Question 1

Where is Paparisa Homestay and how do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Paparisa Homestay is located on Kri Island in Raja Ampat. The main gateway is Sorong (SOQ), followed by the public ferry to Waisai and a final boat transfer to Kri Island.

We can arrange your pick-up from Waisai for 800,000 IDR per boat, not per person. We can also help arrange transfers from other islands in Raja Ampat.

For current ferry information and a full step-by-step explanation, read our blog about how to travel to Raja Ampat.

Question 2

How much does it cost to stay at Paparisa?

Accepted Answer

For 2025, our rate is:
• 2.00 million IDR per night for two people

• 1.5 million IDR per night for for single occupaition

From 2027, our rate is:
• 2.25 million IDR per night for two people

• 1.75 million IDR per night for single occupancy
All meals are included, and we have a minimum stay of 3 nights.

Question 3

What is included in the room price?

Accepted Answer

Your stay includes your private beachfront bungalow, private western bathroom, three meals per day, filtered drinking water, hand and body wash, and WiFi when electricity is available.

Boat transfers, snorkeling trips, diving, and other activities are not included unless specifically mentioned in your booking.

Question 4

What facilities do the bungalows have?

Accepted Answer

Every bungalow is designed for a maximum of 2 guests and has a large 180 × 200 cm bed, plus its own modern private bathroom with a western toilet and shower. No shared bathrooms and no bucket showers 😄We do not have hot water or air conditioning. Each bungalow has a mosquito net, shower towels, hand and body wash, and a large storage box for snacks and other food. Please bring your own beach towel for snorkeling, diving, and boat trips.We also sell locally made shampoo, conditioner, soapbars & body lotion from Raja Ampat Naturele, a natural brand made by women on the Fam Islands.We have electricity for approximately 12 hours per day and Starlink WiFi when the electricity is on. Please remember that you are still staying on a remote island, so occasional technical problems and outages can happen.

Question 5

What kind of food and drinks do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Full board is included, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily. Our home-cooked meals are inspired by Rio’s mum’s cooking, mixing Moluccan and Papuan flavors with traditional Indonesian dishes.We usually serve fish or chicken, plenty of vegetables, rice, and other local favorites. For our vegetarian and vegan friends, tofu and tempeh are our go-to alternatives. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary restrictions before arrival.If you have a very specific diet or are a picky eater, we recommend bringing some of your own favorite snacks, as shopping options on the islands are very limited.We sell soft drinks such as Coca-Cola and Sprite. Our neighbours sometimes have beer available, but this is definitely not guaranteed. You’re welcome to bring your own alcohol, but please be mindful of the waste and take any glass bottles back with you, as we can’t recycle them here.

Question 6

How do I book and what is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We work with direct bookings only. You can check our availability online and contact us via WhatsApp, email, or Instagram.

A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. We know time flies when planning a big trip 😊 but your reservation is only confirmed once the deposit has been received.

You can cancel up to 14 days before check-in and receive your deposit back. For cancellations within 14 days, the deposit is non-refundable, but we will not ask you to pay the remaining balance.

The remaining balance can be paid by transfer or cash anytime before check-out.

Different cancellation conditions apply to our Open Trips.

Question 7

Can I choose my bungalow?

Accepted Answer

All our bungalows have the same facilities and room setup, so we do not offer the option to reserve a specific bungalow.

Room allocation depends on availability and our planning. With a small homestay and a busy calendar, allowing everyone to choose a specific room would quickly become a logistical nightmare 😅

Question 8

Do you organize snorkelling trips and can I dive nearby?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We organize snorkelling and adventure trips to some of our favourite places around Raja Ampat. Depending on the trip, this could include places such as Cape Kri, Sauwandarek, Piaynemo, Batanta, and Manta Point.

We are not a dive resort, but there are several dive schools around Kri Island. Most of our guests dive with Soul Scuba Divers, Yenbuba Divers, Yenkoranu, or Awom Brothers.

All diving arrangements, bookings, planning, and communication are made directly between the guest and the dive school. We are happy to point you in the right direction, but we are not involved in or responsible for these arrangements.

If you plan to dive regularly, especially during high season, we strongly recommend contacting your preferred dive school in advance.

Question 9

Are day trips always guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

No. Safety always comes first.

If our boat captains feel that sea conditions are unsafe, we reserve the right to adjust, postpone, or cancel a trip. The ocean decides a lot around here, especially during wind season 🌊

Wildlife sightings can also never be guaranteed. We can take you to the right places, but unfortunately the mantas, sharks, and turtles don’t work for us 😄

Question 10

What is the best time to visit Raja Ampat?

Accepted Answer

Raja Ampat can be visited year-round, but every season has its advantages.

In general, October to April is considered the main travel season.

Our personal favorite months are February to April, while May to September is wind season and can bring rougher seas, but also fewer crowds and beautiful underwater visibility.

Weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable, so unfortunately, we are not fortune tellers.

For a full explanation of every season, read our blog about the best time to visit Raja Ampat.

Question 11

What should I bring to Raja Ampat?

Accepted Answer

The most important things we recommend are reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a reusable water bottle, enough cash, basic medication, a dry bag, UV-protective clothing, and some offline entertainment.

Shopping options on the islands are extremely limited, so it’s better to arrive prepared.

For our complete packing list, read our blog about what to bring to Raja Ampat.

Question 12

Do you accept children and how long do I need to stay?

Accepted Answer

Paparisa is an (young) adults-only homestay, and we have a minimum stay of 3 nights.

Being on a remote island means there is quite a bit of logistics behind every check-in and check-out, including boat transfers, room turnover, supplies, and planning.

The minimum stay helps us keep things manageable for our small team.

Question 13

What is an Open Trip?

Accepted Answer

Our Open Trips are fully organized Raja Ampat adventures. You stay at Paparisa and join a small group of fellow travellers on a fixed itinerary, with accommodation, activities, and logistics arranged as one package.

No need to find people to share boats with or organize day trips yourself. Just arrive and we’ll take care of the rest 🌴

Because each Open Trip is organized as one complete package, participants must join the full trip. It is not possible to stay for fewer nights during these dates.

PAPARISA HOMESTAY

Frequently asked questions