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Sadalmelik CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Biak

Island

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.

Biak JayapuraManokwariMeraukeTimikaBiak
In this guide

Biak essentials

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

Biak at a Glance

About Biak

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Biak

May-October (dry season) is best for diving and clearer seas.

Dry season (May-Oct)
May-Oct · 24-30°C / 75-86°F
Better for diving and sea conditions; lower rainfall.
Wet season (Nov-Apr)
Nov-Apr · 24-32°C / 75-90°F
Higher rainfall and occasional rough seas; still warm and green.

Weather & Climate near Biak

Climate

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.

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° - 29° 25° 254 mm overcast 82% 1.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
March Good 22° - 29° 25° 271 mm overcast 82% 2.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
April Good 22° - 29° 26° 239 mm overcast 82% 1.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
May Good 22° - 29° 26° 241 mm overcast 82% 1.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
June Good 22° - 29° 25° 214 mm overcast 82% 1.8 m/s 1.9 very high 12.0h
July Good 22° - 29° 25° 261 mm overcast 81% 2.3 m/s 2.0 very high 12.0h
August Good 22° - 29° 25° 240 mm overcast 80% 2.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
September Good 22° - 29° 26° 206 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° 26° 191 mm overcast 81% 1.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.0h
December Good 22° - 29° 25° 247 mm overcast 82% 1.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.0h
Getting There & Around

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.