Biak
Island Papua island with World War II sites and reefs
Biak Island in Indonesia’s Papua province offers WWII relics, coral reefs and Malay‑Papuan villages. Divers and history enthusiasts arrive for wreck dives, coastal reefs and local markets in the main town, Mokmer.
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Biak is an island and population centre in Cenderawasih Bay in Indonesia’s Papua province, administratively part of Biak Numfor Regency. The island is notable for its role in the Second World War and for serving as a regional transport hub.
The island offers coral reefs, clear-water dive sites and a number of exposed and submerged Second World War wrecks that attract divers and military-history visitors. Beaches, small villages and local markets are concentrated around the main settlement and harbour, while day trips by boat reach nearby islets and snorkeling sites.
During World War II Japanese forces constructed airstrips on Biak; Allied forces captured the island in 1944 and used it as a forward airbase. Post-war development centred on transport and administration, with an operational civilian airport established to connect the island to the rest of Indonesia.
Geographically the island sits in Cenderawasih Bay north of the New Guinea mainland and is part of the Schouten Islands group. The main settlement and ferry terminals are on the island’s coast and the airport provides the principal link to other Papuan towns and cities.
- Diving and wrecks: Many dive operators run day trips to coral reefs and wreck dives, with clear water and WWII wrecks commonly cited as highlights.
- Transport frequency: Access to the island is by air or ferry; services are less frequent than between major Indonesian islands so check schedules in advance.
What to See #
- Biak town: The main settlement and administrative centre on the island, serving as the ferry and boat hub for visitors and the location of local government offices.
- Frans Kaisiepo International Airport (Biak Airport): The island's commercial airport and principal air link to the Papuan mainland, serving scheduled flights to other Indonesian cities.
- World War II sites and wrecks: Scattered Second World War airstrips, wreck sites and battlefield locations from the 1944 Battle of Biak that are visible on land and underwater and attract divers and historians.
How to Get to Biak #
Biak is served by Frans Kaisiepo Airport (BIK), with flights from Papua’s larger hubs such as Jayapura. From the airport, local taxi services connect to island towns and dive operators. Sea travel to and from Biak is also possible from nearby ports, but schedules vary.
Tips for Visiting Biak #
- Use Biak as a base for diving and WWII aviation history tours-local operators know the best wreck and reef sites.
- Bring insect repellent-tropical coastal areas can have mosquitoes, especially in the evenings.
- Check domestic flight schedules carefully-connections to Biak can be limited and changeable.
Best Time to Visit Biak #
May-October (dry season) is best for diving and clearer seas.
Weather & Climate near Biak #
Biak'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 (2824 mm/year), wettest in March, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (256 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (254 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (271 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (239 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (241 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (214 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (261 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (240 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (206 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (204 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (191 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (247 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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