Guest guide

Practical Notes for Your Journey

Our Getting Here page explains the different transfer options available from Sorong to ipyum, including travel times, schedules, and arrangements.

The information below is different. These are practical tips for guests who have already arranged their Boat Adventure transfer. They'll help you know what to expect, make your journey more comfortable, and avoid unnecessary delays along the way.

Before Your Boat Departure

Breakfast at FaveHotel

If you're arriving in Sorong on an early morning flight from Jakarta (the red-eye flight), we recommend having breakfast at FaveHotel.

There aren't many places open for breakfast in Sorong before 10:00 am, so FaveHotel is a convenient place to relax and have a meal before continuing your journey.

Resting at FaveHotel

If you're arriving on the early morning flight from Jakarta, you also have the option of taking a shower and getting some sleep at our partner hotel, FaveHotel.

Provided your flight arrives on time, you'll have approximately 4–5 hours to rest and recover before continuing your journey.

If you'd like to take advantage of this option, please let us know in advance. We need to coordinate with FaveHotel and adjust our boat departure arrangements so that our captain and boat aren't waiting unnecessarily while you rest.

If you'd prefer to head straight to ipyum after breakfast, that's perfectly fine too!

Snacks for the journey

Snacks are included in your transfer package. Your driver will stop at Indomaret, where you can choose your favourite drinks and snacks with a budget of Rp100,000.

Pay your Raja Ampat entry and conservation fees in advance

We strongly recommend paying both Raja Ampat fees online before your journey to avoid unnecessary delays:

• Raja Ampat Entry Fee

• Marine Protection Area Conservation Fee

You can find payment instructions in our Guest Guide: Raja Ampat Fees and Permits.

Keep your digital cards or payment confirmations readily accessible on your phone, as you may be asked to show them during your visit to Raja Ampat.

Boarding Our Boat in Sorong

Let our team handle your luggage

We recommend allowing our team to carry your larger bags. This service is already included in your transfer package.

Boarding the boat can be a bit of an adventure! Depending on where the boats are moored, you may need to cross narrow gangplanks between vessels tied up alongside one another.

Independent porters may approach you offering their services and may even try to take your bags from you. Letting our team handle your luggage helps avoid these interruptions and makes boarding easier and more comfortable.

Departure times

The journey from Sorong to ipyum takes approximately 3 hours.

For safety reasons, we do not operate our boats after 6:00 pm, so the latest departure from Sorong is 3:00 pm.

If you're arriving on an early morning flight from Jakarta, our usual departure time is around 9:00 am, after breakfast.

Your driver will take you to FaveHotel for breakfast and then bring you to our boat jetty, where our team will help you board.

If you've arranged to rest at FaveHotel, we'll coordinate a later departure with you in advance.

The Boat Journey from Sorong to ipyum

Your transfer is a journey of approximately 3 hours by local boat, taking you directly from Sorong to ipyum.

Comfort and safety onboard

High-tech lifejackets are provided for your safety.

We recommend visiting the WC at FaveHotel before boarding, as there are no toilet facilities onboard our boat.

Be prepared for some sea spray

On calm days, the crossing is generally smooth and dry. However, when conditions are windy, it can be a much wetter and bumpier experience!

We recommend bringing a light rain jacket to keep yourself comfortable if there's wind or sea spray.

We also suggest removing your shoes before boarding and placing them in the dry containers we provide. This will help keep your footwear dry during the crossing.

What to expect along the way

The first hour after leaving Sorong is generally the most exposed to wind and waves, so this part of the journey can be a little rougher and wetter.

After that, we travel in the shelter of the islands, where the water is usually noticeably calmer and the ride becomes much smoother.

Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as we make our way through Raja Ampat towards Batanta Island.

Arriving at ipyum

Once we arrive at ipyum, our team will unload your luggage and bring it directly to your room.

All you need to do is step ashore, relax, and enjoy your arrival.

Welcome to ipyum!

Practical Notes for Your Journey

Our Getting Here page explains the different transfer options available from Sorong to ipyum, including travel times, schedules, and arrangements.

The information below is different. These are practical tips for guests who have already arranged their Fast Ferry + Boat transfer. They'll help you know what to expect, make your journey more comfortable, and avoid unnecessary delays along the way.

Before Your Ferry Departure

Rest at favehotel

If you're arriving in Sorong on the early morning flight from Jakarta (the red-eye flight), we recommend having breakfast, taking a shower, and getting some sleep at our partner hotel, favehotel.

Provided your flight arrives on time, you'll have approximately 4–5 hours to relax and recover before continuing your journey.

Snacks for the journey

Snacks are included in your transfer package. Your driver will stop at Indomaret, where you can choose your favourite drinks and snacks with a budget of Rp100,000.

Pay your Raja Ampat entry and conservation fees in advance

To avoid spending up to half an hour registering and paying fees when you arrive in Waisai, we strongly recommend completing both payments online before your journey:

• Raja Ampat Entry Fee

• Marine Protection Area Conservation Fee

You can find payment instructions in our Guest Guide: Raja Ampat Fees and Permits.

Keep your digital cards or payment confirmations readily accessible on your phone, as you'll need to show them to the officials checking these permits after disembarking at Waisai port.

Boarding the Ferry in Sorong

Let the porters handle your luggage

We strongly recommend allowing the porters to carry your larger bags. Their service is already included in your transfer package.

Boarding the ferry can be a bit of an adventure! You may need to cross narrow gangplanks between ferries moored side by side, duck through low doorways, and navigate crowded passages.

It's much easier and safer to let the porters handle your luggage while you concentrate on getting aboard with your valuables.

Your driver will supervise the luggage transfer from start to finish, so there's no need to worry about your bags.

If you carry your own luggage, independent porters may approach you offering their services and may even try to take your bags from you. Having your luggage handled by our arranged porters helps avoid these interruptions and should provide a smooth transfer to the ferry.

Arrive a little early

Ferries on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons can be particularly busy. We recommend arriving at the terminal a little early to avoid congestion.

Your driver knows the local conditions and will make sure you arrive with enough time to board comfortably.

Onboard the Fast Ferry

Economy vs VIP seating

The ferry has two seating sections: Economy downstairs and VIP upstairs.

The main difference is the air conditioning. The VIP section is heavily air-conditioned, and many passengers find it uncomfortably cold. Otherwise, there's very little difference between the two sections.

You may actually find Economy more comfortable, particularly if you're sensitive to cold air conditioning. It's the section we choose ourselves when travelling on the Fast Ferry.

Your driver will ask whether you prefer Economy or VIP so that we can purchase the appropriate tickets. All seats on the ferry are assigned, so you'll have a reserved seat for the journey.

Keep both paper tickets handy

Oddly enough, each passenger receives two paper tickets, so be sure to keep both of them somewhere easily accessible.

Your tickets will be checked when you board the ferry, and there will be another ticket inspection shortly after departure, once the ferry is underway.

Mobile connectivity

The Fast Ferry does not provide onboard Wi-Fi.

However, mobile phone service is available for a good part of the crossing, particularly while the ferry is within range of Sorong or Waisai. Coverage may be intermittent in the middle of the journey, so don't count on having a continuous connection.

Arriving in Waisai

Please wait onboard for our captain

When the ferry arrives in Waisai, there's no need to rush off with the other passengers.

Please remain seated onboard with your luggage, preferably in your reserved seat, until our captain comes to collect you after most passengers have disembarked. He'll be wearing a green ipyum uniform T-shirt, so he'll be easy to recognise.

Local porters will come aboard and offer to carry your bags. Simply smile and politely decline, as your luggage transfer is already arranged.

It may take our captain a few minutes to reach you while the initial crowd clears from the gangway. This is perfectly normal.

Relax and let the other passengers disembark first. Waiting a few extra minutes makes the transfer much easier and avoids the crowd at the exit.

After disembarking, have your Raja Ampat entry and conservation cards ready for inspection by the officials at the port.

We'll take care of you and your luggage from there.

The Boat Journey from Waisai to ipyum

The final leg of your transfer is a journey of approximately 2 hours by local boat from Waisai to ipyum.

Comfort and safety onboard

High-tech lifejackets are provided for your safety.

We recommend visiting the WC at the ferry terminal in Waisai before boarding our boat, as there are no toilet facilities onboard.

Be prepared for some sea spray

On calm days, the crossing is generally smooth and dry. However, when conditions are windy, it can be a much wetter experience!

We recommend bringing a light rain jacket to keep yourself comfortable if there's wind or spray.

We also suggest removing your shoes before boarding and placing them in the dry containers we provide. This will help keep your footwear dry during the crossing.

Arriving at ipyum

Once we arrive at ipyum, our team will unload your luggage and bring it directly to your room.

All you need to do is step ashore, relax, and enjoy your arrival.

Welcome to ipyum!

Local Ferry + Boat Transfer

Practical Notes for Your Journey

Our Getting Here page explains the different transfer options available from Sorong to ipyum, including travel times, schedules, and arrangements.

The information below is different. These are practical tips for guests who have already arranged their Local Ferry + Boat transfer. They'll help you know what to expect, make your journey more comfortable, and avoid unnecessary delays along the way.

The Local Ferry is a traditional Indonesian passenger ferry with sleeping areas, air-conditioned seating, and an open-air upper deck. The overnight journey is an experience in itself and offers a glimpse of how local people travel between the islands.

Before Your Ferry Departure

Breakfast and rest at FaveHotel

If you're arriving in Sorong on an early morning flight from Jakarta (the red-eye flight), we recommend having breakfast at FaveHotel.

There aren't many places open for breakfast in Sorong before 10:00 am, so FaveHotel is a convenient place to relax and have a meal.

You also have the option of taking a shower and getting some sleep at our partner hotel, FaveHotel.

If you'd like to use a room for the day, please let us know in advance, as we need to coordinate with the hotel. Day-use rooms are available until 17:00 (5:00 pm).

The Local Ferry departs at 20:00 (8:00 pm), so there's plenty of time to rest before your journey. However, it's advisable to arrive at the ferry terminal early.

Our driver will coordinate your departure from the hotel and make sure you arrive at the port with enough time to board comfortably.

Snacks for the journey

Snacks are included in your transfer package. Your driver will stop at Indomaret, where you can choose your favourite drinks and snacks with a budget of Rp100,000.

Since this is an overnight journey of approximately six hours, you may want to choose something to enjoy during the crossing.

There's also a small kiosk onboard the ferry selling instant cup noodles and providing hot water. However, hot water is only available when you purchase the noodles from the kiosk, so keep that in mind when choosing your snacks.

Pay your Raja Ampat entry and conservation fees in advance

We strongly recommend completing both payments online before your journey:

• Raja Ampat Entry Fee

• Marine Protection Area Conservation Fee

You can find payment instructions in our Guest Guide: Raja Ampat Fees and Permits.

Keep your digital cards or payment confirmations readily accessible on your phone, as you may be asked to show them during your visit to Raja Ampat.

Boarding the Local Ferry in Sorong

Let the porters handle your luggage

We strongly recommend allowing the porters to carry your larger bags. Their service is already included in your transfer package.

You'll normally board through a side entrance on the lower deck, crossing a narrow gangplank and stepping through a low bulkhead opening. Watch your head as you enter!

Once onboard, you'll need to make your way up to the passenger deck, and this is where having a porter becomes particularly useful.

The stairs between decks are steep, narrow, and made of steel. They're only wide enough for one person, but passengers may be moving in both directions. The steps can also be slippery, particularly when wet.

Carrying a large suitcase up these stairs can be awkward, so it's much easier and safer to let the porters handle your heavier bags.

Our driver will accompany you onboard and supervise the luggage handling, so you can concentrate on getting yourself aboard safely with your valuables.

Independent porters may approach you offering their services and sometimes try to take your bags. Having your luggage handled by our arranged porters helps avoid these interruptions.

Tickets and boarding arrangements

Once you're onboard the lower deck, our driver will take care of purchasing your ferry tickets at the ticket desk.

He'll give you your tickets and help you get settled in the appropriate passenger area.

Keep your tickets somewhere easily accessible. Ferry staff will come around to check them after departure.

Our driver will also provide you with one onboard Wi-Fi password per person, so you can stay connected during the journey.

Arrive a little early

The Local Ferry departs Sorong at approximately 20:00 (8:00 pm) on Friday evenings.

The ferry can be busy, and getting everyone and their luggage settled takes time.

Your driver knows the local conditions and will make sure you arrive at the terminal with plenty of time.

Onboard the Local Ferry

Choosing where to sit or sleep

The Local Ferry offers several different areas where you can spend the journey.

Economy – Sleeping berths

The non-air-conditioned passenger area has bunk beds rather than conventional seats.

These are assigned berths, so you'll have your own designated place where you can sit, stretch out, or get some sleep during the overnight crossing.

For a six-hour journey, having somewhere to lie down can be quite comfortable.

VIP – Air-conditioned seating

The VIP area has conventional passenger chairs in an air-conditioned space.

Seating here is generally more flexible and may not be assigned.

The air conditioning keeps this area pleasantly cool without being excessively cold. If you prefer sitting in a chair rather than lying on a bunk, VIP may be the better option.

Upper deck – Open-air seating

One of the nicest features of the Local Ferry is its open-air upper deck.

There are picnic-style tables and seating areas where you can enjoy the fresh air and watch the islands and sea go by.

Seating here is first come, first served.

It's a relaxed, informal atmosphere. You'll often find local passengers chatting, playing games on their phones, or listening to music.

It's a pleasant way to experience local Indonesian ferry travel, particularly when the weather is good.

You can generally leave your larger luggage in your designated passenger area and spend some time on the upper deck once the ferry is underway.

However, we recommend keeping your valuables with you at all times, including your passport, phone, wallet, and other important belongings.

Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity

The Local Ferry offers onboard Wi-Fi, which is a welcome convenience during the overnight journey.

Our driver will provide each guest with a Wi-Fi password before leaving you onboard.

Mobile phone reception may also be available during parts of the journey, although coverage can be intermittent as the ferry travels between the islands.

Arriving in Yensawai

Please wait onboard for our captain

The Local Ferry normally arrives in Yensawai at approximately 02:00 (2:00 am) on Saturday morning.

There's no need to rush off the ferry with the other passengers.

Please remain in your passenger area with your luggage until our captain comes to collect you.

Our captain will come aboard and find you on the passenger deck. He'll be wearing a green ipyum uniform T-shirt, so he'll be easy to recognise.

He'll help you with your belongings and coordinate getting your luggage down the steep stairs to the lower deck and off the ferry.

There's no need to struggle with your bags or navigate the crowded gangway on your own. Just relax and let our captain take care of the arrangements.

The Boat Journey from Yensawai to ipyum

The final part of your transfer is a short journey of approximately 15 minutes by local boat from Yensawai to ipyum.

This is a short crossing between nearby islands.

Comfort and safety onboard

High-tech lifejackets are provided for your safety.

Be prepared for some sea spray

Although the crossing is short, conditions can sometimes be windy or wet.

We recommend keeping a light rain jacket handy in case of wind or sea spray.

We also suggest removing your shoes before boarding and placing them in the dry containers we provide. This will help keep your footwear dry during the crossing.

Our captain will assist you with boarding and make sure your luggage is safely loaded for the final part of your journey.

Arriving at ipyum

After the short crossing from Yensawai, you'll arrive at ipyum in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Our team will unload your luggage and bring it directly to your room.

There's nothing more you need to organise. After your overnight journey, you can head straight to your room and get some well-deserved rest.

When you wake up, you'll be surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Raja Ampat, with the ocean just outside your door.

Welcome to ipyum!