat

Once you arrive at the Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong, you will need to connect to Waisai, the capital of the Raja Ampat Regency on Waigeo Island. Waisai is the main gateway transit to explore the stunning Raja Ampat.

Waisai can be reached by boat from Sorong Harbor. Depending on the traffic, you can take a taxi from the airport to the harbor, which will take around 10 to 20 minutes. On arrival at Sorong harbor, you have two options the: public ferries or a speedboat to get to Waisai.

A. Speedboat

If you want to travel efficiently and quickly, a speedboat is the way to go. Speedboats are favored by travelers aiming for a more immediate and direct passage but tend to be more expensive.

B. Ferry

As the ferry is cheaper than the speedboats, it is a common choice to get to Waisai. This option is of great value and allows you to experience the beauty of the sea as you cruise from Sorong to Waisai. Ferries typically operate twice daily on weekdays at 09:00 and 14:00 and on Saturdays at 09:00 and 12:00.

It is important to note that the above route is the route that most visitors to Raja Ampat use on a daily basis. If you would like to explore Raja Ampat’s beauty, we highly recommend joining the Raja Ampat tour package. As Raja Ampat is very remote and government regulations change frequently, backpacking to Raja Ampat is impossible.

If you are interested in a Raja Ampat boat tour, you can book with a trusted operator like Komodo Luxury. With our Raja Ampat tour package, you can explore popular destinations aboard a luxury boat. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity, and book your Raja Ampat liveaboard as soon as possible.

Raja Ampat Entry Permit

All travelers heading to Raja Ampat are required to purchase an entry permit, also known as “Kartu TLPJL.” This is part of an effort to protect the region and ensure that tourism contributes positively to conserving its unique ecosystems and marine biodiversity.

You can purchase the permit at the Raja Ampat Marine Park Authority office in Waisai or another selected entry point in Raja Ampat and sometimes through tour operators. The conditions that are covered under the Marine Park Entry Fee are as follows:

International visitors: IDR 700,000 (AUD 68.21)
Indonesian citizens: IDR 425,000 (AUD 26.95)
Children under 12 years old do not require a permit.
All permits are valid for 12 months of the date of purchase.

Ready to escape by cruising Raja Ampat with us? Dive into an underwater world teeming with life and soak in the breathtaking beauty of the islands. Please don’t wait any longer. Book now, and let’s craft memories in the last paradise together!