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Biak Archipelago

Islands

Off Papua's north coast, the Biak Archipelago offers coral reefs, WWII wreck dives and coastal villages with distinct islander cultures. Divers and birdwatchers use Biak as a base for offshore reefs and historical sites.

Biak Archipelago JayapuraManokwariMeraukeTimikaBiak Archipelago
In this guide

Biak Archipelago essentials

Country: Indonesia
Driest months: Sep-Nov
Pay in: Rupiah (Rp)
Language: Indonesian
Emergency: 110

Biak Archipelago at a Glance

About 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.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Biak Archipelago

Visit during the drier months (May-October) for the calmest seas and best conditions for snorkeling and island hopping.

Dry season
May-Oct · ~26-31°C
Best time for beach activities, snorkeling and calmer seas; less frequent heavy rains than the wetter months.
Wet season
Nov-Apr · ~24-30°C
Higher rainfall, increased humidity and rougher seas can affect boat travel and outdoor plans.

Weather & Climate near Biak Archipelago

Climate

Biak Archipelago's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2832 mm/year), wettest in March, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 33 Good
Best Time to Visit
AprilMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
25°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 21° - 28° 25° 256 mm overcast 82% 2.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
February Good 21° - 28° 25° 254 mm overcast 82% 1.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
March Good 22° - 29° 25° 273 mm overcast 82% 2.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
April Good 22° - 29° 25° 241 mm overcast 82% 1.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
May Good 22° - 29° 26° 242 mm overcast 81% 2.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
June Good 22° - 29° 25° 218 mm overcast 81% 1.9 m/s 1.9 very high 12.0h
July Good 22° - 28° 25° 258 mm overcast 80% 2.3 m/s 2.0 very high 12.0h
August Good 22° - 29° 25° 239 mm overcast 80% 2.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
September Good 22° - 29° 26° 204 mm overcast 80% 2.0 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
October Good 22° - 30° 26° 204 mm overcast 79% 1.8 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
November Good 22° - 29° 25° 193 mm overcast 81% 1.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.0h
December Good 21° - 29° 25° 250 mm overcast 82% 2.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Biak Archipelago

The Biak Archipelago is reached via Biak Island (Numfor). Fly into Frans Kaisiepo Airport (BIK) on Biak - there are regular domestic flights from other Papuan and Indonesian hubs - then continue from Biak town harbour by local ferry or charter boat to the smaller islands. Boat schedules and services vary seasonally, so check locally in Biak for connections.

Tips for Visiting Biak Archipelago

  • Fly into Biak's airport (Frans Kaisiepo International Airport) as your main access point and pre-book local boat or dive operators from Biak town-most island transport and dive trips are arranged locally rather than on arrival.
  • Plan visits in the drier season (roughly May-October) when sea conditions and visibility are better for diving and island hopping; rough seas in the wet season can disrupt boat services.
  • Don't assume on-the-ground guiding is plentiful: arrange charters or guided tours in advance if you want to reach remote dive sites or WWII wreck locations, and allow flexibility in your schedule for weather-dependent boat departures.