Biak cuisine reflects the maritime traditions of the indigenous Papuan people, with a heavy emphasis on fresh seafood from the surrounding Pacific waters. The local preparations are simpler than the spice-heavy cuisine of western Indonesia, with grilled fish, sago-based staples, and fresh coconut forming the basis of most meals. The signature Papuan dish is Papeda, a sago-based porridge served with fish soup that is a staple across West Papua. The growing Indonesian migrant population has introduced more diverse culinary options, and the restaurants in Biak town offer a mix of Papuan and Indonesian cuisine. The freshness of the seafood, particularly the tuna and reef fish, makes every meal memorable despite the simpler preparations. You may also encounter unique local delicacies such as 'Ulat Sago' (sago grubs), which are a traditional source of protein and highly valued by the local community. For those with less adventurous palates, the abundance of tropical fruits like 'Matua' (a local fruit similar to lychee) provides a sweet and refreshing snack. Dining in Biak is often an informal affair, with meals shared in traditional open-air structures that allow for a relaxed connection with the local community and the surrounding natural beauty.

Hotel Mariani Biak

Hotel Asaidi Biak

Royal Bali Hotel Biak

Aston Niu Hotel Biak

Biak and the Padaido Islands lie off the northern coast of West Papua in the deep waters of Cenderawasih Bay and the Pacific Ocean, representing one of Indonesia's most remote and least-explored diving frontiers with extraordinary marine biodiversity and significant WWII historical heritage. Biak Island, the largest in the archipelago, was a major Japanese naval base during WWII and the site of fierce battles during the Allied Pacific campaign, leaving a legacy of wrecks, caves, and military relics that combine with the region's pristine coral reefs to create a uniquely compelling dive destination. The underwater environment is characterized by dramatic wall diving along the island's steep southern coast, extensive coral gardens on the Padaido Islands' sheltered reefs, and the remarkable presence of whale sharks that aggregate in Cenderawasih Bay throughout the year. The Padaido chain, a cluster of small islands south of Biak, offers some of the region's best reef diving with healthy coral systems supporting an impressive diversity of reef fish, turtles, and reef sharks in crystal-clear Pacific waters. The region's isolation in West Papua has preserved both the marine ecosystems and the indigenous Papuan culture, with the Biak people maintaining traditional fishing practices and a strong maritime heritage that includes the distinctive Wor ceremony and seafaring traditions. The whale shark population in Cenderawasih Bay is one of the most reliable in Indonesia, with the gentle giants attracted to the traditional bagan fishing platforms scattered throughout the bay. For the adventurous diver seeking a combination of pristine Pacific diving, whale shark encounters, and WWII history in a genuinely remote setting, Biak and the Padaido Islands deliver an experience that few Indonesian destinations can match. Geologically, the islands are characterized by uplifted limestone reefs, which have created a landscape of dramatic cliffs and deep underwater caves that were utilized by soldiers during the war. This geological history adds a layer of terrestrial wonder to the trip, as many of the best dive sites are positioned right beneath towering limestone walls that drop straight into the deep blue of the Pacific.

Biak & Padaido Islands

Biak is served by Frans Kaisiepo Airport (BIK), with connecting flights from Jayapura, Makassar, and Jakarta. The airport was originally built during WWII and remains the main gateway to the region. From Biak, the Padaido Islands are accessible by speedboat charter, taking approximately 1-2 hours depending on the destination island. Cenderawasih Bay and the whale shark sites are also accessible by boat from Biak, with the main bagan platforms approximately 2-3 hours away. The limited tourism infrastructure means that most diving is organized through a small number of local operators or via liveaboard expeditions that include Biak on longer West Papua itineraries.

Liveaboard Diving in Biak & Padaido Islands