Features
- Sleeps 10 or more
- Reef dropoff
- Seagrass
- Good phone signal
- Coral
- Child discount
- Has family bungalows
- Sandy Beach
- Has raised beds
- Western style toilet
- Snorkeling equipment
- IDR 400,000 to 500,000
- In village
- Diving available
Details
JANUARY 2026: Manta Homestay has been suspended from the website due to multiple reports of theft and sexual harassment.
PERJAMPAT understands that Sam, the alleged perpetrator, now manages a homestay right next to Manta, but is still operating under the Manta name.
PERJAMPAT will not accept bookings for any homestay that Sam remains associated with.
Manta Homestay is located on the beach on the north shore of Pulau Arborek, not far from the Arborek jetty.
Six rooms are offered:
- A 2-room over-water family bungalow (Listed as “Over water – room in a bungalow” on the booking form. If you want the whole bungalow, put 2 in the quantity field.)
- A private over water bungalow, and
- 3 private beach bungalows
All bungalows have verandahs with a small table, chairs and hammocks, and views across the strait to Gam. Power outlets and room light switches are provided. Only the private over water bungalow has a real bed – all the other rooms have mattresses on the floor. Sheets, pillows, bolsters and mosquito nets are provided. Each bedroom also has a small table and an electric fan.
In addition to a spacious dining shelter with table and bench seats, Manta Homestay has outdoor settings in the garden, and hammocks strung between the garden trees.
The shared bathroom is large and tile floored, with western style pedestal toilet and dip mandi bathing facilities.
Electricity is from village supply and is usually available at all times except from 0700 to about 1000. Telkomsel’s Arborek tower provides a strong 4G signal.
Arborek village shops are a minute’s walk away if you need supplies.
Only a little English is spoken at Manta Homestay, so bring a phrasebook if you have no Bahasa Indonesia. Someone in Arborek will be able to help if you encounter problems needing an interpreter.
There are no safe waste treatment or recycling facilities in Raja Ampat, so, unless you don’t care about trash in the environment, it’s best to take all your inorganic waste away with you when you leave.
Transport / Getting there
Transport from Waisai to Manta Homestay costs IDR 1,000,000 each way. The cost can be shared by up to 5 or 6 people depending on luggage.
Read more about Raja Ampat boat transport prices here.
Activities
Manta Homestay affords ocean sunset views from its shady garden setting and views across the strait to Gam and Waigeo in the north. The homestay lies on the edge of the village of Arborek and if you're keen to kick a ball, the village football pitch is right behind the property.
There’s fantastic snorkelling and diving beneath the Arborek jetty which is an easy 5 minute walk away. Good snorkeling is available from the beach at Manta, with a mixed seagrass and coral reef adjacent to the homestay and a dropoff to deep water not far from the shore. Manta has 4 sets of snorkelling gear available for hire at IDR 50,000 per day per set.
The local community often stages cultural performances for visitors - ask about the possibility of those during your stay.
Manta Homestay is close to the attractions of Manta Point and Manta Sandy and, for those wanting to explore more widely, is also a good departure point for visits to Piaynemo and the Fam Islands.
Diving:
Diving is available at Manta Homestay in conjunction with Arborek Dive Shop.
Day trips to Piaynemo (Penemu) for snorkeling, sightseeing and taking in the Wayag-like panoramas there are available for IDR 2,000,000. The cost can be shared by up to 5 or 6 people and includes lunch. Snorkelling at Manta can be organised for IDR 500,000 per boat with cost shared among up to 5 or 6 passengers maximum.
Pulau Arborek
See our Arborek Island page for an overview of the island and its attractions.
Manta Homestay Reviews
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104 Reviews
I stayed at this homestay for 3 nights. I booked ahead and wished I had not committed for my stay. This place is in need of some maintenance and repairs. The electricity did not work properly and needs to be fixed. The door latches and boardwalk need some maintenance. The toilet needs a proper cleaning. The owners were friendly when I needed something, but they need to put some time into the places upkeep.
I stayed at this homestay for 3 nights. I booked ahead and wished I had not committed for my stay. This place is in need of some maintenance and repairs. The electricity did not work properly and needs to be fixed. The door latches and boardwalk need some maintenance. The toilet needs a proper cleaning. The owners were friendly when I needed something, but they need to put some time into the places upkeep.
I wanted to stay there only 3 nights, but after the first night, i decide to spend all my time in raja ampat there.
The house is perfect. You can enjoy beautiful sunsets and you can swimm in perfect wáter or just chill in the hangmat.
We see in the night 1 meter long shark in from our hantmat 😍
In Arborek we see walls, delfin, a lot of mantas, turtels, small sharks and a lot of Fish.
We make everymorning sport behind the house (where u can find a Stadion 🏟️)with the best guide (yeri. A 15 years old guide).
The food was amazing. A lot of fresh tuna or other fish.
I really can’t say something wrong about Manta Homestay.
We was very happy there!
I wanted to stay there only 3 nights, but after the first night, i decide to spend all my time in raja ampat there.
The house is perfect. You can enjoy beautiful sunsets and you can swimm in perfect wáter or just chill in the hangmat.
We see in the night 1 meter long shark in from our hantmat 😍
In Arborek we see walls, delfin, a lot of mantas, turtels, small sharks and a lot of Fish.
We make everymorning sport behind the house (where u can find a Stadion 🏟️)with the best guide (yeri. A 15 years old guide).
The food was amazing. A lot of fresh tuna or other fish.
I really can’t say something wrong about Manta Homestay.
We was very happy there!
I had originally planned to stay several night but left after the first night due to the poor conditions of the home stay. The houses and the bathrooms are extremely old and are in dire need of a make over. I wish the owners would put some effort into the upkeep and maintenance of this place ( simple is fun) but the current conditions go beyond acceptable, especially as for the same price other homestay options on the island offer a lot more comfortable and cleaner facilities.
I had originally planned to stay several night but left after the first night due to the poor conditions of the home stay. The houses and the bathrooms are extremely old and are in dire need of a make over. I wish the owners would put some effort into the upkeep and maintenance of this place ( simple is fun) but the current conditions go beyond acceptable, especially as for the same price other homestay options on the island offer a lot more comfortable and cleaner facilities.
If you don’t mind it simple, this is the place for you.
I would come again. Especially the overwater bungalows have a lovely outside area.
Everything is a bit old and needs renovating, but it is clean, the family is friendly and helpful and the food tasty and sufficient.
Great snorkeling at the Arborek jetty which is a 5 minute walk from the homestay.
If you don’t mind it simple, this is the place for you.
I would come again. Especially the overwater bungalows have a lovely outside area.
Everything is a bit old and needs renovating, but it is clean, the family is friendly and helpful and the food tasty and sufficient.
Great snorkeling at the Arborek jetty which is a 5 minute walk from the homestay.
a great place with a lovely family.
the best meals in Raja Ampat! delicious
the cabins are simple but very good, possible to see baby sharks and rays from its terrace.
we recommend
a great place with a lovely family.
the best meals in Raja Ampat! delicious
the cabins are simple but very good, possible to see baby sharks and rays from its terrace.
we recommend
We stayed with Manta Homestay for 6 nights in March. They we good hosts, the hut was clean and there was plenty of food.
Pak Watem takes a couple of days to open up but then he was very good. His children were very outgoing and funny. The highlight was feeding the sharks off the jetty as the sun set. As shown in the photos the beach bungalows do not have clear ocean views but the sea life around the mangrove plants made up for this. We recommend using this homestay.
We stayed with Manta Homestay for 6 nights in March. They we good hosts, the hut was clean and there was plenty of food.
Pak Watem takes a couple of days to open up but then he was very good. His children were very outgoing and funny. The highlight was feeding the sharks off the jetty as the sun set. As shown in the photos the beach bungalows do not have clear ocean views but the sea life around the mangrove plants made up for this. We recommend using this homestay.
The best Homestay at Arborek..!
The Family is very friendly and PapaRoy is a brilliant Man who also can make very nice souvenirs for you.
I stayed there a few days before i started my Open Water Diver at the Barefoot Camp and took part with their Community Projects, like doing some Beach Clean up’s, or teaching the local Kids.
Arborek is a wonderful Island with beautiful Snorkeling Spots.
The best Homestay at Arborek..!
The Family is very friendly and PapaRoy is a brilliant Man who also can make very nice souvenirs for you.
I stayed there a few days before i started my Open Water Diver at the Barefoot Camp and took part with their Community Projects, like doing some Beach Clean up’s, or teaching the local Kids.
Arborek is a wonderful Island with beautiful Snorkeling Spots.
My wife and I stayed at Manta for 4 nights and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Pak Nomensen Watem and his family were very accommodating and friendly. The food was great – especially the fish.
We had indicated our interest in going to the Fam islands at the start of our stay and when plans fell through to go with the dive shop, Mr Watem took us himself (he actually followed up to make sure we would be able to go). While expensive (2.5m) to split between two people, it was worth every penny. He took us to a couple of great snorkel spots and we had a picnic lunch on a deserted beach.
The bungalows are nice, simple, spacious, nicely decorated on the outside and you really can’t beat the views while sitting on the deck. The mosquito nets and fans did the trick as we had no issues at all while we were there.
Arborek itself was a great place to visit. The village is beautiful and the snorkelling off the jetty (and around the island) was awesome (lots of diversity – saw eels, sharks, cuttlefish, etc). It wasn’t nearly as busy as we expected – Although the jetty can get a lot of visitors from dive boats during the day. It was also a treat to be able to buy a couple of cold beers from one of the stores and enjoy them on the deck of our bungalow.
We would definitely return and stay with Manta homestay again. This was the highlight of our five week trip to Southeast Asia.
My wife and I stayed at Manta for 4 nights and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Pak Nomensen Watem and his family were very accommodating and friendly. The food was great – especially the fish.
We had indicated our interest in going to the Fam islands at the start of our stay and when plans fell through to go with the dive shop, Mr Watem took us himself (he actually followed up to make sure we would be able to go). While expensive (2.5m) to split between two people, it was worth every penny. He took us to a couple of great snorkel spots and we had a picnic lunch on a deserted beach.
The bungalows are nice, simple, spacious, nicely decorated on the outside and you really can’t beat the views while sitting on the deck. The mosquito nets and fans did the trick as we had no issues at all while we were there.
Arborek itself was a great place to visit. The village is beautiful and the snorkelling off the jetty (and around the island) was awesome (lots of diversity – saw eels, sharks, cuttlefish, etc). It wasn’t nearly as busy as we expected – Although the jetty can get a lot of visitors from dive boats during the day. It was also a treat to be able to buy a couple of cold beers from one of the stores and enjoy them on the deck of our bungalow.
We would definitely return and stay with Manta homestay again. This was the highlight of our five week trip to Southeast Asia.
The bungalows are equipped with a fan and a mosquito net. Poor quality of food but fortunately no rats in the bungalows.
The bungalows are equipped with a fan and a mosquito net. Poor quality of food but fortunately no rats in the bungalows.
I stayed one week in one of their new bungalows right at the beach with super nice sunset views from the balcony. Totally enjoyed my stay here!
Breakfast got better each day. It started with fried bananas, fried bread rolls and finally freshly baked bread rolls (ask for roti). Pineapple and strawberry topping was always available, as well as peanut butter.
There is tea and black coffee day. I asked for milk for the coffee and they bought it for me (kopi susu).
Lunch and dinner came as a variety of sauteed vegetables like eggplants, green beans, carrots and onions, along with rice and spicy noodles and eggs (fried or omelet).
Nothing to complain about the food! Of course, they might warm up your left-overs the next day, which is reasonable.
The family was always friendly. It might take 1 or 2 days for Mr Watem to become a bit more interested in you. He is shy in the beginning.
I told him to renovate the bathroom, but other than that, everything was fine.
I stayed one week in one of their new bungalows right at the beach with super nice sunset views from the balcony. Totally enjoyed my stay here!
Breakfast got better each day. It started with fried bananas, fried bread rolls and finally freshly baked bread rolls (ask for roti). Pineapple and strawberry topping was always available, as well as peanut butter.
There is tea and black coffee day. I asked for milk for the coffee and they bought it for me (kopi susu).
Lunch and dinner came as a variety of sauteed vegetables like eggplants, green beans, carrots and onions, along with rice and spicy noodles and eggs (fried or omelet).
Nothing to complain about the food! Of course, they might warm up your left-overs the next day, which is reasonable.
The family was always friendly. It might take 1 or 2 days for Mr Watem to become a bit more interested in you. He is shy in the beginning.
I told him to renovate the bathroom, but other than that, everything was fine.
We stayed here for 4 nights in December 2017. The pickup we had arranged with the dive shop somehow didn’t make it but we were able to figure it out and eventually got there. We recommend arranging transfer with current homestay. We really loved the atmosphere of Arborek and were very happy we stayed here! It has a laid-back island feel to it, music playing in the village…
The Manta homestay is exactly as pictured. It has a very nice chillout area with hammocks and wooden sunbeds. We had a room in the shared bungalow, very basic. The bed had a good mosquito net. Keep the door closed for the dogs, though! On the downside, some water fell upon us through the roof on a stormy night, in our room it wasn’t as bad but the matresses from our bungalow neighbours were completely soaked. Also watch out for falling coconuts! Starting at 6pm, there is electricity all night long, although the generator is noisy and close to the bungalow. We had no power point in our room but could share one with another guest. The food was not bad but quantities often very limited for all guests. We missed eating fruit and having a snack during the day.
The snorkeling is wonderful close to the jetties, lots of diversity!! A highlight were the giant clam clusters. We saw nudibranchs, a leopard shark, a large school of humphead parrotfish, batfish, pipefish… even a manta!
The nearby dive shop is very convenient and communication with Githa very easy! We weren’t able to dive with them during our stay but we did go on a trip with them to snorkel at two locations before heading on to the Piaynemo viewpoint. It was fantastic!! The price was also very reasonable.
We stayed here for 4 nights in December 2017. The pickup we had arranged with the dive shop somehow didn’t make it but we were able to figure it out and eventually got there. We recommend arranging transfer with current homestay. We really loved the atmosphere of Arborek and were very happy we stayed here! It has a laid-back island feel to it, music playing in the village…
The Manta homestay is exactly as pictured. It has a very nice chillout area with hammocks and wooden sunbeds. We had a room in the shared bungalow, very basic. The bed had a good mosquito net. Keep the door closed for the dogs, though! On the downside, some water fell upon us through the roof on a stormy night, in our room it wasn’t as bad but the matresses from our bungalow neighbours were completely soaked. Also watch out for falling coconuts! Starting at 6pm, there is electricity all night long, although the generator is noisy and close to the bungalow. We had no power point in our room but could share one with another guest. The food was not bad but quantities often very limited for all guests. We missed eating fruit and having a snack during the day.
The snorkeling is wonderful close to the jetties, lots of diversity!! A highlight were the giant clam clusters. We saw nudibranchs, a leopard shark, a large school of humphead parrotfish, batfish, pipefish… even a manta!
The nearby dive shop is very convenient and communication with Githa very easy! We weren’t able to dive with them during our stay but we did go on a trip with them to snorkel at two locations before heading on to the Piaynemo viewpoint. It was fantastic!! The price was also very reasonable.
Stayed her again in Dec 2018. Normansen and Alfonsina went out of their way to make our stay comfortable. Great food, and helpful hosts. Lovely beach with magnificent views across the Dampier Strait. Great snorkelling. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Really enjoyed staying here.
Stayed her again in Dec 2018. Normansen and Alfonsina went out of their way to make our stay comfortable. Great food, and helpful hosts. Lovely beach with magnificent views across the Dampier Strait. Great snorkelling. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Really enjoyed staying here.
Hello! I am thinking about staying at Raja Ampat in September 2017.
Would it be possible for me to get to Fam Islands/Penemu and be picked up a few days later? Maybe I can go with other Tourists to the Fam Islands and go back to Manta Homestay a few days later when you come with another Boat of Tourists. Would be very nice of you if it is possible 🙂 (dont worry, have Indonesian backpacking experience)
Also, how far away is Manta Sandy / Manta Point from your Homestay? Is there an extra Tour or can I get there at my own? Thank you for advising!
Hi O.K.
Yes – all homestays can arrange transfers to other homestays. You may be able to find other travellers at Arborek to share a boat ride to Piaynemo. It’s much less likely that you’ll be able to do so to the other Pam islands. Arborek is only a few kilometers from Manta Point and Manta Sandy. You need a boat to visit those places. All the Arborek homestays can organise one for you.
Hello! I am thinking about staying at Raja Ampat in September 2017.
Would it be possible for me to get to Fam Islands/Penemu and be picked up a few days later? Maybe I can go with other Tourists to the Fam Islands and go back to Manta Homestay a few days later when you come with another Boat of Tourists. Would be very nice of you if it is possible 🙂 (dont worry, have Indonesian backpacking experience)
Also, how far away is Manta Sandy / Manta Point from your Homestay? Is there an extra Tour or can I get there at my own? Thank you for advising!
Hi O.K.
Yes – all homestays can arrange transfers to other homestays. You may be able to find other travellers at Arborek to share a boat ride to Piaynemo. It’s much less likely that you’ll be able to do so to the other Pam islands. Arborek is only a few kilometers from Manta Point and Manta Sandy. You need a boat to visit those places. All the Arborek homestays can organise one for you.
My mother and I stayed at Manta Homestay for 3 nights in March. Normensan took us out for some wonderful snorkel trips and accompanied us to Penemu for diving and the viewpoint. He was quite knowledgable about the best sights to visit and very helpful with my mum in and out of the water and the boat. He definitely made us feel very welcome and well looked after during our stay.
Right outside the homestay you can snorkel down to the jetty, and don’t miss the amazing giant clams along the way! We even saw manta rays feeding on the surface from our verandah as the sun was setting, it is a truly an idealic spot.
The homestay itself was basic but comfortable, although the bathroom left a little to be desired. Food was plentiful and the dining area has a great outlook over the reef.
My mother and I stayed at Manta Homestay for 3 nights in March. Normensan took us out for some wonderful snorkel trips and accompanied us to Penemu for diving and the viewpoint. He was quite knowledgable about the best sights to visit and very helpful with my mum in and out of the water and the boat. He definitely made us feel very welcome and well looked after during our stay.
Right outside the homestay you can snorkel down to the jetty, and don’t miss the amazing giant clams along the way! We even saw manta rays feeding on the surface from our verandah as the sun was setting, it is a truly an idealic spot.
The homestay itself was basic but comfortable, although the bathroom left a little to be desired. Food was plentiful and the dining area has a great outlook over the reef.
I stayed here in Dec 2016. A recommended place. Pak Normansen and his family were accommodating and did everything to make my stay comfortable and friendly. The food was good, room was comfortable and the atmosphere was friendly. It was a quick walk to Arborek Dive Shop for our daily dives. we also did lots of snorkelling around the jetty in the afternoon. I would definitely stay here again. I would like to come back and bring my sons next year.
I stayed here in Dec 2016. A recommended place. Pak Normansen and his family were accommodating and did everything to make my stay comfortable and friendly. The food was good, room was comfortable and the atmosphere was friendly. It was a quick walk to Arborek Dive Shop for our daily dives. we also did lots of snorkelling around the jetty in the afternoon. I would definitely stay here again. I would like to come back and bring my sons next year.
Had a really nice time here. Food was great. Host was great.
recommended!
Stayed about a week around New Years eve 2015/2016
Had a really nice time here. Food was great. Host was great.
recommended!
Stayed about a week around New Years eve 2015/2016
I really like staying in Manta Homestay. The service was good. Pak Nomensen tried as good as he could to ensure our stay was good. Food were nice and delicious. Place was looking nice and clean. Manta Homestay also had a nice beach where we could enjoy the sunset and we could snorkle from in front of the homestay down to Arborek jetty. There were rats but I found rats in all homestays I was in and the ones in Manta only came when we had foods in the room.
Arborek itself is a cute island with friendly people.
I wrote my experience in Raja Ampat and also included some pictures of the homestays in my blog maikamondlicht.blogspot.com
I really like staying in Manta Homestay. The service was good. Pak Nomensen tried as good as he could to ensure our stay was good. Food were nice and delicious. Place was looking nice and clean. Manta Homestay also had a nice beach where we could enjoy the sunset and we could snorkle from in front of the homestay down to Arborek jetty. There were rats but I found rats in all homestays I was in and the ones in Manta only came when we had foods in the room.
Arborek itself is a cute island with friendly people.
I wrote my experience in Raja Ampat and also included some pictures of the homestays in my blog maikamondlicht.blogspot.com
I stayed in Mantas in october 2015. The place is quite basic, but the room is clean and the food is good and with variations.
Also the small village is very clean and friendly. There is quite strong current from the jetty in direction of the homestay. So I always walked to the jetty and left the water in front of the homestay. Near the jetty are some huge clams, lionfishes and a lot more and also in front of the homestay are beautiful corals and fishes.
Because of the strong current I didn’t like the place very much
I stayed in Mantas in october 2015. The place is quite basic, but the room is clean and the food is good and with variations.
Also the small village is very clean and friendly. There is quite strong current from the jetty in direction of the homestay. So I always walked to the jetty and left the water in front of the homestay. Near the jetty are some huge clams, lionfishes and a lot more and also in front of the homestay are beautiful corals and fishes.
Because of the strong current I didn’t like the place very much
I can´t find a booking request form for Manta Homestay! And you wrote Pak Nomensen doesn´t speaks English. How can I make a booking?
Hi Julia –
For homestays that are not yet in the booking system you have no choice except to try booking by SMS, either in English or by using a tool like Google translate. Either way, keep sentences as short and direct as possible.
I can´t find a booking request form for Manta Homestay! And you wrote Pak Nomensen doesn´t speaks English. How can I make a booking?
Hi Julia –
For homestays that are not yet in the booking system you have no choice except to try booking by SMS, either in English or by using a tool like Google translate. Either way, keep sentences as short and direct as possible.
My mother and I stayed here in December and had a very nice time. The accommodation is very basic but comfortable. The bedrooms even had a dresser and table and a raised bed. The bathrooms were ok, could use a little work. The family that run Manta are shy at first but very friendly, we had some very nice visits with momma and her children – they even gave my mother a small gift on the day we left! The presentation and quality of the food was very well done, loved the treats in the morning! The dining area is kept very clean and had a fabulous view. We did a few boat trips to see the Manta Rays from here at a reasonable price. The village of Arborek is worth the visit, the children are so friendly and love to chat with you and test out their English skills. There is also a small store here to buy treats and even a cold beer if you are so inclined! The snorkelling is good near and around the island.
My mother and I stayed here in December and had a very nice time. The accommodation is very basic but comfortable. The bedrooms even had a dresser and table and a raised bed. The bathrooms were ok, could use a little work. The family that run Manta are shy at first but very friendly, we had some very nice visits with momma and her children – they even gave my mother a small gift on the day we left! The presentation and quality of the food was very well done, loved the treats in the morning! The dining area is kept very clean and had a fabulous view. We did a few boat trips to see the Manta Rays from here at a reasonable price. The village of Arborek is worth the visit, the children are so friendly and love to chat with you and test out their English skills. There is also a small store here to buy treats and even a cold beer if you are so inclined! The snorkelling is good near and around the island.
Hello! We stayed at Mantas in January.
It is really simple, don’t expect luxuries, the rooms are ofc Not insects free, and has no comfort (ofc its a Homestay! You cant expect anything else).
They have normal bed or the ones in the floor. We chosed the normal bed But it was very unconfortable, it was broken! And during the night it was raining, and some water came on us.
Now, we were me and My boyfriend + 3 German guys we met there + a Croatian man who was already staying in the Homestay. The First day the food wasnt so much, But we asked for more, and They were really Nice, and cooked everyhing we asked for. The other nights They also cooked lot of things, we cant blame about the food, it was good and enough. Also They bring cookies or a cake for breakfast and if You are hungry you can eat it during the day ( other Homestay dont give snacks).
Another point to Mantas Homestay is the honestity of the Owner.
He really is An honest Person! We were 6 people, He asked us only 100k rupias x person for An half day tour around the islands, snorkling etc (really cheap in confront of other places). Also asked us 600k per boat to go to Penemu Island to see the mini wajag (Lukys Homestay asked 13 million! ).
He rented the snorkling set for 50k … He really is the Most cheap and honest person we met there. Trully!
The price per night was 350k But When we Arrived there, we had no prenotation made, and we negotiated the price for 300k x person x day.
The Homestay has a near village, so you can Buy whatever you need Every moment. And for everything i dont Mean ofc like An european supermarket. But maybe some cookies, chips, Beer (Even cold! !!!!), cigarettes etc.
Dont miss to snorkling in arborek s jetty, someone told us it is amazing, But we missed it!
We left Mantas homestay to go to a resort, the was very helpfull and bring us to Agusta for only 300k.
Enjoy your vacations, you will be facinated by all the amazing marine Life !
My son Arborek say many thanks to you for your visit we await your arrival back
Hello! We stayed at Mantas in January.
It is really simple, don’t expect luxuries, the rooms are ofc Not insects free, and has no comfort (ofc its a Homestay! You cant expect anything else).
They have normal bed or the ones in the floor. We chosed the normal bed But it was very unconfortable, it was broken! And during the night it was raining, and some water came on us.
Now, we were me and My boyfriend + 3 German guys we met there + a Croatian man who was already staying in the Homestay. The First day the food wasnt so much, But we asked for more, and They were really Nice, and cooked everyhing we asked for. The other nights They also cooked lot of things, we cant blame about the food, it was good and enough. Also They bring cookies or a cake for breakfast and if You are hungry you can eat it during the day ( other Homestay dont give snacks).
Another point to Mantas Homestay is the honestity of the Owner.
He really is An honest Person! We were 6 people, He asked us only 100k rupias x person for An half day tour around the islands, snorkling etc (really cheap in confront of other places). Also asked us 600k per boat to go to Penemu Island to see the mini wajag (Lukys Homestay asked 13 million! ).
He rented the snorkling set for 50k … He really is the Most cheap and honest person we met there. Trully!
The price per night was 350k But When we Arrived there, we had no prenotation made, and we negotiated the price for 300k x person x day.
The Homestay has a near village, so you can Buy whatever you need Every moment. And for everything i dont Mean ofc like An european supermarket. But maybe some cookies, chips, Beer (Even cold! !!!!), cigarettes etc.
Dont miss to snorkling in arborek s jetty, someone told us it is amazing, But we missed it!
We left Mantas homestay to go to a resort, the was very helpfull and bring us to Agusta for only 300k.
Enjoy your vacations, you will be facinated by all the amazing marine Life !
My son Arborek say many thanks to you for your visit we await your arrival back
Hi all.
The price is still 250.000 per person?somebody is speaking about 350.000 ..
It Is a big diference ..
.Anybody knows about the current price for accomodation in Manta homestay ?
Thanks
I went in January, if im Not wrong the price is 350 right now.
We went there whit no prenotation and we asked to change the price to 300 and the owner agreed.
Also there was a man staying there for a week, and He was paying 250 because of his longer stay. Talk whit the owner and negotiate! 😀
We just received news from Manta and can confirm Bianca’s earlier update: The price is indeed 350,000 per person per night.
Hi all.
The price is still 250.000 per person?somebody is speaking about 350.000 ..
It Is a big diference ..
.Anybody knows about the current price for accomodation in Manta homestay ?
Thanks
I went in January, if im Not wrong the price is 350 right now.
We went there whit no prenotation and we asked to change the price to 300 and the owner agreed.
Also there was a man staying there for a week, and He was paying 250 because of his longer stay. Talk whit the owner and negotiate! 😀
We just received news from Manta and can confirm Bianca’s earlier update: The price is indeed 350,000 per person per night.
We liked our stay at Manta homestay. Food was abundand and various. Snorkeling was nice. On Arborek there are several small shops where you can buy cold driks, some snacks and cigarettes, you can walk around the island in ca 20 minutes. The family was most of the time invisible to us, there were kids running around. At night there was a generator running (but probabelly from a different place), what decreased the sleeping quality.
We liked our stay at Manta homestay. Food was abundand and various. Snorkeling was nice. On Arborek there are several small shops where you can buy cold driks, some snacks and cigarettes, you can walk around the island in ca 20 minutes. The family was most of the time invisible to us, there were kids running around. At night there was a generator running (but probabelly from a different place), what decreased the sleeping quality.
I stayed at Manta Homestay for 5 days at the end of June 2014. We paid R350,000 a day each, which includes all meals. Pick up from Waisai was R600,000.
The owner has enough English to get by. The children of the village are adorable and love to be photographed, but no-one speaks more than basic English.
The homestay consists of one building with four rooms. It is built in the usual island construction style, a raised wooden or bamboo framework with a high palapa-style roof and woven palm leaf walls. The doors are of the same construction and slide back and forth on a bamboo rod. The floors are solid wood.
In the room are a chair, small table and mirror and I had a single twin bed frame with mattress. The bed is covered with a mosquito net and a bolster pillow is provided to hold the mosquito net in place from inside. The second mattress that was later brought in was just placed on the floor. Privacy was not an issue because we were the only guests at the time.
There is electricity in the evenings from a generator, and a power bar is provided to charge your devices. No wifi or internet of course.
The bathroom is next door, same basic construction but with a tile floor. The toilet and “shower” area are in separate rooms. The toilet is pedestal style with bucket-flush.
The shower is “dip mandi” style – water is available in a large bucket of water. You use a smaller bucket to pour the water over your head. Don’t use too much shampoo or you’ll never rinse it all out!
The kitchen is beyond the bathroom, a small hut with sand floor. Guests eat the same plain and unvaried food that the islanders eat. Food is prepared by the owner’s wife and delivered by the oldest daughter. Breakfast is fried bananas and crepes. Lunch and dinner are rice, cooked vegetables (kangkung-water spinach, cabbage, beans and carrots), potatoes, noodles, eggs, with the occasional whole fish (eyeballs and all), probably caught that day. There is not a lot of variety in the food but it is good for you and I personally enjoyed it. I don’t know what spices they use, but I really liked the taste. Rice, boiled well water, tea and coffee are available all day.
There are three small stores in the village selling drinks and snacks. The closest one to Manta has a a fridge for cold drinks, and the other two may as well.
The snorkelling between the Mambarayup jetty and the Arborek jetty is nothing short of spectacular. There are walking sharks, schools of fish so thick you can’t even see through them and corals as big as bean bag chairs. The jetty pillars are covered in brightly colored corals and sea fans. The reef shallows drop off to deeper waters and form a wall which is thick with a jaw dropping display of corals and fish and other forms of marine life. But WATCH OUT FOR THE CURRENT at the corner. It is very strong!
Many day trips are available from Arborerk, to places such as Piaynemo. We paid R2,500,000 for a day trip to Piaynemo that included lunch on a beautiful uninhabited island, and two amazing snorkeling stops.
Arborek is a small, low island that you can circumnavigate in about 20 minutes. It is completely fringed with white sand beaches. Unfortunately there is no swimming because the water is very shallow and full of coral which grows right up to the beach. Rock breakwaters have been constructed along most of the beach, except for areas where boat access is required. However, there is ample swimming off either of the two jetties on Arborek, with the bonus of amazing snorkeling. There are no forests or hillsides on Arborek, so no birds of paradise.
Arborek island is a very special place. Everyday, at least 4-5 boats drop by to visit because of the amazing snorkeling and the fame of the village as a model for ecologically sustainable development and tourism. Much of the video “Guardians of Raja Ampat” was filmed here. The boats vary from small charters to immense yachts and bring visitors from around the world, including many photographers. Books are being written about this place and a boat race is planned to finish in Raja Ampat.
I found Raja Ampat to be a magical place and worthy of the title “last paradise on earth”. If I was to do it again, I would spend my entire vacation there, in spite of the lack of amenities and problems with transportation. The ladies at the Raja Ampat office in the Meridien hotel can arrange everything for you. Raja Ampat is like going back in time a couple of hundred years, when the earth was still pure and healthy and life thrived.
Hi.. can i know if they are having squat toilet or the sitting one?
Hi Lin. A “western style pedestal toilet” as mentioned above under “Facilities” is a sitting one – there’s also a photo of it in the homestay gallery. Cheers 🙂
Hi.. can i know if they are having squat toilet or the sitting one?
Hi Lin. A “western style pedestal toilet” as mentioned above under “Facilities” is a sitting one – there’s also a photo of it in the homestay gallery. Cheers 🙂
In november/december 2013 we stayed some nights in Manta’s homestay. Arborek is a beautifull island within an amazing snorkling and divingarea. The Manta’s are just 10 minutes away with a boat. The experience to see them is great. The homestay is very simple. We sleep on the ground with only a matras, but some rooms have beds etc. Prices included meals, water, tea and coffee. Electra in the evening with a generator. Mr Nomensen and his family are very kind. Dont expect an long conversation in English.
We sureley recommend the place and we loved to stay there again some day. You can write us when you have questions..
Leo & Meilin
the Netherlands
Hi Leo, thanks for your post.
Please could you provide me with information how much did you pay for the transfer?
“Transport from Waisai to Manta Homestay costs IDR 1,000,000 each way. The cost can be shared by up to 5 or 6 people depending on luggage”.
I will travel with my mom only and we cannot accept this price. Is there any possibility to get to this homestay cheaper?
Best wishes and thanks in advance,
Natali
Hi Natali –
Boat and fuel costs are the same regardless of the number of passengers, so it’s doubtful the owner would negotiate but you can always contact him to ask. Failing that, the other option is to choose a homestay closer to Waisai to keep transfer costs down.
All the best
Doug
Stay Raja Ampat admin
In november/december 2013 we stayed some nights in Manta’s homestay. Arborek is a beautifull island within an amazing snorkling and divingarea. The Manta’s are just 10 minutes away with a boat. The experience to see them is great. The homestay is very simple. We sleep on the ground with only a matras, but some rooms have beds etc. Prices included meals, water, tea and coffee. Electra in the evening with a generator. Mr Nomensen and his family are very kind. Dont expect an long conversation in English.
We sureley recommend the place and we loved to stay there again some day. You can write us when you have questions..
Leo & Meilin
the Netherlands
Hi Leo, thanks for your post.
Please could you provide me with information how much did you pay for the transfer?
“Transport from Waisai to Manta Homestay costs IDR 1,000,000 each way. The cost can be shared by up to 5 or 6 people depending on luggage”.
I will travel with my mom only and we cannot accept this price. Is there any possibility to get to this homestay cheaper?
Best wishes and thanks in advance,
Natali
Hi Natali –
Boat and fuel costs are the same regardless of the number of passengers, so it’s doubtful the owner would negotiate but you can always contact him to ask. Failing that, the other option is to choose a homestay closer to Waisai to keep transfer costs down.
All the best
Doug
Stay Raja Ampat admin
Does anybody know if there are cold drinks available in Arborek, do they have a refrigerator on that island?
We’re not 100% sure Markus, but would be really surprised if there wasn’t somebody selling cold drinks in the village there! (We’re about to depart on this year’s visit – so we’ll let you know for sure when we return.)
thank you very much for your answer,so let me know, once you there,my girlfriend and i travel next august to RA, second time,all the best, Markus
Hi again Markus. I bought drinks from a couple of small stores on Arborek, but neither of them had a refrigerator, so as far as we know it’s warm drinks only. Can anybody tell us any different?
My son to my knowledge today Arborek three small stores in Arborek already providing cold drinks
glad you are back again to Arborek
Does anybody know if there are cold drinks available in Arborek, do they have a refrigerator on that island?
We’re not 100% sure Markus, but would be really surprised if there wasn’t somebody selling cold drinks in the village there! (We’re about to depart on this year’s visit – so we’ll let you know for sure when we return.)
thank you very much for your answer,so let me know, once you there,my girlfriend and i travel next august to RA, second time,all the best, Markus
Hi again Markus. I bought drinks from a couple of small stores on Arborek, but neither of them had a refrigerator, so as far as we know it’s warm drinks only. Can anybody tell us any different?
My son to my knowledge today Arborek three small stores in Arborek already providing cold drinks
glad you are back again to Arborek
Hi there
I’m alittle confused by pulau arborek! The description above states it’s close to manta point but the map shows it is on a small secluded island much father away.
Does anyone know how much is costs to get there? And roughly the per night,per person cost of staying at the homestay?
There is no SMS answer so we were planning to just Ho straight there.
Last question is, is there any prospect of independent camping in raja ampat? We thought that if this 350 pp p night malarkey continues, we will not be able to afford staying in accomodation and therefore camping , not paying to camp on a resort, could be an option!
Many thanks
Cher and Kader
Hi Cher – Sorry – we can see how that was confusing for you! Arborek Homestay is the closest of the homestays listed on this site to Manta Point. In a straight line it’s only about five kilometres, which is a lot closer than any of the others. You can get a boat from any of the other homestays to Manta though. Arborek hasn’t provided us with any price information unfortunately – hopefully another reader can answer that.
You can camp in Raja Ampat, but not without permission. Asking the village headman’s a good place to start. There are homestays listed here that charge substantially less than 350 per night and don’t forget that homestays provide drinking water, food and facilities that aren’t readily available to campers. Some people think RA prices are ridiculous, others think they’re justified. You can read more about that at Raja Ampat accommodation prices if you’re so inclined.
All the best for a great stay 🙂
Hi again Cher – this homestay is now called Manta Homestay and accommodation there is IDR250,000 per person per night. Contacting them for more info is now a lot easier as they have an email address and facebook page.
Hi there
I’m alittle confused by pulau arborek! The description above states it’s close to manta point but the map shows it is on a small secluded island much father away.
Does anyone know how much is costs to get there? And roughly the per night,per person cost of staying at the homestay?
There is no SMS answer so we were planning to just Ho straight there.
Last question is, is there any prospect of independent camping in raja ampat? We thought that if this 350 pp p night malarkey continues, we will not be able to afford staying in accomodation and therefore camping , not paying to camp on a resort, could be an option!
Many thanks
Cher and Kader
Hi Cher – Sorry – we can see how that was confusing for you! Arborek Homestay is the closest of the homestays listed on this site to Manta Point. In a straight line it’s only about five kilometres, which is a lot closer than any of the others. You can get a boat from any of the other homestays to Manta though. Arborek hasn’t provided us with any price information unfortunately – hopefully another reader can answer that.
You can camp in Raja Ampat, but not without permission. Asking the village headman’s a good place to start. There are homestays listed here that charge substantially less than 350 per night and don’t forget that homestays provide drinking water, food and facilities that aren’t readily available to campers. Some people think RA prices are ridiculous, others think they’re justified. You can read more about that at Raja Ampat accommodation prices if you’re so inclined.
All the best for a great stay 🙂
Hi again Cher – this homestay is now called Manta Homestay and accommodation there is IDR250,000 per person per night. Contacting them for more info is now a lot easier as they have an email address and facebook page.
Are you the ones running this site? It’s a great site & thank you!
If you are the ones, maybe you know a spot, somewhere in Raja Ampat or Maluku where we can get a 3g signal?
We work via the Internet. Would love to find a spot where we can snorkel, look at amazing wildlife, and actually get a bit of work done.
Thank you!
Matt & Reka
Hi Mat – we are – and it’s great to hear it’s been helpful to you 🙂
According to the latest coverage maps at http://www.sensorly.com/map/2G-3G/ID/Indonesia/Telkomsel/gsm_51010 3G coverage is only available in RA at Sorong. In Maluku it’s only available in Ambon.
If your requirements are decent bandwidth, speed and an uninterrupted connection I don’t think RA or Maluku are there yet.
I probably shouldn’t be saying this on our Raja Ampat site, but the best place we know of that ticks all your boxes for remote work is Tioman Island in Malaysia. Much easier visa arrangements there too 😛
All the best – let us know how you go!
Hello! Great… Thanks for link to that website. We are in Batu Karas, Java now. Here there is a very strong 3g signal. but, sensorly just shows this place as a dead zone. I wish that telkomsel would just publish a map of their towers. That’d be just too helpful, I know…
Thank you very much for the Tioman island tip. It looks like a great place — just wondering how much bleaching they have had? I forgot to mention the “see unspoiled coral habitat” item on the list. Also, it’s a winter monsoon place and so we are running out of time for that.
BTW, this site here says that there is now 3g service in Waisai as of July 2013! Suddenly Waisai is looking good!
We’ll let you know once we have figured out more.
Cheers-
Matt
Are you the ones running this site? It’s a great site & thank you!
If you are the ones, maybe you know a spot, somewhere in Raja Ampat or Maluku where we can get a 3g signal?
We work via the Internet. Would love to find a spot where we can snorkel, look at amazing wildlife, and actually get a bit of work done.
Thank you!
Matt & Reka
Hi Mat – we are – and it’s great to hear it’s been helpful to you 🙂
According to the latest coverage maps at http://www.sensorly.com/map/2G-3G/ID/Indonesia/Telkomsel/gsm_51010 3G coverage is only available in RA at Sorong. In Maluku it’s only available in Ambon.
If your requirements are decent bandwidth, speed and an uninterrupted connection I don’t think RA or Maluku are there yet.
I probably shouldn’t be saying this on our Raja Ampat site, but the best place we know of that ticks all your boxes for remote work is Tioman Island in Malaysia. Much easier visa arrangements there too 😛
All the best – let us know how you go!
Hello! Great… Thanks for link to that website. We are in Batu Karas, Java now. Here there is a very strong 3g signal. but, sensorly just shows this place as a dead zone. I wish that telkomsel would just publish a map of their towers. That’d be just too helpful, I know…
Thank you very much for the Tioman island tip. It looks like a great place — just wondering how much bleaching they have had? I forgot to mention the “see unspoiled coral habitat” item on the list. Also, it’s a winter monsoon place and so we are running out of time for that.
BTW, this site here says that there is now 3g service in Waisai as of July 2013! Suddenly Waisai is looking good!
We’ll let you know once we have figured out more.
Cheers-
Matt
Were you able to use your phone for checking email or using internet?
Didn’t try that I’m afraid. Judging by the signal strength we had I’d guess it’d be possible, though probably unreliable and slow…
Were you able to use your phone for checking email or using internet?
Didn’t try that I’m afraid. Judging by the signal strength we had I’d guess it’d be possible, though probably unreliable and slow…
Tried to contact by sms… No response after a couple of days. Any idea whether there could be an email adress???
Sorry J – no email contact for Airborek as far as we know.
Tried to contact by sms… No response after a couple of days. Any idea whether there could be an email adress???
Sorry J – no email contact for Airborek as far as we know.
If anyone is interested: We had a look at the accomodation in dec 2011. Looked finished but somewhat derelict, good location on the white sand beach. Snorkeling looked promising, esp around the pier. Manta point is not far. We didn’t get a signal there, so you might just have to go and have a look. We thought it was a cute quiet little island that is waiting to be discovered. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the info Nic – we can vouch for the snorkelling under the pier being fantastic! We had fairly good phone connection using a Telkomsel (Simpati) SIM the day we were there.
If anyone is interested: We had a look at the accomodation in dec 2011. Looked finished but somewhat derelict, good location on the white sand beach. Snorkeling looked promising, esp around the pier. Manta point is not far. We didn’t get a signal there, so you might just have to go and have a look. We thought it was a cute quiet little island that is waiting to be discovered. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the info Nic – we can vouch for the snorkelling under the pier being fantastic! We had fairly good phone connection using a Telkomsel (Simpati) SIM the day we were there.
See Nic66’s February 2012 Thorn Tree post for a bit more about Arborek Homestay
See Nic66’s February 2012 Thorn Tree post for a bit more about Arborek Homestay