Getting Around, Papua Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Papua, Indonesia)

If you are intending to travel around Papua during your visit, you will certainly need to plan your transport carefully, since many cities here cannot be reached by road. This means that to travel long distances in Papua, flying really is the most practical and convenient option.

In the Baliem Valley area of Papua, trekking on foot really is the best way to travel around and soak up the wonderful views. However, it is also possible to charter taxis from Wamena, which will actually work out less expensive than if you arranged a guided trek. In Wamena, most of the accommodation is just a short walk from the airport and connected by 'becak' transport (bicycle rickshaws).


Do note that 'surat jalan' (travel permits) are always necessary in Papua, for those wishing to venture beyond the coastal towns. In general, permits are easily obtained and not usually required in Biak, Jayapura, Manokwari, Sentani and Sorong. Those wishing to travel into Papua New Guinea will find the land border crossing on the northerly coast, between Jayapura and Vanimo.

Airports / Arriving by Air

Most holiday makers choose to fly into Papua from Biak, Jakarta, Makassar (South Sulawesi), Manado (North Sulawesi). Most usually arriving at Jayapura, flying here from Papuan destinations, such as Manokwari, Merauke and Tembagapura, and further afield from Denpasar (Bali), Jakarta (Java), and both Makassar and Manado (Sulawesi). Airports in Papua include:

• Sentani Airport (DJJ) at Jayapura, North-East Papua
• Fak Fak Airport (FKQ) at Fak Fak in West Papua
• Frans Kaisiepo Airport (BIK) on the island of Pulau Biak
• Kaimana Airport (KNG) at Kaimana, West Papua
• Kornasoren (Noemfoor) Airport (FOO) on the island of Pulau Noemfoor
• Merpati Nusantara Airlines (MKQ) in Merauke, South-East Papua
• Rendani Airport (MKW) at Manokwari, West Papua
• Sorong Airport / Jefman Airport (SOQ) in Sorong, West Papua.
• Timika Airport / Mozes Kilangin Airport (TIM) at Tembagapura, Central Papua

Car Rental

The road network in Papua is far from extensive and it is certainly not possible to drive from one side to the other, since there are areas of impenetrable jungle in between. However, the roads are definitely improving and although car hire isn't really a very practical way to travel around, if you prefer to have your own set of wheels, you may like to rent a car with a driver, hire a 'mikrolet' (small taxi) for a day, or charter your own 'bemo' (minibus), although availability is very much dependent upon where you are staying.

Buses and Coaches

There are a number of buses available on Papua, although their coverage is generally quite local and they only operate in the main cities and towns. Although public transport offers a convenient way to travel between Sentani and Jayapura, to catch these buses you will first need to take a taxi to Abepura, which usually run until 20:00.

On the Papuan island of Pulau Biak, bus transport departs several times each day from the central taxi rank, connecting destinations such as Yenggarbun, which is located on the adjoining island of Pulau Supiori.

Taxis

The streets of Fak Fak are really quite steep at times, and if you are based in one of the surrounding hilly neighbourhoods, you will no doubt find mikrolet taxi transport quite invaluable. In Western Papua, taxis provide the best way to travel to Ransiki from the Terminal Rosi and Randani Airport, Manokwari, with this journey lasting around three hours and passing scenic coastlines and lush jungle areas. Do note that during the wet season, this particular transport is not always an option, due to impassable roads.

In Central Papua, on the island of Pulau Biak, public taxis are easy to spot, being marked 'Ambroben' and regularly travelling to and from the Frans Kaisiepo Airport. Most destinations within Kota Biak and beyond quite reached by a taxi from this airport, departing just outside of the terminal, on the Jalan Erlangga.

From Sentani Airport, private taxis run between Jayapura and although convenient, this is a pricey way to travel. For a cheaper alternative, consider using a less expensive public taxi and sharing with other passengers.

Boats and Ferries

Passenger boats and ferries regularly arrive and depart from the harbour at Jayapura, and is a very scenic and pleasant way to travel to your chosen destination. Pulau Biak is also connected by boat, with destinations such as Manokwari.