For the initiated there are actually two countries called Papua namely the independent state of Papua New Guinea and the occupied West Papua (aka Republic of West Papua). Both share the same languages, ethnicities and indeed cultures, with Port Moresby being the capital of the former and Jayapura the capital of the latter.
This means for anyone interested in Papuan culture these nations go together like peas and carrots. So it must be super easy to travel between the two of them yeah? Well not so much as there are no direct flights, BUT there is a hack for traveling between the two. Here’s the YPT guide on how to get from Port Moresby to Jayapura.
Table of Contents
PNG and West Papua
Papua New Guinea and West Papua are spirited brothers separated by borders drawn long ago by colonial powers. PNG is tribal, raw and full of hundreds of languages, village life and traditional culture. West Papua has a stronger Indonesian influence with paved roads, markets, street food and state presence everywhere.
Despite these surface differences the people share the same culture, language roots and traditions that stretch across the border. Local trade, family links and occasional festivals make it feel like one big community split by paperwork. Politically the border matters and travel is controlled, so make sure you have the right documents before turning up.
Click to read about the tragedy of West Papua.
Fly from Port Moresby to Vanimo
There are no direct flights from Port Moresby to Jayapura so the practical route is via Wewak and then the border city of Vanimo. Keep in mind these are very different places and there is no safe road link.
Air Niugini – Port Moresby to Wewak
- Daily flights Monday to Sunday
- Departure times: 07:00, 13:00, 15:30
- Flight time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- One-way fares: USD 150–250
PNG Air – Port Moresby to Wewak
- Daily flights Monday to Sunday
- Departure times: 09:00, 12:00, 16:00
- Flight time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- One-way fares: USD 120–220
Wewak to Vanimo
Air Niugini
- Daily flights
- Departure: 17:00, Arrival: 17:40
- Flight time: 40 minutes
- One-way fares: USD 100–150
PNG Air
- Most days of the week
- Departure: 08:30, Arrival: 09:10
- Flight time: 40 minutes
- One-way fares: USD 90–140
Evening flights are often rescheduled to 05:00 the next morning. When this happens passengers are usually put up in the Crown Hotel free. Always plan buffer time and never assume the flight will take off….
What to do in Vanimo
Vanimo is PNG’s hidden gem and the safest town in the country. There are no huge fortress-style walls and you can walk around the city without being molested. The beaches are stunning, waterfalls nearby, surf breaks near the coast, and a general vibe of paradise. Life here moves slow and friendly with locals genuinely curious about travellers. I personally suggest staying at the Vanimo Beach Hotel. It’s also the hometown of Belden Namah, the Minister for Tourism, who is a pal of mine.
Things to do in Vanimo
- Vanimo Beaches – swim, relax, sunsets
- Local surf breaks – waves or watching
- Waterfalls – short moto ride out of town
- Markets – local crafts, snacks, daily life
- Jungle tracks – sunrise or half-day hikes
Vanimo to Jayapura
From Vanimo it’s about one hour to the border through sublime countryside with coconut palms, jungle and sea views. PNG exit is straightforward if you have the correct paperwork. You cannot obtain an Indonesian visa on arrival; a pre-arranged visa is required.
I have a five-year visa, which makes crossing easy. Crossing the border usually takes around 30 minutes, then you’ll need a car for the one-hour drive to Jayapura city. Jayapura is modern with plenty of decent hotels. My choice is the Best Western Jayapura for comfort after the journey.
What to do in Jayapura
Jayapura is your hub for West Papua with beaches, culture, markets, mountains, and a growing city vibe.
Things to do in Jayapura
- Hamadi Beach – swimming and sun
- Base G Beach – calm water and sunsets
- Youtefa Bay – fishing boats and views
- Papua Museum – tribal and cultural displays
- Telletubby Hill – does what it says on the tin
- Jayapura City Mall – coffee and shops
- Local markets – crafts and Papuan-Indonesian food
Port Moresby to Jayapura and Beyond
Once in Jayapura you unlock West Papua:
- Wamena and Baliem Valley for Dani and Lani tribes – flight from Jayapura
- Raja Ampat for world-class diving – flight to Sorong then ferry
- Manokwari and Bird’s Head Peninsula – short domestic flights from Jayapura
- Sorong – main hub for eastern Indonesia, as well as broader Papuan exploration.
- Ambon and the Maluku Islands – flights via Makassar from Jayapura, or via direct from Sorong.
All onward travel is done using Indonesian domestic airlines.
Conclusion
Traveling from Port Moresby to Jayapura is not nearly as easy as it should be, but that does not mean it is not worth it. It takes you through incredible scenery, little-visited towns, and into the heart of real Papuan culture. If you care about tribes, beaches, jungle and proper adventure rather than ticking boxes, then West Papua is a must.
Click to check our Papua New Guinea Tours.
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