Features
- Sleeps 10 or more
- Reef dropoff
- Quiet hideaway
- Hiking available
- Coral
- Good house reef
- Has family bungalows
- Calm beach
- Wayag trips
- Sandy Beach
- IDR 500,000 to 600,000
- Near village
- IDR 400,000 to 500,000
Details
Bon Wauw Homestay lies on a fine sandy beach on the remote West Waigeo island of Manyaifun.
Four private beach bungalows are available. There is also a 2 room, over-water, family bungalow. (If you want to book both rooms of the family bungalow, select 2 x Over water – Room in a bungalow on the booking form above.)
All bungalows have verandahs with seats and tables and fine views across the bay to the neighbouring island of Batang Pele. The bungalow bedrooms have the usual mattress on the floor with a mosquito net, pillows, bolsters, mattress cover and sheet.
Meals are served in Bon Wauw’s over-water dining room and drinking water, tea and coffee making supplies are always available there for guests.
A two-room bathroom building with a crushed rock floor provides separate dip mandi bathroom and a squat toilet.
Electricity is supplied from sunset to around midnight by generator. Bon Wauw Homestay receives a variable 4G signal which will sometimes support a data connection.
Manyaifun village is a 15 minute walk away and basic supplies can be purchased there, but Manyaifun is a remote island, so consider bringing your favourite snacks and anything you can’t do without. It’s also important to take any inorganic trash (especially plastic and batteries) that you create away with you when you leave – there’s no safe waste disposal on Manyaifun. (See our article about rubbish in Raja Ampat for more info.)
Only a little English is spoken at Bon Wauw Homestay. Taking an offline translation app or phrasebook is recommended.
Transport / Getting there
Transport between Bon Wauw Homestay and Waisai costs IDR 2,500,000 each way. Trip cost is shared by passengers and the boat can carry a maximum of four passengers.
It's a long trip (about 2.5 hours), but you'll see a lot of Raja Ampat on the way. The route passes through Kabui Bay and Kabui Passage, then past a number of uninhabited cays with white sand beaches and turquoise waters between Kabui and Manyaifun.
Boat transfers are also available to other islands if you are planning to stay at other homestays as well. The transfers are also by longboat as above, and the links are to descriptions of the destinations. Trip prices (shared among passengers) are below:
| FROM/TO | TRANSFER COST |
|---|---|
| Piaynemo / Pam | 2,000,000 |
| Arborek / Gam / Kri | 2,000,000 |
| Saporkren / Friwen | 2,500,000 |
| Batanta | 6,000,000 |
Read more about Raja Ampat boat transport prices here.
Activities
Manyaifun's waters are rich in coral and fish and alive with phosphorescence at night. There are many great snorkelling sites nearby, including some where you can swim with Mantas. Bon Wauw has good coral and a drop off at the door. The fiordlike karst landscape of western Waigeo and Aljui Bay are also relatively close by.
JULY 2025: Please note that WAYAG AND ALJUI BAY ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED TO TOURISM. Bon Wauw is unable to offer Wayag or Aljui Bay trips until those areas have reopened. (Nobody yet knows if or when that might be.)
Manyaifun affords the opportunity to do a bit of hiking and some great panoramas are available from the island's heights. Manyaifun village is also easily accessible from Bon Wauw. (Ask to see the freshwater eels there.)
Raja Ampat Snorkeling Explorer Trip
Bon Wauw's 3 day, 2 night Raja Ampat Snorkelling Explorer trip visits Arborek, Piaynemo, Manyaifun, Wayag, Jellyfish Lagoon, Kabui Bay and more.
The speedboat trip begins and ends in Waisai, and costs IDR 20,000,000. The cost is shared by trip participants (6 max).
Snorkelling at Manta Point
IDR 1,000,000 for a single participant, IDR 2,000,000 shared cost for 2 to 4 participants.
Wayag Day Trip
A Wayag day trip from Bon Wauw will cost IDR 8,000,000 shared by up to four passengers. Cost includes entrance fees.
Piaynemo Day Trip
A Piaynemo day trip from Bon Wauw will cost IDR 2,500,000. Cost is shared by up to four passengers. Cost includes entrance fees.
Waigeo Barat
See our West Waigeo page for an overview of West Waigeo, its islands, and their attractions.
Bon Wauw Homestay Location Map
Bon Wauw Homestay Reviews
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115 Reviews
Location and environment are stunning, snorkling in the Manyaifun area is unbelievable but you have to know that this is a very rustic place that could use a little bit of maintenance & TLC.
The snorkeltrips with Anton are great, he has a nice and reliable boat.
They do their best to prepare plenty of nice food.
Avevamo inizialmente prenotato questo homestay per fare un tour a wajag, nonostante la chiusura del sito abbiamo comunque deciso di mantere la prenotazione e venire qui, ne è valsa la pena!
Al nostro arrivo ci siamo subito resi conto che saremo stati gli unici ospiti, I bungalow sulla spiaggia sono in ristrutturazione quindi è presente solo quello sull’acqua, veramente grande con 3 stanze e acqua the, caffè, banane, tavoli e sedie per poter mangiare privatamente vista mare, vi è anche un bellissimo pontile su cui guardare la barriera corallina sottostante o le stelle la notte. Il letto è a terra e semplice ma molto comodo. La barriera corallina sotto il bungalow è veramente stupenda, in questa parte di Raja Ampat abbiamo trovato i più bei coralli in assoluto e soprattutto tutti in salute, lo snorkeling qui è ai livelli massimi con la possibilità di fare qualsiasi tipo di incontro, purtroppo non ci sono dive center nelle zone circostanti. Parliamo con Anton il ragazzo che gestisce la casa famiglia ed è anche lo stesso che guida la barca ( la più veloce di Raja Ampat), non parla bene inglese ma ci prova, meglio utilizzare un traduttore e anche con quello a volte si fa fatica a intenderci. Decidiamo di tentare il manta point nonostante non sia la stagione adeguata, siamo stati fortunati, le abbiamo viste per 2 giorni di seguito tra cui una manta oceanica veramente grande, oltre a questa attività Anton ci ha portato a fare snorkeling in diversi siti con barriere coralline stupende e a visitare le varie isole della zona. La mamma che cucina è sempre sorridente e gentile, I piatti sono veramente abbondanti e cucinati con amore in modo eccellente. Al pomeriggio viene anche servita la merenda, veramente squisita! I bagni sono i più selvaggi che abbiamo incontrato ma non abbiamo assolutamente avuto problemi, anzi. L’isola è molto bella e accanto c’è il piccolo villaggio dove vivono le persone che lavorano all homestay.
È stato veramente bello alloggiare qui, non abbiamo visto turisti per 4 giorni, un senso di pace e privacy assoluta, siamo soli al mondo qui!
Non vediamo l’ora di tornare qua! Alla prossima.
Avevamo inizialmente prenotato questo homestay per fare un tour a wajag, nonostante la chiusura del sito abbiamo comunque deciso di mantere la prenotazione e venire qui, ne è valsa la pena!
Al nostro arrivo ci siamo subito resi conto che saremo stati gli unici ospiti, I bungalow sulla spiaggia sono in ristrutturazione quindi è presente solo quello sull’acqua, veramente grande con 3 stanze e acqua the, caffè, banane, tavoli e sedie per poter mangiare privatamente vista mare, vi è anche un bellissimo pontile su cui guardare la barriera corallina sottostante o le stelle la notte. Il letto è a terra e semplice ma molto comodo. La barriera corallina sotto il bungalow è veramente stupenda, in questa parte di Raja Ampat abbiamo trovato i più bei coralli in assoluto e soprattutto tutti in salute, lo snorkeling qui è ai livelli massimi con la possibilità di fare qualsiasi tipo di incontro, purtroppo non ci sono dive center nelle zone circostanti. Parliamo con Anton il ragazzo che gestisce la casa famiglia ed è anche lo stesso che guida la barca ( la più veloce di Raja Ampat), non parla bene inglese ma ci prova, meglio utilizzare un traduttore e anche con quello a volte si fa fatica a intenderci. Decidiamo di tentare il manta point nonostante non sia la stagione adeguata, siamo stati fortunati, le abbiamo viste per 2 giorni di seguito tra cui una manta oceanica veramente grande, oltre a questa attività Anton ci ha portato a fare snorkeling in diversi siti con barriere coralline stupende e a visitare le varie isole della zona. La mamma che cucina è sempre sorridente e gentile, I piatti sono veramente abbondanti e cucinati con amore in modo eccellente. Al pomeriggio viene anche servita la merenda, veramente squisita! I bagni sono i più selvaggi che abbiamo incontrato ma non abbiamo assolutamente avuto problemi, anzi. L’isola è molto bella e accanto c’è il piccolo villaggio dove vivono le persone che lavorano all homestay.
È stato veramente bello alloggiare qui, non abbiamo visto turisti per 4 giorni, un senso di pace e privacy assoluta, siamo soli al mondo qui!
Non vediamo l’ora di tornare qua! Alla prossima.
We reallly apreciate Bon Wauw Homestay,
for it’s beauty quietness and simplicity.
We had time to swim around the beautiful home reef, walk along the shore or take a walk to the village nearby.
Anton and his family are very good hearted people.
The food and the accomodation was great and simple, perfect for us.
We hope to come back soon,
Thank you:))
We reallly apreciate Bon Wauw Homestay,
for it’s beauty quietness and simplicity.
We had time to swim around the beautiful home reef, walk along the shore or take a walk to the village nearby.
Anton and his family are very good hearted people.
The food and the accomodation was great and simple, perfect for us.
We hope to come back soon,
Thank you:))
we spent 3 nights here and it was a great time. we slept in a bungalow on the water and it is beautifully located, from the terrace you can go directly into the water, really beautiful. the coral reef by the homestay is beautiful. it would be good to clean it regularly from rubbish. the food is really good and varied. we got a lot of it and it was really hard to eat it all! together with two other guests we went on a trip to Wayag. everything was well organized, but the price of the trip itself should be lower. it is only a 2h trip one way and the trip costs 8 million. in other homestays the prices are lower. it would be worth equipping the rooms with fans, because at night it is very difficult to sleep without them. thank you for your hospitality, it was a great time!
we spent 3 nights here and it was a great time. we slept in a bungalow on the water and it is beautifully located, from the terrace you can go directly into the water, really beautiful. the coral reef by the homestay is beautiful. it would be good to clean it regularly from rubbish. the food is really good and varied. we got a lot of it and it was really hard to eat it all! together with two other guests we went on a trip to Wayag. everything was well organized, but the price of the trip itself should be lower. it is only a 2h trip one way and the trip costs 8 million. in other homestays the prices are lower. it would be worth equipping the rooms with fans, because at night it is very difficult to sleep without them. thank you for your hospitality, it was a great time!
I booked 4 nights at Bon Wauw but left already after 2 days. If you want to get squeezed and pay hell of money for any activity that’s the place to stay. Even the transportation is 1 million higher than other homestays (for the same way). I don’t like to give bad reviews but in that case they deserve it and I’ll explain why.
1. They picked me up from Kordiris homestay 2.5 h late and the boat had to stop every 200m because of engine issues. Beside Kordiris is much closer to Bon Waus than Wasai they charged me 2.5 million (the amount from Wasai to Bon Wauw).
2. In the evening I asked what I can do next day and they informed me that it is Sunday and no activities but I could go to the bat cave he said – which is a fantastic idea to walk to the end of a huge mountainous island just 5 min after seeing a poisonous snake. So at the end I had the most boring day ever in RA as no one to talk or a place to go without a boat. At least I got food.
3. I wanted to visit the island Wayag and for the 35km they want to charge 8 million IDR – no joke. This is 1 million more than the average monthly salary of an Indonesian and I think it’s a cheek. You can argue that the price is for a boat and not a person but that’s the problem. All homestays had many guests where you could do things together but not here and when asked if I could join other people somewhere else it was declined.
4. Instead of Wayag I tried the Manta point for snorkeling. We haven’t seen any which is not their fault but beside they told me the day before it’s going to cost 500k they tried to get 1 million. When reminded about yesterday’s agreement he said: oh yes cause no Manta 500k.
5. I booked in the meantime a homestay on Arborek island and asked them for pick up cause I was already annoyed by the host. Surprisingly the homestay at Arborek just charged 1.5 million while Bon Wauw wanted 2.5 million for the same distance.
So for the above mentioned reasons I think they don’t have as many guests as other homestays in the south so when they do they squeeze them out as much as possible. Which is really sad
I booked 4 nights at Bon Wauw but left already after 2 days. If you want to get squeezed and pay hell of money for any activity that’s the place to stay. Even the transportation is 1 million higher than other homestays (for the same way). I don’t like to give bad reviews but in that case they deserve it and I’ll explain why.
1. They picked me up from Kordiris homestay 2.5 h late and the boat had to stop every 200m because of engine issues. Beside Kordiris is much closer to Bon Waus than Wasai they charged me 2.5 million (the amount from Wasai to Bon Wauw).
2. In the evening I asked what I can do next day and they informed me that it is Sunday and no activities but I could go to the bat cave he said – which is a fantastic idea to walk to the end of a huge mountainous island just 5 min after seeing a poisonous snake. So at the end I had the most boring day ever in RA as no one to talk or a place to go without a boat. At least I got food.
3. I wanted to visit the island Wayag and for the 35km they want to charge 8 million IDR – no joke. This is 1 million more than the average monthly salary of an Indonesian and I think it’s a cheek. You can argue that the price is for a boat and not a person but that’s the problem. All homestays had many guests where you could do things together but not here and when asked if I could join other people somewhere else it was declined.
4. Instead of Wayag I tried the Manta point for snorkeling. We haven’t seen any which is not their fault but beside they told me the day before it’s going to cost 500k they tried to get 1 million. When reminded about yesterday’s agreement he said: oh yes cause no Manta 500k.
5. I booked in the meantime a homestay on Arborek island and asked them for pick up cause I was already annoyed by the host. Surprisingly the homestay at Arborek just charged 1.5 million while Bon Wauw wanted 2.5 million for the same distance.
So for the above mentioned reasons I think they don’t have as many guests as other homestays in the south so when they do they squeeze them out as much as possible. Which is really sad
The place is stunning. True connection to nature with the homestay family being the only humans around (and you will almost not see them at all).
The food was incredibly good and surprisingly variate.
Despite being quite new in the role (the father seems to have passed away quite recently), Anton is managing the place quite well, supported by his brother for transport and his mother and sisters for cooking/house keeping.
There are a few things to improve nonetheless:
– communication: even if they don’t speak English, they could be a bit more proactive in checking on guests (we were really alone most of the time, which is great – we don’t need babysitting – but we’d have welcomed a bit of information on what to do in the area, as they never proactively offered anything besides the super expensive trip to Wayag)
– bugs: ok, you are where you are, but waking up in the middle of the night because a cockroach is walking on your back is not pleasant at all – I wonder if anything could be done about this at all –
– We had a great stay in the overwater hut; not sure if it had been the same in the beach bungalows, especially two of them are quite abandoned, one being even roofless.
– Garbage: a general problem in Raja Ampat, but it was very sad to have the stunning reef and waters surrounding the bungalow completely flocked by trash from time to time (depending on the tides and wind). This could definitely be a showstopper in the future and I believe it’s their major problem there.
But again, despite minor issues, our stay was wonderful and we’d very much recommend it to anyone.
The place is stunning. True connection to nature with the homestay family being the only humans around (and you will almost not see them at all).
The food was incredibly good and surprisingly variate.
Despite being quite new in the role (the father seems to have passed away quite recently), Anton is managing the place quite well, supported by his brother for transport and his mother and sisters for cooking/house keeping.
There are a few things to improve nonetheless:
– communication: even if they don’t speak English, they could be a bit more proactive in checking on guests (we were really alone most of the time, which is great – we don’t need babysitting – but we’d have welcomed a bit of information on what to do in the area, as they never proactively offered anything besides the super expensive trip to Wayag)
– bugs: ok, you are where you are, but waking up in the middle of the night because a cockroach is walking on your back is not pleasant at all – I wonder if anything could be done about this at all –
– We had a great stay in the overwater hut; not sure if it had been the same in the beach bungalows, especially two of them are quite abandoned, one being even roofless.
– Garbage: a general problem in Raja Ampat, but it was very sad to have the stunning reef and waters surrounding the bungalow completely flocked by trash from time to time (depending on the tides and wind). This could definitely be a showstopper in the future and I believe it’s their major problem there.
But again, despite minor issues, our stay was wonderful and we’d very much recommend it to anyone.
We, a family of five with three children (10,8 and 5) had a more than lovely stay at Bon Wauw with Anton and his family.
The hut with the multiple rooms was ideal for us and that fact that it had a deck that allowed us to just jump into the sea was amazing. The snorkeling was the best, the house reef so incredibly stunning.
Anton and his family are so nice, his mother is the chef and she cooked the best food we had in Raja Ampat. fresh and delicious. We had afternoon snacks as well, ideal with kids that get hungry, and fresh krupuk. Wauw!
Anton took us on a trip to Wayag, a trip to Pianeymo and a hike behind the homestay. He is a lovely guy and we felt really at ease with him and at his homestay.
Would have loved to stay way longer than the four nights we booked. I really hope we can come back one day. The pitch black nights with the all the stars, the luminescent plankton, just sitting at the deck at night, or staring over the sea during the day… Amazing.
Everything is clean and in good working order and I can only highly recommend this place.
Thank you!
We, a family of five with three children (10,8 and 5) had a more than lovely stay at Bon Wauw with Anton and his family.
The hut with the multiple rooms was ideal for us and that fact that it had a deck that allowed us to just jump into the sea was amazing. The snorkeling was the best, the house reef so incredibly stunning.
Anton and his family are so nice, his mother is the chef and she cooked the best food we had in Raja Ampat. fresh and delicious. We had afternoon snacks as well, ideal with kids that get hungry, and fresh krupuk. Wauw!
Anton took us on a trip to Wayag, a trip to Pianeymo and a hike behind the homestay. He is a lovely guy and we felt really at ease with him and at his homestay.
Would have loved to stay way longer than the four nights we booked. I really hope we can come back one day. The pitch black nights with the all the stars, the luminescent plankton, just sitting at the deck at night, or staring over the sea during the day… Amazing.
Everything is clean and in good working order and I can only highly recommend this place.
Thank you!
We spent 2 nights in Bon Wauw, in particular to go to Wayag and enjoyed very much our stay. We had booked a private bungalow but since were the only guests, we got the big family bungalow for us 2.
The family speak very little English so we were using a translator and all went fine.
The trip to Wayag was very well organised. The homestay is 2h away from Wayag, which is quite close compared to other homestays. They plan a full day with lunch on the beach there, it was really amazing.
Anton took us snorkelling around an inhabited island the next day around the homestay and we enjoyed it very much as well.
Some things are quite new: we had a brand new mattress, pillow and duvet and worth mentioning they have added 2 western style toilets which was quite a good surprise for us.
Food was great as well (a bit spicy but we don’t mind it) and as we were only 2, there was really a lot !
We really felt sad to leave as we were so well taken care of, we strongly recommend Bon Wauw, in particular if you plan on going to Wayag.
Thank you Anton and to the whole family.
We spent 2 nights in Bon Wauw, in particular to go to Wayag and enjoyed very much our stay. We had booked a private bungalow but since were the only guests, we got the big family bungalow for us 2.
The family speak very little English so we were using a translator and all went fine.
The trip to Wayag was very well organised. The homestay is 2h away from Wayag, which is quite close compared to other homestays. They plan a full day with lunch on the beach there, it was really amazing.
Anton took us snorkelling around an inhabited island the next day around the homestay and we enjoyed it very much as well.
Some things are quite new: we had a brand new mattress, pillow and duvet and worth mentioning they have added 2 western style toilets which was quite a good surprise for us.
Food was great as well (a bit spicy but we don’t mind it) and as we were only 2, there was really a lot !
We really felt sad to leave as we were so well taken care of, we strongly recommend Bon Wauw, in particular if you plan on going to Wayag.
Thank you Anton and to the whole family.
We spent 3 days in Bon Wauw, a beautiful and incredible place to relax ! My children will remember of the sharks under the jetty the morning and the eagle ray who jumped 2 meters above the shallow just in front of our house !
Matheus is really kind and want to take care of his guests with his wife and his son.
Unfortunately, my wife had a few healthcare troubles when we were in Bon Wauw but Matheus called the doctor in the village and arranged a visit at the little hospital for us, really thank you Matheus 😉
He speaks a little english and if necessary can translate with his phone, so no commucation problems.
On the first day we stayed, he worried because i said we did not eat enough, so he asked me if my children want to eat other things, what type of fish we like… really sympathic !
Thank you Matheus !
Guests, you can go without worry !
We spent 3 days in Bon Wauw, a beautiful and incredible place to relax ! My children will remember of the sharks under the jetty the morning and the eagle ray who jumped 2 meters above the shallow just in front of our house !
Matheus is really kind and want to take care of his guests with his wife and his son.
Unfortunately, my wife had a few healthcare troubles when we were in Bon Wauw but Matheus called the doctor in the village and arranged a visit at the little hospital for us, really thank you Matheus 😉
He speaks a little english and if necessary can translate with his phone, so no commucation problems.
On the first day we stayed, he worried because i said we did not eat enough, so he asked me if my children want to eat other things, what type of fish we like… really sympathic !
Thank you Matheus !
Guests, you can go without worry !
After visiting Bon Wauw in 2017, it felt so good to return after a intense trekking on Ayau and Wayag. Bon Wauw still has this serene ambience. Surrounded by other islands and a view on both Kawe and Wayag its a good place to be and enjoy Raja Ampat. Matheus and his family took good care of me and I enjoyed walking on the hills of the island and an amazing boat tour around it. Thank you Matheus and your family for this experience! One point of attention even more than in 2017 is the ever growing amount of waste. When not dealt with a showstopper for me..
After visiting Bon Wauw in 2017, it felt so good to return after a intense trekking on Ayau and Wayag. Bon Wauw still has this serene ambience. Surrounded by other islands and a view on both Kawe and Wayag its a good place to be and enjoy Raja Ampat. Matheus and his family took good care of me and I enjoyed walking on the hills of the island and an amazing boat tour around it. Thank you Matheus and your family for this experience! One point of attention even more than in 2017 is the ever growing amount of waste. When not dealt with a showstopper for me..
Beautiful location. They organized a Wayag trip for us. Everything was fine and we had a good time!
I definitely recommend the hike up behind the homestay to have a view over the bay.
In the area are crocodiles. We asked if he could go with us to show us some of the crocodiles and we were able to spot some eyes at night in the mangrove forest.
Matheus speaks a little english and communication was good enough. Food was ok.
Beautiful location. They organized a Wayag trip for us. Everything was fine and we had a good time!
I definitely recommend the hike up behind the homestay to have a view over the bay.
In the area are crocodiles. We asked if he could go with us to show us some of the crocodiles and we were able to spot some eyes at night in the mangrove forest.
Matheus speaks a little english and communication was good enough. Food was ok.
Disappointed trip, definitely no value for money.
Late 2022, we contacted Matheus/Abner to arrange a trip to Sayang at the end of March 2023. Since this would be a long boat trip, we asked for a three night camping trip, visiting Wayag, Sayang, Aljui Bay, and dropping us at Rufas (incl. snorkelling). We agreed on IDR 25.000.000 for four persons (incl. fees). After confirming the trip, they asked us to pay in advance so they could arrange all the gasoline/oil needed for the trip (gasoline is difficult to get these days, as StayRajaAmpat confirmed). We paid two months in advance.
One week before our arrival, they answered that everything was ready for our trip.
On the first day of our trip we were picked up by Abner and his companions late morning (11h). We waited a long time at Bon Wauw Homestay, since they weren’t ready to leave. Unfortunately rain was coming in the afternoon, so we had to delay our trip and stayed the first night at Bon Wauw Homestay. Our review of the homestay – 3 stars:
– food: good;
– service: not welcoming;
– bungalow: good, but with poor mattress;
– housereef: okay;
– scenery: great.
We asked to leave early the next morning to spend a full day at Wayag. In the morning, we left around 9a.m. and first visited a couple of villages of West Waigeo (though we didn’t know why) instead of heading directly to Wayag. Eventually, they answered that we were searching for oil, meaning they didn’t prepare all the necessities needed. Since we were running out, they stopped the boat at a small beach near the start of Aljui Bay, where we waited another 4h.. This was very frustrating as one can imagine. Eventually, Matheus brought us a can of oil.
We arrived at Wayag late afternoon. At the office place, we heard from Abner that we couldn’t go to Sayang next day since the office at Sayang was closed, meaning our main goal of the whole trip got cancelled. There is a 4G network tower on Wayag, so this could have been checked by our guides beforehand.. They promised us a refund (IDR 6.000.000) for not going to Sayang and missing one night/day of our tour.
Before booking the trip, we asked if we had to bring tents, sleeping mats, and pillows. Tents we could rent for IDR 1.200 and would come with sleeping mats and pillows. Sounded good (less weight in our backpacks). Indeed, we got three (basic) tents, but these weren’t waterproof and we had rain every night so we got wet. Furthermore, there were no sleeping mats or pillows.. so we had to sleep on the floor, including my parents of 60y old.
The second night, we camped at a beach at the start of Aljui Bay. Next morning, we were expecting to explore a bit of Aljui Bay as promised. However, our guides were planning to go back to Bon Wauw Homestay, we were short on gasoline (even though we didn’t go to Sayang) they said. Early morning we were back at the HS. There, we had to wait many hours because they needed to get gasoline for our transfer to Rufas.. After lunch we could finally head to Rufas.
Summarised:
– Due to the language barrier, communication (about what is happening/where we are going/what the plan is) is very poor, even after asking several times.
– Activities can get cancelled, without letting you know. We were promised to visit snorkeling locations at Wayag and Rufas, but we never got there.
– We spend a lot of time waiting instead of exploring the different areas.
– Organization skills are very poor. We paid in advance to get everything ready before leaving, and still we had to wait hours to get the oil needed for the trip..
– The food during the camping trip was very poor. Breakfast consisted of cookies. Lunch and dinner were both (and both days) the same: bit of rice, bit of greens, 1/2 boiled egg per person..
– Camping at Wayag is great. However, we regret going with Bon Wauw Homestay, as the trip definitely did not go as planned (and promised).
Disappointed trip, definitely no value for money.
Late 2022, we contacted Matheus/Abner to arrange a trip to Sayang at the end of March 2023. Since this would be a long boat trip, we asked for a three night camping trip, visiting Wayag, Sayang, Aljui Bay, and dropping us at Rufas (incl. snorkelling). We agreed on IDR 25.000.000 for four persons (incl. fees). After confirming the trip, they asked us to pay in advance so they could arrange all the gasoline/oil needed for the trip (gasoline is difficult to get these days, as StayRajaAmpat confirmed). We paid two months in advance.
One week before our arrival, they answered that everything was ready for our trip.
On the first day of our trip we were picked up by Abner and his companions late morning (11h). We waited a long time at Bon Wauw Homestay, since they weren’t ready to leave. Unfortunately rain was coming in the afternoon, so we had to delay our trip and stayed the first night at Bon Wauw Homestay. Our review of the homestay – 3 stars:
– food: good;
– service: not welcoming;
– bungalow: good, but with poor mattress;
– housereef: okay;
– scenery: great.
We asked to leave early the next morning to spend a full day at Wayag. In the morning, we left around 9a.m. and first visited a couple of villages of West Waigeo (though we didn’t know why) instead of heading directly to Wayag. Eventually, they answered that we were searching for oil, meaning they didn’t prepare all the necessities needed. Since we were running out, they stopped the boat at a small beach near the start of Aljui Bay, where we waited another 4h.. This was very frustrating as one can imagine. Eventually, Matheus brought us a can of oil.
We arrived at Wayag late afternoon. At the office place, we heard from Abner that we couldn’t go to Sayang next day since the office at Sayang was closed, meaning our main goal of the whole trip got cancelled. There is a 4G network tower on Wayag, so this could have been checked by our guides beforehand.. They promised us a refund (IDR 6.000.000) for not going to Sayang and missing one night/day of our tour.
Before booking the trip, we asked if we had to bring tents, sleeping mats, and pillows. Tents we could rent for IDR 1.200 and would come with sleeping mats and pillows. Sounded good (less weight in our backpacks). Indeed, we got three (basic) tents, but these weren’t waterproof and we had rain every night so we got wet. Furthermore, there were no sleeping mats or pillows.. so we had to sleep on the floor, including my parents of 60y old.
The second night, we camped at a beach at the start of Aljui Bay. Next morning, we were expecting to explore a bit of Aljui Bay as promised. However, our guides were planning to go back to Bon Wauw Homestay, we were short on gasoline (even though we didn’t go to Sayang) they said. Early morning we were back at the HS. There, we had to wait many hours because they needed to get gasoline for our transfer to Rufas.. After lunch we could finally head to Rufas.
Summarised:
– Due to the language barrier, communication (about what is happening/where we are going/what the plan is) is very poor, even after asking several times.
– Activities can get cancelled, without letting you know. We were promised to visit snorkeling locations at Wayag and Rufas, but we never got there.
– We spend a lot of time waiting instead of exploring the different areas.
– Organization skills are very poor. We paid in advance to get everything ready before leaving, and still we had to wait hours to get the oil needed for the trip..
– The food during the camping trip was very poor. Breakfast consisted of cookies. Lunch and dinner were both (and both days) the same: bit of rice, bit of greens, 1/2 boiled egg per person..
– Camping at Wayag is great. However, we regret going with Bon Wauw Homestay, as the trip definitely did not go as planned (and promised).
We have realized the dream of sleeping in a stilt house on a sea with all shades of blue.
Our homestay enjoys the proximity of a small village where children greet you smiling even when they go to school, while adults weave palm dahlias for roofs or build boats for fishing.
The welcome and helpfulness of the family who hosted us was excellent, many nice excursions to neighboring islands with the kids always very curious to accompany us on our underwater discoveries
We have realized the dream of sleeping in a stilt house on a sea with all shades of blue.
Our homestay enjoys the proximity of a small village where children greet you smiling even when they go to school, while adults weave palm dahlias for roofs or build boats for fishing.
The welcome and helpfulness of the family who hosted us was excellent, many nice excursions to neighboring islands with the kids always very curious to accompany us on our underwater discoveries
Dear Abner en Mattheus,
How are you? I have been at your homestay in March 2017. I had a great time!
Are you able to receive guests in April this year?
Kind regards, Peter
Dear Abner en Mattheus,
How are you? I have been at your homestay in March 2017. I had a great time!
Are you able to receive guests in April this year?
Kind regards, Peter
We stayed for three lovely days at Bon Wauw in the beginning of July. Abner was quick to respond our emails, and pickup from Waisai went smoothly.
The homestay lies on a beautiful strech of beach quite near to Manyaifun village. The over-water bungalow is very idyllic. There is crystal clear water with nice corals and lots of fish just underneath and around the bungalow. The bungalow is super clean and has everything you need (drinking water, washing water, coffee/tea, hammocks, etc.). The food was delicious and plentyful – we had new types of freshly caught fish every day, together with vegetables and rice.
Matheus (the owner of the homestay) speaks english, and we were able to arrange snorkeling trips and transport without any problems. We went snorkeling at Tamaku reef, and it was a great trip. On the way back we even spotted a whale swimming by right beside our boat.
The whole family is quite shy in general, but they are very attentive and sweet. I felt like they always tried to make our stay as pleasant as possible. This homestay is really worth visiting. We had a wonderful time here, and will for sure come back some day.
Thank you so much to Matheus and his family!
Martin & Katinka
Thank you verry much for your time for give a commet here.i hope you will promotion to your family or you frends.with my homestay.and i hope we will meet in another time.???
Abner
We stayed for three lovely days at Bon Wauw in the beginning of July. Abner was quick to respond our emails, and pickup from Waisai went smoothly.
The homestay lies on a beautiful strech of beach quite near to Manyaifun village. The over-water bungalow is very idyllic. There is crystal clear water with nice corals and lots of fish just underneath and around the bungalow. The bungalow is super clean and has everything you need (drinking water, washing water, coffee/tea, hammocks, etc.). The food was delicious and plentyful – we had new types of freshly caught fish every day, together with vegetables and rice.
Matheus (the owner of the homestay) speaks english, and we were able to arrange snorkeling trips and transport without any problems. We went snorkeling at Tamaku reef, and it was a great trip. On the way back we even spotted a whale swimming by right beside our boat.
The whole family is quite shy in general, but they are very attentive and sweet. I felt like they always tried to make our stay as pleasant as possible. This homestay is really worth visiting. We had a wonderful time here, and will for sure come back some day.
Thank you so much to Matheus and his family!
Martin & Katinka
Thank you verry much for your time for give a commet here.i hope you will promotion to your family or you frends.with my homestay.and i hope we will meet in another time.???
Abner
I stayed at Bon Wauw homestay for 5 nights from March 29th and what can I say. What a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a few days.
Life here is very basic, but brilliant because of it. Staying in a simple hut right on the beach and sleeping with the waves beneath you was pure bliss. There is also a nice decking area out the front with a hammock which is great for chilling with some music or books.
The food is simple but super fresh and delicious and there is plenty of it. As well as some snacks if you get hungry during the day. On the last night Matthaus even arranged for a lobster as a special request which was amazing.
During the day you can walk along the stretches of rugged and untouched beaches and admire the views and wildlife. Walking through the village is really fun and locals are very friendly. There is a mountain just behind the homestay which you can also climb up for sunset and spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Snorkling trips can be arranged most days and are a great way to see more of the surrounding area too. Life is very laidback and basic here, so don’t expect late nights or parties. But if you want to experience some peaceful days cut off from the world then I can promise it is very blissful and rewarding.
The hosts are great, Matthaus and his family will make you feel welcome, comfortable and very well fed with the lovely cooking of his wife. English speaking is limited but he can speak enough to make all necessary arrangements and it was never a problem for me.
I hope to return to this slice of paradise again someday!
Terima Kasih again Matthaus and family 🙂
Thank you verry much sam.
I hope we will meet again in next time. And don’t forget promotion for your frends or you family. ???
Abner
I stayed at Bon Wauw homestay for 5 nights from March 29th and what can I say. What a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a few days.
Life here is very basic, but brilliant because of it. Staying in a simple hut right on the beach and sleeping with the waves beneath you was pure bliss. There is also a nice decking area out the front with a hammock which is great for chilling with some music or books.
The food is simple but super fresh and delicious and there is plenty of it. As well as some snacks if you get hungry during the day. On the last night Matthaus even arranged for a lobster as a special request which was amazing.
During the day you can walk along the stretches of rugged and untouched beaches and admire the views and wildlife. Walking through the village is really fun and locals are very friendly. There is a mountain just behind the homestay which you can also climb up for sunset and spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Snorkling trips can be arranged most days and are a great way to see more of the surrounding area too. Life is very laidback and basic here, so don’t expect late nights or parties. But if you want to experience some peaceful days cut off from the world then I can promise it is very blissful and rewarding.
The hosts are great, Matthaus and his family will make you feel welcome, comfortable and very well fed with the lovely cooking of his wife. English speaking is limited but he can speak enough to make all necessary arrangements and it was never a problem for me.
I hope to return to this slice of paradise again someday!
Terima Kasih again Matthaus and family 🙂
Thank you verry much sam.
I hope we will meet again in next time. And don’t forget promotion for your frends or you family. ???
Abner
We had a great stay at Bon Wauw. Nice and clean bungalows, great food and really kind people. We also did a trip to wayag wich was awesome! Snorkeling trips can be arranged easily.
Really recommend this homestay!
Did i already mention the great food? (They gave us cake for breakfast!!)
We had a great stay at Bon Wauw. Nice and clean bungalows, great food and really kind people. We also did a trip to wayag wich was awesome! Snorkeling trips can be arranged easily.
Really recommend this homestay!
Did i already mention the great food? (They gave us cake for breakfast!!)
Bon Wauw was our second stop on an whirlwind 8-day 4-homestay odyssey which took us to both the tippy top (Wayag) and the rock bottom (Misool) of Raja Ampat… and everything in between.
It was also the only place where we did run into a bit of a sticky spot. First, the guys from Piaynemo who were dropping us there didn’t know where it was so we had to hop our way along the Manyaifun coast to find it… and when we finally got there it was totally deserted… then we see a lady and some kids scurrying along the coast towards us and finally, because of poor reception on tiny black cell phones, after frantic and lung-busting calls to Chris @ Piaynemo and then Abe (Abner?) it was determined that we indeed could stay the couple of nights we had planned and also take the Wayag trip next morning. Though all through, Abner (who I don’t believe is the owner listed on the website) kept saying he was waiting for us at Waisai, despite my reminding him twice on e-mail not to pick us up there, and he also told us that he would leave Waisai the next morning (Saturday) at 5 AM and be at Bon Wauw at 8 AM to take us to Wayag — which never happened so we don’t believe he had any intention of coming (whoever knows what that was all about!)… and a couple of local boys ended up taking us — although they neglected to tell us we needed to CARRY with us $1Mil IDR with us to give to the village on Wayag… (they kept saying “Boast” or “Post” or something we couldn’t understand) so we didn’t have any cash on us when we took the trip, and although we knew it was an extra $1Mil charge above the $5Mil trip cost, we were expecting to pay the homestay in the end, so that was a bit of a serious miscommunication or should I say non-communication. In hindsight, yes, it is clearly noted on the whiteboard in the dining hut that the trip is IDR $5Mil plus IDR $1Mil extra – but it didn’t say to carry the extra IDR $1Mil with us which I wish had been more clear since one would reasonably expect that the full IDR $6Mil payment would be made to the homestay, included in the price of the entire stay.
Bon Wauw was also the only homestay where the language barrier did create a bit of an impact those first 36 hours… but then Matheus showed up (who IS the owner listed on the website) who thankfully speaks English so it was easier from that point on. However, he proceeded to tell us he would be praying on Sunday so can we check out on Monday (errr… NO can do… we had reservation at Nus homestay on Sunday night and the ferry to catch from Waisai to Sorong and on to Misool on Monday… so, sorry we’d totally love to but we can’t just randomly stay an extra day!!!), so that’s where I think there was a lack of coordination between our guide who arranged the itinerary, and Abe and Matheus or whoever. Anyways, it was ultimately minor and didn’t really matter in the end… and furthermore, Matheus apparently is related to Paulus @ Nus on Kri so all that worked out fine in the end and we had trouble free stays on both of those two islands Manyaifun and Kri. Plus, the Bon Wauw boys did a great job on the tour to Wayag, taking us to all the sensational spots and lookouts… despite our not being able to communicate pretty much even a word and the issue with the $1Mil pmt to the “Boast/Post”!
Bottom line… once you experience the perfection of Wayag under blue skies and from the viewpoints, plus the incredible snorkeling at the village… then your life is made!! 🙂
And all our hosts at Bon Wauw itself were really fantastic – genuinely warm and hospitable, plus the food was great and the room comfy, so we had a great stay and give it 5 stars.
Thank you so much ron
I hope we will meet again
And don’t forget promotion for your family or your frends ????
Abner
Bon Wauw was our second stop on an whirlwind 8-day 4-homestay odyssey which took us to both the tippy top (Wayag) and the rock bottom (Misool) of Raja Ampat… and everything in between.
It was also the only place where we did run into a bit of a sticky spot. First, the guys from Piaynemo who were dropping us there didn’t know where it was so we had to hop our way along the Manyaifun coast to find it… and when we finally got there it was totally deserted… then we see a lady and some kids scurrying along the coast towards us and finally, because of poor reception on tiny black cell phones, after frantic and lung-busting calls to Chris @ Piaynemo and then Abe (Abner?) it was determined that we indeed could stay the couple of nights we had planned and also take the Wayag trip next morning. Though all through, Abner (who I don’t believe is the owner listed on the website) kept saying he was waiting for us at Waisai, despite my reminding him twice on e-mail not to pick us up there, and he also told us that he would leave Waisai the next morning (Saturday) at 5 AM and be at Bon Wauw at 8 AM to take us to Wayag — which never happened so we don’t believe he had any intention of coming (whoever knows what that was all about!)… and a couple of local boys ended up taking us — although they neglected to tell us we needed to CARRY with us $1Mil IDR with us to give to the village on Wayag… (they kept saying “Boast” or “Post” or something we couldn’t understand) so we didn’t have any cash on us when we took the trip, and although we knew it was an extra $1Mil charge above the $5Mil trip cost, we were expecting to pay the homestay in the end, so that was a bit of a serious miscommunication or should I say non-communication. In hindsight, yes, it is clearly noted on the whiteboard in the dining hut that the trip is IDR $5Mil plus IDR $1Mil extra – but it didn’t say to carry the extra IDR $1Mil with us which I wish had been more clear since one would reasonably expect that the full IDR $6Mil payment would be made to the homestay, included in the price of the entire stay.
Bon Wauw was also the only homestay where the language barrier did create a bit of an impact those first 36 hours… but then Matheus showed up (who IS the owner listed on the website) who thankfully speaks English so it was easier from that point on. However, he proceeded to tell us he would be praying on Sunday so can we check out on Monday (errr… NO can do… we had reservation at Nus homestay on Sunday night and the ferry to catch from Waisai to Sorong and on to Misool on Monday… so, sorry we’d totally love to but we can’t just randomly stay an extra day!!!), so that’s where I think there was a lack of coordination between our guide who arranged the itinerary, and Abe and Matheus or whoever. Anyways, it was ultimately minor and didn’t really matter in the end… and furthermore, Matheus apparently is related to Paulus @ Nus on Kri so all that worked out fine in the end and we had trouble free stays on both of those two islands Manyaifun and Kri. Plus, the Bon Wauw boys did a great job on the tour to Wayag, taking us to all the sensational spots and lookouts… despite our not being able to communicate pretty much even a word and the issue with the $1Mil pmt to the “Boast/Post”!
Bottom line… once you experience the perfection of Wayag under blue skies and from the viewpoints, plus the incredible snorkeling at the village… then your life is made!! 🙂
And all our hosts at Bon Wauw itself were really fantastic – genuinely warm and hospitable, plus the food was great and the room comfy, so we had a great stay and give it 5 stars.
Thank you so much ron
I hope we will meet again
And don’t forget promotion for your family or your frends ????
Abner
We spent 7 nights @ Bon Wauw Homestay…
And it‘s one of the best we stayed (being meanwhile 4 times to R4 and 14 different Homestays)!
The family is very friendly, attentive and serves delicious meals ?? and let you feel comfortable…
We loved the remote location and wandered here and there along the beach to near Manyaifun village to enjoy village life…
We done some nice snorkeling trips with Matheus…and he‘s always open for trips in general.
Snorkeling in front of the beach is also recommendable.
The Bungalow is very clean and tidy with spacious Verandah!
Mandi and toilet is simple as every Homestay in this region but very clean…
The Bungalows (2 in the moment) are equipped with hammocks which is a big plus.
As it was my birthday @ Bon Wauw, my husband asked for Lobster for dinner and we got served Lobster that evening ?
Thanks a lot Matheus and your lovely family!
We enjoyed our stay and want to come back again…
(Terimah kasih banyak Pak Matheus!!!
Kami mau/akan kembali ke Bon Wauw)
Sampai jumpa ??
Jen & Mike
Thank you for your time for give the revew in here .i hope you will back again .not forget promotion for your frends or you family .
Abner
Yes, we do!
Hey Jen & Mike
Regarding to your experience in RA, can you recommend over places in over island ? would love to stay in 3 different island
Thank you so much
Léa
We spent 7 nights @ Bon Wauw Homestay…
And it‘s one of the best we stayed (being meanwhile 4 times to R4 and 14 different Homestays)!
The family is very friendly, attentive and serves delicious meals ?? and let you feel comfortable…
We loved the remote location and wandered here and there along the beach to near Manyaifun village to enjoy village life…
We done some nice snorkeling trips with Matheus…and he‘s always open for trips in general.
Snorkeling in front of the beach is also recommendable.
The Bungalow is very clean and tidy with spacious Verandah!
Mandi and toilet is simple as every Homestay in this region but very clean…
The Bungalows (2 in the moment) are equipped with hammocks which is a big plus.
As it was my birthday @ Bon Wauw, my husband asked for Lobster for dinner and we got served Lobster that evening ?
Thanks a lot Matheus and your lovely family!
We enjoyed our stay and want to come back again…
(Terimah kasih banyak Pak Matheus!!!
Kami mau/akan kembali ke Bon Wauw)
Sampai jumpa ??
Jen & Mike
Thank you for your time for give the revew in here .i hope you will back again .not forget promotion for your frends or you family .
Abner
Yes, we do!
Hey Jen & Mike
Regarding to your experience in RA, can you recommend over places in over island ? would love to stay in 3 different island
Thank you so much
Léa
We have spent 5 excellent and relaxed days at Bon Wauw Home Stay!
We LOVED to be so far from tourism, to be remote, going back in time where life is celebrated in a pristine way.
Lying in the hammock, snorkeling, wandering to the small local village and enjoying the view, meals and sunsets.
The family is very friendly and will do everything they can do to make your stay comfortable. Highly recommended!
We can not wait to travel back to Raja Ampat and especially to the remote islands.
The boat ride can be quite rough as part of the adventure :-).
Thank you so much for hospitality and we hope to see you soon!
Thank you so much annemiek
For your time for give the commet in here .i hope you can back again.? and not forget promotion my homestay to your frends or your frends.
Thank you so much
Abner
We have spent 5 excellent and relaxed days at Bon Wauw Home Stay!
We LOVED to be so far from tourism, to be remote, going back in time where life is celebrated in a pristine way.
Lying in the hammock, snorkeling, wandering to the small local village and enjoying the view, meals and sunsets.
The family is very friendly and will do everything they can do to make your stay comfortable. Highly recommended!
We can not wait to travel back to Raja Ampat and especially to the remote islands.
The boat ride can be quite rough as part of the adventure :-).
Thank you so much for hospitality and we hope to see you soon!
Thank you so much annemiek
For your time for give the commet in here .i hope you can back again.? and not forget promotion my homestay to your frends or your frends.
Thank you so much
Abner
I stayed at this comfortable and relatively isolated Homestay over the Xmas period, and was the only guest.
There is wonderful snorkelling just in front of the bungalows and I saw some truly enormous and unusually shaped fish!
The family who provide food and excursions were very friendly and attentive, and took me on some good snorkelling trips, as well as a walk up to the viewpoint on the hill near the homestay. There is an interesting village a 15 minute walk along the beach (at low tide).
I would recommend this homestay for people who like a quiet homestay experience.
Thank you for your come in my homestay.
And thank you for time for give a comment.in here.please promotion for your family and and your frends.
Thank you veryy much adam
Abner
I stayed at this comfortable and relatively isolated Homestay over the Xmas period, and was the only guest.
There is wonderful snorkelling just in front of the bungalows and I saw some truly enormous and unusually shaped fish!
The family who provide food and excursions were very friendly and attentive, and took me on some good snorkelling trips, as well as a walk up to the viewpoint on the hill near the homestay. There is an interesting village a 15 minute walk along the beach (at low tide).
I would recommend this homestay for people who like a quiet homestay experience.
Thank you for your come in my homestay.
And thank you for time for give a comment.in here.please promotion for your family and and your frends.
Thank you veryy much adam
Abner
Fantastic!
We booked this homestay a couple of weeks in advance. Communication to organize pick up on Gam worked fine through email and whatsapp.
Matheus from the homestay picked us up as planned. The boat ride took 2,5 hours (its quite a big distance) in his outrigger canoo/boat. The boat fits 2 guests with luggage. Nice and scenic boat ride and we loved it! However, it’s not for the fainted hearted (but they should not consider travel to this remote part of RA anyways).
The place consists of two bungalows with spacious terraces in front, located on the beach. A few meters from the water on low tide, half way over water on high tide. Amazing!
The bungalow was clean and tidy, with clean sheets and a mosquito net. They also have hammocks if you don’t bring your own, and there are two chairs on the terrace outside the bungalow.
The toilet and bathroom is simple like all other home stays. Dip mandi shower and squatting toilet. But they make sure it’s clean, there’s always toilet paper in the toilet, and soap for washing hands.
The family consists of Matheus, his wife and 6 children. The kids play in the water, with the kanoo or they relax in a hammock. Lovely family! Matheus is the only one speaking some basic words of English, but everyone is smiling and being helpful!!
There’s always a thermos with hot water in the eating area, but we recommend to bring your own coffee as they have limited amount. There’s also drinking water and some soap and water to wash your hands.
The food is excellent. Traditional food with rice, fish, eggs, vegetables and so on. It’s spicy like it should be, not the mild taste you might find in some home stays in Kri and Gam. There’s always some fruit for dessert, typically mango or papaya.
A generator provides electricity every evening from sunset until bed time. But you barely need it, as there is no cell phone signal in this part of RA (or wifi). The lack of signal makes this a calm and quiet place, made for relaxing, snorkeling, reading and hammocking. Enjoy it! And Matheus also provides trips to other islands in the area, and to Wayag.
We stayed 3 nights in this piece of paradise. We wish we could stay 10 more!
Stayed there December 2018.
Thank you so much for your time .for give this review..
Abner
Fantastic!
We booked this homestay a couple of weeks in advance. Communication to organize pick up on Gam worked fine through email and whatsapp.
Matheus from the homestay picked us up as planned. The boat ride took 2,5 hours (its quite a big distance) in his outrigger canoo/boat. The boat fits 2 guests with luggage. Nice and scenic boat ride and we loved it! However, it’s not for the fainted hearted (but they should not consider travel to this remote part of RA anyways).
The place consists of two bungalows with spacious terraces in front, located on the beach. A few meters from the water on low tide, half way over water on high tide. Amazing!
The bungalow was clean and tidy, with clean sheets and a mosquito net. They also have hammocks if you don’t bring your own, and there are two chairs on the terrace outside the bungalow.
The toilet and bathroom is simple like all other home stays. Dip mandi shower and squatting toilet. But they make sure it’s clean, there’s always toilet paper in the toilet, and soap for washing hands.
The family consists of Matheus, his wife and 6 children. The kids play in the water, with the kanoo or they relax in a hammock. Lovely family! Matheus is the only one speaking some basic words of English, but everyone is smiling and being helpful!!
There’s always a thermos with hot water in the eating area, but we recommend to bring your own coffee as they have limited amount. There’s also drinking water and some soap and water to wash your hands.
The food is excellent. Traditional food with rice, fish, eggs, vegetables and so on. It’s spicy like it should be, not the mild taste you might find in some home stays in Kri and Gam. There’s always some fruit for dessert, typically mango or papaya.
A generator provides electricity every evening from sunset until bed time. But you barely need it, as there is no cell phone signal in this part of RA (or wifi). The lack of signal makes this a calm and quiet place, made for relaxing, snorkeling, reading and hammocking. Enjoy it! And Matheus also provides trips to other islands in the area, and to Wayag.
We stayed 3 nights in this piece of paradise. We wish we could stay 10 more!
Stayed there December 2018.
Thank you so much for your time .for give this review..
Abner
My partner Chris & I stayed with Bon Wauw Homestay in West Waigo for 3 nights in September. Although it was quite a wet longboat ride from Waisai, arriving to a white-sand paradise was well worth the trip.
The homestay, run by Mr. Matheus and family, rests on a protected reef near a tiny village. Accommodations consist of basic beach bungalows with crisp, white bedding and mosquito net. The night sky was beautiful with so many stars! Our bungalow rested on the waters edge, and we could hear the water gently lapping the shore at night.
We were the only guests at Bon Wauw, and we enjoyed snorkeling the beautiful reef right on the beach with no one around. We also took Mr. Matheus up on some trips to nearby reefs, which were stunning.
Last, the food at Bon Wauw was delicious every day. They serve up fish most meals, but the taste is just incredible. If you prefer not to have fish every meal, ask for egg or tofu to be part of your meals.
I’d also advise you to take whatever you need for your personal comfort. We have a coffee and sugar addiction, for example, so it was a good thing we took coffee and sugar as a “gift.” I think we consumed about as much as we gave!
Definitely a must go for romantic travelers seeking a hideaway vacation.
Thank you halie for you time for give me comment in here.i hope you don’t forget promotion for your frends or your family.?
Abner
My partner Chris & I stayed with Bon Wauw Homestay in West Waigo for 3 nights in September. Although it was quite a wet longboat ride from Waisai, arriving to a white-sand paradise was well worth the trip.
The homestay, run by Mr. Matheus and family, rests on a protected reef near a tiny village. Accommodations consist of basic beach bungalows with crisp, white bedding and mosquito net. The night sky was beautiful with so many stars! Our bungalow rested on the waters edge, and we could hear the water gently lapping the shore at night.
We were the only guests at Bon Wauw, and we enjoyed snorkeling the beautiful reef right on the beach with no one around. We also took Mr. Matheus up on some trips to nearby reefs, which were stunning.
Last, the food at Bon Wauw was delicious every day. They serve up fish most meals, but the taste is just incredible. If you prefer not to have fish every meal, ask for egg or tofu to be part of your meals.
I’d also advise you to take whatever you need for your personal comfort. We have a coffee and sugar addiction, for example, so it was a good thing we took coffee and sugar as a “gift.” I think we consumed about as much as we gave!
Definitely a must go for romantic travelers seeking a hideaway vacation.
Thank you halie for you time for give me comment in here.i hope you don’t forget promotion for your frends or your family.?
Abner
I spent 4 nights, 5 days on the beach bungalow. It was straight on the beach and the water and was really nice. I enjoy staying in that place for these days . The place is “lost on an island”, and dont expect to see many tourist there ! (It was what i looked for, do I enjoyed it).
The village is at 15 minutes walking on the beach.
On that island, there is no internet, and just enough some network to make à simple phone call. Perfect for people who want a “communication break”.
Dining room is convenient, on the beach, and dishes prepared by the family were also good (you just need to ask sometimes to have another thing than fish, otherwise you will get some 2 times à day).
The only negative point of this stay was the communication with the owner (the only one person who just know “few words” of english). Even after to have agreed (and handwritten) for a trip, the price changed when I have to pay, before leaving ! In fact, deals are not often respected even they seem to be okay. Also for transportation from/to Waisai, prices changes everyday …
(1M IDR to go there, 1,5M IDR to go back…). To avoid any problem, pay at destination, once arrived.
Except these 2 points, i recommand that place.
Snorkeling is 15 meters front of the bungalow, “heaven beaches” are on the next island.
The owner’s son (Dany) is a “really” good boat driver !! But should be more careful for long ride with boat and weather.
For information, one day trip to Wayag costs 4M IDR for one long boat (not a speed boat), 3h ride for one way. Price to share btw passengers (i was alone). This price includes the 1M entrance fee payable per boat on Wayag island).
One night costs 350k, 3 meals included.
Thank you romain
I just took the time to give a comment. About the activity. You were there. Previously, we apologize. If there is a mistake, the good and bad you gave us as the host. Still accepting it. you are interested in Raja Ampat
Abner
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review Romain.
The folks at Bon Wauw are much too polite to point this out, so we’ll have to: “To avoid any problem, pay at destination, once arrived.” is very bad advice.
It’s unfair and disrespectful to your hosts, who have clearly stated the prices for their services on their website page.
If you are not happy to pay those prices, then the time to bargain is BEFORE making use of the service, not afterward, when your hosts (being averse to confrontation) have little choice but to accept whatever you decide you want to pay.
When you talk with people, you bargain, you agree on a price (what I did in the correct way of course), then the 2 parties “NEED” to respect their engagement.
We “agreed” 2 times on prices, for a day trip + for the return to Waisai, but the owner DID NOT respect our engagements 2 times (for day trip he asked me more money “after the deal” + for the return I asked to be drop off in Waisai, not in Mansuar …).
So when I don’t fully trust someone, I pay after to avoid any inconvenience, and more on an island.
I travel for 15 years now, so of course I know when a deal is accepted we have to pay immediately, but the service provider also needs to respect his engagement !
However, I enjoyed my stay 🙂
True, although hosts must wonder why, when they advertise the prices they want on the internet the same as any other service provider around the world, that they are constantly expected to reduce them!
The truly important bit, though, is that you enjoyed your stay anyway. Great to hear 🙂
I spent 4 nights, 5 days on the beach bungalow. It was straight on the beach and the water and was really nice. I enjoy staying in that place for these days . The place is “lost on an island”, and dont expect to see many tourist there ! (It was what i looked for, do I enjoyed it).
The village is at 15 minutes walking on the beach.
On that island, there is no internet, and just enough some network to make à simple phone call. Perfect for people who want a “communication break”.
Dining room is convenient, on the beach, and dishes prepared by the family were also good (you just need to ask sometimes to have another thing than fish, otherwise you will get some 2 times à day).
The only negative point of this stay was the communication with the owner (the only one person who just know “few words” of english). Even after to have agreed (and handwritten) for a trip, the price changed when I have to pay, before leaving ! In fact, deals are not often respected even they seem to be okay. Also for transportation from/to Waisai, prices changes everyday …
(1M IDR to go there, 1,5M IDR to go back…). To avoid any problem, pay at destination, once arrived.
Except these 2 points, i recommand that place.
Snorkeling is 15 meters front of the bungalow, “heaven beaches” are on the next island.
The owner’s son (Dany) is a “really” good boat driver !! But should be more careful for long ride with boat and weather.
For information, one day trip to Wayag costs 4M IDR for one long boat (not a speed boat), 3h ride for one way. Price to share btw passengers (i was alone). This price includes the 1M entrance fee payable per boat on Wayag island).
One night costs 350k, 3 meals included.
Thank you romain
I just took the time to give a comment. About the activity. You were there. Previously, we apologize. If there is a mistake, the good and bad you gave us as the host. Still accepting it. you are interested in Raja Ampat
Abner
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review Romain.
The folks at Bon Wauw are much too polite to point this out, so we’ll have to: “To avoid any problem, pay at destination, once arrived.” is very bad advice.
It’s unfair and disrespectful to your hosts, who have clearly stated the prices for their services on their website page.
If you are not happy to pay those prices, then the time to bargain is BEFORE making use of the service, not afterward, when your hosts (being averse to confrontation) have little choice but to accept whatever you decide you want to pay.
When you talk with people, you bargain, you agree on a price (what I did in the correct way of course), then the 2 parties “NEED” to respect their engagement.
We “agreed” 2 times on prices, for a day trip + for the return to Waisai, but the owner DID NOT respect our engagements 2 times (for day trip he asked me more money “after the deal” + for the return I asked to be drop off in Waisai, not in Mansuar …).
So when I don’t fully trust someone, I pay after to avoid any inconvenience, and more on an island.
I travel for 15 years now, so of course I know when a deal is accepted we have to pay immediately, but the service provider also needs to respect his engagement !
However, I enjoyed my stay 🙂
True, although hosts must wonder why, when they advertise the prices they want on the internet the same as any other service provider around the world, that they are constantly expected to reduce them!
The truly important bit, though, is that you enjoyed your stay anyway. Great to hear 🙂
Good place. They now have two bungalows on the beach. There is a nice lookout point behind the guesthouse for sunsets, and it is also possible and fairly easy to follow the big ridge along the whole length of the island going west. The best snorkelling I had during three weeks in the islands was on the small U-shaped island just east of Batang Pele. Spectacular. Apparently there are crocs around Manyaifun and Pele.
thank erik
you for taking the time to give a good comment. in my homestay .thank you so much erik
Abner
Good place. They now have two bungalows on the beach. There is a nice lookout point behind the guesthouse for sunsets, and it is also possible and fairly easy to follow the big ridge along the whole length of the island going west. The best snorkelling I had during three weeks in the islands was on the small U-shaped island just east of Batang Pele. Spectacular. Apparently there are crocs around Manyaifun and Pele.
thank erik
you for taking the time to give a good comment. in my homestay .thank you so much erik
Abner
I have stayed at this beautiful and remote location for about a week in Feb. 2017. Mattheus and his family took such good care for me and made me feel at home. Great food and a wonderful location with great snorkeling spots within close range. Close to Wayag, manta spot en other beautiful places. This place has only one beautiful private bungalow for max. two persons but it is lovely and meals are served on your balcony. There is a descent (non European) toilet and bucket shower.
Mattheus can take you to all the nice places and a walk to the hill to sunset point and the holy turtle place should be on your list.
Thank you peter thank you so much for you
I’m glad nice to meet you ,,
Thank you peter for your coming to my homestay
Thank you for your coment
I have stayed at this beautiful and remote location for about a week in Feb. 2017. Mattheus and his family took such good care for me and made me feel at home. Great food and a wonderful location with great snorkeling spots within close range. Close to Wayag, manta spot en other beautiful places. This place has only one beautiful private bungalow for max. two persons but it is lovely and meals are served on your balcony. There is a descent (non European) toilet and bucket shower.
Mattheus can take you to all the nice places and a walk to the hill to sunset point and the holy turtle place should be on your list.
Thank you peter thank you so much for you
I’m glad nice to meet you ,,
Thank you peter for your coming to my homestay
Thank you for your coment
Anyone been to this place? I booked for 5 nights but now the guy from the other guesthouse next to Bon Wauw tell me i cannot do anything without a local guide because of crocodiles not even snorkeling. His English is not taht good but still…
I have a inflatable canoe and i want to explore the area with it. Is it that dangerous?
Anyone share their experience?
Hi Peter –
It’s always best (regardless of where you stay in Raja Ampat) to at least consult a local guide, especially if you are travelling alone. Apart from the risk of encountering crocodiles, Raja Ampat experiences very strong and swift tidal currents which are impossible to swim (and in some cases paddle) against. You may well be fine in a canoe, but snorkeling alone is never a good idea.
Not even in front of thehomestay?
Only if you’ve been told it’s OK and someone knows you are going.
Your first mail i can understand. I wont do this without asking
but even every time i want to take a swim is a lot different from other places i visted in raja ampat. Is this special for this eiland?
You only need to ask once if it’s OK to swim/snorkel in front of any homestay, and (unless you’re completely familiar with local conditions) it’s always good practice to make sure someone at least sees you enter the water. It’s more important to do this at Manyaifun as there is a higher risk of encountering a crocodile there.
(BTW: It would be best to post multiple question threads like this as private messages on our facebook page, rather than fill up the homestay’s comments section. Thanks Peter.)
Thank you and sorry for filling up the thread. I don’t use Facebook and could not find another way of communicating. You can delete the threat if you want.
SRA says: Replying here Peter because we’ve hit the Q&A limit for comments. You’re welcome to ask questions via the website contact form, then we can continue over email. All the best.
Anyone been to this place? I booked for 5 nights but now the guy from the other guesthouse next to Bon Wauw tell me i cannot do anything without a local guide because of crocodiles not even snorkeling. His English is not taht good but still…
I have a inflatable canoe and i want to explore the area with it. Is it that dangerous?
Anyone share their experience?
Hi Peter –
It’s always best (regardless of where you stay in Raja Ampat) to at least consult a local guide, especially if you are travelling alone. Apart from the risk of encountering crocodiles, Raja Ampat experiences very strong and swift tidal currents which are impossible to swim (and in some cases paddle) against. You may well be fine in a canoe, but snorkeling alone is never a good idea.
Not even in front of thehomestay?
Only if you’ve been told it’s OK and someone knows you are going.
Your first mail i can understand. I wont do this without asking
but even every time i want to take a swim is a lot different from other places i visted in raja ampat. Is this special for this eiland?
You only need to ask once if it’s OK to swim/snorkel in front of any homestay, and (unless you’re completely familiar with local conditions) it’s always good practice to make sure someone at least sees you enter the water. It’s more important to do this at Manyaifun as there is a higher risk of encountering a crocodile there.
(BTW: It would be best to post multiple question threads like this as private messages on our facebook page, rather than fill up the homestay’s comments section. Thanks Peter.)
Thank you and sorry for filling up the thread. I don’t use Facebook and could not find another way of communicating. You can delete the threat if you want.
SRA says: Replying here Peter because we’ve hit the Q&A limit for comments. You’re welcome to ask questions via the website contact form, then we can continue over email. All the best.
Is this guesthouse fully in business?
Certainly is Peter. It wouldn’t be on the website if not.
I have some questions but speak no Bahasa Indonesia and there is no email address.
I need transport from Bon Wauw Homestay to Beser Bay Homestay on 26th of February and icannot find any info and prices on snorkeling trips in the area.
Can you help me or ask for me?
Hi Peter –
We’re not based in Raja Ampat and can’t ask for you, but Bon Wauw will definitely be able to provide the transfer you need to Gam. Prices for local snorkelling trips should be similar to those of Bon Wauw’s neighbour Sea Fans Homestay.
Thank you, That is clear.
One final question if i may. There are two ferries from Sorong so how do i let them know which ferry I take from Sorong so they pick me up at the right time? I can only use the check in box for transport from Waisai.
As advised in booking confirmation emails, it’s best to SMS your hosts when you are getting on the ferry in Sorong.
Is this guesthouse fully in business?
Certainly is Peter. It wouldn’t be on the website if not.
I have some questions but speak no Bahasa Indonesia and there is no email address.
I need transport from Bon Wauw Homestay to Beser Bay Homestay on 26th of February and icannot find any info and prices on snorkeling trips in the area.
Can you help me or ask for me?
Hi Peter –
We’re not based in Raja Ampat and can’t ask for you, but Bon Wauw will definitely be able to provide the transfer you need to Gam. Prices for local snorkelling trips should be similar to those of Bon Wauw’s neighbour Sea Fans Homestay.
Thank you, That is clear.
One final question if i may. There are two ferries from Sorong so how do i let them know which ferry I take from Sorong so they pick me up at the right time? I can only use the check in box for transport from Waisai.
As advised in booking confirmation emails, it’s best to SMS your hosts when you are getting on the ferry in Sorong.
Hi, I sent sms to pak Matheus to know accommodation availability for three people from 22 January 2017.
I had no answer, how can I do to have this information?
thanks
Truly sorry to take so long to reply to your question riccardo – we’ve just returned to an internet connection after 12 days out in the islands.
It’s too late now of course, but for anyone else with the same question, the easiest way to request a booking for the dates you want is to use the booking form on the page. If available, a reservation confirmation will be emailed to you. A notification will also be emailed if the room requested is unavailable, or if our system is unable to contact the homestay.
NOTE: If you just want to enquire about availability (and don’t actually want to make a booking), then you must try to contact the homestay directly. See this page for why that’s the case. However: Almost all homestays are unable to send SMS to or call international numbers.
Hi, I sent sms to pak Matheus to know accommodation availability for three people from 22 January 2017.
I had no answer, how can I do to have this information?
thanks
Truly sorry to take so long to reply to your question riccardo – we’ve just returned to an internet connection after 12 days out in the islands.
It’s too late now of course, but for anyone else with the same question, the easiest way to request a booking for the dates you want is to use the booking form on the page. If available, a reservation confirmation will be emailed to you. A notification will also be emailed if the room requested is unavailable, or if our system is unable to contact the homestay.
NOTE: If you just want to enquire about availability (and don’t actually want to make a booking), then you must try to contact the homestay directly. See this page for why that’s the case. However: Almost all homestays are unable to send SMS to or call international numbers.
********BOAT-SHARING NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016******
we´ll be in Raja Ampat from 21st November to 10th December 2016.
One or two weeks of this time, we want to spend on the outer islands of West Waigeo, Manyaifun or/and Selpele.
If you want to share the boat-trip (and the costs), from Waisai or maybe Southern Gam to West Waigeo, I´d be happy to hear from you.
azzurrro(at)web.de
(Please notice: there are three “r” in azzurrro)
********BOAT-SHARING NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016******
we´ll be in Raja Ampat from 21st November to 10th December 2016.
One or two weeks of this time, we want to spend on the outer islands of West Waigeo, Manyaifun or/and Selpele.
If you want to share the boat-trip (and the costs), from Waisai or maybe Southern Gam to West Waigeo, I´d be happy to hear from you.
azzurrro(at)web.de
(Please notice: there are three “r” in azzurrro)