Making the most of Biak Papua
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Biak, also written Wiak Island and called Pulau Biak in Indonesian, is the largest Schouten Island. It lies off northern West Papua—the Indonesian part of New Guinea—at the entrance to Cenderawasih, or Geelvink, Bay.
Modern cruise and diving vessels have called at Biak for several years, giving visitors access to its extensive underwater world.
Save or print a map to carry ashore.
Sightseeing
At the northern tip of West Papua’s Bird’s Head Peninsula, Biak provides an international entry point for visitors from the U.S. Most travellers currently treat it as a flight stopover en route to Bali or Jakarta, but plans aim to turn the island and offshore islets into an international resort. Construction has begun at Marauw Beach on 325 hectares only 15 minutes from Frans Kaisepo International Airport. Proposals include six 4- and 5-star hotels, an 18-hole golf course, counting and water skiing, together with a marina and seaside park...
Food and shopping
Amenity Plaza is a shopping centre intended to meet varied requirements for tourists and local residents.
An outdoor market sells fruit and vegetables early each morning. Other shops carry souvenirs and jewellery made from 23-kt. gold, priced by weight with only a small workmanship charge.
Money
ATMs are common in Indonesia’s major cities.