Getting there, staying safe, and what to expect

Getting there

How do I get to the project site once I land?

From the Sorong meeting point, you'll be taken to the ferry terminal for the crossing to Waisai (around 2 hours), and from there it's a final boat ride to our basecamp on Arborek Island. A taxi from Sorong airport to the meeting hotel typically costs between 50,000 and 100,000 IDR, and the ferry costs around 140,000 IDR. Full timings and meeting point details are confirmed closer to your departure date.

Visas

Do I need a visa?

Yes. Two main options: a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which costs around US$35 if you're staying more than 30 days and is easily obtained on arrival (or in advance as an eVOA via Indonesia's official immigration website), and covers 30 days extendable once for a further 30. Or a B211a 60 day tourist eVisa, arranged in advance (we can put you in touch with a visa agent), which is extendable twice for up to 6 months total in Indonesia and typically takes 5 to 7 working days to process once you have all paperwork ready. If your start date is far off, it's best to sort your visa closer to departure, as regulations can change. If you extend your visa while you're with us, the extension is done in person at the immigration office — you'll need to organise the trip and cover the costs yourself, and any project days missed for a visa extension are your own responsibility. Talk to us and we'll point you in the right direction.

Immigration paperwork

What should I put on immigration forms and paperwork?

Since our island doesn't have an official postal address, put the name and address of your hotel in Sorong on any immigration cards or forms — using an address elsewhere (such as Bali) can cause problems when you come to extend your visa. We'll confirm the exact details closer to your trip.

Insurance

What insurance do I need?

Both travel insurance (covering cancellations) and scuba diving insurance covering you for the full expedition, diving to 30m, medical evacuation and decompression chamber treatment. This is not negotiable, you won't be allowed to join without it. We recommend Divers Alert Network (DAN), who offer a good combined package.

Non-negotiable. You will not be allowed to join the expedition without both travel and scuba diving insurance covering diving to 30 m.

Vaccinations

Do I need vaccinations?

See your doctor 4–8 weeks before travel for the vaccinations they recommend, plus general malaria precautions (avoid Lariam/mefloquine, as side effects can mimic decompression sickness).

Avoid Lariam / mefloquine. Its side effects can mimic decompression sickness, which makes a diving injury harder to identify.

Safety on site

How safe is the diving?

Safety is the top priority: conservative, survey specific dive profiles, experienced local boat crews who know the currents, on site medical kit (oxygen, first aid, AED).

Money

Do I need extra spending money?

Not for the essentials, but budget for the odd treat. On site, expect to spend around 500,000 to 750,000 IDR a week (roughly £25 to £38) depending on how much beer, soft drinks, and snacks from the village shop you get through, plus laundry (around 100,000 IDR a load). Before you arrive, also budget roughly £185 for in transit costs (transfers, meals and a night's hotel in Sorong). See the Dive Training section for optional course pricing.

Leaving site

Can I leave the site, or leave early?

Not freely, for safety and logistical reasons, but occasional trips to Waisai can usually be arranged (especially on Wednesday supply runs). If you want to leave the project early, our cancellation policy applies. See Terms & Conditions.

Staying in touch

Can I be contacted while there?

Yes, to a point. Telkomsel is the only network with coverage, and there's a mobile tower on Arborek giving decent 4G for calls, texts and basic internet. Buy a Telkomsel SIM in Jakarta, Sorong or Waisai; you'll need to register your phone for it to work, which our team can help with. No phones during science/dive lectures or community project time though. Power sockets on site are the two round pin type, the same as continental Europe.

Weather

What's the weather like?

27–30°C year round. Hot and muggy on the coast, but the basecamp gets a nice cooling breeze. Wettest around September, though showers are usually short.