Sorong
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Sorong is the largest city of West Papua province, on the western tip of the Bird's Head Peninsula in Papua, Indonesia.
Understand
Most people fly to Sorong to go to Raja Ampat. One usually must transit in Sorong, and most people take an early flight so they can catch the ferry to Waisai (see below).
Get in
There are some roads into Sorong from nearby villages, but in practice the only ways to get into the city are by plane or by ferry.
In addition to the frequent ferries to and from Waisai, Sorong's ferry port is part of the national PELNI ferry network. There are weekly ferries (at irregular times) in westerly (to Fakfak and further to Maluku and Sulawesi) and easterly (to Manokwari and further to Biak and/or Jayapura) directions. Virtualy all destinations along the PELNI ferry routes can be reached much more easily by plane.
By plane
Dominique Edward Osok AirportThere are daily flights the national capital Jakarta, as well as from the major cities of Eastern Indonesia including Makassar, Manado, Ambon and Jayapura.
By ferry
There are 10 weekly ferries between the Sorong ferry port (People's Port, to distinguish it from the container port) and Waisai, the district capital of Raja Ampat. From Sorong to Waisai, daily ferries depart at 14:00, with in addition ferries at 9:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. From Waisai to Sorong, ferries depart daily (except Saturday) at 14:00, with additional ferries at 11:00 on Mondays, 9:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 12:00 on Saturdays. The journey time is about 2 hours.In addition to the frequent ferries to and from Waisai, Sorong's ferry port is part of the national PELNI ferry network. There are weekly ferries (at irregular times) in westerly (to Fakfak and further to Maluku and Sulawesi) and easterly (to Manokwari and further to Biak and/or Jayapura) directions. Virtualy all destinations along the PELNI ferry routes can be reached much more easily by plane.
See
Do
Although Raja Ampat is more popular for diving, the waters of Sorong itself abound in beautiful marine life.
Sleep
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phone: +62 951 321199address: Jl. Jendral Sudirman, SorongLuxurious hotel located between the airport and the ferry port.
Paparisa ManiseeA decent and clean (though charmless) option in the city, reasonably close to the airport and harbour.