What Is It Really Like to Stay at Paparisa Homestay?
- Team Paparisa
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 7
One of the questions we get asked most often is:
"Do you have more photos of the rooms?" Or: "What does the homestay actually look like?"
So instead of sending photos one by one, we thought we'd simply show you around.
This guide gives you a better idea of what Paparisa looks like, what facilities we offer, and what you can expect during your stay.
No heavily edited photos. No surprises. Just a realistic impression of our little corner of Kri Island.
Welcome to Paparisa 🌴
Paparisa is a small, family-run beachfront homestay on Kri Island in the heart of Raja Ampat.
We currently have six beachfront bungalows, an overwater restaurant, our own boat Pardidu, and direct access to one of the most beautiful marine environments in the world.
Our goal was never to build a luxury resort.
Instead, we wanted to create a place that sits somewhere between the very basic homestays and the high-end resorts. Comfortable enough to truly relax. Simple enough that you still feel connected to island life.
Our Beachfront Bungalows

Every bungalow sits directly on the beach.
Wake up, open your curtains, and you'll be looking out over the turquoise water of Raja Ampat.
Each bungalow includes:
✓ Comfortable double bed (1.80 x 2.00 meter)
✓ Mosquito net
✓ Charging points (when electricity is available)
✓ Clothes rack
✓ Private terrace
✓ Beachfront location
Inside the Rooms
We tried to keep the rooms bright, practical and comfortable.
Natural materials, plenty of light and everything you need for a relaxing stay after a day of snorkelling or diving.
You'll probably spend most of your time outside anyway. But it's always nice to come back to a comfortable room at the end of the day.
One of Our Biggest Differences: Private Bathrooms
One of the reasons Paparisa exists is because we noticed there wasn't much in between basic homestays and luxury resorts.
Many traditional homestays still have shared or very simple bathrooms.
That's why every bungalow at Paparisa has its own private western-style bathroom.
Simple. Clean. Private.
It's something many of our guests tell us they really appreciate after a long day in the ocean.
The View From Your Terrace

This might become your favourite place.
Morning coffee. An afternoon nap. Watching the tide come and go. Or simply doing absolutely nothing.
Sometimes the best activity in Raja Ampat is not having one.
Our Overwater Restaurant
All meals are served in our overwater restaurant.
It's where guests come together to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, share stories from the day, play games, read a book or simply enjoy the view.
This is also where you'll find our small guest library. Feel free to borrow a book during your stay.
WiFi & Electricity

Yes, we have Starlink WiFi. And yes, it works surprisingly well for such a remote island.
Because Kri Island does not have a 24-hour electricity grid, our WiFi is available whenever we have electricity, which is generally around 12 hours per day.
If staying connected is important, you can read more in our Internet & SIM Cards in Raja Ampat guide.
Step Straight Into the Ocean
[Jetty and snorkeling photos]
One of the nicest things about staying on Kri Island is that you don't always need a boat. Our house reef starts right in front of the homestay.
Grab your mask and snorkel, walk into the water and start exploring. It's one of our favorite ways to spend a slow afternoon.
Around Paparisa
Life here follows a slower rhythm.
You might see:
A cuscus in the trees around sunset.
Hornbills flying overhead.
Tiny hermit crabs crossing the beach.
Or simply the changing colours of the sea throughout the day.
There isn't much traffic. There aren't shopping malls or restaurants around. And that's exactly why many people come.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Because we'd rather manage expectations than surprise you later, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Our bungalows are made of wood. You'll hear nature around you. Birds. The waves.
Occasionally a barking dog. And every now and then... a karaoke session from one of our neighbours.
We're a remote island. Electricity is available for around half the day. WiFi follows the electricity schedule.
There is no air conditioning. No swimming pool. No spa. No room service.
Instead, you'll find something a little different.
A small family-run homestay. Friendly conversations. Freshly cooked meals. Some of the best snorkelling & diving in the world.
And a place where many guests tell us they slow down for the first time in a long while.
We Hope to Welcome You Soon
Photos can tell part of the story.
But they can never quite capture what it feels like to wake up to the sound of hornbills, watch the sunset from the jetty, or snorkel straight from the beach before breakfast.
We hope this guide has given you a realistic impression of what staying at Paparisa is like.
If you still have questions after reading, we're always happy to help.
Hopefully, we'll see you on Kri Island soon. 🌴



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