Merauke Island has become one of the destinations for travelers who want to see Indonesia in its entirety. Merauke is Indonesia’s easternmost point at 0 km, so a trip to Papua wouldn’t feel complete without visiting Merauke. Here are some tips i can share for those of you who wish to explore Merauke City:
1. Plan Your Merauke Itinerary in Detail
Merauke has many interesting places to visit. Plan your trip well, including scheduling your visits to different destinations around Merauke. You can also check locations and plan your itinerary using the app I always use as a reference when traveling, called AsikTravel. Be sure to know the distances between places and estimate travel times so you can manage your time more efficiently.
2. Find a Local Friend
To make your trip easier while in Merauke, especially if you’re solo traveling like me, try to find a local friend, often referred to as “AKAMSI” (anak kampung sini), who can accompany you in exploring Merauke. Locals usually have better knowledge about places to visit and the current conditions. To find local friends, I use the Couchsurfing app. During my time in Merauke, I stayed with a friend I met through Couchsurfing. Although there’s no payment involved, it’s important to show good manners, such as helping with household chores (sweeping, washing dishes, cleaning), buying ingredients if you want to cook, or bringing your own personal supplies like toiletries and laundry soap. Make sure not to burden them, especially if they also have financial limitations. Good manners are crucial in building relationships with those who help us. Having the right attitude is essential, not just with friends from Couchsurfing, but with anyone we meet on our journey. Always leave a good impression and make your presence a blessing for them, not the opposite.
3. Prepare Transportation during your Merauke trip
Merauke is a fairly remote city with limited public transportation. Therefore, having a private vehicle is essential, especially since most of the places you’d want to visit are quite far apart. Renting a motorbike is a popular option for flexibility. Make sure the vehicle you rent is in good condition and ready for long trips.
During my stay in Merauke, I explored the area using a motorbike belonging to my host, so I didn’t need to pay for a rental. However, it’s important to be considerate in such situations. For example, don’t let the cost of fuel become a burden for your host, as the trip is your need, not theirs. Also, be mindful of the time and effort they dedicate to helping you.
4. Bring Essential Travel Gear
Always carry essential travel gear, such as maps, a compass (if you know how to use one), or GPS, along with a charger and power bank. Internet connection may be limited in certain areas, so it’s wise to prepare offline maps or printed guides. As a solo traveler, I pay close attention to these things to minimize potential obstacles and ensure everything goes smoothly according to plan.
5. Be Aware of Weather, Terrain, and Prepare Personal Needs
Make sure to check the weather conditions before traveling to areas that require long journeys or outdoor activities. Some places may be hard to reach during bad weather. When I was in Merauke, the weather was sometimes hot and sometimes rainy, so I always prepared accordingly by bringing items like a hat, umbrella, sunscreen, jacket, sandals, and a raincoat, as rain could come unexpectedly. Don’t forget to bring personal medications if needed and wear comfortable clothing.
6. Learn Local Customs & Be Friendly
I believe being friendly is important wherever you go. When I arrived in Merauke, I noticed my friend would always greet the locals with phrases like “mari” or “permisi mama, pace, kaka.” In Merauke, you often meet locals or indigenous people walking around with strong, distinct Papuan features. While they might seem serious or stern, once you greet them, you’ll often be met with a warm, friendly smile. Greeting people is one way to show respect as a visitor because, as the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
7. Prepare Cash
It’s essential to carry cash, as ATMs and banking facilities are not always available in remote areas of Merauke. Services like debit machines, QRIS payments, and other e-money options can be hard to find. Even ATM can be scarce once you leave the city center. That’s why I always bring enough cash for daily needs and any unexpected expenses.
8. Stay Connected with Family or Friends
Always inform your family or friends about your location and travel plans for safety reasons, especially when traveling to less populated areas. A bit of a story about one of the challenges I faced in Merauke: On January 4th, the entire city experienced a major internet outage, which paralyzed the area. For five days, I couldn’t do much, and it felt like life had come to a halt, as if we were living in the past. On the first day, we couldn’t use the internet or make regular phone calls. However, by the second day, we could make manual calls using phone credit, so I was able to contact my family.
9. Bring Extra Supplies
If you’re planning to camp or spend time outdoors, make sure to bring essential gear like a tent, sleeping bag, food, and plenty of water.
I hope these tips from my experience can help fellow travelers who are planning to visit Merauke. Enjoy your adventure in Merauke, and may your journey be filled with new experiences and unforgettable memories!
Each sentence in this piece feels like it was carefully sculpted, revealing new layers the more you read.