Biak Archipelago

The Biak Archipelago is a group of islands off the northern coast of New Guinea in Indonesia’s Papua province, with Biak as the largest and principal island. The archipelago features coral reefs, wartime relics and lowland tropical forest on the larger islands.

Recreational attractions include reef diving, snorkelling and visits to WWII-era sites and wrecks around the islands. Biak town provides most visitor services and an airstrip that links the islands to the rest of Papua.

The islands saw major military activity during the Pacific campaign of World War II, notably the 1944 Battle of Biak, and remnants from that period remain on and around several islands. Natural values include fringing reefs and coastal ecosystems that support local fishing communities.

The archipelago lies in Cenderawasih Bay in northern New Guinea, north of the Papuan mainland; Biak Island hosts the main settlement and transport links to the provincial centres.

• WWII history: Important WWII battle sites and wreck diving locations; wrecks and remnants are popular with scuba divers and military history visitors.
• Diving and marine life: Marine biodiversity with coral reefs and clear waters makes the islands a destination for snorkelling and scuba diving, accessed from Biak town and small boat operators.

What to See #

• Biak Island: Biak is the largest and principal island, with the main town and airport used as the transport hub for the archipelago and for dive excursions.
• Other islands and dive sites: Islands including Supiori, Numfor and Owi lie nearby and together form a chain of coral-fringed islands with extensive reef systems and WWII wreck sites used for diving.