RAJA MANTA EXPLORER + BLUE MANTA EXPLORER: Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get to & from Sorong (SOQ), West Papua?
Raja Ampat trips start and finish in Sorong, West Papua. We will be there to meet you at Sorong Airport (SOQ) and transport you to your liveaboard adventure. It is easiest to fly to & from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG Ujung Pandang), Bali (DPS, Denpasar), or Manado (MDC).
International Flights:
Silk Air operates regularly from Singapore to Manado. Garuda Indonesia flies daily from Singapore to Makassar, then Domestic flight to Sorong. During the stopover in Makassar, you may wish to take advantage of some rest between flights, just remember to set your alarms in good time for your early flight to Sorong! Ibis Makassar Airport is located right on the side of the exit door
Jakarta (CGK): If you are travelling via Jakarta, some International & Domestic flights do not always arrive/depart from same terminal building. Transfers between terminals can take some time so please plan accordantly.
Domestic airlines: There are a number of operators who offer domestic flights to and from Sorong; Garuda Indonesia / Sriwijaya Air / Lion Air / Express Air
Book online directly: Garuda Indonesia & Lion Wings provides online reservations.
Other airline carriers: You may need an Indonesian credit card.
Hotels: We can help recommend local hotels in Sorong where we can pick you up & drop off on Trip Departure/arrival day. Check out the following hotel options in Sorong; Swiss-Belhotel; Hotel Mariat; Royal Mamberamo; JE Meridien Hotel; Waigo Hotel.
What sort of exposure suit do I need? Warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 78-82F/26-28C mean a 3mm shorty is fine for most, however if you do get cold easily you may want to bring along a full wetsuit (3mm or more) and hood.
Are you diving with 12L or 15L tanks and are you using DIN or Yoke valves? Our tanks have both INT valves and DIN inserts. You don’t need to bring an adapter. We can provide 15L tanks on request (rental fee applicable and subject to availability on booking).
When is the best time to visit Raja Ampat? The best time to visit Raja Ampat is between November and April; the Northwest monsoon brings some rain the winds are much milder, making this the best time for diving. Raja Ampat has a hot and humid climate all year around, and there will likely be some heavy showers they are generally short lived and followed by long sunny periods.
Check List of what to bring? PASSPORT, Dive cards, log books, Sun lotion, hats, sunglasses, book, MP3/Tablet, camera chargers, memory sticks/SD cards, personal beverages, CASH for any Trip extras; beer, massage, equipment rental, nitrox, and tip for the crew.
Check List for Diving Gear: BCD, Regulator, Fin/booties, Mask, snorkel, wetsuit, dive computer, torch with batteries, SMB, hood, reef hook. If you do not have we have rental gear available, just let us know what items and sizes (if applicable) in advance as all gear is subject to availability. Please note Dive Computer is compulsory during any Raja Ampat trip, if you do not have we have available for rent onboard.
Do I need a visa? Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival (VoA); many countries now receive a free 30 days on arrival, some pay USD35 to obtain VoA, others will have to obtain Visa BEFORE Arrival. Passport; ensure your passport is in good order, has enough pages, is valid for at least 6 months, and that you are able to enter Indonesia. Check with your local Indonesia Embassy if unsure.
Will I need to Pay Departure Tax at the airport? Departure Tax; Indonesia Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) has changed (March 2015) to be included in your flight ticket price. Please check with your airline if unsure.
Should I purchase Travel & Dive Insurance? Dive Insurance is compulsory for this trip. We also strongly advise you get adequate travel insurance. Please check your travel insurance policy for your diving needs. If not covered them we recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) or their Asia Pacific branch.
Travel Insurance: please NOTE: we cannot be held accountable for airline flight changes, delays, or cancellations. We STRONGLY advise you take out adequate insurance to cover such eventualities.
Follow Safe Diving Practices at ALL times: we do not allow Decompression Diving or Solo Diving on any of our trips.
Is Malaria present in this area? Will I need Immunization boosters? You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel; while the risk is low some Health professionals recommend travel vaccines for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Raja Ampat is a low risk Malaria Zone; however it is advised you take the proper precautions against malaria. The following anti-malaria drugs are considered safe with diving; Doxycycline or malarone. Mefloquine (Lariam) is NOT recommended with diving. Good preventative measures include DEET and long armed/legged clothing in evenings. If unsure about any health matters please consult a diving doctor prior to your trip.
What Currencies are accepted in Raja Ampat? Most places accept US Dollars, as well as Indonesian Rupiah. Please ensure ALL bills are in good order; NOT worn or torn and unmarked or they will not be accepted. Exchange rates differ for USD100/50 bills and USD20/10 bills. There are a number of ATMs available in Sorong.
Is there a fuel Surcharge? NO fuel surcharges in place at this time but may be implemented to account for any wide fluctuations.
What Plug types are available? We have 3 pin UK standard plugs, 220v in every cabin, saloon, dining area, and dive deck International plugs plus USD sockets available too. We also have some 110v adapters onboard.
Is there Internet/ Mobile signal available in Raja Ampat? Not long after you leave Sorong, Raja Ampat has intermittent internet/ mobile signal in the north/ central areas of Raja Ampat and very limited in the south. Telkomsel simpati sim card is the best local card to buy and costs only 3USD. Plus credit to add on top!!! Currently there is no wifi/satellite Internet available on Raja Manta Explorer trips. The Blue Manta Explorer does have 24hr Satellite Internet available onboard.
How much luggage is allowed on domestic flights? Most airlines allow 10-20kg/pax checked & 7kg carryon. Additional weight is charged per/kilo (USD2-3/ kilo). Maximum allowance between 20-30kg. Consult with your Travel Agent or Airline carrier for actual details.
How about the weather? What Clothes should I bring? Generally, throughout the day, light clothing such as shorts and T-Shirt should be enough; most often it is hot and sunny with fine clear blue skies. However the Northwest monsoon can bring occasional brief but heavy downpours, you may want to bring along a waterproof jacket just incase.
Will there be any land based visits? Raja Ampat is as stunning above the water as it is below and so we like to include occasional visits to the islands whenever possible. Typical land based excursions include visits to mangroves, snorkeling where the fresh water meets the sea, along with a short walk around the mangroves, we also stop off visiting a local village which is great for our guests and for us to support them too, there are numerous Beaches we can visit along with some amazing view points.
How much should I tip the crew? We suggest you work on a basis of 10% of your trip price, or more if you wish to reward their excellent service, this is entirely up to you of course. (USD or Indonesian Rupiah preferred).
What's included? All nights' accommodation & 3 meals/day onboard, tea, coffee, fruit, snacks, towels, dive guide, all dives, 12 liter air tanks, use of weights & belt, 2-way land transfer from Sorong Airport (SOQ) or local hotel (Sorong only).
What's excluded? Airfare to Sorong (SOQ) accommodation on land, marine park & harbor fee (USD220-250/pax), dive & travel insurance, massage services (USD30/ hour), soft drinks, beer, Nespresso coffee, Diving Gear; 15L tank rental, Nitrox EANx32, Nitrox & Equipment Rental Items.
Credit card: MasterCard & Visa only, all credit card transactions incur 4.5% processing fee.
Raja Ampat trips start and finish in Sorong, West Papua. We will be there to meet you at Sorong Airport (SOQ) and transport you to your liveaboard adventure. It is easiest to fly to & from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG Ujung Pandang), Bali (DPS, Denpasar), or Manado (MDC).
International Flights:
Silk Air operates regularly from Singapore to Manado. Garuda Indonesia flies daily from Singapore to Makassar, then Domestic flight to Sorong. During the stopover in Makassar, you may wish to take advantage of some rest between flights, just remember to set your alarms in good time for your early flight to Sorong! Ibis Makassar Airport is located right on the side of the exit door
Jakarta (CGK): If you are travelling via Jakarta, some International & Domestic flights do not always arrive/depart from same terminal building. Transfers between terminals can take some time so please plan accordantly.
Domestic airlines: There are a number of operators who offer domestic flights to and from Sorong; Garuda Indonesia / Sriwijaya Air / Lion Air / Express Air
Book online directly: Garuda Indonesia & Lion Wings provides online reservations.
Other airline carriers: You may need an Indonesian credit card.
Hotels: We can help recommend local hotels in Sorong where we can pick you up & drop off on Trip Departure/arrival day. Check out the following hotel options in Sorong; Swiss-Belhotel; Hotel Mariat; Royal Mamberamo; JE Meridien Hotel; Waigo Hotel.
What sort of exposure suit do I need? Warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 78-82F/26-28C mean a 3mm shorty is fine for most, however if you do get cold easily you may want to bring along a full wetsuit (3mm or more) and hood.
Are you diving with 12L or 15L tanks and are you using DIN or Yoke valves? Our tanks have both INT valves and DIN inserts. You don’t need to bring an adapter. We can provide 15L tanks on request (rental fee applicable and subject to availability on booking).
When is the best time to visit Raja Ampat? The best time to visit Raja Ampat is between November and April; the Northwest monsoon brings some rain the winds are much milder, making this the best time for diving. Raja Ampat has a hot and humid climate all year around, and there will likely be some heavy showers they are generally short lived and followed by long sunny periods.
Check List of what to bring? PASSPORT, Dive cards, log books, Sun lotion, hats, sunglasses, book, MP3/Tablet, camera chargers, memory sticks/SD cards, personal beverages, CASH for any Trip extras; beer, massage, equipment rental, nitrox, and tip for the crew.
Check List for Diving Gear: BCD, Regulator, Fin/booties, Mask, snorkel, wetsuit, dive computer, torch with batteries, SMB, hood, reef hook. If you do not have we have rental gear available, just let us know what items and sizes (if applicable) in advance as all gear is subject to availability. Please note Dive Computer is compulsory during any Raja Ampat trip, if you do not have we have available for rent onboard.
Do I need a visa? Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival (VoA); many countries now receive a free 30 days on arrival, some pay USD35 to obtain VoA, others will have to obtain Visa BEFORE Arrival. Passport; ensure your passport is in good order, has enough pages, is valid for at least 6 months, and that you are able to enter Indonesia. Check with your local Indonesia Embassy if unsure.
Will I need to Pay Departure Tax at the airport? Departure Tax; Indonesia Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) has changed (March 2015) to be included in your flight ticket price. Please check with your airline if unsure.
Should I purchase Travel & Dive Insurance? Dive Insurance is compulsory for this trip. We also strongly advise you get adequate travel insurance. Please check your travel insurance policy for your diving needs. If not covered them we recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) or their Asia Pacific branch.
Travel Insurance: please NOTE: we cannot be held accountable for airline flight changes, delays, or cancellations. We STRONGLY advise you take out adequate insurance to cover such eventualities.
Follow Safe Diving Practices at ALL times: we do not allow Decompression Diving or Solo Diving on any of our trips.
Is Malaria present in this area? Will I need Immunization boosters? You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel; while the risk is low some Health professionals recommend travel vaccines for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Raja Ampat is a low risk Malaria Zone; however it is advised you take the proper precautions against malaria. The following anti-malaria drugs are considered safe with diving; Doxycycline or malarone. Mefloquine (Lariam) is NOT recommended with diving. Good preventative measures include DEET and long armed/legged clothing in evenings. If unsure about any health matters please consult a diving doctor prior to your trip.
What Currencies are accepted in Raja Ampat? Most places accept US Dollars, as well as Indonesian Rupiah. Please ensure ALL bills are in good order; NOT worn or torn and unmarked or they will not be accepted. Exchange rates differ for USD100/50 bills and USD20/10 bills. There are a number of ATMs available in Sorong.
Is there a fuel Surcharge? NO fuel surcharges in place at this time but may be implemented to account for any wide fluctuations.
What Plug types are available? We have 3 pin UK standard plugs, 220v in every cabin, saloon, dining area, and dive deck International plugs plus USD sockets available too. We also have some 110v adapters onboard.
Is there Internet/ Mobile signal available in Raja Ampat? Not long after you leave Sorong, Raja Ampat has intermittent internet/ mobile signal in the north/ central areas of Raja Ampat and very limited in the south. Telkomsel simpati sim card is the best local card to buy and costs only 3USD. Plus credit to add on top!!! Currently there is no wifi/satellite Internet available on Raja Manta Explorer trips. The Blue Manta Explorer does have 24hr Satellite Internet available onboard.
How much luggage is allowed on domestic flights? Most airlines allow 10-20kg/pax checked & 7kg carryon. Additional weight is charged per/kilo (USD2-3/ kilo). Maximum allowance between 20-30kg. Consult with your Travel Agent or Airline carrier for actual details.
How about the weather? What Clothes should I bring? Generally, throughout the day, light clothing such as shorts and T-Shirt should be enough; most often it is hot and sunny with fine clear blue skies. However the Northwest monsoon can bring occasional brief but heavy downpours, you may want to bring along a waterproof jacket just incase.
Will there be any land based visits? Raja Ampat is as stunning above the water as it is below and so we like to include occasional visits to the islands whenever possible. Typical land based excursions include visits to mangroves, snorkeling where the fresh water meets the sea, along with a short walk around the mangroves, we also stop off visiting a local village which is great for our guests and for us to support them too, there are numerous Beaches we can visit along with some amazing view points.
How much should I tip the crew? We suggest you work on a basis of 10% of your trip price, or more if you wish to reward their excellent service, this is entirely up to you of course. (USD or Indonesian Rupiah preferred).
What's included? All nights' accommodation & 3 meals/day onboard, tea, coffee, fruit, snacks, towels, dive guide, all dives, 12 liter air tanks, use of weights & belt, 2-way land transfer from Sorong Airport (SOQ) or local hotel (Sorong only).
What's excluded? Airfare to Sorong (SOQ) accommodation on land, marine park & harbor fee (USD220-250/pax), dive & travel insurance, massage services (USD30/ hour), soft drinks, beer, Nespresso coffee, Diving Gear; 15L tank rental, Nitrox EANx32, Nitrox & Equipment Rental Items.
Credit card: MasterCard & Visa only, all credit card transactions incur 4.5% processing fee.
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