Features
- Sleeps 10 or more
- Hiking available
- Coral
- Child discount
- Calm beach
- Sandy Beach
- Western style toilet
- IDR 500,000 to 600,000
- Near village
- Has ensuite bathroom/toilet
Details
Mandarou Homestay is one of five homestays that lie on the fine, white sand beach at Saukabu village, on Pam Island’s sheltered north-east coast.
Five uniquely styled VIP bungalows are located just back from Mandarou’s fabulous beach.
The bungalows sleep two on inner-spring matresses on the floor. Bedding for a third guest can be provided if needed. The usual bedding and mosquito nets are supplied, and all rooms are provided with electric fans, a small table, electrical outlets, and room light switches.
VIP bungalows have ensuite bathrooms with western-style toilets and dip-mandi (bucket) bathing.
All bungalows have covered verandahs with sea views through the beachside trees. Chairs and table are provided on the verandahs.
Meals are served in Mandarou Homestay’s beachside dining room. Free drinking water and tea and coffee making supplies are always available for guests there.
Mandarou Homestay usually receives a decent phone signal, and internet connections are available. The signal varies dramatically though, and occasionally vanishes completely.
Electricity is from Saukabu’s village supply, and is usually available from 6pm to 6am.
Only a little English is spoken at Mandarou Homestay: Bring a phrasebook or offline translation app to ease communication.
There are small shops in Saukabu, but be sure to stock up with anything you consider essential, because local villages only have basic supplies available.
Safe rubbish disposal doesn’t exist in Raja Ampat: Please take all your inorganic waste away with you when you leave. Anything left in the islands will only contribute to the trashing of paradise.
Transport / Getting there
Transfers between Waisai and Mandarou Homestay cost IDR 2,500,000. The longboat used can carry up to four passengers and the trip cost is shared.
Transfers between Meos Ambower Homestay and Mandarou cost IDR 400,000. Cost is shared by passengers (max 4).
Read more about Raja Ampat boat transport prices here.
Public Boat to the Fam Islands
If you have plenty of time, you don’t mind a bit of discomfort, and you want spend as little as possible on transport costs, then there are cargo boats that you can use to get to the Fam Islands. (Obviously, if you are going to arrive on the cargo boat, then you don’t need to request a Waisai pickup when submitting the booking form above.)
Here’s what you need to know about getting the cargo boat to Fam.
Activities
Bring your snorkelling gear! Snorkelling over coral outcrops is available off the beach at Mandarou Homestay. Long beach walks are possible at low tide.
Walking paths connect the villages of Saukabu and Saupapir. From Saupapir, the trail continues to a jetty on the north side of the island. The round trip to the jetty and back from Saukabu is about 11 kilometers.
Mandarou Homestay can arrange tours to all the famous snorkelling sites and attractions around Pam and Piaynemo. (Pam and Piaynemo are the preferred local names of the islands often marked on maps as Fam and Penemu.) Spectacular karst island panoramas like those of Wayag are available at Piaynemo, and the many low sand cays to the south of Pam feature deserted beaches, sapphire seas and the opportunity to snorkel with mantas.
Mandarou Homestay Piaynemo highlights tour
Mandarou offers a tour to Piaynemo to visit the top view lookout, as well as the Star and Manta Lagoon viewpoints. The cost is IDR 1,000,000. Cost is shared by participants (max 4).
Snorkel with Mantas (bring your own equipment)
A trip to snorkel with mantas at Miosba, Andau Besar and Andau Kecil costs IDR 600,000. The trip cost is shared by particpants (max 4).
Snorkel Pam Jetty (bring your own equipment)
Snorkelling trips to Pam Jetty costs IDR 500,000. The trip cost is shared by particpants (max 4).
Pam/Fam Islands
See our Pam Islands page for an overview of the Pam/Fam Islands and their attractions.
Mandarou Homestay Location Map
Mandarou Homestay Reviews
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31 Reviews
We visited Mandarou Homestay again last month, this is a family run homestay. we stayed here last March as a stopover to Piaynemo. They offered boat transfer in reasonable price, Frans suggested us to visit the main island where we can buy some snack and drink, he also escorted us to the jetty in the island where we can have a close encounter to the sea creatures and school of fishes. A this was our 2nd time visiting the people here recognized us and gave more welcome than before. We had a fabulous time staying with all of them. Hope to see you again.
We (couple and 10 year old child) stayed with Frans and his family for 3 nights in July 2025. The bungalow met our needs – a double and single bed, good mosquito nets, a fan and the luxury (in RA) of an attached bathroom with toilet and mandi. We really enjoyed the delicious, plentiful and varied Indonesian food, the great snorkelling in front of Saukabu, and the stunning sunset from the jetty. Frans was a great host and organised diving for us with Gloria Homestay, a snorkelling trip and Piaynemo visit, longboat transfers between Gam and Fam & our return transfer to Waisai. We had a great time and we hope to visit Frans and his family again!
We (couple and 10 year old child) stayed with Frans and his family for 3 nights in July 2025. The bungalow met our needs – a double and single bed, good mosquito nets, a fan and the luxury (in RA) of an attached bathroom with toilet and mandi. We really enjoyed the delicious, plentiful and varied Indonesian food, the great snorkelling in front of Saukabu, and the stunning sunset from the jetty. Frans was a great host and organised diving for us with Gloria Homestay, a snorkelling trip and Piaynemo visit, longboat transfers between Gam and Fam & our return transfer to Waisai. We had a great time and we hope to visit Frans and his family again!
Prenotato un soggiorno lungo di una settimana in vip Bungalow. Ci è stato assegnato uno dei più disastrati, no finestre ma griglie aperte, water rotto e senza asse per sedersi. Pavimento in cemento senza alcuno scarico per la doccia. Nessun lavandino o specchio, materasso sfondo. Cibo scarso, transfer molto cari e condizioni esterne del luogo piuttosto sporco. Improponibile restare per tutto il soggiorno tenendo presente anche le condizioni di salute del mio compagno. Non abbiamo problemi di adattamento e non è il primo soggiorno in famiglia ma qui veramente per il prezzo pagato non lo consigliamo proprio. Unica nota positiva il rimborso del soggiorno non usufruito. Spero che in futuro a questo luogo si apportino migliorie per renderlo più vivibile.
Prenotato un soggiorno lungo di una settimana in vip Bungalow. Ci è stato assegnato uno dei più disastrati, no finestre ma griglie aperte, water rotto e senza asse per sedersi. Pavimento in cemento senza alcuno scarico per la doccia. Nessun lavandino o specchio, materasso sfondo. Cibo scarso, transfer molto cari e condizioni esterne del luogo piuttosto sporco. Improponibile restare per tutto il soggiorno tenendo presente anche le condizioni di salute del mio compagno. Non abbiamo problemi di adattamento e non è il primo soggiorno in famiglia ma qui veramente per il prezzo pagato non lo consigliamo proprio. Unica nota positiva il rimborso del soggiorno non usufruito. Spero che in futuro a questo luogo si apportino migliorie per renderlo più vivibile.
We stayed at this homestay for 4 nights in January 2025. We generally enjoyed our stay and would partially recommend it.
We have some recommendations for the owner and his family to make the place better and more pleasant for guests.
Matresses should be all changed with new and more comfy ones. With the ones that are currently in the bungalows it is very hard to sleep!
Cleanliness should be enhanced. We found our toilet dirty from previous guests when we checked in. Also, some toilets don’t have seat. Would be useful to fix them.
The food was VERY VERY repetitive and bland. They shouldn’t provide for days and days the exact same things for lunch and dinner (white rice, fish and veggie). The food should variate more. Quantities were good though! Also, we liked that, at 5pm, there were always snacks available.
The thing that maybe is the most important and they should work on, is the interactions and communication with guests. The only times we were spoken to, was when we asked so or when Frans had to propose us boat tours. The family should, I think, smile more, be more “welcoming” and interact more with guests. Sometimes we felt that everybody was very very serious and vibes were extremely weird.
In general, the homestay has a lot of potential if the owner and his family are keen to work on things that are maybe lacking right now. Learning a little bit of English, since their target is mainly foreigners, would also be helpful.
Terimakasih banyak
Sudah menginap di kami punya homestay
Semoga puas dengan pelayanan kami.
Mohon maaf jika ada kekurangan.
Terimakasih banyak
Sudah menginap di kami punya homestay
Semoga puas dengan pelayanan kami.
Mohon maaf jika ada kekurangan.
We stayed at this homestay for 4 nights in January 2025. We generally enjoyed our stay and would partially recommend it.
We have some recommendations for the owner and his family to make the place better and more pleasant for guests.
Matresses should be all changed with new and more comfy ones. With the ones that are currently in the bungalows it is very hard to sleep!
Cleanliness should be enhanced. We found our toilet dirty from previous guests when we checked in. Also, some toilets don’t have seat. Would be useful to fix them.
The food was VERY VERY repetitive and bland. They shouldn’t provide for days and days the exact same things for lunch and dinner (white rice, fish and veggie). The food should variate more. Quantities were good though! Also, we liked that, at 5pm, there were always snacks available.
The thing that maybe is the most important and they should work on, is the interactions and communication with guests. The only times we were spoken to, was when we asked so or when Frans had to propose us boat tours. The family should, I think, smile more, be more “welcoming” and interact more with guests. Sometimes we felt that everybody was very very serious and vibes were extremely weird.
In general, the homestay has a lot of potential if the owner and his family are keen to work on things that are maybe lacking right now. Learning a little bit of English, since their target is mainly foreigners, would also be helpful.
We had originally booked to stay here for 5 nights but ended up shortening our stay for a night due to some issues.
To start with, the homestay is quite nice and it’s located on a beautiful white sandy beach right in the village of Saukabu. The bungalows are very basic, which is totally fine for a few nights, but with small improvements they could be so much better.
Following are some things that we think could be improved to make this homestay to stand out:
The mattresses should definitely be changed as one just simply sinks in the middle of them.
The bathrooms/toilets should have toilet seats.
Food was perhaps the biggest issue for us because it was very repetitive. We don’t mind eating simple and healthy food but if the lunches & dinners are exactly the same every day it really gets a bit too repetitive when you stay for a longer time. We did mention about this and the dishes got slightly better.
Lastly, the family didn’t really interact with us (even with a translator). They didn’t seem like they wanted to which was a bit strange. Therefore, we didn’t feel very “welcome” at the homestay.
The place has a lot of potential but needs some improvements when it comes to the condition of the bungalows, food variety and communication/interaction with guests.
The owner, Frans organized both our boat transfers to & from the island punctually and on time which was great!
I hope in the future they’ll manage to work on these things to make this homestay better.
We had originally booked to stay here for 5 nights but ended up shortening our stay for a night due to some issues.
To start with, the homestay is quite nice and it’s located on a beautiful white sandy beach right in the village of Saukabu. The bungalows are very basic, which is totally fine for a few nights, but with small improvements they could be so much better.
Following are some things that we think could be improved to make this homestay to stand out:
The mattresses should definitely be changed as one just simply sinks in the middle of them.
The bathrooms/toilets should have toilet seats.
Food was perhaps the biggest issue for us because it was very repetitive. We don’t mind eating simple and healthy food but if the lunches & dinners are exactly the same every day it really gets a bit too repetitive when you stay for a longer time. We did mention about this and the dishes got slightly better.
Lastly, the family didn’t really interact with us (even with a translator). They didn’t seem like they wanted to which was a bit strange. Therefore, we didn’t feel very “welcome” at the homestay.
The place has a lot of potential but needs some improvements when it comes to the condition of the bungalows, food variety and communication/interaction with guests.
The owner, Frans organized both our boat transfers to & from the island punctually and on time which was great!
I hope in the future they’ll manage to work on these things to make this homestay better.
I had an absolutely great stay at Mandarou homestay. Frans and his family are very kind and extremely friendly. Even though they do not speak English, we had lots of laughter. Food was also good.
Bungalows are new, there is an ensuit bathroom (whoop-whoop) and you are steps away from the long sandy beach and sea.
Great thing is that you can walk around the island, there is a village with a small shop (snacks, cola..) and overall atmosphere is very relaxed and positive.
I had couple of snorkeling trips, prices are very reasonable, Frans and his brother Doris know the best places around and I highly recommend staying here!
I had an absolutely great stay at Mandarou homestay. Frans and his family are very kind and extremely friendly. Even though they do not speak English, we had lots of laughter. Food was also good.
Bungalows are new, there is an ensuit bathroom (whoop-whoop) and you are steps away from the long sandy beach and sea.
Great thing is that you can walk around the island, there is a village with a small shop (snacks, cola..) and overall atmosphere is very relaxed and positive.
I had couple of snorkeling trips, prices are very reasonable, Frans and his brother Doris know the best places around and I highly recommend staying here!
We had 3 nights stay. Bungalows are basic but OK compared to Raja Ampat standards. Nice balcony and sunbeds on the beach. Shower with not so high pressure but exists. The double bed was really old and uncomfy, the single matress in the room was better. Cleanliness could be improved.
Ladies cooked delicious food, several times really good ball dougnuts in the afternoon. Main dishes are fresh fish, vegetables and rice, usually with some fruit. Food is really nice but can be a bit boring if you have a long stay.
We had a snorkeling+Piaynemo trip which was nicely organized and fair price.
Housereef in front of the bungalows are Ok but not the best in Raja Ampat. We saw dolphins from the restaurant several times. Worth to check out reef in front of Maners Homestay for wonderful corals and fish, that one of the best house reefs what I ever seen.
Family doesnt speak English, they dont even try to communicate via translator app etc. Hard to get information when the meals are ready, where to go to snorkel. We asked if we can get coconuts to buy, it never arrived. They were most of the times smiling but conservative and maybe a bit shy with tourists.
Low to no internet signal.
Homestay is close to the village if you are interested in the daily life of the locals.
Overall we would recommend staying at Mandarou for a couple of days. It is a beautiful and so relaxed place to switch off.
Thank you for the stay and wish the family all the best in the future.
We had 3 nights stay. Bungalows are basic but OK compared to Raja Ampat standards. Nice balcony and sunbeds on the beach. Shower with not so high pressure but exists. The double bed was really old and uncomfy, the single matress in the room was better. Cleanliness could be improved.
Ladies cooked delicious food, several times really good ball dougnuts in the afternoon. Main dishes are fresh fish, vegetables and rice, usually with some fruit. Food is really nice but can be a bit boring if you have a long stay.
We had a snorkeling+Piaynemo trip which was nicely organized and fair price.
Housereef in front of the bungalows are Ok but not the best in Raja Ampat. We saw dolphins from the restaurant several times. Worth to check out reef in front of Maners Homestay for wonderful corals and fish, that one of the best house reefs what I ever seen.
Family doesnt speak English, they dont even try to communicate via translator app etc. Hard to get information when the meals are ready, where to go to snorkel. We asked if we can get coconuts to buy, it never arrived. They were most of the times smiling but conservative and maybe a bit shy with tourists.
Low to no internet signal.
Homestay is close to the village if you are interested in the daily life of the locals.
Overall we would recommend staying at Mandarou for a couple of days. It is a beautiful and so relaxed place to switch off.
Thank you for the stay and wish the family all the best in the future.
Stunning beach, charming huts and nice bathroom. Food was good and snorkeltrips interesting and affordable. My bed was not confortable.
Hallo stefanie
Thanks you so much.
Hallo stefanie
Thanks you so much.
Stunning beach, charming huts and nice bathroom. Food was good and snorkeltrips interesting and affordable. My bed was not confortable.
We had an amazing stay with the Dimara family for 4 nights. Frans took us to Melissa’s Garden, Rufas, Piaynemo and Andau (many manta’s!) which are all close to the island, for fair prices. The rooms are equipped with western style ensuite bathrooms. The food was very delicious and varied. We would definitely recommend booking here.
Terimakasih banyak
Sudah menginap di kami punya homestay
Semoga puas dengan pelayanan kami.
Mohon maaf jika ada kekurangan.
Terimakasih banyak
Sudah menginap di kami punya homestay
Semoga puas dengan pelayanan kami.
Mohon maaf jika ada kekurangan.
We had an amazing stay with the Dimara family for 4 nights. Frans took us to Melissa’s Garden, Rufas, Piaynemo and Andau (many manta’s!) which are all close to the island, for fair prices. The rooms are equipped with western style ensuite bathrooms. The food was very delicious and varied. We would definitely recommend booking here.
We stayed 3 nights at this friendly place and we loved the most the hospitality of the owners. The food was simple, but delicious and fresh. They helped us with organizing transport, snorkeling trips and many more. Melissa Garden is very close and the view from our bungalow was stunning.It was also very interesting to stay close to the village so you can mingle with locals.
There is no shower and flushing toilet ,like in the most of homestays, but we recommend this place because has a lovely, personal touch.
We stayed 3 nights at this friendly place and we loved the most the hospitality of the owners. The food was simple, but delicious and fresh. They helped us with organizing transport, snorkeling trips and many more. Melissa Garden is very close and the view from our bungalow was stunning.It was also very interesting to stay close to the village so you can mingle with locals.
There is no shower and flushing toilet ,like in the most of homestays, but we recommend this place because has a lovely, personal touch.
We had a great time as a family with 3 children with the Dimara family as host. The contact went very smoothly. We felt very welcome. The meals in the morning, at noon and in the evening are delicious. We have not often had such delicious food. Frans also took us on snorkeling trips. This place is very suitable for people with children. For us it was a pity that we had to leave after 5 days. It is a little piece of paradise on earth.
Thank you groen 🙏
Hopefully to coming again 🙏💪
Thank you groen 🙏
Hopefully to coming again 🙏💪
We had a great time as a family with 3 children with the Dimara family as host. The contact went very smoothly. We felt very welcome. The meals in the morning, at noon and in the evening are delicious. We have not often had such delicious food. Frans also took us on snorkeling trips. This place is very suitable for people with children. For us it was a pity that we had to leave after 5 days. It is a little piece of paradise on earth.
April 2024: Mandarou Homestay is new to Stay Raja Ampat, and so doesn’t have any reviews yet.
Hopefully it won’t be long! 🙏
April 2024: Mandarou Homestay is new to Stay Raja Ampat, and so doesn’t have any reviews yet.
Hopefully it won’t be long! 🙏