| DESTINATION | FUEL COST 15HP | FUEL COST 40HP |
|---|---|---|
| Friwen | 245,000 | 428,750 |
| Gam East – Yenbeser | 262,500 | 459,375 |
| Gam South – Kordiris and Kri | 315,000 | 551,250 |
| Gam South – Sawinggrai | 490,000 | 857,500 |
| Kabui Bay – Warikaf | 507,500 | 888,125 |
| Gam South – Beser Bay | 542,500 | 949,375 |
| Gam West – Korbekwan | 630,000 | 1,102,500 |
| Arborek | 630,000 | 1,102,500 |
| Batanta – Birie Island | 700,000 | 1,225,000 |
| Piaynemo | 1,102,500 | 1,942,835 |
| Pam Islands – Sau Kabu | 1,102,500 | 1,942,835 |
| Pam Islands – Mios Ba | 1,172,500 | 2,051,875 |
| Manyaifun | 1,260,000 | 2,205,000 |
| West Waigeo – Kamar Raja | 1,295,000 | 2,266,250 |
| West Waigeo – Talaip | 1,557,500 | 2,725,625 |
| West Waigeo – Prajas | 1,627,500 | 2,848,125 |
Raja Ampat Flotopia offers boat hire services to transport guests between islands. These costs are sore point for many visitors. Many consider the prices being asked as unjustified and exploitative. Or, more simply: “Boat prices are a complete ripoff.”
There are undeniably some operators who charge more than is fairly justified, but the common perception of widespread and systematic price fixing and profiteering is unfounded.
Here’s why:
We’ll explore these reasons in more detail and give you the numbers you need to make an informed assessment below, but the real question is:
How can you be sure to not spend more than is truly necessary?
This page has been updated to take into account the substantial fuel price increases announced in August 2022. The exchange rate used for USD equivalence was that at September 2022.
The screenshot above shows a single data collection trip during which we covered 350km in a longboat with a single 40 horsepower engine. Raja Ampat boat hire being as expensive as it is, we naturally keep a close eye on exactly how much fuel we’re consuming and log each day’s distances and fuel consumption. So the numbers we’re about to quote are factual.
Before we get stuck into it though, let’s just look again at the 4 points we made in support of our assertion that Raja Ampat boat hire prices are not unreasonable.
This is a no-brainer isn’t it? Obviously the cost to an individual host of picking you up or dropping you off is the round trip cost.
In September 2022, the average cost of outboard fuel mix (bensin campur) in Raja Ampat was IDR 17,500 per litre. This is a fact. You may see the sign at the Pertamina station on the hill at Waisai advertising fuel at the nationally stipulated price, but just go in and try to buy some: They are almost always “out of stock of BBM”.
In addition to the cost of fuel for your journey, the homestay owner has to cover the cost of boat driver wages, maintenance of the boat and engine and depreciation on the total investment. These are normal operating costs factored into the price of any transport you purchase anywhere. Expecting a transfer price based on the cost of fuel alone is unreasonable. Note also, that in some cases, homestay owners do not have a boat capable of making the journey safely and must rent one themselves.
Which of course includes boats, outboard engines and everything (except timber in the case of a traditional longboat) that goes into building and maintaining them.
Note: It’s fallacious to equate Raja Ampat’s remoteness with that of somewhere like the Banda Islands or the Togeans in Sulawesi: Yes, those particular islands are further away from the city you leave from to get to them than the Dampier Strait islands are from Sorong, but spend five minutes looking at a map of Indonesia: Nowhere is further from Indonesia’s major population and industrial centers than Papua is. Kalimantan for example, is only 500km away from the production centers of Java. Sulawesi is 700km away. And both Sulawesi and Kalimantan have road networks that further reduce shipping costs. Even the Bandas, remote as they are, are only 1900km from Java. Sorong is over 2300km from Java, and then goods must be shipped from there to Raja Ampat.
So – let’s look at a real world Raja Ampat boat hire case…
Batanta for example. The cheapest transport available to a Batanta homestay on September 13 2022 was IDR 1,000,000 each way. The most expensive was IDR 2,000,000 The average was IDR 1,570,000
Fuel consumption varies according to sea conditions, number of passengers, engine condition and how the engine is driven. In our experience (usually with 4 people in the boat) the round trip from Waisai to Batanta uses an average of 70 litres of fuel if a single 40HP engine is used, or an average of 40 litres if the boat has a single 15HP engine.
A round trip will take somewhere between 3 and 6 hours, depending on boat/engine type and sea conditions. What do you think is a fair price for the boat driver for that amount of time? Would IDR 200,000 be reasonable? Let’s use that anyway.
So, assuming that the homestay already owns the boat it uses, then the total actual trip cost will be around IDR 1,425,000 if a single 40HP engine is employed, or IDR 900,000 if using a boat using a single 15HP engine. Twin engined boats will obviously burn more fuel.
| ENGINE | FUEL COST | DRIVER WAGES | PRICE CHARGED | GROSS PROFIT PER TRIP BEFORE maintenance & depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15HP | 700,000 | 200,000 | 1,000,000 | 100,000 (~USD 6.73) |
| 15HP | 700,000 | 200,000 | 1,500,000 | 600,000 (~USD 40.38) |
| 15HP | 700,000 | 200,000 | 2,000,000 | 1,100,000 (~USD 74.05) |
| 40HP | 1,225,000 | 200,000 | 1,000,000 | -425,000 (~USD 28.59) |
| 40HP | 1,225,000 | 200,000 | 1,500,000 | 75,000 (~USD 5.04) |
| 40HP | 1,225,000 | 200,000 | 2,000,000 | 575,000 (~USD 38.66) |
Best case scenario for homestay owner? The homestay charges IDR 2,000,000, owns its own boat, uses a 15HP engine and the homestay owner drives it. Gross profit (before maintenance and depreciation) = IDR 1,100,000 (About USD 74.05) per trip.
Worst case? It’s plain to see that any Batanta homestay that uses a boat with a 40HP engine, employs a driver at 200,000 per trip, and charges less than IDR 1,500,000 is actually losing money.
So: Before you decide that the Raja Ampat boat hire costs you’ve been quoted are a total ripoff, make sure you’ve done your research. To make an informed judgement you need at the very least to know the round trip distance and the horsepower (and number) of engines on the boat. The table below provides a starting point to make your own assessment.
Unless you expect people to work for peanuts, or don’t think including maintenance and depreciation is warranted, then we think you’ll find that the majority of homestay transport prices aren’t as unreasonable as they’d appear at first glance.
Your Floating Paradise
- Luxury Living: Six spacious bedrooms with stunning ocean views, designed for comfort and serenity.
- Private Retreat: Perfect for families, couples, or groups seeking an exclusive getaway.
- Unmatched Amenities: Enjoy modern comforts, including a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living areas, and tranquil outdoor spaces to unwind.
Adventure Awaits: Big Kanu Liveaboard Charters
Flotopia serves as the launching platform for "Big Kanu", our custom-built sailing trimaran. Embark on unforgettable snorkel-friendly liveaboard charters, exploring the hidden treasures of Raja Ampat's islands. Swim among vibrant coral gardens, relax on untouched beaches, and experience the world's richest marine biodiversity.
- 5-Day, 4-Night Charters: Private and open trips departing weekly.
- Exclusive Access: Visit secluded lagoons and top snorkel sites unreachable by traditional boats.
- Tailored Adventures: Flexible itineraries to match your interests.
See more at www.BigKanu.com
Why Choose Flotopia?
- Prime Location: Situated in Waisai, the gateway to Raja Ampat’s wonders.
- Eco-Conscious Design: Experience sustainable luxury in harmony with nature.
- Unforgettable Experiences: From snorkeling to sunset dining, every moment is magical.
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Contact Us
Email: bigkanurajaampat@gmail.com
Phone: +62 81225263339
Follow us on social: @FloatillaClubRajaAmpat @ BigKanuLiveaboard
Discover the beauty of Raja Ampat. Embrace the adventure. Live the dream. Welcome to Flotopia.. modern day Utopia
Discover "Flotopia", a one-of-a-kind floating villa and retreat center nestled in a serene lagoon in Waisai, Raja Ampat. This luxurious 6-bedroom villa offers an exclusive escape to the heart of the world's most pristine marine paradise. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, Flotopia is your ultimate destination.
