Features
- English speaking
- Sleeps 10 or more
- Mangroves
- Busy homestay
- Seagrass
- Good phone signal
- Coral
- Child discount
- IDR 700,000 to 800,000
- Has family bungalows
- Sandy Beach
- Has raised beds
- Western style toilet
- Remote/isolated
- Has ensuite bathroom/toilet
Details
April 2025: Piaynemo Homestay is still open and operating, but we are unable to offer booking support for them due to a failure of sustainability standards relating to building materials. We hope the issue will be addressed, and that we can restore support for Piaynemo soon.
Piaynemo Homestay is located in the heart of Pulau Piaynemo’s fabulous karst seascape.
Two over water VIP bungalows with ensuite bathrooms are available. There is also a private over water bungalow. Guests in the private bungalow use a shared bathroom and toilet on land. All bungalows can sleep a maximum of four guests.
(December 2024 note: Please be aware that the photos in the gallery above are quite old, and tropical conditions mean that the buildings are no longer as bright and shiny as shown in the photos. We are trying to arrange updated photos.)
Meals are served in an over water dining room with many long tables and bench seating. The dining room and adjoining kitchen is well appointed and even has a freezer, as it also caters to the many day visitors that come to climb Piaynemo’s famed lookout. The day tour groups means it can be quite busy at Piaynemo on occasion, and sometimes large groups stay overnight, so it’s probably not the homestay to choose if you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday. Free tea, coffee and drinking water is provided for guests in the dining room.
A boardwalk connects the bungalows to the beach behind the homestay where two bathrooms are provided for guests. All guests (and visitors) share these bathrooms. Both are dip mandi style bathrooms and there is a western style toilet in one and a squat toilet in the other.
The boardwalk also has a deck area with an outdoor barbecue, tables and bench seating in the shade of overhanging mangroves.
Electricity is available at night, and Piaynemo Homestay receives a strong 4G phone signal.
Piaynemo is a fairly remote location, so you’ll need to bring all essential items and consumeables with you – and take all your inorganic rubbish away with you so you don’t contribute to the growing trash problem in Raja Ampat. The nearest village (Saukabu) is a 45 minute boat ride away by 15HP longboat and only basic supplies are available there.
Piaynemo Homestay owner Pak Eli Dimara has excellent English, so you won’t have any problem communicating if you don’t speak Bahasa Indonesia.
A note to solo travellers: If you want to book sole occupancy at Piaynemo Homestay, then you will need a minimum of 3 nights and a Waisai pickup. Booking requests that don’t meet these minimum requirements will be rejected.
Transport / Getting there
Transport between Waisai and Piaynemo is by speedboat and costs IDR 6,000,000 for the round trip. (IDR 3,000,000 each way.) The boat can carry up to 8 passengers and the cost is shared.
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
Piaynemo Homestay lies on the isthmus between the northern and southern sections of Penemu Island and presents two very different marine environments.
The narrow connection between the island's two main parts gives the location its name: Piaynemo means "the join between harpoon head and shaft" and the shape of the northern section of Penemu is indeed reminiscent of a traditional whale hunting harpoon head. [A note on names: Most maps of Raja Ampat refer to Penemu and the Fam Islands, which is a source of considerable annoyance to many of the islands' inhabitants. The correct pronunciation of these place names is better represented by their local spelling: Piaynemo and Pam.]
Piaynemo Homestay is on stilts in a mangrove lined, eastward facing bay full of karst islands like those of the much more widely publicised Wayag group. The bay is frequented by herons and black tip sharks and the mangroves provide shelter for all manner of marine creatures. You may also see 'iguanas' on the island.
A mangrove lined boardwalk leads to a wide sand beach that backs Piaynemo Homestay to the west. The beach has good snorkelling over a shallow coral reef, with a dropoff to deep water not far from the shore. The coral reefs of Penemu and the nearby Pam Islands are superb and provide fantastic snorkeling. The clear waters that surround the islands in the northern section of the bay close to the homestay provide a calm protected environment perfect for easy snorkeling.
The karst island seascapes of Piaynemo rival the splendour of those of the more famous Wayag group and there are a few high vantage points which can be climbed to admire the views. The most visited of these (and the one the gallery photos are taken from) has a timber staircase providing easy access to the top.
At the small dock at the beginning of the climb you'll find local a small shop selling refreshing young coconut drinks and snacks. Unfortunately they also sell live coconut crabs. Please don't buy these animals - not even to release them. Coconut crabs have completely disappeared from most of their former range due to hunting and are under serious threat in the all the areas in which they remain. The ever diminishing size of the captive animals for sale at Piaynemo clearly shows the pressure they are under here as well. Don't contribute to their extinction!
Piaynemo Homestay can arrange snorkeling trips and guided tours to panoramic vantage points. Visits to Yellow Lake in the Fam Islands to see resident crocodiles can also be arranged.
Piaynemo Homestay Location Map
Piaynemo Homestay Reviews
The reviews we publish are written by verified guests of Piaynemo Homestay. Please do add yours!
We won't publish reviews by guests that we can not verify, but your feedback is still valued, and will be seen by both the Homestay Association and Piaynemo Homestay.
Got a question about Piaynemo Homestay?
Just ask! We won't publish your question here, but we will respond to you by email within 24 hours.
150 Reviews
We found a critical situation where the beach is full of plastic and the old people running the homestay have no money to repair and to restore the old buildings.
They are very kind and gentle, and we had amazing time with the people, but we think that Stay Raja Ampat should go to have e look and help them to fix the houses otherwise they will be not able tu run the place.
We found a critical situation where the beach is full of plastic and the old people running the homestay have no money to repair and to restore the old buildings.
They are very kind and gentle, and we had amazing time with the people, but we think that Stay Raja Ampat should go to have e look and help them to fix the houses otherwise they will be not able tu run the place.
My partner and I spent 3 nights at Piaynemo homestay. Overall it was good, but it was definitely a mixed bag.
Positives:
We were able to communicate with the owner in the lead-up to our trip, who organized to have our dietary requirements met (I’m vegan, my partner vegetarian). The food was really really delicious.
We were there over New Year’s, and we were the only 2 people in the homestay, so it was nice to have the whole place to ourselves. The location is extremely beautiful.
Piaynemo lookouts are very close by and they took us to the 3 different lookouts at no cost. The snorkelling trip to Rufas Island was one of the most beautiful we did in Raja. I can’t stress how beautiful it was!
Negatives:
The accommodation is undergoing renovations. As we were there over New Year’s, the works had stopped and there was no noise but I would check with the accommodation.
The people who are based at the homestay don’t speak English (or other western language), and we were using Google Translate to communicate. As the internet reception is quite weak it made it harder, but not a big deal. We did manage to communicate.
The homestay didn’t have a board of excursions available, and as much as this sounds like a small thing (and it is), given that communication was stunted it was hard to understand what was on offer. I would recommend having a good idea of what you would like to see while visiting. I did reach out to the owder via Whatsapp prior to my trip with the activities options and costs, so that was alright.
It was, however, frustrating that in one of our excursions, we were offered to add these stops which were on the way. We were already on the boat when we were offered this option, not speaking the same language and with no access to the internet / translator. In the end, they tried to bill us as if the additional stops were standalone trips. It might have been a communication issue, and we managed to discuss it and have it adjusted but it felt like we were expected to haggle (which I hate doing), and it was the only place where I felt like the pricing wasn’t clear from the get-go.
Pros and cons aside, the place is quite beautiful, and you have a beach to one side with a beautiful house reef, and to the other the rocky landscape that is so typical of piaynemo. We stayed 3 nights, could have probably done with 2 instead but overall definitely glad we got to see that part of Raja.
My partner and I spent 3 nights at Piaynemo homestay. Overall it was good, but it was definitely a mixed bag.
Positives:
We were able to communicate with the owner in the lead-up to our trip, who organized to have our dietary requirements met (I’m vegan, my partner vegetarian). The food was really really delicious.
We were there over New Year’s, and we were the only 2 people in the homestay, so it was nice to have the whole place to ourselves. The location is extremely beautiful.
Piaynemo lookouts are very close by and they took us to the 3 different lookouts at no cost. The snorkelling trip to Rufas Island was one of the most beautiful we did in Raja. I can’t stress how beautiful it was!
Negatives:
The accommodation is undergoing renovations. As we were there over New Year’s, the works had stopped and there was no noise but I would check with the accommodation.
The people who are based at the homestay don’t speak English (or other western language), and we were using Google Translate to communicate. As the internet reception is quite weak it made it harder, but not a big deal. We did manage to communicate.
The homestay didn’t have a board of excursions available, and as much as this sounds like a small thing (and it is), given that communication was stunted it was hard to understand what was on offer. I would recommend having a good idea of what you would like to see while visiting. I did reach out to the owder via Whatsapp prior to my trip with the activities options and costs, so that was alright.
It was, however, frustrating that in one of our excursions, we were offered to add these stops which were on the way. We were already on the boat when we were offered this option, not speaking the same language and with no access to the internet / translator. In the end, they tried to bill us as if the additional stops were standalone trips. It might have been a communication issue, and we managed to discuss it and have it adjusted but it felt like we were expected to haggle (which I hate doing), and it was the only place where I felt like the pricing wasn’t clear from the get-go.
Pros and cons aside, the place is quite beautiful, and you have a beach to one side with a beautiful house reef, and to the other the rocky landscape that is so typical of piaynemo. We stayed 3 nights, could have probably done with 2 instead but overall definitely glad we got to see that part of Raja.
We originally planned a 5 night stay but ended up leaving after 3 nights at Piaynemo . Unfortunately the photos above are very outdated and do not accurately reflect the current state of the Homestay, which is in a sad state of disrepair. I have suggested to the owner that he updates the property description to more accurately reflect the facilities currently available.
Having said that, the owner was extremely apologetic, helpful and kindly offered compensatory snorkelling trips to make up for the deficiencies.
It’s also worth noting that nobody on-site speaks good English, and we had to communicate with the owner in Waisai via WhatsApp. This wouldn’t normally be a problem as he was extremely responsive. However, during our stay the signal was very weak which led to difficulties in sending/receiving messages.
Notwithstanding, the Homestay is in a beautiful location, and as others have said the food was delicious. The host family were very helpful and friendly, and even got up during the night to help us when my son was ill (which was not caused by anything at the homestay, the rest of us were fine)
The snorkeling sites we were taken to were amongst the best we saw in Raja Ampat.
Hopefully it won’t be too long before the property is restored to its former glory, as there was evidence of construction in progress.
We originally planned a 5 night stay but ended up leaving after 3 nights at Piaynemo . Unfortunately the photos above are very outdated and do not accurately reflect the current state of the Homestay, which is in a sad state of disrepair. I have suggested to the owner that he updates the property description to more accurately reflect the facilities currently available.
Having said that, the owner was extremely apologetic, helpful and kindly offered compensatory snorkelling trips to make up for the deficiencies.
It’s also worth noting that nobody on-site speaks good English, and we had to communicate with the owner in Waisai via WhatsApp. This wouldn’t normally be a problem as he was extremely responsive. However, during our stay the signal was very weak which led to difficulties in sending/receiving messages.
Notwithstanding, the Homestay is in a beautiful location, and as others have said the food was delicious. The host family were very helpful and friendly, and even got up during the night to help us when my son was ill (which was not caused by anything at the homestay, the rest of us were fine)
The snorkeling sites we were taken to were amongst the best we saw in Raja Ampat.
Hopefully it won’t be too long before the property is restored to its former glory, as there was evidence of construction in progress.
We spent 6 nights at Piaynemo in the beginning of November 2023. The hosts were fabulous, the food excellent and the snorkelling – particularly the boat snorkels we did – were some of the best we did in Raja Ampat. We would thoroughly recommend staying here.
We spent 6 nights at Piaynemo in the beginning of November 2023. The hosts were fabulous, the food excellent and the snorkelling – particularly the boat snorkels we did – were some of the best we did in Raja Ampat. We would thoroughly recommend staying here.
Just spent 10 days in the glorious Raja Ampat. Piyanemo homestay was a mixed bag. Seems to be post-covid era has taken its toll here.
Positives:
-amazing location among the Piyanemo islands, sunsets were to die for
-food was excellent, fresh fish, coconuts straight from the tree etc
-our host really took the time to make our stay as great as possible
-the fan was a godsent at night, the bay where our bungalow was had absolutely no wind
Negatives:
-the place didnt seem to be quite in working order yet, the other VIP bungalow had collapsed (a bit unnerving) and the construction work for a new one was underway causing significant noise
-the place had only one broken canoe so our plan to canoe around the island was ruined and we ended up a bit bored since we could only take boat rides or walk on the empty beach
-the boat used to transport us from our last island Rufas back to Waisai was shared apparently with Piyanemo and the ride was quite an ordeal. It was literally scary with big waves coming over the edges of the longboat mid-sea without proper life vests. We have had our share of interesting boat rides around the world but this was in its own league for sure.
Just spent 10 days in the glorious Raja Ampat. Piyanemo homestay was a mixed bag. Seems to be post-covid era has taken its toll here.
Positives:
-amazing location among the Piyanemo islands, sunsets were to die for
-food was excellent, fresh fish, coconuts straight from the tree etc
-our host really took the time to make our stay as great as possible
-the fan was a godsent at night, the bay where our bungalow was had absolutely no wind
Negatives:
-the place didnt seem to be quite in working order yet, the other VIP bungalow had collapsed (a bit unnerving) and the construction work for a new one was underway causing significant noise
-the place had only one broken canoe so our plan to canoe around the island was ruined and we ended up a bit bored since we could only take boat rides or walk on the empty beach
-the boat used to transport us from our last island Rufas back to Waisai was shared apparently with Piyanemo and the ride was quite an ordeal. It was literally scary with big waves coming over the edges of the longboat mid-sea without proper life vests. We have had our share of interesting boat rides around the world but this was in its own league for sure.
We just finished a beautiful week at Piaynemo homestay where Chris’s helpfulness made it easy for us to arrive by getting us ferry tickets and arranging transportation to the island.
Piaynemo welcomed us with all its natural beauty where one can enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the sea, but surely nothing can match the surprise that the sea and the life it contains revealed to us.
We return home with a tide of new colors and shapes in our eyes and a photo album to be envied.
We just finished a beautiful week at Piaynemo homestay where Chris’s helpfulness made it easy for us to arrive by getting us ferry tickets and arranging transportation to the island.
Piaynemo welcomed us with all its natural beauty where one can enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the sea, but surely nothing can match the surprise that the sea and the life it contains revealed to us.
We return home with a tide of new colors and shapes in our eyes and a photo album to be envied.
Oh what a circus in the land of of drama this has been the biggest. Booking made in early October for 4 people confirming booking weeks ahead & previous day before arrival. On arrival they had doubled booked the VIP bungalows so we were 1 room short 2 hrs later a group of 11 from Europe arrived that booked in September to find that the VIP rooms they booked where unavailable. So 4 of us took 1 room, 2 of us had to sleep outside whilst the group of 11 shared 4 rooms. I give 5 stars for the Papuan family managing this Homestay, they managed with skill the anger management, frustration, extra meals required professionally whilst the owner sat in Waisai accepting every booking request they get & collecting the profits. They have 3 canoes with 1 paddle, 1 long boat which is in need of repair & rarely available so we were trapped, many day trippers during the facility’s so at time’s it may not be peaceful the way you expect. Once again we’ll done to the staff, which I give the 1 star.
Oh what a circus in the land of of drama this has been the biggest. Booking made in early October for 4 people confirming booking weeks ahead & previous day before arrival. On arrival they had doubled booked the VIP bungalows so we were 1 room short 2 hrs later a group of 11 from Europe arrived that booked in September to find that the VIP rooms they booked where unavailable. So 4 of us took 1 room, 2 of us had to sleep outside whilst the group of 11 shared 4 rooms. I give 5 stars for the Papuan family managing this Homestay, they managed with skill the anger management, frustration, extra meals required professionally whilst the owner sat in Waisai accepting every booking request they get & collecting the profits. They have 3 canoes with 1 paddle, 1 long boat which is in need of repair & rarely available so we were trapped, many day trippers during the facility’s so at time’s it may not be peaceful the way you expect. Once again we’ll done to the staff, which I give the 1 star.
Are you sure the homestay is open. We were there in September and everything closed. Telecom transmitter not working so no phone signal at all
Yes, Piaynemo is still open Friedemann. Perhaps it was just closed on that day so staff could attend a special function.
Are you sure the homestay is open. We were there in September and everything closed. Telecom transmitter not working so no phone signal at all
Yes, Piaynemo is still open Friedemann. Perhaps it was just closed on that day so staff could attend a special function.
Hello,
“Transport between Waisai and Piaynemo is by speedboat and costs IDR 6,000,000 for the round trip. (IDR 3,000,000 each way.)”
So if I would like to go just one way, do I need to pay just 3,000,000?
And about diving.
Please, is there on Piaynemo any opportunity to dive? Diving school? Or do we need to go on another Island with diving school and make a trip to Piaynemo for diving?
Thank you for any help.
That’s correct Hannelore: IDR 3,000,000 for the one way trip between Piaynemo and Waisai.
There is no dive center at Piaynemo. You would need to make a trip there from a homestay that has a dive center.
Hello,
“Transport between Waisai and Piaynemo is by speedboat and costs IDR 6,000,000 for the round trip. (IDR 3,000,000 each way.)”
So if I would like to go just one way, do I need to pay just 3,000,000?
And about diving.
Please, is there on Piaynemo any opportunity to dive? Diving school? Or do we need to go on another Island with diving school and make a trip to Piaynemo for diving?
Thank you for any help.
That’s correct Hannelore: IDR 3,000,000 for the one way trip between Piaynemo and Waisai.
There is no dive center at Piaynemo. You would need to make a trip there from a homestay that has a dive center.
Piaynemo was our first 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. Getting in touch with Chris (see contact info above) before we got to Indonesia was a complete blessing. If the perfection of Raja Ampat is absolute, then Chris is the absolute professional. He even came to the airport in Sorong to pick us up when we arrived from Jakarta, and on the return, traveled back with us on the ferry from Waisai to Sorong. He also made sure that our homestay near Misool was expecting us and also helped sort things out when we got to our second homestay and found no one there! In a region where sometimes what ends up happening may be a distant approximation of what was said would happen, Chris was as reliable as a rock… lightning fast in his WhatsApp responses and doing everything he said he would. So I think his extensive and immaculate coordination was pretty much what saved our trip from becoming a Robinson Crusoe style “stranded on a private island” HBO special!
The location of the homestay itself –– literally a 3-4 minute boat ride to the heads of the trails leading up to the many otherworldly karst viewpoints of Piaynemo –– meant that we could pretty much at will, do any and all vertical hikes we wanted depending on the availability of the hosts/ boat. Also, being so close to the renowned Fam Wall (we saw a Tasselled Wobbegong shark, a species we had never seen before) and the sensational beaches of Andau to the south meant that the diversity of experiences one could have in just 24 hours there was nonpareil. However, when we were there the kayaks were unfortunately unusable, but I would imagine kayaking around the lagoon would also be quite entertaining.
Piaynemo was our first 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. Getting in touch with Chris (see contact info above) before we got to Indonesia was a complete blessing. If the perfection of Raja Ampat is absolute, then Chris is the absolute professional. He even came to the airport in Sorong to pick us up when we arrived from Jakarta, and on the return, traveled back with us on the ferry from Waisai to Sorong. He also made sure that our homestay near Misool was expecting us and also helped sort things out when we got to our second homestay and found no one there! In a region where sometimes what ends up happening may be a distant approximation of what was said would happen, Chris was as reliable as a rock… lightning fast in his WhatsApp responses and doing everything he said he would. So I think his extensive and immaculate coordination was pretty much what saved our trip from becoming a Robinson Crusoe style “stranded on a private island” HBO special!
The location of the homestay itself –– literally a 3-4 minute boat ride to the heads of the trails leading up to the many otherworldly karst viewpoints of Piaynemo –– meant that we could pretty much at will, do any and all vertical hikes we wanted depending on the availability of the hosts/ boat. Also, being so close to the renowned Fam Wall (we saw a Tasselled Wobbegong shark, a species we had never seen before) and the sensational beaches of Andau to the south meant that the diversity of experiences one could have in just 24 hours there was nonpareil. However, when we were there the kayaks were unfortunately unusable, but I would imagine kayaking around the lagoon would also be quite entertaining.
Wonderful place in karstic islands! The bungalows are very nice! The owner is very kind, the food good (they served us the bigger fish we’ve never seen)! It’s so great to go to the twice pianemo’s views with Kayak!
Wonderful place in karstic islands! The bungalows are very nice! The owner is very kind, the food good (they served us the bigger fish we’ve never seen)! It’s so great to go to the twice pianemo’s views with Kayak!
I stayed for 3 days at Piaynemo homestay. I found very friendly and hospitable hosts ready to answer requests and questions.
There is electricity with enough plugs to charge all batteries – the place was full when I visited – and fans to plug at night (in the rooms which are not in the water cottages, it can be hot at night, fans are useful.) The homestay employs several people (cook, cleaner, workers, boatmen, the place, including the mandi and toilets, is cleaned several times a day, it obviously takes money to pay these people, which accounts for a day price a little more expensive than at other places, but worth it if you wish to enjoy the views at times when not too many boats flock to the small jetty of the view point – or go there for sunrise or sunset. It’s the perfect base to explore the karst landscape, either with one of the two small boats (kayak like) of the homestay or asking the boatman from the homestay to take you to the view point or to a snorkelling spot (wonderful spots out of the karst bay but you cannot go on your own, the currents are much too strong to get there, you need the boat to drop you and pick you up after drifting). If you are a diver, these spots are wonderful too (Anita, Melissa’s garden, galaxy etc.) Sorkelling is much better in the morning (clearer visibility.)
The bay on the other side of the homestay (facing Pam islands) has also a wonderful coral patch on the right side when you face it from the homestay (new beach embankment being reinforced to counter erosion), and pretty little beaches appear along that north west coast at low tides, perfect to snorkel to and enjoy the sun and the view. Several turtles, black tips and all the colourful reef fish can be seen there. A pod of dolphins even visited the bay one morning – seen from one of these pretty beaches facing West.
The sea and tides do bring a lot of plastic debris to shore but not so much to this side. And, if you love the ocean, instead of bypassing that place which is still beautiful, try to help preserve it better: go beach combing for a few minutes to pick up some of the debris and bring it back to the bin – or why not ask the workers if they could burn it?
Thank you again to the owners and team working there, it was a great stay!
Injoh! Terimakasi Banyak!
Esteve are you French?
I stayed for 3 days at Piaynemo homestay. I found very friendly and hospitable hosts ready to answer requests and questions.
There is electricity with enough plugs to charge all batteries – the place was full when I visited – and fans to plug at night (in the rooms which are not in the water cottages, it can be hot at night, fans are useful.) The homestay employs several people (cook, cleaner, workers, boatmen, the place, including the mandi and toilets, is cleaned several times a day, it obviously takes money to pay these people, which accounts for a day price a little more expensive than at other places, but worth it if you wish to enjoy the views at times when not too many boats flock to the small jetty of the view point – or go there for sunrise or sunset. It’s the perfect base to explore the karst landscape, either with one of the two small boats (kayak like) of the homestay or asking the boatman from the homestay to take you to the view point or to a snorkelling spot (wonderful spots out of the karst bay but you cannot go on your own, the currents are much too strong to get there, you need the boat to drop you and pick you up after drifting). If you are a diver, these spots are wonderful too (Anita, Melissa’s garden, galaxy etc.) Sorkelling is much better in the morning (clearer visibility.)
The bay on the other side of the homestay (facing Pam islands) has also a wonderful coral patch on the right side when you face it from the homestay (new beach embankment being reinforced to counter erosion), and pretty little beaches appear along that north west coast at low tides, perfect to snorkel to and enjoy the sun and the view. Several turtles, black tips and all the colourful reef fish can be seen there. A pod of dolphins even visited the bay one morning – seen from one of these pretty beaches facing West.
The sea and tides do bring a lot of plastic debris to shore but not so much to this side. And, if you love the ocean, instead of bypassing that place which is still beautiful, try to help preserve it better: go beach combing for a few minutes to pick up some of the debris and bring it back to the bin – or why not ask the workers if they could burn it?
Thank you again to the owners and team working there, it was a great stay!
Injoh! Terimakasi Banyak!
Esteve are you French?
We decided to explore the area around Piaynemo not only on a day trip (as so often offered). And that was one of the best decisions of our trip! We spent a total of 2 nights at Piaynemo Homestay and really enjoyed the time. It was extremely quiet and beautiful. On one side of the homestay are these beautiful lagoons with beautiful views. The “old” view is even more beautiful than the well-known Piaynemo platform. It’s a bit harder to get up, but it’s totally worth it! We even saw the turtles and rays swimming in the turquoise blue water from above. We were allowed to use the kayak for free and explored every corner of the lagoon – a dream! On the other side of the homestay is then the long bay or the beach with incredibly beautiful birds, many great crabs and also a lot of lonely place to really dangle the soul. Eli was a super nice host who did a great job. The food was fantastic. We would come back at any time and are happy that we were allowed to get to know this patch of earth.
We decided to explore the area around Piaynemo not only on a day trip (as so often offered). And that was one of the best decisions of our trip! We spent a total of 2 nights at Piaynemo Homestay and really enjoyed the time. It was extremely quiet and beautiful. On one side of the homestay are these beautiful lagoons with beautiful views. The “old” view is even more beautiful than the well-known Piaynemo platform. It’s a bit harder to get up, but it’s totally worth it! We even saw the turtles and rays swimming in the turquoise blue water from above. We were allowed to use the kayak for free and explored every corner of the lagoon – a dream! On the other side of the homestay is then the long bay or the beach with incredibly beautiful birds, many great crabs and also a lot of lonely place to really dangle the soul. Eli was a super nice host who did a great job. The food was fantastic. We would come back at any time and are happy that we were allowed to get to know this patch of earth.
hallo everyone…
iam interested in the tour package they propose on the website…does anyone did it?
thanks
We (2) could be also interested in the tour package. Best probably dates for us from 3rd or 4th January but could be others.
hallo everyone…
iam interested in the tour package they propose on the website…does anyone did it?
thanks
We (2) could be also interested in the tour package. Best probably dates for us from 3rd or 4th January but could be others.
It is true that we wanted to sleep at least one night in front of the typical Raja Ampat landscape after Wayag but it was not predictable that we would have to pay 500,000 rupees per person but once they took us there we did not have another option.
In fact you pay for the situation but for nothing else. The meals are very simple with very austere breakfasts. The owner Elimelek, a person of not very friendly treatment seemed that every time you asked him something he had to do a great effort in answering you. The beach behind the homestay very dirty, so dirty that it didn’t invite to swim.
The only good thing besides the situation, was to have a kayak at your disposal to move around the area and free and the boat man who took us for snorkel and to the Piaynemo lookout.
Conclusion, if I had to return, I would not come back to this homestay because for the price you pay, neither the quality nor the behaviour that the lodging deserves is given.
It is true that we wanted to sleep at least one night in front of the typical Raja Ampat landscape after Wayag but it was not predictable that we would have to pay 500,000 rupees per person but once they took us there we did not have another option.
In fact you pay for the situation but for nothing else. The meals are very simple with very austere breakfasts. The owner Elimelek, a person of not very friendly treatment seemed that every time you asked him something he had to do a great effort in answering you. The beach behind the homestay very dirty, so dirty that it didn’t invite to swim.
The only good thing besides the situation, was to have a kayak at your disposal to move around the area and free and the boat man who took us for snorkel and to the Piaynemo lookout.
Conclusion, if I had to return, I would not come back to this homestay because for the price you pay, neither the quality nor the behaviour that the lodging deserves is given.
Anybody know if the ensuite bathrooms are operational yet in the VIP bungalows?
Anybody know if the ensuite bathrooms are operational yet in the VIP bungalows?
Hi,
I am thinking of staying at Piaynemo around Easter time, but it looks like getting there is very expensive. It says that the cost is shared between passengers, but how realistic is it that there will be others going there a the same time? Or do I just have to assume that I must pay the entire price by myself? Thanks!
Hi Katrina –
It’s impossible to say, but probably safest to assume that you’ll be travelling alone.
Hi,
I am thinking of staying at Piaynemo around Easter time, but it looks like getting there is very expensive. It says that the cost is shared between passengers, but how realistic is it that there will be others going there a the same time? Or do I just have to assume that I must pay the entire price by myself? Thanks!
Hi Katrina –
It’s impossible to say, but probably safest to assume that you’ll be travelling alone.
We had a great time here. There is good snorkelling on the beach on the far side of the home stay. Snorkelling in the mangroves is really interesting as you see lots of juveniles that you don’t see in the open water. Eli is a fine person….good English and interesting to talk to. He’s really trying to make a difference here. There was construction going on but he moved us to the new rooms over the water so we were a bit away from the noise. Food was good…lots of fresh fish and veggies. Can get crowded as boat loads of people seem to appear out of nowhere. A popular place for day trippers. One complaint …they decided to charge per person for boat trips instead of giving a price for the boat and then customers could share the cost…this caused a bit of friction that could have been easily avoided.
We had a great time here. There is good snorkelling on the beach on the far side of the home stay. Snorkelling in the mangroves is really interesting as you see lots of juveniles that you don’t see in the open water. Eli is a fine person….good English and interesting to talk to. He’s really trying to make a difference here. There was construction going on but he moved us to the new rooms over the water so we were a bit away from the noise. Food was good…lots of fresh fish and veggies. Can get crowded as boat loads of people seem to appear out of nowhere. A popular place for day trippers. One complaint …they decided to charge per person for boat trips instead of giving a price for the boat and then customers could share the cost…this caused a bit of friction that could have been easily avoided.
Piyanemo
We – a group of seven, age 8-73 – spent a week here in July 2014.
This place is truly unique! The mangrove bay on one side, the beach on the other, facing the open sea. Small black tip sharks swimming around, just under your feet. We could really sense that we were far away from everything – it was us, this beautiful nature, the sea and the stars at night.
Kayaks are available for free, for exploring the mangroves, small bays and islands. Except for exploring and snorkeling, the veranda is wonderful for just hanging out. The food was surprisingly good, considering this to be very far from anything else.
Eli, who runs the place, speaks excellent English and is very warm and informative.
There is no phone connection at all, not even SMS (this may have changed since 2014).
(Also see our comments on the other places we visited: Yenkorano, Kordiris, Nudibranch and Lalosi)
Piyanemo
We – a group of seven, age 8-73 – spent a week here in July 2014.
This place is truly unique! The mangrove bay on one side, the beach on the other, facing the open sea. Small black tip sharks swimming around, just under your feet. We could really sense that we were far away from everything – it was us, this beautiful nature, the sea and the stars at night.
Kayaks are available for free, for exploring the mangroves, small bays and islands. Except for exploring and snorkeling, the veranda is wonderful for just hanging out. The food was surprisingly good, considering this to be very far from anything else.
Eli, who runs the place, speaks excellent English and is very warm and informative.
There is no phone connection at all, not even SMS (this may have changed since 2014).
(Also see our comments on the other places we visited: Yenkorano, Kordiris, Nudibranch and Lalosi)
Our biggest disappointment in Raja Ampat. We were planning to spend 6 nights, but left after 3.
We arrived, and had snorkelling trips booked for every day, but were surprised by the fact that the boat left mysteriously the next day, and didn’t come back for 2 days – so no trips, no way to leave, nothing. The locals didn’t know when it would be back. We had nothing to do, since there aren’t any snorkeling spots around, we just kayaked around for two days. (which was cool, just not what we went there for.)
Also, on the first day they started to expand the homestay, which turned into a loud construction zone for 8 hours a day. The sound of hammering and table saws were not the ambiance we were hoping for. Also they informed us that that on the 4th day 60(!) additional people would arrive, which we felt was a tad bit for 3 rooms, so when the boat finally came back, we left. (Didn’t get a refund for the snorkeling trips that never happened.)
Generally I don’t recommend people to spend more than one day here. The vistas are beautiful, but apart from that there isn’t much to do. The food was good, and we enjoyed seeing the babysharks around the bungalow, but they were our only entertainment, sadly.
Also, the beach is full of trash, not very pleasant. The toilet is far from the room, and since there are around 100 day visitors coming to see the vista, one didn’t feel enough. They need to rethink if they want to be a homestay or a dayvisitor-spot.
Our biggest disappointment in Raja Ampat. We were planning to spend 6 nights, but left after 3.
We arrived, and had snorkelling trips booked for every day, but were surprised by the fact that the boat left mysteriously the next day, and didn’t come back for 2 days – so no trips, no way to leave, nothing. The locals didn’t know when it would be back. We had nothing to do, since there aren’t any snorkeling spots around, we just kayaked around for two days. (which was cool, just not what we went there for.)
Also, on the first day they started to expand the homestay, which turned into a loud construction zone for 8 hours a day. The sound of hammering and table saws were not the ambiance we were hoping for. Also they informed us that that on the 4th day 60(!) additional people would arrive, which we felt was a tad bit for 3 rooms, so when the boat finally came back, we left. (Didn’t get a refund for the snorkeling trips that never happened.)
Generally I don’t recommend people to spend more than one day here. The vistas are beautiful, but apart from that there isn’t much to do. The food was good, and we enjoyed seeing the babysharks around the bungalow, but they were our only entertainment, sadly.
Also, the beach is full of trash, not very pleasant. The toilet is far from the room, and since there are around 100 day visitors coming to see the vista, one didn’t feel enough. They need to rethink if they want to be a homestay or a dayvisitor-spot.
thanks so much eli. beautiful place, pristine and marvellous marine life! fantastic hospitality & food. we’ve had a great time at piaynemo. highly recommended! bernd, fabio, martin and marco
thanks so much eli. beautiful place, pristine and marvellous marine life! fantastic hospitality & food. we’ve had a great time at piaynemo. highly recommended! bernd, fabio, martin and marco
Very beautiful place far away from everything. Clean rooms and amazing surroundings. The only bad stuff was that we didnt feel welcome at all and the garbage on the beach. Other than that this place was really a gem.
Very beautiful place far away from everything. Clean rooms and amazing surroundings. The only bad stuff was that we didnt feel welcome at all and the garbage on the beach. Other than that this place was really a gem.
I stayed in Piaynemo a few days in November 2015. I had some problems with small ants which fell through the moskitonet. The food was ok, for me enough. There are sometimes more than 100 daytourists.
The countryside is wunderfull. And in the night you sit at the end of the jetty the stars above and the luminous plankton in the water, a perfect dream.
Snorkeling is not really great but I saw many different nudibranches. Guest may use the cayaks for free and paddle around the small islands. This is fantastic.
I stayed in Piaynemo a few days in November 2015. I had some problems with small ants which fell through the moskitonet. The food was ok, for me enough. There are sometimes more than 100 daytourists.
The countryside is wunderfull. And in the night you sit at the end of the jetty the stars above and the luminous plankton in the water, a perfect dream.
Snorkeling is not really great but I saw many different nudibranches. Guest may use the cayaks for free and paddle around the small islands. This is fantastic.
is there any private bunglaow there it seems its a shared roof ?
Yes, there are four different rooms, very clean, big comfortable beds with nice mosquito nets. Best rooms of our four, even thougt we had more food at other places! Toilet a bit away, sharks very close! I defenitaly recommned this place and Freddies place Koryam Kayem – which was so cosy! Enloy!
is there any private bunglaow there it seems its a shared roof ?
Yes, there are four different rooms, very clean, big comfortable beds with nice mosquito nets. Best rooms of our four, even thougt we had more food at other places! Toilet a bit away, sharks very close! I defenitaly recommned this place and Freddies place Koryam Kayem – which was so cosy! Enloy!
Hi.
We are planning to visit Raja 4 in April next year and have a few questions about Piameno.
1. How is the snorkeling there compared to other places like Kri or Gam? Would you say there is more or less fish and coral?
2. Is the transfer price of 750,000 per person? Is it with a longboat or a motor boat? If it’s a longboat, how long is the trip?
3. Would it be the same price if we wanted to go or come from Kri or Gam?
Thanks a lot,
Nava
Hi Nava –
We haven’t personally snorkelled at Piaynemo, but from what we saw from the boat it certainly looks comparable to other locations and the comments below seem to support that.
As far as we know that price is per person, but recommend you contact Piaynemo (or Transwisata) to check. It’s quite possible Piaynemo has its own transport by now. (It’s been several months since we last visited.) The Transwsiata public boat is a sizeable covered speedboat.
Transport from Kri or Gam would probably be more expensive, because it would be on a private boat that won’t be carrying the day visitors that Transwisata ferries.
sorry for very late reply, just to inform you that we have a speedboat to go to piaynemo from waisai, the cost is IDR 6,000,000 for return trip.
Thanks for the update Chris. What’s the maximum number of passengers for the speedboat?
Maximum number of passengers for the speedboat are 8 pax, and so far there is no public transport such as transwisata to go to piaynemo, hopefully this infomation will clarify.
Hi.
We are planning to visit Raja 4 in April next year and have a few questions about Piameno.
1. How is the snorkeling there compared to other places like Kri or Gam? Would you say there is more or less fish and coral?
2. Is the transfer price of 750,000 per person? Is it with a longboat or a motor boat? If it’s a longboat, how long is the trip?
3. Would it be the same price if we wanted to go or come from Kri or Gam?
Thanks a lot,
Nava
Hi Nava –
We haven’t personally snorkelled at Piaynemo, but from what we saw from the boat it certainly looks comparable to other locations and the comments below seem to support that.
As far as we know that price is per person, but recommend you contact Piaynemo (or Transwisata) to check. It’s quite possible Piaynemo has its own transport by now. (It’s been several months since we last visited.) The Transwsiata public boat is a sizeable covered speedboat.
Transport from Kri or Gam would probably be more expensive, because it would be on a private boat that won’t be carrying the day visitors that Transwisata ferries.
sorry for very late reply, just to inform you that we have a speedboat to go to piaynemo from waisai, the cost is IDR 6,000,000 for return trip.
Thanks for the update Chris. What’s the maximum number of passengers for the speedboat?
Maximum number of passengers for the speedboat are 8 pax, and so far there is no public transport such as transwisata to go to piaynemo, hopefully this infomation will clarify.
Hi,
If I stay around Kordiris, will the Piaynema team be able to take me from there and a few days after take me back to Kri ? Shorter distances should mean cheaper transportation…?
Thanks a lot,
Adrien
Hi Adrien –
They more than likely could – you’d need to contact them to arrange it. Alternatively, the homestay you stay at on Gam should be able to get you there too.
Hi,
If I stay around Kordiris, will the Piaynema team be able to take me from there and a few days after take me back to Kri ? Shorter distances should mean cheaper transportation…?
Thanks a lot,
Adrien
Hi Adrien –
They more than likely could – you’d need to contact them to arrange it. Alternatively, the homestay you stay at on Gam should be able to get you there too.
I stayed in Piaynemo homestay for 2 nights and it’s been wonderful, i recommend you to stay here if you are a person who loves nature, peace and love to be surrounded by nice people.
The people here are nice, friendly and super helpful
– Though they don’t have their own diving centre, they tried to find a diving instructor for me and my boyfriend. And they find us a very skillful diving instructor!
– Pak Chris is very helpful, he gave fruitful information and he is very responsive. I wanted to share the boat price because it’s too expensive for only the 2 of us, and he managed to find us the partner to share the boat’s price, super helpful!
– The boat crews are lovely brothers. I loved to observe when they tease each other. The guys are around 20-30 years old and have muscular bodies, very nice to see, hahaha… And esp. it’s good to snorkel with them, i feel safe to have them around. The youngest kid is 14 years old, named Heli. Heli is also lovely, i love when he is very talented in creating a fire from the tree branches, a very natural born kid. We sang, climbed hill, played chess and had good time together!
– I love Pak Chris’ dad and mom. They have great smile and it’s very good to talk with them.
Other things that made my stay so pleasant :
– It’s so good that the homestay provides kayak for the guest. We can take kayak ourselves inside the lagoon. The lagoon is very big and shallow in many areas so we can snorkel, swim and take kayak around.
– The bed is comfy, and i like shape of the mosquito net.
– They have many small black tip shark around that eat anything that you threw, a good killing time moment.
– The homestay also can provide coconut, and the coconut is very tasty, I love it so much.
– The beach in the back side of homestay is very beautiful at night. It is full of stars and you can feel the warm breeze of wind and wave.
– The homestay is 5 minutes away to a hill that has great sunset view. The path to go up to the hill is not well created, so if you like a challenge like me, you will love this place. You will need to try to find a way to go up, going through plantations, up, up, up for around 15 – 20 mins then the beach and sunset view will welcome you once you reached the top. If you are not very into challenge, you can just walk for 5 mins and stay in a place where you can also enjoy sunset and beach view. Win win!
– It’s very close to the iconic mini wayag panoramic hill. People who have more time to spend in the homestay can go there again and again to enjoy the spectacular view both from above the hill or from the boat/bridge just to enjoy the amazing bluegreenish water of the lagoon.
At night, it’s kinda hot, will be good if they add more windows.
I told Pak Chris if they can provide more toilet and he said he’ll do it. He is very open to feedback. Now they are constructing two more rooms and Pak Chris said that he will add 2 toilets. I’m sure Piaynemo homestay will be growing and keep improving with all the assets (both human resource and breathtaking surrounding) that it has!
Very recommended to stay!
I stayed in Piaynemo homestay for 2 nights and it’s been wonderful, i recommend you to stay here if you are a person who loves nature, peace and love to be surrounded by nice people.
The people here are nice, friendly and super helpful
– Though they don’t have their own diving centre, they tried to find a diving instructor for me and my boyfriend. And they find us a very skillful diving instructor!
– Pak Chris is very helpful, he gave fruitful information and he is very responsive. I wanted to share the boat price because it’s too expensive for only the 2 of us, and he managed to find us the partner to share the boat’s price, super helpful!
– The boat crews are lovely brothers. I loved to observe when they tease each other. The guys are around 20-30 years old and have muscular bodies, very nice to see, hahaha… And esp. it’s good to snorkel with them, i feel safe to have them around. The youngest kid is 14 years old, named Heli. Heli is also lovely, i love when he is very talented in creating a fire from the tree branches, a very natural born kid. We sang, climbed hill, played chess and had good time together!
– I love Pak Chris’ dad and mom. They have great smile and it’s very good to talk with them.
Other things that made my stay so pleasant :
– It’s so good that the homestay provides kayak for the guest. We can take kayak ourselves inside the lagoon. The lagoon is very big and shallow in many areas so we can snorkel, swim and take kayak around.
– The bed is comfy, and i like shape of the mosquito net.
– They have many small black tip shark around that eat anything that you threw, a good killing time moment.
– The homestay also can provide coconut, and the coconut is very tasty, I love it so much.
– The beach in the back side of homestay is very beautiful at night. It is full of stars and you can feel the warm breeze of wind and wave.
– The homestay is 5 minutes away to a hill that has great sunset view. The path to go up to the hill is not well created, so if you like a challenge like me, you will love this place. You will need to try to find a way to go up, going through plantations, up, up, up for around 15 – 20 mins then the beach and sunset view will welcome you once you reached the top. If you are not very into challenge, you can just walk for 5 mins and stay in a place where you can also enjoy sunset and beach view. Win win!
– It’s very close to the iconic mini wayag panoramic hill. People who have more time to spend in the homestay can go there again and again to enjoy the spectacular view both from above the hill or from the boat/bridge just to enjoy the amazing bluegreenish water of the lagoon.
At night, it’s kinda hot, will be good if they add more windows.
I told Pak Chris if they can provide more toilet and he said he’ll do it. He is very open to feedback. Now they are constructing two more rooms and Pak Chris said that he will add 2 toilets. I’m sure Piaynemo homestay will be growing and keep improving with all the assets (both human resource and breathtaking surrounding) that it has!
Very recommended to stay!
True: It is a very beautiful place!
Johanna, Eli and their staff are very friends and helpful.
Wonderful snorceling and hikes. The fish jumps almost directly from the sea otto the plate.
Thanks a lot!
Also true: The place is straight on the way to become a lost paradise! Tons and tons of plastic rubbish at the beach and around the bathroom (It’s just one. Not enough for at least 100 dayvisitors at 2015-04-04).
Hey Almut, are you the one shared the boat with me?
If yes, then Hi, long time no see! Have you left Sorong now?
I sent you an email last time, did you receive it? Let me know, i’d love to grab some pics from you =)
True: It is a very beautiful place!
Johanna, Eli and their staff are very friends and helpful.
Wonderful snorceling and hikes. The fish jumps almost directly from the sea otto the plate.
Thanks a lot!
Also true: The place is straight on the way to become a lost paradise! Tons and tons of plastic rubbish at the beach and around the bathroom (It’s just one. Not enough for at least 100 dayvisitors at 2015-04-04).
Hey Almut, are you the one shared the boat with me?
If yes, then Hi, long time no see! Have you left Sorong now?
I sent you an email last time, did you receive it? Let me know, i’d love to grab some pics from you =)
My mother and I stayed here in December and thought the location was paradise! The staff here are so so friendly, always smiling! The location is spectacular, very peaceful feeling, worth the distance to travel just to be among all these tiny islands. The building and rooms are the so well built, very clean and the best beds of the 5 homestays we stayed at. The food was incredible, very clean kitchen. There is a huge dock you can walk over, every night after dinner, we would take our tea and look at the stars from here. We swam from the dock to snorkel, swimming around these islands is dream come true. We also went out on a few boat trips to snorkel, at a very fair price, the coral and fish were stunning! There is also a kayak available. One early morning we kayaked to an outlook point. After a small hike we were treated to a view that would take your breath away – only in Raja can such a sight come to life!! You must stay here – truly magical in all ways!!
My mother and I stayed here in December and thought the location was paradise! The staff here are so so friendly, always smiling! The location is spectacular, very peaceful feeling, worth the distance to travel just to be among all these tiny islands. The building and rooms are the so well built, very clean and the best beds of the 5 homestays we stayed at. The food was incredible, very clean kitchen. There is a huge dock you can walk over, every night after dinner, we would take our tea and look at the stars from here. We swam from the dock to snorkel, swimming around these islands is dream come true. We also went out on a few boat trips to snorkel, at a very fair price, the coral and fish were stunning! There is also a kayak available. One early morning we kayaked to an outlook point. After a small hike we were treated to a view that would take your breath away – only in Raja can such a sight come to life!! You must stay here – truly magical in all ways!!
In late November 2014, we stayed 5d / 4n at Piaynemo homestay.
It was the first contact with the Raja Ampat and what touch !
We were the only guests of the homestay: a place like that for us, it is worth all the gold in the world.
Place of perfect warm solitude (when daytime visitors left).
Ranny (excellent) local guide, booked it for us: in addition to the room and meals, we had the speed boat of the homestay at our exclusive use since Waisai dock to transport to the next homestay through daily trips to the snorkelling spots.
Above all, do not forget to spend a few hours by canoe in the bay.
Mr Elly, 65, the owner, who was born on the neighboring island of Fam, returned to the playground of his childhood after a career in oil exploration in Java, Borneo and Sumatra. The kindness wich he will surround your stay will offset the slight inconvenience of irregular supply due to the remoteness.
In late November 2014, we stayed 5d / 4n at Piaynemo homestay.
It was the first contact with the Raja Ampat and what touch !
We were the only guests of the homestay: a place like that for us, it is worth all the gold in the world.
Place of perfect warm solitude (when daytime visitors left).
Ranny (excellent) local guide, booked it for us: in addition to the room and meals, we had the speed boat of the homestay at our exclusive use since Waisai dock to transport to the next homestay through daily trips to the snorkelling spots.
Above all, do not forget to spend a few hours by canoe in the bay.
Mr Elly, 65, the owner, who was born on the neighboring island of Fam, returned to the playground of his childhood after a career in oil exploration in Java, Borneo and Sumatra. The kindness wich he will surround your stay will offset the slight inconvenience of irregular supply due to the remoteness.
I didn’t have the opportunity to stay at Piaynemo Homestay, but I did have the opportunity to spend a day relaxing on the beautiful property and speaking with the wonderful host. Piaynemo is in a beautiful spot- nice bungalow in a lovely shaded mangrove with access to a very beautiful, long and quiet swimming beach. Baby black tip sharks and stingrays actually do swim under the bungalows! Facilities are great, clean and the food is lovely. The homestay is building an overwater restaurant and private overwater bungalow to be completed some time next year. It’s conveniently located near several great snorkeling spots and near the famous Piaynemo viewpoint, a slice of paradise and one of the most tranquil spots on the globe! I can’t wait to go back and stay for longer than a day! Enjoy!
I didn’t have the opportunity to stay at Piaynemo Homestay, but I did have the opportunity to spend a day relaxing on the beautiful property and speaking with the wonderful host. Piaynemo is in a beautiful spot- nice bungalow in a lovely shaded mangrove with access to a very beautiful, long and quiet swimming beach. Baby black tip sharks and stingrays actually do swim under the bungalows! Facilities are great, clean and the food is lovely. The homestay is building an overwater restaurant and private overwater bungalow to be completed some time next year. It’s conveniently located near several great snorkeling spots and near the famous Piaynemo viewpoint, a slice of paradise and one of the most tranquil spots on the globe! I can’t wait to go back and stay for longer than a day! Enjoy!
We enjoyed a week together with friends (family with two children plus grandmother) and had an amazing stay at this fairly remote and very special homestay. Living on poles in a mangrove fringed bay with baby-sharks swimming under your veranda is truly something! And if you´re an early bird you´ll enjoy the sunrise from the breakfast-veranda.
From there we did excursions to places like Melissa´s Garden and other nearby snorkeling sites – superb. Eli has great english and is also very dedicated to the preservation of the reefs and the marine life. Going there is also supporting the protection of the place. Since it´s quite isolated there are also problems with bomb fishing which we saw some tragic results of. This is not something that spoils the marvels of the place; only something that makes it all the more important to go there (tourism is also patrolling).
Eli is also a great and generous person plus a great carpenter – the place has a nice and robust standard to it compared to other homestays. There are kayaks to lend for free, the sunset is great and the milky way spectacular out there. Like other homestays; the food is good ( we thought it was best here) but with no or small variation.
Before you go there: make sure you have a clear deal with Chris (the person we had contact with before coming there; no phone connection out there) about times for arrival/leaving and prices for excursions.
Do go here; it´s definitely worth more than a day trip! And have some extra days for going/leaving since the transport is quite long and the sea might be a little rough off season. Enjoy your stay!
Great review! We are also thinking of staying at Piaynemo. They have asked for 50% deposit and we are having a problem from Canada getting our bank to transfer these funds to their bank account with the information sent to us by Chris in Indonesia. Just wondering if you had any problems in this regard. if you have any advise this would be so appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Janie – just jumping in with a suggestion in case Joakim & Helena don’t see your comment: If your bank can’t transfer to Piaynemo’s maybe contact Chris to see about the possibility of transfer via Western Union?
We enjoyed a week together with friends (family with two children plus grandmother) and had an amazing stay at this fairly remote and very special homestay. Living on poles in a mangrove fringed bay with baby-sharks swimming under your veranda is truly something! And if you´re an early bird you´ll enjoy the sunrise from the breakfast-veranda.
From there we did excursions to places like Melissa´s Garden and other nearby snorkeling sites – superb. Eli has great english and is also very dedicated to the preservation of the reefs and the marine life. Going there is also supporting the protection of the place. Since it´s quite isolated there are also problems with bomb fishing which we saw some tragic results of. This is not something that spoils the marvels of the place; only something that makes it all the more important to go there (tourism is also patrolling).
Eli is also a great and generous person plus a great carpenter – the place has a nice and robust standard to it compared to other homestays. There are kayaks to lend for free, the sunset is great and the milky way spectacular out there. Like other homestays; the food is good ( we thought it was best here) but with no or small variation.
Before you go there: make sure you have a clear deal with Chris (the person we had contact with before coming there; no phone connection out there) about times for arrival/leaving and prices for excursions.
Do go here; it´s definitely worth more than a day trip! And have some extra days for going/leaving since the transport is quite long and the sea might be a little rough off season. Enjoy your stay!
Great review! We are also thinking of staying at Piaynemo. They have asked for 50% deposit and we are having a problem from Canada getting our bank to transfer these funds to their bank account with the information sent to us by Chris in Indonesia. Just wondering if you had any problems in this regard. if you have any advise this would be so appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Janie – just jumping in with a suggestion in case Joakim & Helena don’t see your comment: If your bank can’t transfer to Piaynemo’s maybe contact Chris to see about the possibility of transfer via Western Union?
Ah OK. I wondered, because usually it’s fuel costs that form the majority of the expense and I thought that two trips Waisai-Piaynemo would use more than a single round trip via Kri with some Piaynemo excursions.
You can get IDR at banks and ATMs in Sorong. You can find more info about that on our money, banks and ATMs page.
Hi,
first of all thank you for this great website and all the information available!
Chris offers the roundtrip from Waisai for 6 Mio. by speedboat and for 3,5 Mio by longboat. Or, if we want to have onward transportation to Kri, the speedboat for one whole week for 10 Mio. Quite a lot, do we need the speedboat on Piaynemo or is there a longboat too for trips around piaynemo? August seems to be windy and wavy, everybody recommends the speedboat.
Thank you!
Hi elli –
Please contact Chris or Mieskhe in Waisai for up to date transfer prices (click the Make a booking! button for their contact numbers). The Transwisata prices quoted in the information above were correct in December 2013. The 5 million was for an overnight return trip (including accommodation and meals). Waisai to Piaynemo transfers with Transwisata cost 750,000 per person each way in December 2013, which is only 1.5 million for the round trip.
Hi,
we plan to go in august. does anybody know if there is a posibility to reduce the high transportation cost of 6 million IDR for the roundtrip from Waisai by speedboat? Is there a more reasonable regular connection?
Thank you!
Hi Elli,
I have a plan to go to Raja Ampat in 24th – 30th August. If we have the same date, is there any chance if we can share the cost? especially for rent speedboat to Wayag. We will stay at Waiwo Dive Resort on 27-30 August and still don’t make a decision yet about where we stay in 24th-27th.
There is Sail Raja Ampat event in 15th – 23rd August, so maybe will be a little difficult to find available hotel or homestay.
Hi CG – In case Elli doesn’t see this and reply, you could also post your request on our Facebook page.
Don’t worry about visiting while Sail Raja Ampat is on – there’s no chance that all the homestays will be full!
Hi,
we plan to go in august. does anybody know if there is a posibility to reduce the high transportation cost of 6 million IDR for the roundtrip from Waisai by speedboat? Is there a more reasonable regular connection?
Thank you!
Hi elli –
Please contact Chris or Mieskhe in Waisai for up to date transfer prices (click the Make a booking! button for their contact numbers). The Transwisata prices quoted in the information above were correct in December 2013. The 5 million was for an overnight return trip (including accommodation and meals). Waisai to Piaynemo transfers with Transwisata cost 750,000 per person each way in December 2013, which is only 1.5 million for the round trip.
Hi,
first of all thank you for this great website and all the information available!
Chris offers the roundtrip from Waisai for 6 Mio. by speedboat and for 3,5 Mio by longboat. Or, if we want to have onward transportation to Kri, the speedboat for one whole week for 10 Mio. Quite a lot, do we need the speedboat on Piaynemo or is there a longboat too for trips around piaynemo? August seems to be windy and wavy, everybody recommends the speedboat.
Thank you!
Hi elli
Glad to hear the site is helpful – thanks! Thanks too for the feedback regarding Chris’s prices. Using a speedboat will definitely be more comfortable at that time of year. Quicker too. Once at Piaynemo there are longboats available and they are fine for use in the sheltered waters around the islands. Is the 6 Mio price is for a round trip by the boat though? So if Chris was to drop you at Piaynemo and then return to Waisai would he want another 6 Mio to come back and pick you up? If so, the 10 Mio offer is obviously the better one. Please do let everyone know how you get on!
Hi,
as far as I understood it is 6 Mio. to go from Waisai to Piaynemo and to be picked up again and back to Waisai. For continuing from Waisai to Kri we would have to pay a speedboat again. If the boat stays with us at Piaynemo, does some trips with us there and brings us to Kri after 1 week it is 10 Mio.
By the way: Do you know if we can get IDR at a bank or a money changer in Sorong? I am not sure if we can change enough at Manado airport, where we will arrive in Indonesia.
Ah OK. I wondered, because usually it’s fuel costs that form the majority of the expense and I thought that two trips Waisai-Piaynemo would use more than a single round trip via Kri with some Piaynemo excursions.
You can get IDR at banks and ATMs in Sorong. You can find more info about that on our money, banks and ATMs page.
Hi Elli,
What date actually you go the raja ampat? My wife and I will be arrived in sorong in august 15th around 12 PM, and to be honest we don’t have any itinerary yet, to rent a longboat/speedboat for 2 persons seems quite expensive. Is there any chance we can share the cost?
Thank you
Hi Elli,
I have a plan to go to Raja Ampat in 24th – 30th August. If we have the same date, is there any chance if we can share the cost? especially for rent speedboat to Wayag. We will stay at Waiwo Dive Resort on 27-30 August and still don’t make a decision yet about where we stay in 24th-27th.
There is Sail Raja Ampat event in 15th – 23rd August, so maybe will be a little difficult to find available hotel or homestay.
Hi CG – In case Elli doesn’t see this and reply, you could also post your request on our Facebook page.
Don’t worry about visiting while Sail Raja Ampat is on – there’s no chance that all the homestays will be full!
Hi A.T – The only homestay doors we’ve ever seen that could be locked are those of the VIP bungalows at Yenkoranu. We’ve also never heard of anyone having security issues, so you should be fine. The homestays that don’t have power outlets in their rooms have them in common areas like dining shelters or bungalow verandahs – we haven’t heard of anywhere where you have to hand devices over for charging.
Hi
I will be travelling by myself and thinking of staying at these homestay but security is a concern to me, do you know does the Piaynemo, Yenkoranu and Manta homestay rooms have door lock?
Also, I read some where that mentioned there is electricity for charging devices but might not be in the room, do you know if this is in a common area or I would need to hand it to someone for charging?
Thank you
Hi A.T – The only homestay doors we’ve ever seen that could be locked are those of the VIP bungalows at Yenkoranu. We’ve also never heard of anyone having security issues, so you should be fine. The homestays that don’t have power outlets in their rooms have them in common areas like dining shelters or bungalow verandahs – we haven’t heard of anywhere where you have to hand devices over for charging.
This place sounds unique. We are snorkelers and are very interested in going there. Two questions: how long is the transfer from Waisai and are meals provided? I didn’t see any mention of meals on this site. Thanks.
Hi Ann –
The trip to Waisai takes around two hours. Meals are included in all homestay accommodation prices. You can check what’s included in the rates for any homestay by hovering over or tapping the question mark next to the rates. (Same applies to Rooms.) Cheers 🙂
This place sounds unique. We are snorkelers and are very interested in going there. Two questions: how long is the transfer from Waisai and are meals provided? I didn’t see any mention of meals on this site. Thanks.
Hi Ann –
The trip to Waisai takes around two hours. Meals are included in all homestay accommodation prices. You can check what’s included in the rates for any homestay by hovering over or tapping the question mark next to the rates. (Same applies to Rooms.) Cheers 🙂
Thanks for posting the information on Penemu. The place looks gorgeous and I am glad to hear there is snorkeling!
I am thinking of staying there at the end of June. Do you think that it would be too windy then for the longboats to take us over? We would need to be picked up from Waisai by boat. I figured Elli would do that, is that correct?
The other thing I am wondering about is the bathrooms. It says there are bathrooms in the rooms, is that true? If so, what style are they? Is there running water and flush toilets or dip mandi and squat toilets?
Agaiin, thanks for the information. I will post my impressions after our trip.
Hi Jane. Suggest you contact Piaynemo regarding transport. Transwisata in Waisai operates speedboats which should be capable of making the journey in June. Bathrooms have western pedestal style toilets, showers and running water. They are not in the rooms, but are in the bungalow under the same roof – see photo 5 in the gallery above.
Hi Jane. Weather in central R4 is never bad for long, so your trip to Penemu is at worst postponed by a day or two if there’s wind. Speedboats can make the trip at any time, but the roughest seas. At the time when I was there, there were no ensuite bathrooms. You had to walk a couple of meters and there was a very basic bathroom with squat toilet, built on a concrete foundation. Eli is steadily improving the place so this might very well change until June and he might have a speedboat at hand by that time as well. You find Transwisata at the small harbor (not the big one where the ferry stops), which is a short bike ride into town from the ferry harbor. Don’t miss out on this fabulous place and say hi from Halil!
Thanks for the information! When were you there? Also, do you know how much the Transwisata boats would cost to go to Penemu?
Thanks for the information. But now I am confused because Halil above says there is only a squat toilet!
I’m confused too! When I visited in December 2013 there were two western style bathrooms under construction in the main bungalow. They’re the ones you can see the entrances to in gallery photo number 5. I was told they’d be ready in January 2014. They aren’t ensuites, but are only a couple of metres from the rooms in the bungalow.There’s also a squat toilet on a concrete foundation at the beach at the rear of the homestay. (Gallery photo 10.) That’s a lot further away than a couple of metres though. Transwisata boat transfer prices at Dec 2013 are given above.
Hi Jane. This is my last post, I will not check here regularly in the future. The toilet I was told to use is the one at the beach at the back. It’s maybe a bit more than a couple of meters, it’s about 50 meters. I never saw the other toilets really. Eli is doing a fair bit of construction all the time. Some rooms were still under construction. I guess the other toilets are still under construction, too (actually now I remember he said something about getting these decomposing tanks for his toilets). I was there in late Jan/early Feb as mentioned above.
Thanks for posting the information on Penemu. The place looks gorgeous and I am glad to hear there is snorkeling!
I am thinking of staying there at the end of June. Do you think that it would be too windy then for the longboats to take us over? We would need to be picked up from Waisai by boat. I figured Elli would do that, is that correct?
The other thing I am wondering about is the bathrooms. It says there are bathrooms in the rooms, is that true? If so, what style are they? Is there running water and flush toilets or dip mandi and squat toilets?
Agaiin, thanks for the information. I will post my impressions after our trip.
Hi Jane. Suggest you contact Piaynemo regarding transport. Transwisata in Waisai operates speedboats which should be capable of making the journey in June. Bathrooms have western pedestal style toilets, showers and running water. They are not in the rooms, but are in the bungalow under the same roof – see photo 5 in the gallery above.
Hi Jane. Weather in central R4 is never bad for long, so your trip to Penemu is at worst postponed by a day or two if there’s wind. Speedboats can make the trip at any time, but the roughest seas. At the time when I was there, there were no ensuite bathrooms. You had to walk a couple of meters and there was a very basic bathroom with squat toilet, built on a concrete foundation. Eli is steadily improving the place so this might very well change until June and he might have a speedboat at hand by that time as well. You find Transwisata at the small harbor (not the big one where the ferry stops), which is a short bike ride into town from the ferry harbor. Don’t miss out on this fabulous place and say hi from Halil!
Thanks for the information! When were you there? Also, do you know how much the Transwisata boats would cost to go to Penemu?
Thanks for the information. But now I am confused because Halil above says there is only a squat toilet!
I’m confused too! When I visited in December 2013 there were two western style bathrooms under construction in the main bungalow. They’re the ones you can see the entrances to in gallery photo number 5. I was told they’d be ready in January 2014. They aren’t ensuites, but are only a couple of metres from the rooms in the bungalow.There’s also a squat toilet on a concrete foundation at the beach at the rear of the homestay. (Gallery photo 10.) That’s a lot further away than a couple of metres though. Transwisata boat transfer prices at Dec 2013 are given above.
Hi Jane. This is my last post, I will not check here regularly in the future. The toilet I was told to use is the one at the beach at the back. It’s maybe a bit more than a couple of meters, it’s about 50 meters. I never saw the other toilets really. Eli is doing a fair bit of construction all the time. Some rooms were still under construction. I guess the other toilets are still under construction, too (actually now I remember he said something about getting these decomposing tanks for his toilets). I was there in late Jan/early Feb as mentioned above.
I have stayed at Penemu home stay earlier this year for 4 days. From all the home stays in R4, this is probably the most beautiful. The buildings are very solid (as compared to some other home stays) and the location is just magnificent. The assets of this place have basically been mentioned above. I would add that there are some incredible bays and beaches out of this world just around the corner. There is electricity and no mosquitoes (nonetheless, Elli has mozzi nets installed). Weather in Penemu is seasonal, with strong winds sometimes in Northern winter and summer. Getting there is not quite as easy as other places, although essentially if you’re willing to pay the price there is always a boat to take you anywhere. Chris can arrange transfer for you, but it’s all weather-dependent. Longboats cannot transfer across the stretch from Gam/Airborek to Penemu if there is wind. Elli is getting a speedboat soon, so things will become easier. Also he is planning on getting an antenna for mobile phone reception. At the moment there is no phone reception. If you want to keep it simply, it’s probably a good idea to start out at Dore Atri home stay and get Martin from Yembeser to take you to Penemu. Martin went to school with Elli and they both speak English. Both of them are also incredibly friendly and sympathetic. Elli has a young guy called Miton working for him who will take you around for snorkeling and sightseeing. Miton is also a wonderful guy with great hopes for the future and so he is very keen to learn English and talk to tourists. He is great fun as well. And he will catch the snapper you’re going to have for dinner. Relatively few people go to this home stay. During the four days there was only one other guest apart from me. There were many visitors during the day, but they wouldn’t stay overnight. The place has currently four bedrooms, all of which can also host couples.
Great review Halil – thanks for taking the time to post it 🙂
hello Halil, (excuse my english) I would go to Penemu the end of July, but I do not know if the season allows boat transfers.
Can you give me some information travel with my friend and we would like to remain in the area of Raja Ampat for about 2 weeks.
thanks
Cosetta
Hello cosetta
You will be able to go to Piaynemo in July. All the information you need can be found on the website. A good place to start is with our step by step guide. Enjoy your stay!
I have stayed at Penemu home stay earlier this year for 4 days. From all the home stays in R4, this is probably the most beautiful. The buildings are very solid (as compared to some other home stays) and the location is just magnificent. The assets of this place have basically been mentioned above. I would add that there are some incredible bays and beaches out of this world just around the corner. There is electricity and no mosquitoes (nonetheless, Elli has mozzi nets installed). Weather in Penemu is seasonal, with strong winds sometimes in Northern winter and summer. Getting there is not quite as easy as other places, although essentially if you’re willing to pay the price there is always a boat to take you anywhere. Chris can arrange transfer for you, but it’s all weather-dependent. Longboats cannot transfer across the stretch from Gam/Airborek to Penemu if there is wind. Elli is getting a speedboat soon, so things will become easier. Also he is planning on getting an antenna for mobile phone reception. At the moment there is no phone reception. If you want to keep it simply, it’s probably a good idea to start out at Dore Atri home stay and get Martin from Yembeser to take you to Penemu. Martin went to school with Elli and they both speak English. Both of them are also incredibly friendly and sympathetic. Elli has a young guy called Miton working for him who will take you around for snorkeling and sightseeing. Miton is also a wonderful guy with great hopes for the future and so he is very keen to learn English and talk to tourists. He is great fun as well. And he will catch the snapper you’re going to have for dinner. Relatively few people go to this home stay. During the four days there was only one other guest apart from me. There were many visitors during the day, but they wouldn’t stay overnight. The place has currently four bedrooms, all of which can also host couples.
Great review Halil – thanks for taking the time to post it 🙂
hello Halil, (excuse my english) I would go to Penemu the end of July, but I do not know if the season allows boat transfers.
Can you give me some information travel with my friend and we would like to remain in the area of Raja Ampat for about 2 weeks.
thanks
Cosetta
Hello cosetta
You will be able to go to Piaynemo in July. All the information you need can be found on the website. A good place to start is with our step by step guide. Enjoy your stay!
Oh yes and …. are there many mosquitoes? Thanks.
Hi Halil – yes, Piaynemo has a generator for electricity (and thanks for pointing out that we hadn’t mentioned it!). There were no mosquitoes there in the daytime and Piaynemo’s location suggests there wouldn’t be many at night either, but we can’t say for sure.
thanks very much for the info.
Oh yes and …. are there many mosquitoes? Thanks.
Hi Halil – yes, Piaynemo has a generator for electricity (and thanks for pointing out that we hadn’t mentioned it!). There were no mosquitoes there in the daytime and Piaynemo’s location suggests there wouldn’t be many at night either, but we can’t say for sure.
thanks very much for the info.
Hi there! Is there electricity at this homestay on Penemu?
Hi there! Is there electricity at this homestay on Penemu?