Port information & tips for Kai Islands
The Kei Islands are an untouched natural paradise in the far east of Indonesia and enchant travelers as an exclusive insider tip of the Moluccas. The island world impresses with its pristine atmosphere, turquoise waters, and the legendary Pasir Panjang beach, which is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline worldwide thanks to its exceptionally fine, white sand. Unique sights such as the mystical Hawang Cave with its deep blue spring water as well as the picturesque coastal sections of Ohoidertawun offer unforgettable experiences in a dreamlike setting. Cruise ships dock at Pelabuhan Tual, which is located directly in the urban area of Tual and at the same time represents an ideal starting point for short distances to the lively city center as well as to neighboring Langgur.
The Kei Islands, a remote jewel in Indonesia, delight with pristine beaches and crystal-clear water and are primarily visited by expedition cruises. For guests from the DACH region, arrival is mainly organized by plane, as there is no extensive cruise port infrastructure in the conventional sense on site. The central access point is located in the Tual and Langgur region on the island of Kei Kecil.
Airplane
Arrival to the Kei Islands usually takes place by plane in several stages. First, you fly internationally to one of Indonesia's major hubs such as Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG), or Bali (DPS). From there, you continue with a domestic flight to Ambon Airport (AMQ), the capital of Maluku province. The final step is a short domestic flight, lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours, to Karel Sadsuitubun Airport (LUV) on Kei Kecil, which serves the cities of Tual and Langgur. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Wings Air connect Ambon with LUV.
Transfer & Shuttle
After landing at Karel Sadsuitubun Airport (LUV), you can easily reach your accommodation or the respective embarkation points. The airport is located about 12 kilometers from Langgur and 14 kilometers from Tual. Local taxis or motorcycle taxis (ojeks) are available for the transfer. In addition, some hotels and cottages in Tual and Langgur offer a paid airport shuttle, which is a comfortable option. For onward travel to the anchorages of the cruise ships or smaller islands, boat transfers by the cruise lines or local providers are common.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight times and the necessity of domestic flights to the Kei Islands, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel before embarkation is strongly recommended. This provides a sufficient buffer in case of possible delays with local airlines and allows for a relaxed start to your cruise. In the region around Tual and Langgur on Kei Kecil, you will find a selection of hotels and cottages that are ideally suited for an overnight stay before departure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
