Taking the supply boat to Batanta and Fam Islands can save you quite a bit of money. It’s a great option if you have plenty of time and want to keep your budget as low as possible.
First, though, let us warn you: Do not rely on the supply boat if your schedule is not flexible! The KM Terebuk is an island supply vessel, not a passenger ferry. You will need to be flexible about departure times, and be ok with taking a long time to arrive at your destination.
Although you can occasionally rent a crew cabin, you will need to be OK with either not sleeping, or with sleeping on the deck. It would be wise to take something to shelter yourself and your luggage from rain.
If you’re going to Batanta, then you’ll be disembarking in the middle of the night, and you might need to wait in Arefi until morning for your homestay pickup.
You will need to contact your hosts in advance to arrange a pickup at Arefi or Pam. For some homestays you will need to be able to make yourself understood in Bahasa Indonesia.
Still keen? Details are below, and were correct in September 2023. We update this information as soon as we are aware of permanent changes.
If you need up to the minute information, please try calling John Urbon in Sorong, or asking around in the harbour there. Alternatively, check the comments below, and consider asking in our Travellers’ Forum group.
Batanta and Fam boat schedule
Boat name: KM Terebuk
Departs Sorong: Weekly on Fridays. Usually departs from the Pertamina harbour at Sorong sometime between 1800 and 2100. Best to be there before 6pm, because the boat leaves as soon as it’s loaded.
Arrives in Arefi, Batanta: Depends on departure time, but usually between 2400 (midnight) and 0130. Departs Arefi as soon as cargo transfer is complete.
Arrives in Fam Village, Fambemuk: Depends on when the boat left Sorong, but is usually around 0800 on Saturday if all goes well.
Departs Fam Village on Saturdays as soon as cargo transfer is complete.
Arrives Arefi on Saturday at 1200 if running to schedule.
Arrives Sorong on Saturday at around 1930.
Cost
Sorong to Arefi – IDR 70,000
Arefi to Pam – IDR 50,000
Sorong to Pam – IDR 120,000