As a guest of an Indonesian / Papuan family.

 

 

The simple accommodations in traditional construction made of bamboo and palm straw (without air conditioning and WIFI, but with geckos and insects) offer you a unique insight into the typical everyday life of the local population. The intercultural contact and exchange is priceless. Likewise, the opportunity to go shopping with the village residents to the local fish market and cook and enjoy authentic local dishes together in the village.

 

 

 

Our “Raja Ampat Family Homestay Option” is a project that supports the community’s developing economy on their terms, and at a 

sustainable pace that meets their expectations. As part of this commitment, we work with a number of local host families in the Raja Ampat Regency.

Homestays are the cheapest accommodation option in Raja Ampat, although they cannot be compared to similarly inexpensive locations elsewhere in the world. After all, you are in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

There are no amenities like air conditioning and electricity is only available at night. Wi-Fi is extremely rarely available. In the “Kamar Mandi” bathroom there is a tub of water with a pan for washing and there is no room service. Your host families offer three meals a day, unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee and most of all cultural experience for a lifetime.

 

 

The accommodations:

The host families offer you single rooms with a window up to four-room bungalows. The truly traditional host families have bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms in a Papuan home. Rustic would be a term used to describe the traditional Raja Ampat homestay. There are no bricks and mortar, just bushwood or ittholz as a frame. The walls and roof are made of palm straw and the floors are made of sand. The view from your window is usually protected by a straw mat covering the window opening.

Access to most houses is closed by sliding straw cladding without locking.

The local wildlife will share your shelter, insects and lizards roam freely. Hence, it is best that you keep all food in sealed containers to keep unwanted wildlife guests out. Pay particular attention to putting them out when leaving portable stoves or mosquito coils – palm straw huts are highly flammable. If all of this is a little too rustic for you, we offer “VIP” host families as an adventurous alternative with more upscale bungalows. These have glazed windows, lockable doors and even their own bathrooms!

 

 

Beds:

If hotel-style mattresses and basic sets with plush duvets and feather pillows don’t meet your expectations, homestay adventure is not for you. Most host families offer a mattress on the floor or on a raised, firm platform. The beds are usually simply furnished with a sheet and pillow. The essential mosquito nets are almost always and usually in good condition. That said, it’s a good idea to travel with a needle and thread just in case it needs improvement.

There is only one private accommodation that has a lounge with an armchair and side table. Many have dining shelters with large tables and benches on the beach. Some even have decks over the water with hammocks and tables.

Don’t expect to find cabinets or cupboards, although your room may have simple shelving as well.

Loss through theft is impossible in the host families.

 

 

BATHROOM & TOILET:

If having your own bathroom is a luxury you cannot live without then you would need to book the “VIP” homestay experience. If you don’t then please expect to share the toilet and bathroom facilities with other guests.

The toilets are built outside the house as palm-tree huts with sand, wooden floors, crushed limestone, or occasionally concrete.

Bathing will almost always only be possible in the traditional style with a bucket and pan. Very few host families have real showers, ..

 

Please only use environmentally friendly, biodegradable soaps and shampoos.

Toilet systems are either western plinth or squat toilets that have to be flushed by hand with a bucket and pan. The toilets are usually available with septic tanks and toilet paper. Due to the remote location of many host families, the supply of toilet paper can be low.

Meals and drinks are served at set times. Some new host families serve guest meals on bungalow porches until they are able to build shelters.

 

 

Electricity & Internet:

 

The electricity is generated in the host families by their own generators. However, due to the high fuel prices, electricity availability is not guaranteed at all times. Most generators only run from sunset to midnight.

The hosts want you to have the best experience and will make your stay as comfortable as possible for you. The host family does not act as your private servant or housekeeper.

Be an ambassador for your country. With a smile, courtesy and respect, you will quickly make new friends and have an unforgettable time with the locals.

 

 

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