Ferries & Boats
In the archipelago, ferries and boats are essential means of transport — from huge PELNI ferries to shaky wooden boats.
PELNI Ferries
The state ferry company PELNI connects Indonesia's major islands with a network of passenger ships. The journeys often take several days (Jakarta → Makassar: ~3 days) and are an adventure in themselves — deck passage with hundreds of Indonesians, simple food, little comfort, but an incomparable experience. Cabins (Class 1–4) and deck class available.
Fast Boats & Speedboats
- Komodo Boat Tours: From Labuan Bajo to the Komodo Islands, 1–3 days, from 800,000 IDR (48 €) for a day trip
- Raja Ampat: Speedboat from Sorong to Waisai (1–2 hours, 200,000 IDR / 12 €)
- Togian Islands: From Ampana (Sulawesi), irregular ferry service
Liveaboard Boats
For divers, the best way to experience Komodo or Raja Ampat: multi-day diving cruises with 10–20 dives. Price range: 2,000–5,000 € for 5–10 days including full board and diving. Booking months in advance is necessary.
💡 Tipp
The multi-day Komodo boat tour (Liveaboard) from Labuan Bajo is one of the best experiences in Indonesia: snorkeling, hiking, Komodo dragons, sunsets on the upper deck, starry skies. Budget option: 2–3 days on a Pinisi sailing boat from 2,000,000 IDR (~120 €) per person including meals.
