The world’s most exclusive dive site
Some call it hidden, other’s call it exclusive – we simply call it PARADISE.
Don’t get us wrong – we have been faced with various logistical challenges throughout the years, but never have we thought it not to be worth every inch mile of it. But the good news is that Raja Ampat has become a lot more accessible than what it used to be (believe us when we say – A LOT MORE).
And the travel in itself forms part of one of the biggest adventures you will embark on…
Where is Raja Ampat?
Raja Ampat is located in West Papua, East Indonesia.
Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, it is the literal crossroads for the Indian and Pacific Ocean species, having the greatest coral reef biodiversity for its size in the world.
Did you know about Waisai Airport?
With the development of transport services to the area, there is now an airport that is serviceable by commercial planes direct to Raja Ampat Waisai Airport on the Island of Waigeo. Making the journey to Raja Ampat faster and easier.
Being fairly new and still a small airport there is an ever-changing schedule for the flights in and out of the airport. As the area develops with increasing numbers of visitors the schedule is sure to improve.
But there are other ways to get to Raja Ampat
The easiest way to get to Raja Ampat is to fly to Sorong from Jakarta, Makassar, Ambon or Manado. There are no direct international flights to West Papua Province (YET).
Getting to this little piece of paradise has gotten so much easier!
There are 8 different commercial & private airline carriers flying into Sorong; Batik Air, Garuda, Lion Air, Nam Air, Sriwijaya Air, Susi Air, Wings Air and Xpress Air.
Garuda GA-682: Departs Jakarta (CGK) at 00:20am direct to Sorong arriving at 06:35am.
Batik Air ID-7797: Departs Jakarta (CGK) at 00:30am direct to Sorong arriving at 06:30am.
After arriving at Sorong Airport, you have two options for reaching Meridian Adventure Dive:
1. By daily public ferry, from Sorong to Waisai.
There are two daily express ferries from Sorong to Waisai and Waisai to Sorong. The Express Ferry takes around 2hrs and departs daily at 9am and 2pm, from either port. There is no online or booking system yet in place for buying the ferry tickets, it’s a matter of turning up and buying them directly from the counter. Each locations’ ticket office can be found in the buildings before the docks. They offer both Economy and VIP tickets; the VIP room has a private toilet and air-conditioning. It’s not uncommon for the ferries to depart late (but not that much later than the scheduled time), so it’s always best to allow extra time when taking a flight on the same day as the ferry. For ferries departing at 9am its possible to catch a flight after 2pm on the same day.
The ferry terminal is a short 4 min walk along the waterline to the resort. Taxis are readily available to drive you the resort or we can organise a pick-up upon request.
2. By private speed boat
We have custom built high-speed Dive Boats that can be arranged as pick-up from Sorong to Waisai, or we can organise a trusted boat operator for you. It will still be a 2-hour trip.
Meridian Adventure Dive Resort is located in Waisai (the Capital of Raja Ampat), on the island of Waigeo. Which is an island just across the channel from Sorong. The Resort is based just behind our Marina Facility which is walking distance from the Ferry Terminal.
Chat to us about the best travel arrangements to and from Sorong. The resort team is ready to assist you in getting to the Heart of the Coral Triangle with ease.
