Things to do in Sorong
Getting bored in your hotel room?
Check out some of the things you can do in Sorong!
Sapta Ratna Pagoda
The Sapta Ratna Pagoda is a Chinese Buddhist temple which was built about 25 years ago. It is located on the main road and is easily accessible by any public transport. Just follow the sign from the main road up to the hill.
The Pagoda itself has seven stories with several eaves and is still used for worship. Once you enter the area (IDR 10.000), you can climb up the stairs to the temple. From there you’ll have a great view of the city, some islands and the ocean.
Opening hours of the Pagoda are daily from 9 am-7 pm.
The best time to come here is in the late afternoon when the sky is clear. Maybe you get lucky and experience one of the best sunsets in Sorong.
Walk to the Viewpoint - combined with Sapta Ratna Pagoda
If you walk past the Sapta Ratna Pagoda and go up the hill you’ll find a haven of nature. Green hills and forest as far as you can see. From up there you’ll get a view of the ocean, too!
You can walk as far as you want. Make sure to come back before it gets dark – there are no lights along the walkway.
The best time to come here is in the afternoon when it’s less hot. A walk can be easily combined with a beautiful sunset at the Pagoda.
Fishmarket - Jembatan Puri
Are you an early bird and interested in a Local Fisherman’s life?
Then you should get up around sunrise and make your way to Pasar Jembatan Puri. Pasar is the Indonesian word for market and Jembatan Puri is the name of the small harbour where fishermen bring in their catch of last night.
You’ll probably earn some funny laughs as it’s quite unusual for the locals to see a foreigner – that early in the morning. But you’ll get some great photos here for sure!
Pasar Remu and Pasar Boswesen
If you want to fully dive into the local lifestyle, you have to visit one of the local markets.
PASAR REMU is the main market and is located near the airport. Here you’ll find vegetables, fruits, sweets, clothes and everything you need for your household.
The market is a great place to walk around and get lost between the stalls. It is open all day.
PASAR BOSWESEN is located on the main road after passing Tembok Berlin. This market is quite small and offers mainly fruits and vegetables as long as stock lasts. The best time for a visit is before noon when the goods are still fresh.
Around the market, you’ll find many food stalls and warungs.
Shopping
GROCERIES
The two biggest supermarkets for grocery shopping are SAGA and MEGA. Both are located on the main road and very well known by every local.
MEGA is in the Eastern part of the city and SAGA rather in the centre of Sorong. Just jump on an angkot in the right direction and the driver will take you there.
At MEGA and SAGA, you’ll also find mobile phones, SIM cards, clothes, toys, coffee shops and always a few ATMs outsides.
More or less between those two are YOHAN and RAMAYANA – both located next to each other.
YOHAN only offers groceries, but RAMAYANA also has an interesting selection of clothes, shoes, and accessories.
CLOTHES
If you’re looking for some decent clothes, go to PLANET SURF. It is located on the second floor at SAGA.
It offers a wide selection of brands such as Ripcurl, Volcom, Billabong, Spyderbilt, Oakley, No Fear, Ray-Ban and many more. The perfect place to upgrade your wardrobe and get you into your holiday mood!
RAMAYANA has a big variety of all kinds of clothes, shoes, and accessories, too.
Pulau Dom
Pulau Dom is a small island right in front of Sorong Harbour.
It is also called the “old Sorong” because the city used to be on the island before it was relocated to the mainland.
It’s the perfect place to get out of busy Sorong and enjoy a view of the city from the other side. On Pulau Dom, you’ll find Becaks (something like a Riksha) and a small mountain called Tangga Seribu (“thousand steps”).
To get to Pulau Dom, simply hop on one of the small taxi boats leaving from Halte Dom. A ride costs IDR 5.000 and takes about 25 minutes. If you don’t want to wait until the boat is full, you can charter it yourself. The price should be about IDR 35.000 – depending on your bargaining skills.
Birdwatching & Walking
Sorong is surrounded by a beautiful green jungle which is home to many different species such as birds, frogs, snakes, and lizards.
A great place to go for a walk is Hutan Lindung/Taman Wisata Alam Sorong. Take an ojek or angkot in the direction Aimas, an area East of Sorong. At the entrance to the forest, you’ll see a gate “Taman Wisata Alam Sorong” and a little hut for the forest rangers.
The dirt road leads far inland and is perfect for a long walk, a little jog or just to recharge your batteries in nature. It’s recommended to come with a few people – the area is quite remote.
If you’re lucky you’ll see colourful parrots, kookaburras, different kinds of pigeons or even cockatoos and eagles.
Public Swimming Pools
Trying to escape the heat by having a dip in the pool?
If your hotel doesn’t have one, don’t worry! Luckily there are a few places to go for a swim.
One option is heading North-West direction Tanjung Kasuari. On the left, you’ll see a big entrance gate “Tampa Garam Beach”. For an entrance fee of IDR 30,000, you’re allowed to use their large swimming pool for the day. Enjoy tasty homemade food, cold drinks, and Indonesian karaoke!
Another option is the Kasuari Valley Beach Resort, not far from Tampa Garam Beach. You can use their pool for an entrance fee of IDR 100,000. Unfortunately, the pool is relatively small but the view from the terrace is definitely worth it.
From here you can watch a beautiful sunset!
Beaches
Don’t expect to find stunning beaches in Sorong. There are no white sandy beaches or great places to go into the water. However, if you need some fresh air, it’s worth driving out of Sorong, heading North-West direction of Tanjung Kasuari. You’ll pass a few houses and villages until you can turn left to the long coast.
It’s nothing compared to paradise beaches in Raja Ampat but it’s a nice road for a relaxed drive out of town. Don’t be surprised to see a lot of Plastic Garbage.
If you fancy a sunset drink with one of the best views, go to the Kasuari Valley Beach Resort. It’s located on a cliff and has a large terrace. The perfect place to enjoy the sunset while sipping on a cold coconut!
Jungle Trekking
Untouched nature, hidden waterfalls and authentic local lifestyle: West Papua has amazing places to discover!
Read more about jungle trekking in 5 reasons why you should explore the highlands of West Papua
If you’re interested in a personalized tour through the highlands of West Papua you should contact the travel experts for Raja Ampat & West Papua.
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat, with its unique landscape and stunning underwater world, should be on everyone’s bucket list. It is known as a snorkelers’ and divers’ paradise with the highest biodiversity underwater worldwide.
You can join the Public Ferry from Sorong harbour. The ferry leaves twice a day (9 am and 2 pm) to Waisai on the island of Waigeo and takes about 2,5 hours – depending on the weather. Waisai is a small town and at the same time the Capitol of Raja Ampat.
A one-way ticket costs IDR 100,000. Booking in advance is not necessary – just arrive on time and get your ticket at the small counter at the entrance.
From Waisai you can hop on a small boat to the island of your choice or to the famous Wayag and Piaynemo Islands. A photo from these viewpoints is a “must-have”!
If you’re interested in a personalized tour through Raja Ampat you should contact the travel experts for Raja Ampat & West Papua.
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