Preparation

Staying on a remote island with limited Wi-Fi, no supermarkets, and no access to modern comforts means you can’t just wing it. Whether you’re joining Indo Ocean Project or planning your own trip to Raja Ampat, packing the right gear and preparing mentally is essential for making the most of your experience.

 

In this section, I’ll walk you through exactly what I packed, how to get there, what life’s really like in remote conditions, and tips I wish I knew before going.

How to Get There

Getting to Waigeo Island in Raja Ampat isn’t exactly straightforward, but with a bit of planning and patience, it’s absolutely doable. Here’s exactly how I’m getting there from Europe, and what you need to know to avoid unnecessary headaches.

 

My Route from Brussels to Raja Ampat:

I’m flying from Brussels to Jakarta, with a stopover in Dubai. Once you arrive in Jakarta, you’ll need to catch a domestic flight to Sorong (SOQ), which takes around 4 hours. From Sorong, the final leg of the journey is a 2-hour boat ride to Waigeo Island, where the Indo Ocean Project station is based.

Only two boats a day go from Sorong to Waigeo, at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so book an early flight into Sorong if you’re planning to travel on the same day. If you arrive too late, you’ll need to stay overnight in Sorong. Also remember, the afternoon boat does not depart every day (only a couple of days per week).

 

From Waisai town, where you will arrive by boat, it's only a 20 minute drive to Scuba Republic where the headquarters of IOP are. You'll first have to pay the MPA fees (which for us was 300,000 IDR). You can pay by card or with cash.

 

What You Really Need to Know About Flights to Sorong:

Here’s where things get tricky. Domestic flights in Indonesia can be a bit of a wild ride, especially to Sorong:

  • Flight prices to Sorong are expensive for domestic standards, expect to pay around $200 USD one-way.

  • Frequent cancellations and reschedules: This was honestly one of the most frustrating parts of planning. I’ve never experienced this many changes on a route before. In my case, at least three of my flights were either cancelled or rescheduled.

  • Unreliable refund process: If your flight gets cancelled and you need a refund, prepare for a long and complicated process. It’s not guaranteed.

 

What I Recommend:

  • Book your Jakarta–Sorong flight as close to your departure date as possible. It sounds counterintuitive, but it helps you avoid the worst of the rescheduling chaos.

  • Use Garuda Indonesia. It’s usually a bit more expensive, but much more reliable than budget airlines. They also typically release tickets only 2–3 weeks in advance, so keep checking around that window for the best time to book.

What to Pack for Remote Island Life

Here is a list of things to pack for 2 months of remote life:

Some things on your packing list are obvious, but after prepping for my two months in Raja Ampat with Indo Ocean Project, there are a few specific things I want to talk about that made a big difference for me.

 

Diving Gear:

If you’re joining Indo Ocean Project, they provide rental gear at the dive centre, including fins, wetsuits, BCDs, regulators, and masks. There are some required items you need to participate, like:

  • Dive Computer
  • SMB/Reel
  • Noise Maker

 

These can be purchased directly at the dive centre if you don’t already have them, except for the dive computer (with cash!). Personally, I decided to rent my BCD and regulator instead of buying and bringing them along. I wanted to test different brands and styles before committing to my own set. Raja Ampat’s a good place to experiment, especially if you’re still figuring out your preferences for long-term dive travel.

 

If you’re visiting Raja Ampat just for fun diving, most dive shops rent full sets of gear, so no need to carry it all from home unless you prefer using your own equipment.

 

Comfort Items for Island Life:

Sure, you can buy basics like toothpaste, deodorant, pads, or shampoo on Waigeo Island, but for longer stays, bringing products you know and love from home makes island life way more comfortable. Trust me, after weeks in salty water and sunshine, small comforts matter.

 

My non-negotiables:

  • Skincare products: Sun, salt, and humidity can be brutal on your skin. I packed my usual moisturisers, sunscreen, and even some face masks. It might sound extra, but having that little self-care moment feels amazing after a long dive day.
  • Tampons: Definitely stock up before coming. Tampons are notoriously hard to find in some Asian countries, and Raja Ampat is no exception.
  • Long sleeves and long trousers: Indonesia is a Muslim country, and while Raja Ampat is laid-back, respecting local customs means dressing modestly, especially when off the beach or outside dive camps.
  • Medication: If you’re travelling with long-term medication, bring a signed doctor’s note or prescription. It’s rare, but customs can ask questions, and having proof avoids potential issues.
  • Snacks from home: It’s not just for comfort (although having familiar treats is the best), it’s also a fun way to share with your fellow divers and make connections.

 

An extra tip I want to give is to put silica gels in your electronic pouches and bags to keep everything dry, especially in harsh island conditions (humidity and salt).

Sim Card

Staying connected while you’re in Indonesia is surprisingly easy, even in more remote areas like Raja Ampat, if you choose the right provider.

 

When I arrived at Jakarta Airport, there were SIM card sellers right in the arrival hall. I highly recommend going with Telkomsel, as they have the widest coverage, especially in remote regions like Waigeo. I paid 400,000 IDR for a package that included 20GB of data, and the card was valid for three months.

Important tip: While the package said 20GB, only 5GB was usable once I crossed into West Papua, due to regional data restrictions. So keep that in mind when choosing your plan. Topping up through the Telkomsel app doesn’t work for non-Indonesians, which is a bit frustrating.

The good news? You can top up with cash at Scuba Republic’s counter, which makes things much easier once you’re on the island.

 

Pro tip: Even though they might recommend getting a physical SIM, eSIM works just as well if you’re using Telkomsel data. I used one myself with no issues.