FAQ

Many international carriers provide baggage allowances for Scuba equipment, however domestic airlines are limited. At present the baggage allowance for Lion, Sriwijaya & Express Air are 20 Kg per person; the allowance for Wings Air and several smaller companies is 15kg; any excess baggage must be paid at the airport. Rates for excess baggage are subject to change without notice and vary depend on the airline, aircraft type and location.

• From Sorong to Resort: Boat departure time is 14h00. On occasion, the boat may depart slightly later due to guest flight delays. For morning arrivals, guests will be transferred to a comfortable partnering hotel lobby where complimentary breakfast buffet and/or lunch are provided. Guest who have a scheduled arrival time after 12:00PM are required to stay overnight in Sorong in order to catch our 2PM boat transfer the next day.
• From Resort to Sorong: Boat departure time is between 07h00. Earliest accepted flight departure from Sorong is at 10:30 AM. Guest having a scheduled departure time before 10:30 AM will be transferred one day in advance to Sorong.
• We strongly advice to schedule flights arriving Sorong no later than 12:00PM. Guest who have a scheduled arrival time after 12:00PM are required to stay overnight in Sorong in order to catch our boat transfer the next day.

Boat departure time is at 07h00. Earliest flight departure from Sorong is at 10:30 AM in order to catch your flight on time. Guest who have a scheduled flight departure time before 10:30 AM will be transferred one day in advance to Sorong.

Our resort representative will assist you with your departure as soon as you arrive in Sorong harbor. You will be either dropped at the airport in order to catch your departing flight or to your hotel in the case you are staying overnight in Sorong.

For guest arriving on early morning flights who would prefer to await the boat transfer in a hotel room, our ground staff can assist with the booking of a local hotel (subject to room availability).  To avoid disapointment, please inform us ahead of time if you would like to book this service.

That depends on your Nationality. Most nationalities have a “Free Tourist Visa” meanwhile most some others require a Visa to travel in Indonesia, a Visa-On-Arrival (VOA) is applicable. At present the VOA charge is USD 35.00 for applicants staying in the Country for 30 days. Please check the Indonesian Embassy in your country to see if you qualify for a “Free Tourist Visa”. Click here in case you need contact details of the nearest by Indonesian Embassy in your country.

• Boat transfers from/to the resort during arrival (Check-in) or departure (Check-out)
• Soft drinks and beer
• Dive equipment rental
• Raja Ampat Marine Park Entry permit (IDR 1.000.000,- per person required from ALL visitors to the area, valid for 1 calendar year)
• Private dive guides
• Long distance specialty dive trips*
• Bird watching excursions
• Gratuities

*Our local dive sites are stunning; however there are several other iconic sites such as Passage and Fam who are scattered over the enormous expanse of Raja Ampat that some guests may wish to see while here. We offer trips to these further sites for a surcharge

Any extras such as souvenirs, beverages, gratuities etc can be paid by VISA and MASTERCARD, or CASH at the resort – we accept IDR Rupiah, US Dollars, and EURO. However, when bringing foreign currency to the area, please be advised that local banks accept only pristine condition banknotes – folded, tattered or older notes (issued before 2006) cannot be accepted by the resort or any local banks in Indonesia.

• IDR 1.000.000,- in cash to pay the Raja Ampat Marine Park Entry Fee
• Dive Certificate and Log book
• Proof of dive insurance covering emergency evacuation – due to our remote location, all diving guests are required to present dive insurance. We recommend “Divers Alert Network”
• A raincoat or poncho if desired
• A light sweater – the evenings and early morning boat excursions can be chilly
• All personal toiletries that you will need for the duration of your stay- there are no shops on the island
• Wherever possible, biodegradable soap and shampoo – please assist us in minimizing our impact on the pristine local environment. We offer complimentary natural shampoo, shower gel, and hand soap in all our rooms. Natural conditioner is also included in our deluxe rooms.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat
• Mosquito repellent
• All dive gear: mask, fins, regulator, BCD, wetsuit, dive computer (mandatory). An underwater flashlight is also recommended. Please advise us in advance if you wish to rent any equipment during your stay. All diving guests will be issued a surface marker buoy, and given instructions on its use.
• Sturdy (water/mud proof) shoes if you wish to do any jungle hike or bird watching excursions around the islands; some of the stunning forest trails pass through shallow streams and muddy patches
• A small waterproof bag – these are an excellent safety precaution if you wish to take cameras or extra clothing or any other non waterproof items about with you on the boats.
• Binoculars to view bird life both around the resort and on excursions.

• Excessive plastic packaging – please pack items carefully and remove excess packaging to minimize any rubbish you bring to the island (all garbage is sorted into our compost, recycled, where possible, in Sorong, or disposed of in our incinerator).
• Dive gloves – these are not permitted at Papua Paradise.
• Non-rechargeable batteries – it is almost impossible to recycle batteries in Indonesia; whenever possible, please choose re-chargeable.
• Soap, shampoo and other personal items that contain excessive perfumes or are “antibacterial.” All these products contain harmful agents that will have adverse affects on our little island paradise.
• Fishing equipment – there is no fishing from Papua Paradise.

We have hot and cold water and 24 hours electricity in every bungalow.

220 Volt (CEE European plugs)

Our package offers unlimited dives which means that you have 4 opportunities to dive per day, two in the morning starting at 7.45/08.00am , one in the afternoon at 2.30pm, and one in the evening/or night (Dusk dives or night dives). There is a maximum ratio of 4 divers per guide.

No. Because of our remote location we dive very conservatively. We do not allow deco diving, and the maximum depth is 30 meters. We do not allow solo diving.

Our house reef is the perfect spot for snorkeling enthusiasts and can be explored by yourself free of charge. A guide can be hired as well as snorkeling equipment.

We’re also doing two dives in the morning which is also 2 times snorkeling if the boat can be shared and if the dive sites are suitable for snorkelers which can vary based on sea conditions (Not only big waves or current but also bad visibility), hence the reason why it’s better not to pre-book the snorkeling in order to avoid disappointment.

While relatively rare in Raja Ampat, it is possible to encounter occasional small jellyfish or mild stinging hydroids in the local waters after heavy rains, and we recommend that those predisposed to severe reactions bring wetsuits or Lycra suits for snorkeling activities.

Please note that there is no direct access to the sea from the bungalows; the safest way to get in would be from the ends of the two main jetties at the front and back of the resort.

Nitrox is free of charge for all guest who dive with Papua Paradise Eco Resort whether you pre-book or just decide on the spot.

Papua Paradise offers a full range of PADI courses from; Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and a range of Specialties. To book a dive course during your stay, please advise us ahead of time to ensure a place.

(* All guests wishing to complete dive certification at Papua Paradise must produce a current (not older than 6 months) and valid Dive Medical, signed and stamped by a doctor or fill in the PADI Medical Statement which you can find back by clicking here. If any of these items that you can find back on page number 1 of the PADI Medical Statement apply to you, we must request that you consult with a physician prior to participating in scuba diving.  Please consult your health care professional for further information)

Papua Paradise has 10 dive vessels:

• 1 Fiberglass boat with sundeck and toilet which can accommodate 8 to 12 divers, powered by 3 silent, 4 stroke 200 HP engines
• 1 Fiberglass boat with sundeck which can accommodate 6 to 8 divers, powered by 2 silent, 4 stroke 200 HP engines
• 2 Fiberglass boat which can accommodate 6 to 8 divers, powered by 2 silent, 4 stroke 150 HP engines
• 4 Fiberglass boats which can accommodate 1 to 5 divers, each powered by two 2 silent, 4 stroke 50 HP engines
• 2 Fiberglass boats which can accommodate 1 to 5 divers, each powered by two 2 stroke 40HP engines

All equipped with Oxygen, First Aid Kit, life jackets, drinking water and sun cover. Towels & padded camera crates are provided on all dive trips. Hot drinks and snacks are included in all morning dive trips.

For non-certified guests, Papua Paradise offers the PADI Discover SCUBA Diving program – with one of our qualified instructors you can try diving for the first time; no experience necessary and no certification required. There is beautiful snorkelling directly in front of the resort.

There is also a bird watching platform overlooking the local jungle behind the bungalows, and extended bird watching, waterfall and island tours that can be arranged through the resort depending on weather conditions.
In case you want to explore the surroundings of the island on the water then we have kayaks availabe for you which is free of charge for 1 hour during your stay.
And of course, there is always the sun-bed on the balcony of the room and a good book.

Each of the bungalows has a seaview desk next to a power outlet and multi plug power board. There are several “Camera Taxis” (padded wheelbarrows) and staff members ready to assist photographers transporting heavy equipment to and from the boat. A padded crate will be provided for you on the dive vessel.

Open for Diving and Snorkeling year round. Unlike other parts of Indonesia, weather patterns in central Raja Ampat are much more stable, with less distinct dry and rainy seasons. Diving and snorkeling condition are good all year round and water temperature is a constant 28° – 30°C (82° – 86°F), with visibility averaging 10-20m

There is no phone reception on the island; internet WIFI, sufficient for checking mails is available against no charge.

There is some Malaria present in the Sorong region. The best protection against this is insect repellent and coils, mosquito nets (all provided at the resort), wear light colored clothing, cover up during evening and early morning. For further medical queries regarding travel to Raja Ampat, be sure to consult your doctor.

At present, the nearest recompression facility is in Manado, Sulawesi. In the unlikely event that you require transportation to a chamber, we will directly contact your dive insurance provider and follow their instructions to transport you there. Please be reminded that all certified divers are required to carry Dive Emergency Evacuation Insurance to engage in Scuba activities at Papua Paradise. There is also a local hospital in Sorong (1 ½ hours away by boat) – please check your insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all contingencies. We very much urge you to purchase DAN diving insurance. We would also like to remind you that this is a very remote part of the world, and prevention is the best medicine in this case!

Papua Paradise is not liable for the refund of any unused, pre-paid dives due to illness or other related indispositions; kindly refer to your travel agent policy, or dive/travel insurance provider.

**We’re a long way away from the nearest hospital or clinic. Your safety and health is of paramount importance and we recommend that you take all safety precautions**

All senior staff members are certified PADI Emergency First Aid Responders
Oxygen, basic first aid supplies, as well as an AED (Defibrilator) are available
In the event of general medical emergency, you will immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital, which is in Sorong
In the event of a dive emergency, your dive insurance provider will advise us on the appropriate course of action.
You MUST have dive insurance which covers emergency evacuation.