What does the Marine Park permit cost?

USD 80 per foreign visitor (USD 40 for Indonesian citizens), valid 12 months. Buy it online or at the BLUD UPTD office in Waisai. Regency charges may apply on top.

How do I get to Arborek?

Fly to Sorong Airport (SOQ) in West Papua, take the 2–3 hour boat to Waisai, and join the day tour to Arborek from there.

When is the best time to visit Arborek?

October to April. For manta rays, plan between December and March.

What should I expect on the tour?

Cultural immersion and marine life together: join the local weaving traditions, then snorkel vibrant shallow reefs with a chance of manta rays.

Culture and shallow reefs

Arborek village tour

Meet a Papuan weaving village, then snorkel the shallow jetty reef near Manta Sandy — culture and marine life in one trip from Waisai.

Plan my Arborek visit How to get there

43: families
209: residents
Dec–Mar: manta season

The experience

Culture on land, reef below the jetty

A gentle trip that suits non-divers as much as keen snorkellers.

Weaving culture

Watch artisans craft intricate patterns from natural dyes and fibres.

Jetty snorkelling

Shallow reefs, ideal for non-divers and nervous swimmers.

Manta rays

Manta Sandy and Manta Point are close by; peak December to March.

Photography

Corals, tropical fish and village life in one day.

The village

A small island with a weaving tradition

Arborek is a Papuan village of 43 families and 209 residents, close to Manta Sandy and Manta Point.

Local artisans weave intricate patterns with natural dyes and fibres — a craft you can watch, and join, with your hosts.

Papuan weaving with natural dyes
Shallow reefs right off the jetty
Near Manta Sandy and Manta Point

The details

What's included, and who it suits

Included

Speedboat transfers from Waisai
Guided snorkelling sessions
Weaving culture experience
Marine Park permit guidance

Not included

Flights to Sorong (SOQ)
Marine Park permit fee (USD 40-80)
Crew tips

Ideal for

Culture lovers

An intimate glimpse into Papuan life.
Snorkellers

Vibrant corals, tropical fish and mantas.
Non-divers

Shallow water, easy for nervous swimmers.
Photographers

Cultural and marine subjects in one trip.

Visit well

Respect the village and the reef

A few simple rules for a respectful visit.

Around the mantas

Touching mantas is strictly prohibited
Peak season is December to March
Manta Sandy and Manta Point are nearby

In the village

Document local hospitality respectfully
Join the weaving with your hosts

Paperwork

Marine Park permit: USD 80 per foreign visitor
Buy online or at the BLUD UPTD office, Waisai
Valid for 12 months

Getting there

How to reach Arborek

Arborek is reached by speedboat from Waisai, the base for Raja Ampat day tours.

Plan my route

1

Step 1

Fly to Sorong (SOQ)

Sorong in West Papua is the gateway to Raja Ampat.
2

Step 2

Boat to Waisai

About 2–3 hours by boat to the starting point for day tours.
3

Step 3

Sort the permit

Buy the Marine Park permit online or at the Waisai office.
4

Step 4

Boat to Arborek

Speedboat from Waisai to the village jetty and its reefs.
5

Option

Coming from Komodo?

Fly Komodo Airport (LBJ) to Sorong to combine both parks. Check schedules early.