Rufas Homestay, Pulau Rufas, Pam Islands, Raja Ampat

Rooms & Rates

* Availability calendars are indicative only and are most reliable for showing when rooms are booked out. They are not a guarantee of room availability. Learn more about our booking system.

3 x On beach Private bungalow

Bungalow is on the beach (may be over water at high tide). A single room bungalow (no ensuite bathroom/toilet). Sleeps max. 3 persons / room.

4 x On beach Room in a bungalow

Bungalow is on the beach (may be over water at high tide). A room in a bungalow with 2 or more rooms and shared common areas.. Sleeps max. 3 persons / room.

Book Rufas Homestay

Features

  • English speaking
  • Sleeps 10 or more
  • Reef dropoff
  • Quiet hideaway
  • Good phone signal
  • Coral
  • Child discount
  • Good house reef
  • Has family bungalows
  • Calm beach
  • Wayag trips
  • Sandy Beach
  • Western style toilet
  • Remote/isolated
  • IDR 500,000 to 600,000
  • IDR 400,000 to 500,000
  • Diving available

Details

Rufas Homestay shares the Batu Rufas lagoon with its neighbour Lagoon Homestay.

Two two-room bungalows and three private bungalows line the beach of Rufas Homestay’s private, coral-filled lagoon. Shaded by small trees, each bungalow sleeps two in mattresses on the floor. Bedding includes mosquito nets, sheets, pillows and bolsters. Each bungalow has a small deck overlooking the jade waters of the lagoon.

Meals are taken in a dining shelter that is equipped with a large table and long benches with backrests. Rufas Homestay provides guests with free drinking water, tea and coffee making supplies in the dining room.

All guests share a bathroom building that has two separate rooms with tiled floors. A western style toilet is located in one. The other has dip-mandi (bucket) bathing.

Rufas Homestay also provides two decks that are equipped with recliners. Both are fabulous places to relax. One is at the end of Rufas Homestay’s dock boardwalk and has views to Piaynemo and the ocean to the north. The other is at the southern end of the lagoon. See the photos in the gallery above.

Electricity is provided by generator and is available all night. There’s a good 4G phone signal available at Rufas.

The nearest village to Rufas Homestay is Saukabu on Pam. Saukabu is about a 15 minute boat ride away and only basic supplies can be bought there, so you’ll need to bring everything you consider essential with you.

Very little English is spoken at Rufas Homestay, so bringing a phrasebook to ease communication is best if you have no Bahasa Indonesia.

There’s no safe waste disposal on Pulau Rufas. All inorganic waste must be either burned or carried away. If you don’t want to contribute to the trashing of paradise, please take all the inorganic waste you create away with you when you leave.

Transport / Getting there

Rufas transfers are by longboat, which can carry up to 4 passengers.

Waisai transfers cost IDR 2,500,000.

See Rufas' October 2025 transfer and trip pricelist for transfer prices to/from other locations.

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

Snorkelling, swimming and relaxing are Rufas Homestay's main attractions. The coral-rich waters of Piaynemo are a snorkeller's delight.

In addition to the lagoon itself (which also affords easy swimming over a sand bottom), the famed Melissa's Garden site is close by. The waters around Pulau Rufas are spectacular. Do be aware of tides and currents when snorkelling outside the lagoon though. If you're lucky, you'll get to meet the large moray eel that inhabits the lagoon. He's something of a pet - but don't try to pet him!

The attractions of Piaynemo are very close to Rufas. You could also arrange to spend a day exploring and snorkelling Piaynemo's "back beach", which is accessed via Piaynemo Homestay. If you wanted to make a day of it, meals can be purchased at Piaynemo Homestay's restaurant.

Rufas Homestay boat tours

See Rufas' October 2025 transfer and trip pricelist for a selection of popular trip prices.

Diving

Diving is available by arrangement with Rufas' neighbour Lagoon Homestay. You will need to book diving ahead of time if you are a Rufas guest. (Rufas' contact details are provided in booking confirmation emails. )

Pam/Fam Islands

See our Pam Islands page for an overview of the Pam/Fam Islands and their attractions.

Rufas Homestay Location Map

Rufas Homestay Reviews

The reviews we publish are written by verified guests of Rufas 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 Rufas Homestay.

Got a question about Rufas Homestay?

Just ask! We won't publish your question here, but we will respond to you by email within 24 hours.

288 Reviews

  • I stayed at Rufas Homestay for 3 nights and 4 days, and it was, without a doubt, the most beautiful experience I had in Raja Ampat.

    The bathrooms were always clean, and the room was tidy, comfortable, and well-maintained. But what truly makes this place special is the island itself—there’s something magical about it. And the people who live there make it even more incredible.

    I absolutely loved all the locals on the island. Since I was the only guest during my stay, I got to experience their hospitality in a very genuine way. I can confidently say they are always available, kind, and ready to help, doing everything they can to make your stay unforgettable.

    I can’t give anything less than 5 stars.

    The food was consistently delicious—probably the best I had in two weeks in Raja Ampat.

    When I come back, I will definitely spend even more time on this island and with these amazing people.

    Thank you all so much for everything. I will carry you with me forever.

    From Jambo ❤️

  • In short:
    – manage your expectations
    – come prepared
    – don’t stay too long

    I looooooooved Rufas! I spent 5 nights in 2025 (while others were complaining about staff attitude, food etc.) and I booked another 13 nights for this time. And I have to stay: the whole range of comments below from fabulous to worst is true (i.e. I experienced them (except for drunken staff; also never saw anyone drinking)).

    Last year I had a lot of compassion for the staff, e.g. tourists arriving on Sundays and therefore rooms weren’t ready yet as the people were still in church; or tourists deciding on short notice to check-out & leave only after lunch so all of the sudden there were 2 more people for lunch and less time for room cleaning as well; or staff not knowing when/how many are arriving due to malcommunication with the owner; etc. So I could always see the circumstances why something was happening (or not happening) and that the people on site were always trying their best.

    This time I again started with a lot of compassion (and also as last year I brought presents for staff and the kid). But staying so many nights all the time”little things” that you could oversee for 1-3 nights are getting to you … and whereas I often said to myself “they are trying” and “it’s just a different culture” I would still agree with that BUT: do I want to put up with it more than 3 nights? No. Not again.

    Therefore I said:
    – manage your expectations (there won’t be always fish; there won’t be always plenty of food; there might not be fresh water; there might not be toilet paper; it might not feel well attained at all times)
    – come prepared (bring your own toilet paper; bring your own proteins/instant noodles or whatever)
    – don’t stay too long (1-3 nights are enough: arrival day & next day morning: snorkelling around the island/chill in the lagoon/walk up to view point and afternoon (important! because then the sun comes from behind and pictures are best) excursion to Pianeymo; next day leave)

    In detail:
    – bathrooms were cleaned only once a week (and not thoroughly; garbage still in the shower; water tanks still not filled up; toilet paper empty in one out of two and next day nowhere (even after asking))
    – 8 out of 12 meals where eggs only and the 13th time neuter fish nor eggs and no lunch until 1pm; when I asked what the problem was, the cook shook her head and one staff member asked reluctant if he should drive to Pianemo to get some eggs; we denied and ate rice and cabbage. When I asked why he didn’t go fishing last night or this morning he answered “I was sleeping”. We then sent a respectful note to the owner and then we got fish for another 3 times before “egg time” started again … and as said before: I do understand if there is no great meal on Sunday church day, when there’s no fish on rough weather days … but when I see boats coming and going from Arborek/Waisai etc and staff hanging around in their bungalow then I don’t get it

    Neverthelesse: the lagoon itself is GEORGOUS and you should definitely come and stay 1-2 nights.

  • A brief escape from time, offering absolute tranquility. Magnificent corals to discover in the lagoon and around the island, and a breathtaking view. Perfect for a one- or two-night stay for those accustomed to homestays.

  • This place is so cool. The homestay is basic, the food is ok, the toilets and shower are… well not so hygienic. But the island and the friendly people make more than up for it. Great sunset views from the top of the cliff, some of the most beautiful coral and fish right at your doorstep. How cool is it to meet fellow snorkellers, swim out of the lagoon and into the deep blue?

    Thank you Doris and friends for the good vibes!

  • Never wrote a bad review in my life ever, but this is something different. I stayed 3 days and on 2 of them there was NO FISH. How can you live on an Island and don’t catch any fish? Instead, they decided that something around 8 eggs for 8 people is enough protein. All the other reviews talking bullshit about the food. Yes it’s „plenty“ of food if you like plain rice with sticky and cold noodles. I‘m honestly more angry about those people than about the homestay itself. And even if they had fish, they bring maybe one or two for all guests. If you’re all alone, then maybe you had „plenty“ of food. But remember they don’t care how much guests there are. The amount is always the same. Wether for 1 person or 10. To be fair this is a common thing in Raja Ampat. But not serving fish and putting up 1 egg per person is just pathetic! I had no issues with them being unfriendly but I would have changed that for at least the minimum amount of proteins. Also there were almost no fruits and no internet. Even though they were very sorry for that, as I said before, I would have changed their kind attitude and excuse for proper food. Also, I had ants all over my room. And in the bed. Yes, you were sleeping and waking up all night because you felt something crawling on your body.
    Don’t believe the good reviews. This place is ok for maximum 1 day. Don’t forget to bring some snacks to survive. Or just do a day trip from an other island.

    • Sorry to hear of your experience Konstantin.

      Standards at homestays can indeed sometimes fall during busy periods and it’s a shame that you experienced this.

      It’s also a shame that you believe that your experience means that all the other reviewers who had a different experience are “talking bullshit”, and are not to be believed.

  • Never wrote a bad review in my life ever, but this is something different. I stayed 3 days and on 2 of them there was NO FISH. How can you live on an Island and don’t catch any fish? Instead, they decided that something around 8 eggs for 8 people is enough protein. All the other reviews talking bullshit about the food. Yes it’s „plenty“ of food if you like plain rice with sticky and cold noodles. I‘m honestly more angry about those people than about the homestay itself. And even if they had fish, they bring maybe one or two for all guests. If you’re all alone, then maybe you had „plenty“ of food. But remember they don’t care how much guests there are. The amount is always the same. Wether for 1 person or 10. To be fair this is a common thing in Raja Ampat. But not serving fish and putting up 1 egg per person is just pathetic! I had no issues with them being unfriendly but I would have changed that for at least the minimum amount of proteins. Also there were almost no fruits and no internet. Even though they were very sorry for that, as I said before, I would have changed their kind attitude and excuse for proper food. Also, I had ants all over my room. And in the bed. Yes, you were sleeping and waking up all night because you felt something crawling on your body.
    Don’t believe the good reviews. This place is ok for maximum 1 day. Don’t forget to bring some snacks to survive. Or just do a day trip from an other island.

    • Sorry to hear of your experience Konstantin.

      Standards at homestays can indeed sometimes fall during busy periods and it’s a shame that you experienced this.

      It’s also a shame that you believe that your experience means that all the other reviewers who had a different experience are “talking bullshit”, and are not to be believed.

  • We spent two nights at this homestay in Rufas and it was an unforgettable experience in a truly one-of-a-kind location, overlooking the island’s inner lagoon. From here, it was very easy to organize excursions with them to Pianemo, Star Lagoon, and Melissa Garden, all perfectly arranged.
    The food was excellent: we ate incredibly well, with fresh fish at every meal and a delicious afternoon snack every day. We also arranged our transfer to the next island, Batanta, through them, and everything went smoothly. They were very punctual, reliable, and efficient.
    We highly recommend this homestay to anyone who wants to experience a unique place in the world. The coral reef around the island is absolutely incredible, and there is also a panoramic viewpoint where you can admire the lagoon and the entire island from above — truly breathtaking.

  • We spent two nights at this homestay in Rufas and it was an unforgettable experience in a truly one-of-a-kind location, overlooking the island’s inner lagoon. From here, it was very easy to organize excursions with them to Pianemo, Star Lagoon, and Melissa Garden, all perfectly arranged.
    The food was excellent: we ate incredibly well, with fresh fish at every meal and a delicious afternoon snack every day. We also arranged our transfer to the next island, Batanta, through them, and everything went smoothly. They were very punctual, reliable, and efficient.
    We highly recommend this homestay to anyone who wants to experience a unique place in the world. The coral reef around the island is absolutely incredible, and there is also a panoramic viewpoint where you can admire the lagoon and the entire island from above — truly breathtaking.

  • NIGHTMARE IN PARADISE

    You want to come to Rufas? Take a one-day excursion from elsewhere but don’t waste your time coming to any of Rufas’ homestays.

    On first-hand, we waited the pickup for more than 5h without any notice, we couldn’t join them and they really didn’t care. We must say one of the guests messaged them daily to confirm the pickup and the time so they were aware. Two guests waited until 6 pm in Friwen and thus arrived late in the night and had a terrible transfer in the dark.

    Then the organisation inland is terrible. A bridge to access the only viewpoint and reach some signal broke but nobody tried to fix it even later after telling them. Few days after still nothing. The construction of a new house was more important (despite the lack of guests in our homestay).
    Then we booked a diving session in the evening for next morning. They told us to be ready at 8 am and we confirmed several times to be sure. Nobody was there at 8 and they only came back at 10 after we asked someone to call them. It’s just lies all the time, no excuses and nothing.

    The final part is that we discussed for an arrangement, the guy which seems to be a leader, William, said ok and we agreed on a transfer. But he never told the driver about the arrangement, he left to dive and we ended up in a situation where nobody wanted to take action nor believed us on the agreement, wasting again 1h with empty discussions.

    Honestly they don’t care about anything. Even the few things they arrange (transfer + diving) are very poorly managed and you just end up loosing soo much time without doing anything because you don’t know when they would finally show up. They don’t care about the facilities, activities and the island itself as it is a piece of trash with plastic everywhere on one side (and it goes in the water).

    Oh and I didn’t speak about the aggressive behaviour of a drunk staff member (in the morning) to another guest, asking him if he wanted to fight twice as he just complained that nobody showed up for the dive at 8 am (two days before our late dive, so delay is a recurring issue).

    Only good thing here, the meal are very good, vegetables, fish, rice, eggs and in great amount. But for the rest, just chaos. Everyday is a new struggle.

    Finally don’t expect to have any help from stayrajaampat. They just inform the boss but don’t take any action, and are just helpless. I cite after all the dysfunctions explained “you have not demonstrated any failure of guaranteed standards at the accommodation”. I don’t know what standards their standards are but we don’t ask for the moon. Just the bare minimum.

    • Stay Raja Ampat provides prompt and full support for guests who book on our platform, as we did for Charlotte.

      We guarantee that guests will get the room that they paid for, and that basic standards related to the accommodation and sanitary conditions will be met.

      Auriane and Charlotte’s experience, while obviously leaving a lot to be desired, did not include any problem related to the standards that Stay Raja Ampat has control over and can guarantee.

      Rufas’ owner was unwilling to refund any of the accommodation booking payment as Charlotte was requesting. (He also strongly refuted the allegation that any Rufas Homestay staff were drunk.)

      In the absence of any accommodation standards failure, Stay Raja Ampat is obliged to pay homestays in accordance with the cancellation policy.

  • NIGHTMARE IN PARADISE

    You want to come to Rufas? Take a one-day excursion from elsewhere but don’t waste your time coming to any of Rufas’ homestays.

    On first-hand, we waited the pickup for more than 5h without any notice, we couldn’t join them and they really didn’t care. We must say one of the guests messaged them daily to confirm the pickup and the time so they were aware. Two guests waited until 6 pm in Friwen and thus arrived late in the night and had a terrible transfer in the dark.

    Then the organisation inland is terrible. A bridge to access the only viewpoint and reach some signal broke but nobody tried to fix it even later after telling them. Few days after still nothing. The construction of a new house was more important (despite the lack of guests in our homestay).
    Then we booked a diving session in the evening for next morning. They told us to be ready at 8 am and we confirmed several times to be sure. Nobody was there at 8 and they only came back at 10 after we asked someone to call them. It’s just lies all the time, no excuses and nothing.

    The final part is that we discussed for an arrangement, the guy which seems to be a leader, William, said ok and we agreed on a transfer. But he never told the driver about the arrangement, he left to dive and we ended up in a situation where nobody wanted to take action nor believed us on the agreement, wasting again 1h with empty discussions.

    Honestly they don’t care about anything. Even the few things they arrange (transfer + diving) are very poorly managed and you just end up loosing soo much time without doing anything because you don’t know when they would finally show up. They don’t care about the facilities, activities and the island itself as it is a piece of trash with plastic everywhere on one side (and it goes in the water).

    Oh and I didn’t speak about the aggressive behaviour of a drunk staff member (in the morning) to another guest, asking him if he wanted to fight twice as he just complained that nobody showed up for the dive at 8 am (two days before our late dive, so delay is a recurring issue).

    Only good thing here, the meal are very good, vegetables, fish, rice, eggs and in great amount. But for the rest, just chaos. Everyday is a new struggle.

    Finally don’t expect to have any help from stayrajaampat. They just inform the boss but don’t take any action, and are just helpless. I cite after all the dysfunctions explained “you have not demonstrated any failure of guaranteed standards at the accommodation”. I don’t know what standards their standards are but we don’t ask for the moon. Just the bare minimum.

    • Stay Raja Ampat provides prompt and full support for guests who book on our platform, as we did for Charlotte.

      We guarantee that guests will get the room that they paid for, and that basic standards related to the accommodation and sanitary conditions will be met.

      Auriane and Charlotte’s experience, while obviously leaving a lot to be desired, did not include any problem related to the standards that Stay Raja Ampat has control over and can guarantee.

      Rufas’ owner was unwilling to refund any of the accommodation booking payment as Charlotte was requesting. (He also strongly refuted the allegation that any Rufas Homestay staff were drunk.)

      In the absence of any accommodation standards failure, Stay Raja Ampat is obliged to pay homestays in accordance with the cancellation policy.

  • Séjour mitigé sur l’île de Rufas, joli île avec spot de snorkelling tout autour, raie aigle aperçue dans le lagon, joli coucher de soleil, salle de bain correcte. Calme et sérénité du lagon. 2 nuits max suffisent.

    Pour le reste, voici les faits et les axes d’amélioration :
    – bungalow pas propre en arrivant : on a dû passer le balais pour enlever le sable > ce serait bien de nettoyer le bungalow avant l’arrivée des clients
    – literie peu confortable avec un matelas qui s’affaisse > un changement de matelas s’impose
    – repas insuffisants et petit dej quasi inexistant : 1 poisson pour 10 personnes c’est vraiment de la radinerie. 2-3 bouts de cake le matin c’est inadmissible, on avait rien à manger avant de partir en excursion.
    – j’ai oublié mon fil à linge au bungalow et des amis rencontrés sur l’île devaient nous le ramener sauf que la famille l’a gardé et volé. La famille nous a dit qu’elle l’avait gardé mais ne l’a pas donné à nos amis qui étaient encore sur place avant de changer d’île. J’appelle cela de la mauvaise foi et du vol.
    – malaise constant au sujet des boats : ils proposent 1,3M pour rejoindre Arborek. Au delà d’être au dessus des prix pratiqués ils font tout pour pas qu’on partage de bateaux entre hôtes. On a donc contacté d’autres chauffeurs de bateau qui prenaient 30% moins cher et ces derniers avaient peur de se faire frapper par la famille de Rufas. Climat de peur qui règne entre les locaux et cette famille. On était choqués 😱 finalement on a prévenu la famille qu’on avait un bateau moins cher et ils se sont alignés à ce prix en imposant de passer avec eux alors qu’au début aucune nego possible… bref c’est très malhonnête

  • Séjour mitigé sur l’île de Rufas, joli île avec spot de snorkelling tout autour, raie aigle aperçue dans le lagon, joli coucher de soleil, salle de bain correcte. Calme et sérénité du lagon. 2 nuits max suffisent.

    Pour le reste, voici les faits et les axes d’amélioration :
    – bungalow pas propre en arrivant : on a dû passer le balais pour enlever le sable > ce serait bien de nettoyer le bungalow avant l’arrivée des clients
    – literie peu confortable avec un matelas qui s’affaisse > un changement de matelas s’impose
    – repas insuffisants et petit dej quasi inexistant : 1 poisson pour 10 personnes c’est vraiment de la radinerie. 2-3 bouts de cake le matin c’est inadmissible, on avait rien à manger avant de partir en excursion.
    – j’ai oublié mon fil à linge au bungalow et des amis rencontrés sur l’île devaient nous le ramener sauf que la famille l’a gardé et volé. La famille nous a dit qu’elle l’avait gardé mais ne l’a pas donné à nos amis qui étaient encore sur place avant de changer d’île. J’appelle cela de la mauvaise foi et du vol.
    – malaise constant au sujet des boats : ils proposent 1,3M pour rejoindre Arborek. Au delà d’être au dessus des prix pratiqués ils font tout pour pas qu’on partage de bateaux entre hôtes. On a donc contacté d’autres chauffeurs de bateau qui prenaient 30% moins cher et ces derniers avaient peur de se faire frapper par la famille de Rufas. Climat de peur qui règne entre les locaux et cette famille. On était choqués 😱 finalement on a prévenu la famille qu’on avait un bateau moins cher et ils se sont alignés à ce prix en imposant de passer avec eux alors qu’au début aucune nego possible… bref c’est très malhonnête

  • The reef around Rufas island is one of the most beautiful reefs we have ever seen. Rich, healthy corals, crazy amount of fish, super beautiful. The bungalows of Rufas homestay are nice with a quiet lagoon view. Downside are the toilets which are poorly maintained. Also food (quality and quantity) is okay at best. Would absolutely recommend visiting Rufas but dont expect too much of the homestay

  • The reef around Rufas island is one of the most beautiful reefs we have ever seen. Rich, healthy corals, crazy amount of fish, super beautiful. The bungalows of Rufas homestay are nice with a quiet lagoon view. Downside are the toilets which are poorly maintained. Also food (quality and quantity) is okay at best. Would absolutely recommend visiting Rufas but dont expect too much of the homestay

  • No problems with this Homestay! It’s beautiful! We were worried, reading the reviews, we had no problem with violence or drugs. We didn’t eat properly better than in some other Homestays in the area. We recommend!

  • No problems with this Homestay! It’s beautiful! We were worried, reading the reviews, we had no problem with violence or drugs. We didn’t eat properly better than in some other Homestays in the area. We recommend!

  • Nous avons passé un merveilleux séjour dans un endroit exceptionnel, nous sous sentons privilégiés d’avoir pu dormir à Rufas, c’est une expérience incroyable! Notre logement, idéal pour une famille avec 2 chambre partageant une terrasse avec accès direct au lagon, nous a parfaitement convenu, la literie était confortables les sanitaires bien entretenus et les repas variés et en bonne quantité étaient très bons, et pris dans la « pièce » commune, terrasse couverte sur pilotis donnant sur le lagon, et nous avons pu partager de bons moments avec d’autres voyageurs. Mention spéciale à Will très serviable toujours disponible et arrangeant et contrairement à ce que j’avais lu avant de partir nous n’avons rencontré à rufas que des personnes souriantes et agréables. Aucune tension aucun problème, nous garderons un merveilleux souvenir de notre séjour au Rufas Homestay!

  • Nous avons passé un merveilleux séjour dans un endroit exceptionnel, nous sous sentons privilégiés d’avoir pu dormir à Rufas, c’est une expérience incroyable! Notre logement, idéal pour une famille avec 2 chambre partageant une terrasse avec accès direct au lagon, nous a parfaitement convenu, la literie était confortables les sanitaires bien entretenus et les repas variés et en bonne quantité étaient très bons, et pris dans la « pièce » commune, terrasse couverte sur pilotis donnant sur le lagon, et nous avons pu partager de bons moments avec d’autres voyageurs. Mention spéciale à Will très serviable toujours disponible et arrangeant et contrairement à ce que j’avais lu avant de partir nous n’avons rencontré à rufas que des personnes souriantes et agréables. Aucune tension aucun problème, nous garderons un merveilleux souvenir de notre séjour au Rufas Homestay!

  • Nous avons passé 3 nuits au Rufas homestay et nous avons adoré ! William nous a conseillé sur les différentes sorties snorkelling à faire avec nos enfants et nous a gentiment emmené voir un magnifique coucher de soleil, encore merci c’était superbe !!

  • Nous avons passé 3 nuits au Rufas homestay et nous avons adoré ! William nous a conseillé sur les différentes sorties snorkelling à faire avec nos enfants et nous a gentiment emmené voir un magnifique coucher de soleil, encore merci c’était superbe !!

  • The infrastructure with regards to the rooms and the facilities are excellent. Each room comes with a balcony overlooking the lagoon, and a ladder to allow you to go from your balcony straight into the lagoon. The island itself is just stunning, and you always feel a fresh breeze and not so many mosquitoes. There is a really cool view point which is definitely worth climbing up to. The snorkelling outside the island is fantastic too. The staff are also very nice and friendly. So I’d definitely recommend staying here for at least a night or two.

  • The infrastructure with regards to the rooms and the facilities are excellent. Each room comes with a balcony overlooking the lagoon, and a ladder to allow you to go from your balcony straight into the lagoon. The island itself is just stunning, and you always feel a fresh breeze and not so many mosquitoes. There is a really cool view point which is definitely worth climbing up to. The snorkelling outside the island is fantastic too. The staff are also very nice and friendly. So I’d definitely recommend staying here for at least a night or two.

  • Le séjour à Rufas Homestay a été très agréable, les jeunes de la famille sont très accueillants et très serviables. Le cadre est vraiment incroyable et dormir sur place permet de profiter du calme en dehors des heures où les touristes et les plongeurs sont en excursion.

  • Le séjour à Rufas Homestay a été très agréable, les jeunes de la famille sont très accueillants et très serviables. Le cadre est vraiment incroyable et dormir sur place permet de profiter du calme en dehors des heures où les touristes et les plongeurs sont en excursion.

  • Rezension in english and deutsch

    English:
    Rufas is a beautiful small island located right across from Piaynemo, the famous viewpoint of Raja Ampat. The island itself is very small and has two homestays, each with only a few bungalows. The two homestays are connected — the uncle of one owner manages the other. There is also a small dive center at the back homestay.
    The island has a small viewpoint that can be reached in about three minutes, offering a nice view.
    The owner of Rufas Homestay is extremely friendly and really tries to fulfill and accommodate all wishes — big compliment for that.
    However, there is not much to do on the island. There is no beach. You can go snorkeling around the island, but that’s about it. The accommodation is simple, as it is everywhere in Raja Ampat, and the food is basic as well: rice, fish, and vegetables.
    I recommend staying for one night, maybe two at most, simply because the location could be better and there is not much to do.

    Deutsch:
    Rufas ist eine schöne, kleine Insel direkt gegenüber von Piaynemo, dem bekannten Aussichtspunkt von Raja Ampat. Die Insel ist sehr klein und verfügt über zwei Homestays mit jeweils nur wenigen Bungalows. Beide Homestays gehören zusammen – der Onkel des einen Betreibers managt das andere. Im hinteren Homestay gibt es zudem eine kleine Tauchschule.
    Auf der Insel befindet sich ein kleiner Aussichtspunkt, den man in etwa drei Minuten erreichen kann. Von dort hat man eine schöne Aussicht.
    Der Betreiber des Rufas Homestays ist ausgesprochen freundlich und bemüht sich wirklich, alle Wünsche zu erfüllen – dafür ein großes Lob.
    Ansonsten gibt es auf der Insel allerdings nicht viel zu tun. Es gibt keinen Strand. Man kann rund um die Insel schnorcheln, aber das war es im Wesentlichen. Die Unterkünfte sind einfach, wie überall in der Region, und das Essen ebenso: Reis, Fisch und Gemüse.
    Ich empfehle hier eine, maximal zwei Nächte, da die Lage schöner sein könnte und es sonst nicht viel zu unternehmen gibt.

  • Rezension in english and deutsch

    English:
    Rufas is a beautiful small island located right across from Piaynemo, the famous viewpoint of Raja Ampat. The island itself is very small and has two homestays, each with only a few bungalows. The two homestays are connected — the uncle of one owner manages the other. There is also a small dive center at the back homestay.
    The island has a small viewpoint that can be reached in about three minutes, offering a nice view.
    The owner of Rufas Homestay is extremely friendly and really tries to fulfill and accommodate all wishes — big compliment for that.
    However, there is not much to do on the island. There is no beach. You can go snorkeling around the island, but that’s about it. The accommodation is simple, as it is everywhere in Raja Ampat, and the food is basic as well: rice, fish, and vegetables.
    I recommend staying for one night, maybe two at most, simply because the location could be better and there is not much to do.

    Deutsch:
    Rufas ist eine schöne, kleine Insel direkt gegenüber von Piaynemo, dem bekannten Aussichtspunkt von Raja Ampat. Die Insel ist sehr klein und verfügt über zwei Homestays mit jeweils nur wenigen Bungalows. Beide Homestays gehören zusammen – der Onkel des einen Betreibers managt das andere. Im hinteren Homestay gibt es zudem eine kleine Tauchschule.
    Auf der Insel befindet sich ein kleiner Aussichtspunkt, den man in etwa drei Minuten erreichen kann. Von dort hat man eine schöne Aussicht.
    Der Betreiber des Rufas Homestays ist ausgesprochen freundlich und bemüht sich wirklich, alle Wünsche zu erfüllen – dafür ein großes Lob.
    Ansonsten gibt es auf der Insel allerdings nicht viel zu tun. Es gibt keinen Strand. Man kann rund um die Insel schnorcheln, aber das war es im Wesentlichen. Die Unterkünfte sind einfach, wie überall in der Region, und das Essen ebenso: Reis, Fisch und Gemüse.
    Ich empfehle hier eine, maximal zwei Nächte, da die Lage schöner sein könnte und es sonst nicht viel zu unternehmen gibt.

  • Notre séjour à Rufas Homestay était absolument incroyable.
    Le logement est littéralement situé dans un paradis, niché au beau milieu de l’océan.
    Nos hôtes étaient vraiment gentils, mention spécial pour Will qui s’est occupé de nous durant nos 4 jours et était au petit soin.
    Possibilité de louer des sets pour le snorkeling ou bien faire de la plongée.
    Rufas est à 5min de Piyanemo et de bien d’autres excursions nous avons fait du snorkeling principalement sur des endroit fabuleux (Melissa Garden, Gloria, Anita Garden, Napoléon, Fam Woil) avec multitudes de coraux, poissons, raies, tortues, requins.
    Vous avez également la possibilité de faire du snorkeling autour de Rufas qui est tout autant fabuleux.

    L’électricité est dispo de 18h/6h mais nous avons pas besoin de plus, on capte très bien la 4G.
    Les équipements sont rudimentaires mais si vous venez ici vous le savez, cela ne pose aucuns problèmes.
    Les repas sont fait tous les jours + un goûter tout est délicieux et goûtu nous nous sommes régalé.

    C’est un vrai paradis sur terre ce fut un coup de cœur de notre long voyage en Indonésie.

    Je reviendrais à coup sûr, milles merci

  • Notre séjour à Rufas Homestay était absolument incroyable.
    Le logement est littéralement situé dans un paradis, niché au beau milieu de l’océan.
    Nos hôtes étaient vraiment gentils, mention spécial pour Will qui s’est occupé de nous durant nos 4 jours et était au petit soin.
    Possibilité de louer des sets pour le snorkeling ou bien faire de la plongée.
    Rufas est à 5min de Piyanemo et de bien d’autres excursions nous avons fait du snorkeling principalement sur des endroit fabuleux (Melissa Garden, Gloria, Anita Garden, Napoléon, Fam Woil) avec multitudes de coraux, poissons, raies, tortues, requins.
    Vous avez également la possibilité de faire du snorkeling autour de Rufas qui est tout autant fabuleux.

    L’électricité est dispo de 18h/6h mais nous avons pas besoin de plus, on capte très bien la 4G.
    Les équipements sont rudimentaires mais si vous venez ici vous le savez, cela ne pose aucuns problèmes.
    Les repas sont fait tous les jours + un goûter tout est délicieux et goûtu nous nous sommes régalé.

    C’est un vrai paradis sur terre ce fut un coup de cœur de notre long voyage en Indonésie.

    Je reviendrais à coup sûr, milles merci

  • Maaf komentar anda tidak mendasar terkait Alkohol dan kekerasan di homstey kami ulasan anda terkait Masalah di bulan Juni lalu jadi mohon maaf dan jika pelayan kami terhadap anda kurang baik kami mohon maaf dan terkait Alkohol itu tidak benar dan kami tidak Rerekosikan jemputa di luar homstey kami tampa kordinasi dengan kami dan terima kasih atas komentarnya agar kami dapat memperbaiki pelayanan kami

  • Maaf komentar anda tidak mendasar terkait Alkohol dan kekerasan di homstey kami ulasan anda terkait Masalah di bulan Juni lalu jadi mohon maaf dan jika pelayan kami terhadap anda kurang baik kami mohon maaf dan terkait Alkohol itu tidak benar dan kami tidak Rerekosikan jemputa di luar homstey kami tampa kordinasi dengan kami dan terima kasih atas komentarnya agar kami dapat memperbaiki pelayanan kami

  • Je ne recommande malheureusement pas cet homestay.
    La lagoon est très belle certes, mais la gestion est catastrophique. Entre les problèmes d’alcool, de violence, de mauvaise communication déjà mentionnés, ils prennent également le monopole des transports… Si vous trouvez un bateau moins cher que le leur, ils insultent et menacent (si ce n’est plus) ceux qui viennent vous chercher à tel point qu’on vous annule le trajet par peur (cf messages échangés avec la personne apeurée de venir)

  • Je ne recommande malheureusement pas cet homestay.
    La lagoon est très belle certes, mais la gestion est catastrophique. Entre les problèmes d’alcool, de violence, de mauvaise communication déjà mentionnés, ils prennent également le monopole des transports… Si vous trouvez un bateau moins cher que le leur, ils insultent et menacent (si ce n’est plus) ceux qui viennent vous chercher à tel point qu’on vous annule le trajet par peur (cf messages échangés avec la personne apeurée de venir)

  • Honnêtement, nous nous attendions pas à autant peu de confort. Le lieu est quand à lui magnifique. Cependant, mal entretenu avec des déchets qui prennent le dessus sur la beauté des environs.

    Nourriture pas très bonne mais dans les standards de Raja Ampat. Nous avons écourté notre séjour d’une nuit au lieu de deux.

  • Honnêtement, nous nous attendions pas à autant peu de confort. Le lieu est quand à lui magnifique. Cependant, mal entretenu avec des déchets qui prennent le dessus sur la beauté des environs.

    Nourriture pas très bonne mais dans les standards de Raja Ampat. Nous avons écourté notre séjour d’une nuit au lieu de deux.

  • Nous sommes restés 2 nuits à Rufas. L’endroit est vraiment paisible et magnifique ! À 2 pas de Pyainemo.
    Les repas étaient très bons et copieux.
    Nous avions un gouté
    Une seule personne parle anglais mais cela suffit. La famille est gentille et discrète.
    Ils sont arrangeants pour les excursions.

    Seul inconvénient pour nous : le matelas était en mousse donc pas très confortable mais ça reste un avis personnel
    Pas de wifi, mais la 4G fonctionne à peu près

    Snorkeling magnifique autour de l’île et possibilité de louer des palmes/masques/tuba au homestay

  • Nous sommes restés 2 nuits à Rufas. L’endroit est vraiment paisible et magnifique ! À 2 pas de Pyainemo.
    Les repas étaient très bons et copieux.
    Nous avions un gouté
    Une seule personne parle anglais mais cela suffit. La famille est gentille et discrète.
    Ils sont arrangeants pour les excursions.

    Seul inconvénient pour nous : le matelas était en mousse donc pas très confortable mais ça reste un avis personnel
    Pas de wifi, mais la 4G fonctionne à peu près

    Snorkeling magnifique autour de l’île et possibilité de louer des palmes/masques/tuba au homestay

  • Rufas tient ses promesses ! C’est un endroit au calme car peu d’homestay ce qui est le top ! De l’île, le point de vue est superbe, la grimpette un peu hardue. Nous sommes allées a Pianemo, extraordinaire, et fait la sortie a Napoléon (pas Mélissa’s garden) très bien. Les repas sont copieux sauf le petit déj’ très très léger. Je conseille vivement de faire le tour de l’île en snorkelling c’est magnifique !!!!

  • Rufas tient ses promesses ! C’est un endroit au calme car peu d’homestay ce qui est le top ! De l’île, le point de vue est superbe, la grimpette un peu hardue. Nous sommes allées a Pianemo, extraordinaire, et fait la sortie a Napoléon (pas Mélissa’s garden) très bien. Les repas sont copieux sauf le petit déj’ très très léger. Je conseille vivement de faire le tour de l’île en snorkelling c’est magnifique !!!!

  • Inoubliable séjour à Rufas Homestay. Le logement est littéralement situé dans un paradis, niché au beau milieu de l’océan. La nature et les activités aux alentours sont absolument merveilleuses. Nos hôtes étaient vraiment gentils, nous avons adorés séjourner ici, ce fut un coup de cœur de notre long voyage en Indonésie…

  • Inoubliable séjour à Rufas Homestay. Le logement est littéralement situé dans un paradis, niché au beau milieu de l’océan. La nature et les activités aux alentours sont absolument merveilleuses. Nos hôtes étaient vraiment gentils, nous avons adorés séjourner ici, ce fut un coup de cœur de notre long voyage en Indonésie…

  • A bit more information about Camille and Tom’s reviews below:

    The violence Camille witnessed was perpetrated by Lagoon Homestay staff members, not by anyone at Rufas Homestay. Rufas and Lagoon are two separate businesses. Lagoon Homestay’s owner (who was not present at the time of the assault) has dismissed all the staff involved in the incident, and has given assurances that they will not set foot on the island again.

    Correspondence with Tom and subsequent investigation reveals that his allegations of drug use at Rufas Homestay can not be substantiated. The “suspicious substance packets” that Tom mentions were of the slaked lime powder that is chewed with betel nut: A traditional Papuan practice which can only be considered drug use in the same way that coffee consumption is.

    Other photographs provided showed that a renovation project was in progress during Tom’s stay at Rufas. The aim is no doubt to address the maintenance issues Tom reports.

    Finally, any issue regarding quality or quantity of food can usually be easily rectified by speaking with your homestay hosts.

    Our local support team is always available to help in the event of communication or any other kind of difficulties at homestays.

  • A bit more information about Camille and Tom’s reviews below:

    The violence Camille witnessed was perpetrated by Lagoon Homestay staff members, not by anyone at Rufas Homestay. Rufas and Lagoon are two separate businesses. Lagoon Homestay’s owner (who was not present at the time of the assault) has dismissed all the staff involved in the incident, and has given assurances that they will not set foot on the island again.

    Correspondence with Tom and subsequent investigation reveals that his allegations of drug use at Rufas Homestay can not be substantiated. The “suspicious substance packets” that Tom mentions were of the slaked lime powder that is chewed with betel nut: A traditional Papuan practice which can only be considered drug use in the same way that coffee consumption is.

    Other photographs provided showed that a renovation project was in progress during Tom’s stay at Rufas. The aim is no doubt to address the maintenance issues Tom reports.

    Finally, any issue regarding quality or quantity of food can usually be easily rectified by speaking with your homestay hosts.

    Our local support team is always available to help in the event of communication or any other kind of difficulties at homestays.

  • WARNING: STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE – MISTREATMENT OF CUSTOMERS + VIOLENT ATTACK

    *Read to the end*
    I stayed 5 nights on Rufas Island, which was a catastrophic and traumatic experience, the likes of which I have rarely experienced.
    To begin with, upon my arrival, I felt very uncomfortable on this small island. William, the only young man on the island who spoke English, although he seemed friendly at first, quickly changed his character. From the very first day, he tried to sell me one of their excursions (which, incidentally, are very expensive compared to other prices), which I politely declined because I was traveling alone and couldn’t afford a boat on my own. A few days later, I went on a trip with them to Pyanemo, which was very uncomfortable: the driver was unpleasant, the boat was not friendly, and I definitely didn’t feel comfortable with them anymore.

    Two couples from the nearby Lagoon Homestay had planned an excursion with an independent local guide. I joined them.
    After this trip and our arrival at the Lagoon Homestay, the nightmare began: the brother of the Lagoon Homestay kicked our guide in the face and split his lips. One of the couple and I had gotten off the boat, but the other couple of friends were still on board. Members of Lagoon and Rufas’s host family started yelling at us and throwing objects. Fearing for their lives, the couple yelled at the driver to start the boat and leave as quickly as possible. After they left, three members of Rufas’s host family gave chase. It was dark, and we were panicking for them, thinking about what would happen if they caught them at sea. Upon their arrival, the Rufas members rammed their boat into the guide’s boat and tried to destroy its engine with a metal pole. Meanwhile, the brother of the owner of Lagoon got out and tried to assault our guides. He then rushed toward them and threw a wooden table at them. He tried to physically assault them again, but the homestay they were staying with resisted and took him away. The family there said that the members of my homestay had been drinking.
    Still there, the couple and I were in shock. I was being yelled at by the staff. I didn’t understand what was happening to me. William personally blamed me for all this because I hadn’t “respected the island’s rules,” and that he was annoyed by my “stubbornness.” I was stunned, shocked that I was being criticized for my activities outside of the homestay, even though I’m a guest and only pay for the accommodation and not the excursions. I tried to calm the situation by apologizing and giving in, so that they would all stop their rage. I ended up having a panic attack.
    Nothing justifies violence. I no longer felt safe at all. The manager of the Lagoon had confirmed that the rapists had left the island, so I convinced myself to finish my two nights, fearing reprisals nonetheless. Yet, they returned on the last day. We were terrified.

    Afterward, my exchanges with William worsened. He wanted me to leave the place, spoke to me with no respect. I never reacted; I suffered, out of fear. The new clients who arrived after this incident couldn’t believe the treatment I received, the way William spoke to me.

    We, foreigners, come to this remote part of the world and have the right to call on local guides if we feel uncomfortable or if we don’t trust the people at the host family where we are staying.

    I had a wonderful time with other host families, and I’m sad that this incident had a negative impact on my experience in Raja Ampat. This kind of violent behavior and lack of respect for the guests are unacceptable.

    On top of that, I had no air conditioning (the only bungalow without it), and catastrophic bedding, even though all the bungalows were empty: he had given me the most basic one.

    I can only advise you to avoid this place. Many other homestays are available and more welcoming.

    • We were shocked to receive everyone’s reports about this incident Camille, and we are so sorry that this happened to you.

      Violence is completely unacceptable, and the Homestay Association will be taking action.

      The fact that the homestays tried to blame their guests for the violence perpetrated by their staff is reprehensible, and further compounds the offence.

      It’s little compensation, but obviously, Camille and everyone else affected by this incident have been refunded for their stays: If any readers are booked to arrive at Rufas or Lagoon in the future, and want to discuss options after these ugly events, please contact us by replying to your booking confirmation email.

  • WARNING: STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE – MISTREATMENT OF CUSTOMERS + VIOLENT ATTACK

    *Read to the end*
    I stayed 5 nights on Rufas Island, which was a catastrophic and traumatic experience, the likes of which I have rarely experienced.
    To begin with, upon my arrival, I felt very uncomfortable on this small island. William, the only young man on the island who spoke English, although he seemed friendly at first, quickly changed his character. From the very first day, he tried to sell me one of their excursions (which, incidentally, are very expensive compared to other prices), which I politely declined because I was traveling alone and couldn’t afford a boat on my own. A few days later, I went on a trip with them to Pyanemo, which was very uncomfortable: the driver was unpleasant, the boat was not friendly, and I definitely didn’t feel comfortable with them anymore.

    Two couples from the nearby Lagoon Homestay had planned an excursion with an independent local guide. I joined them.
    After this trip and our arrival at the Lagoon Homestay, the nightmare began: the brother of the Lagoon Homestay kicked our guide in the face and split his lips. One of the couple and I had gotten off the boat, but the other couple of friends were still on board. Members of Lagoon and Rufas’s host family started yelling at us and throwing objects. Fearing for their lives, the couple yelled at the driver to start the boat and leave as quickly as possible. After they left, three members of Rufas’s host family gave chase. It was dark, and we were panicking for them, thinking about what would happen if they caught them at sea. Upon their arrival, the Rufas members rammed their boat into the guide’s boat and tried to destroy its engine with a metal pole. Meanwhile, the brother of the owner of Lagoon got out and tried to assault our guides. He then rushed toward them and threw a wooden table at them. He tried to physically assault them again, but the homestay they were staying with resisted and took him away. The family there said that the members of my homestay had been drinking.
    Still there, the couple and I were in shock. I was being yelled at by the staff. I didn’t understand what was happening to me. William personally blamed me for all this because I hadn’t “respected the island’s rules,” and that he was annoyed by my “stubbornness.” I was stunned, shocked that I was being criticized for my activities outside of the homestay, even though I’m a guest and only pay for the accommodation and not the excursions. I tried to calm the situation by apologizing and giving in, so that they would all stop their rage. I ended up having a panic attack.
    Nothing justifies violence. I no longer felt safe at all. The manager of the Lagoon had confirmed that the rapists had left the island, so I convinced myself to finish my two nights, fearing reprisals nonetheless. Yet, they returned on the last day. We were terrified.

    Afterward, my exchanges with William worsened. He wanted me to leave the place, spoke to me with no respect. I never reacted; I suffered, out of fear. The new clients who arrived after this incident couldn’t believe the treatment I received, the way William spoke to me.

    We, foreigners, come to this remote part of the world and have the right to call on local guides if we feel uncomfortable or if we don’t trust the people at the host family where we are staying.

    I had a wonderful time with other host families, and I’m sad that this incident had a negative impact on my experience in Raja Ampat. This kind of violent behavior and lack of respect for the guests are unacceptable.

    On top of that, I had no air conditioning (the only bungalow without it), and catastrophic bedding, even though all the bungalows were empty: he had given me the most basic one.

    I can only advise you to avoid this place. Many other homestays are available and more welcoming.

    • We were shocked to receive everyone’s reports about this incident Camille, and we are so sorry that this happened to you.

      Violence is completely unacceptable, and the Homestay Association will be taking action.

      The fact that the homestays tried to blame their guests for the violence perpetrated by their staff is reprehensible, and further compounds the offence.

      It’s little compensation, but obviously, Camille and everyone else affected by this incident have been refunded for their stays: If any readers are booked to arrive at Rufas or Lagoon in the future, and want to discuss options after these ugly events, please contact us by replying to your booking confirmation email.

  • Rufas Homestay was by far our worst experience in Raja Ampat. When we arrived, there was absolutely no welcome or reception. No one from the homestay came to greet us — in fact, it was the manager from our previous homestay who took it upon himself to show us to our room. That alone says a lot about the lack of organization and hospitality.

    The place was extremely dirty and poorly maintained. We never felt safe during our stay: several locals were constantly smoking joints, and we even found suspicious substance packets in the dining area — a very troubling atmosphere.

    The room was in terrible condition: everything was old, the towels had holes, and even the mosquito net was torn — unacceptable in a tropical region where insect protection is essential. No effort was made to ensure guest comfort or hygiene.

    Meals were almost non-existent: just plain rice with a few vegetables, which is absolutely insufficient after a full day of activities.

    Even more concerning: a baby on the island appeared to be seriously ill, covered in what looked like contagious boils. This raised serious health concerns.

    Honestly, if we had felt safe doing so, we would have left the moment we arrived. But the owners’ behavior was intimidating enough that we were genuinely afraid to leave immediately.

    We truly don’t understand how the Stay Raja Ampat platform can still list and recommend this homestay, despite such serious issues. It damages the reputation of Raja Ampat — a region that otherwise offers amazing, welcoming experiences.

    We strongly advise against staying here. Fortunately, there are other accommodations in the area that are much safer, cleaner, and far more respectful of their guests.

    • Hi Tom

      We’re really sorry to hear this, and thank you for taking the time to warn other guests of your experience at Rufas. It certainly seems that things have recently changed for the worse at the homestay, and it’s very concerning that you felt unsafe there.

      The Homestay Association is investigating: If basic standards are not being met, then there is no question that the homestay will be removed from the website.

      Our local support team is always available to provide immediate assistance to guests, but there is no record of you having reached out to them? They would have been able to arrange alternate accommodation and a safe departure from Rufas for you.

      If you would like to provide any further feedback privately, please don’t hesitate to contact us by replying to any of your booking emails, or via our contact page.

  • Rufas Homestay was by far our worst experience in Raja Ampat. When we arrived, there was absolutely no welcome or reception. No one from the homestay came to greet us — in fact, it was the manager from our previous homestay who took it upon himself to show us to our room. That alone says a lot about the lack of organization and hospitality.

    The place was extremely dirty and poorly maintained. We never felt safe during our stay: several locals were constantly smoking joints, and we even found suspicious substance packets in the dining area — a very troubling atmosphere.

    The room was in terrible condition: everything was old, the towels had holes, and even the mosquito net was torn — unacceptable in a tropical region where insect protection is essential. No effort was made to ensure guest comfort or hygiene.

    Meals were almost non-existent: just plain rice with a few vegetables, which is absolutely insufficient after a full day of activities.

    Even more concerning: a baby on the island appeared to be seriously ill, covered in what looked like contagious boils. This raised serious health concerns.

    Honestly, if we had felt safe doing so, we would have left the moment we arrived. But the owners’ behavior was intimidating enough that we were genuinely afraid to leave immediately.

    We truly don’t understand how the Stay Raja Ampat platform can still list and recommend this homestay, despite such serious issues. It damages the reputation of Raja Ampat — a region that otherwise offers amazing, welcoming experiences.

    We strongly advise against staying here. Fortunately, there are other accommodations in the area that are much safer, cleaner, and far more respectful of their guests.

    • Hi Tom

      We’re really sorry to hear this, and thank you for taking the time to warn other guests of your experience at Rufas. It certainly seems that things have recently changed for the worse at the homestay, and it’s very concerning that you felt unsafe there.

      The Homestay Association is investigating: If basic standards are not being met, then there is no question that the homestay will be removed from the website.

      Our local support team is always available to provide immediate assistance to guests, but there is no record of you having reached out to them? They would have been able to arrange alternate accommodation and a safe departure from Rufas for you.

      If you would like to provide any further feedback privately, please don’t hesitate to contact us by replying to any of your booking emails, or via our contact page.

  • Un petit jeune de la famille nous a accueilli et guidé, très agréable et très poli.
    La nourriture est bonne et en grosse quantité.
    L’île est sublime et piaynemo juste à côté, la visite proposée par le homestay à 500k vaut vraiment le coup !

  • Un petit jeune de la famille nous a accueilli et guidé, très agréable et très poli.
    La nourriture est bonne et en grosse quantité.
    L’île est sublime et piaynemo juste à côté, la visite proposée par le homestay à 500k vaut vraiment le coup !

  • Je ne recommande pas ce Homestay
    Réservation pour un bungalow privé, nous nous sommes retrouvés dans une chambre partagée …
    Drap non lavé , odeur de transpiration !
    Repas très très léger, petit déjeuner quasiment inexistant.
    Personnel peu sympathique
    Excursions hors de prix

    • That’s very disappointing Lucie, and we are sorry to hear it 🙁

      Stay Raja Ampat guarantees that you will be refunded in full for any night that you have to spend in a room that it is not of the type that you paid for. We also offer support to move to alternate accommodation if you prefer.

      There is nothing we can do, however, if the first that we hear of it is via a review, two months after your stay!

  • Je ne recommande pas ce Homestay
    Réservation pour un bungalow privé, nous nous sommes retrouvés dans une chambre partagée …
    Drap non lavé , odeur de transpiration !
    Repas très très léger, petit déjeuner quasiment inexistant.
    Personnel peu sympathique
    Excursions hors de prix

    • That’s very disappointing Lucie, and we are sorry to hear it 🙁

      Stay Raja Ampat guarantees that you will be refunded in full for any night that you have to spend in a room that it is not of the type that you paid for. We also offer support to move to alternate accommodation if you prefer.

      There is nothing we can do, however, if the first that we hear of it is via a review, two months after your stay!

  • We spent 3 nice days at Rufas Homestay. The location is stunning, with bungalows built just on the lagoon inside the island, really a unique experience.
    Overall, the homestay and services are basic but ok; very calm athmoshere, kind people (Wiliam, good guy, english speaking, very smart as a guide to local spots). This place i perfect to explore Pyainemo Island and all Pams (manta point, Melissa’s garden). Boat are in good condition and well powered. Totally suggested !

  • We spent 3 nice days at Rufas Homestay. The location is stunning, with bungalows built just on the lagoon inside the island, really a unique experience.
    Overall, the homestay and services are basic but ok; very calm athmoshere, kind people (Wiliam, good guy, english speaking, very smart as a guide to local spots). This place i perfect to explore Pyainemo Island and all Pams (manta point, Melissa’s garden). Boat are in good condition and well powered. Totally suggested !

  • ous avons passé trois jours incroyables dans ce homestay. La chambre était parfaite, avec une moustiquaire sur le lit pour un sommeil tranquille, et la possibilité d’avoir un ventilateur pour plus de confort. La vue était tout simplement magnifique, avec un lagon calme à nos pieds lors de la marée haute.

    La nourriture était délicieuse, et les hôtes étaient particulièrement accueillants et serviables. William, qui est le seul à parler anglais, a été exceptionnel et s’est vraiment assuré que nous ayons tout ce dont nous avions besoin.

    Côté plongée, le matériel était neuf, et le guide était très professionnel, attentif à notre sécurité et à notre confort. Une expérience inoubliable que nous recommandons vivement!

  • ous avons passé trois jours incroyables dans ce homestay. La chambre était parfaite, avec une moustiquaire sur le lit pour un sommeil tranquille, et la possibilité d’avoir un ventilateur pour plus de confort. La vue était tout simplement magnifique, avec un lagon calme à nos pieds lors de la marée haute.

    La nourriture était délicieuse, et les hôtes étaient particulièrement accueillants et serviables. William, qui est le seul à parler anglais, a été exceptionnel et s’est vraiment assuré que nous ayons tout ce dont nous avions besoin.

    Côté plongée, le matériel était neuf, et le guide était très professionnel, attentif à notre sécurité et à notre confort. Une expérience inoubliable que nous recommandons vivement!

  • Loved Rufas! Highly recommend. The location is unbelievable, amazing and colorful house reef that takes about 1.5 hours to snorkel around the island. Close to Pianyemo and pretty clean compared to other homestays. The lagoon itself is murky and not much to do except float. Food was basic for meals but surprisingly the afternoon tea was the best we’ve ever had with fresh baked cakes.

  • Loved Rufas! Highly recommend. The location is unbelievable, amazing and colorful house reef that takes about 1.5 hours to snorkel around the island. Close to Pianyemo and pretty clean compared to other homestays. The lagoon itself is murky and not much to do except float. Food was basic for meals but surprisingly the afternoon tea was the best we’ve ever had with fresh baked cakes.

  • My stay was good.
    Rufas is beautiful and close to many good spots to visit.
    The bungalow is spacious and comfortable.
    But there are several down sides :
    – the electricity problems (supposed to run all night but it frequently stops, and absolutely shuts down at 2am)
    – the food (good but always the same thing, especially for breakfast and snack) – the service is not great (never check the missing drinks to refill it so we have to ask for it)
    – only 1 person speaks english (Anderson) so when he is not on the island it’s very hard to ask information.
    So the experience on the island is good, but be prepared to be frustrated on several topics…

  • My stay was good.
    Rufas is beautiful and close to many good spots to visit.
    The bungalow is spacious and comfortable.
    But there are several down sides :
    – the electricity problems (supposed to run all night but it frequently stops, and absolutely shuts down at 2am)
    – the food (good but always the same thing, especially for breakfast and snack) – the service is not great (never check the missing drinks to refill it so we have to ask for it)
    – only 1 person speaks english (Anderson) so when he is not on the island it’s very hard to ask information.
    So the experience on the island is good, but be prepared to be frustrated on several topics…

  • This is magical place which i can only highly recommend. We spent 4 nights and we could stay longer.It is basic acommodation which you can expect in such a remote area .Coral reef around lagoon is amazing ,Pyanemo visible from lagoone..beautiful view point ,amazing skorkeling and diving locations around..dont miss Fam wall but you have amazing coral reef around lagoon. Food was good and enough, stuff nice and friendly .We enjoyed our stay and would always come back

  • This is magical place which i can only highly recommend. We spent 4 nights and we could stay longer.It is basic acommodation which you can expect in such a remote area .Coral reef around lagoon is amazing ,Pyanemo visible from lagoone..beautiful view point ,amazing skorkeling and diving locations around..dont miss Fam wall but you have amazing coral reef around lagoon. Food was good and enough, stuff nice and friendly .We enjoyed our stay and would always come back

  • Absolute perfect spot to be. Good coral also for snorkling. Many beautifull fish, turners, sharks. Magical underwaterworld.

    Rooms are basic. Shared bathroom. Allows groups. Breakfast not the best meal. Other food okay.
    Electricity not so good and not the best internet connection.

    A good place to spend for a daytrip!!!

    For organising a daytrip from Rufas there are not always enough boats, depending on how many guests are there.

    Busy homestay. So many western People.

  • Absolute perfect spot to be. Good coral also for snorkling. Many beautifull fish, turners, sharks. Magical underwaterworld.

    Rooms are basic. Shared bathroom. Allows groups. Breakfast not the best meal. Other food okay.
    Electricity not so good and not the best internet connection.

    A good place to spend for a daytrip!!!

    For organising a daytrip from Rufas there are not always enough boats, depending on how many guests are there.

    Busy homestay. So many western People.

  • the comments were positive but we met only unhappy people. we booked a single bungalow but ended up with a shared bungalow. the food is very poor. the cleanliness needs to be redone. our sheets had not been changed and smelled bad. we do not recommend this homestay

    • Sorry to hear of this Lucie, and thank you for taking the time to warn others of your experience.

      Stay Raja Ampat guarantees refunds in the event that guests are not provided the room they paid for. All you needed to do was contact us by one of the methods provided in your booking confirmation email when you discovered the problem.

  • the comments were positive but we met only unhappy people. we booked a single bungalow but ended up with a shared bungalow. the food is very poor. the cleanliness needs to be redone. our sheets had not been changed and smelled bad. we do not recommend this homestay

    • Sorry to hear of this Lucie, and thank you for taking the time to warn others of your experience.

      Stay Raja Ampat guarantees refunds in the event that guests are not provided the room they paid for. All you needed to do was contact us by one of the methods provided in your booking confirmation email when you discovered the problem.

  • The Homestay is old, no reinvestments in the old stuff. But they are building new houses. Mekes no sense. Riff is great, food very good. The laguna is beautiful for swimming.

  • The Homestay is old, no reinvestments in the old stuff. But they are building new houses. Mekes no sense. Riff is great, food very good. The laguna is beautiful for swimming.

  • My stay in Rufas was amazing! The marine life for snorkeling around the island was breathtaking, and the drone shots captured stunning views. The proximity to Pianemo made the experience even more special, and the warm smiles of the locals added a unique charm to the trip. The food was delicious, especially after we went fishing with the locals and ended the day with a tasty grilled fish dinner. An unforgettable adventure!

  • My stay in Rufas was amazing! The marine life for snorkeling around the island was breathtaking, and the drone shots captured stunning views. The proximity to Pianemo made the experience even more special, and the warm smiles of the locals added a unique charm to the trip. The food was delicious, especially after we went fishing with the locals and ended the day with a tasty grilled fish dinner. An unforgettable adventure!

  • Loved our short stay at this unique homestay on a private lagoon in the middle of an island. Nowhere else quite like this in Raja. Climbs to the lookout for sunset and fantastic snorkelling on the house reef. Proximity to Piaynemo is a bonus. Gilbert took us on a great excursion there late afternoon when there were no other tourists around. Downside is the lagoon setting is a bit of a heat trap so it felt very muggy most of the time. We did not have a fan on the first night. Not much sleep. Good was basic although fresh fish was good. Staff were ok once you got to know them but initially very uncommunicative. Huts very basic and some rubbish. The place needs some tender loving care.

  • Loved our short stay at this unique homestay on a private lagoon in the middle of an island. Nowhere else quite like this in Raja. Climbs to the lookout for sunset and fantastic snorkelling on the house reef. Proximity to Piaynemo is a bonus. Gilbert took us on a great excursion there late afternoon when there were no other tourists around. Downside is the lagoon setting is a bit of a heat trap so it felt very muggy most of the time. We did not have a fan on the first night. Not much sleep. Good was basic although fresh fish was good. Staff were ok once you got to know them but initially very uncommunicative. Huts very basic and some rubbish. The place needs some tender loving care.

  • We had an amazing time at Rufas Homestay. The bungalows are basic but everything you need. The bungalows on the lagoon are very unique, the place is more quiet and relaxing compared to other places we have stayed in Raja Ampat. The food is really good; portions are big and it varies every day. English is not very well spoken but good enough to make it a pleasant stay

  • We had an amazing time at Rufas Homestay. The bungalows are basic but everything you need. The bungalows on the lagoon are very unique, the place is more quiet and relaxing compared to other places we have stayed in Raja Ampat. The food is really good; portions are big and it varies every day. English is not very well spoken but good enough to make it a pleasant stay

  • A beautiful little island with outstanding snorkelling and giving easy access to surrounding attractions including piaynemo, snorkelling sites , mantas.
    Certainly not a luxury destination but bungalow was ok by raja Ampat standards it had a fan which is a blessing in the heat and humidity. Food was good and plenty available.
    Cold beer available at a price ,but great to be able to have it in the heat. Shout out to boatman Bastion for finding us Mantas , a very cool experience swimming with them. The staff were a bit quiet but tried their absolute best including keeping some lunch available for us when we missed lunch due to being away on an excursion. Overall this was an amazing three days, a little rough around the edges, might not be everyone’s cup of tea but We enjoyed it and would recommend to others.

  • A beautiful little island with outstanding snorkelling and giving easy access to surrounding attractions including piaynemo, snorkelling sites , mantas.
    Certainly not a luxury destination but bungalow was ok by raja Ampat standards it had a fan which is a blessing in the heat and humidity. Food was good and plenty available.
    Cold beer available at a price ,but great to be able to have it in the heat. Shout out to boatman Bastion for finding us Mantas , a very cool experience swimming with them. The staff were a bit quiet but tried their absolute best including keeping some lunch available for us when we missed lunch due to being away on an excursion. Overall this was an amazing three days, a little rough around the edges, might not be everyone’s cup of tea but We enjoyed it and would recommend to others.

  • I am not one to usually write negative reviews but I want to give you my honest opinions of my 3 nights at Rufas Homestay so you can decide whether you want to stay yourself.

    I got the cargo ferry to Fam Island from Sorong and Albert picked me up at 6.30am on time for 500,000 IDR. I was dropped at the homestay.

    Upon arriving I was shown my room and told absolutely nothing about timings, meals or electricity. Fortunately other guests informed me how things operated. I do not expect perfect English, but there was no effort to talk to me and I speak some basic bahasa. I had to really try hard to get things organised for logistics and tours and other guests had the same experience of relying on me to find out what the details were.

    The rooms were good except the fact that in the heat in the lagoon was sweltering due to no wind and the fans provided (if lucky as some rooms didn’t) were not working well enough. Also the mosquito nets weren’t amazing.

    My biggest issue was the food. I don’t expect much but to give us the same meal on repeat for 4 days lunch and dinner with no fish nor meat yet the homestay next door (owned by Albert’s brother) had fish most meals suggests a lack of care for the guests. There was only ever just enough food to eat but barely enough for seconds. After staying at four places I can say the care given was minimal. Beer is 100k and laundry is 100k per person.

    Nonetheless, the coral reef around Rufas Island is stunning and is worth the conditions just for this as you can snorkel for free as much as you want. I saw a shark, over 12 species of butterfly fish, many predatory fish and pristine coral cover, probably the best I saw in Raja Ampat. Therefore I would recommend maybe a night or two if you can accept you will be receiving a poor service.

    I snorkelled at Melissa Garden, Barracuda Point, Yendos Reef and did the manta trip + Piaynemo trip. I do think the prices charged for tours were high especially for Piaynemo but fortunately I split all the tours with other guests. Yendos Reef was stunning and is a must see.

    To conclude worth it for a night or two if you accept you will not be getting a rosy welcome and the food is challenging but the marine life is stunning.

  • I am not one to usually write negative reviews but I want to give you my honest opinions of my 3 nights at Rufas Homestay so you can decide whether you want to stay yourself.

    I got the cargo ferry to Fam Island from Sorong and Albert picked me up at 6.30am on time for 500,000 IDR. I was dropped at the homestay.

    Upon arriving I was shown my room and told absolutely nothing about timings, meals or electricity. Fortunately other guests informed me how things operated. I do not expect perfect English, but there was no effort to talk to me and I speak some basic bahasa. I had to really try hard to get things organised for logistics and tours and other guests had the same experience of relying on me to find out what the details were.

    The rooms were good except the fact that in the heat in the lagoon was sweltering due to no wind and the fans provided (if lucky as some rooms didn’t) were not working well enough. Also the mosquito nets weren’t amazing.

    My biggest issue was the food. I don’t expect much but to give us the same meal on repeat for 4 days lunch and dinner with no fish nor meat yet the homestay next door (owned by Albert’s brother) had fish most meals suggests a lack of care for the guests. There was only ever just enough food to eat but barely enough for seconds. After staying at four places I can say the care given was minimal. Beer is 100k and laundry is 100k per person.

    Nonetheless, the coral reef around Rufas Island is stunning and is worth the conditions just for this as you can snorkel for free as much as you want. I saw a shark, over 12 species of butterfly fish, many predatory fish and pristine coral cover, probably the best I saw in Raja Ampat. Therefore I would recommend maybe a night or two if you can accept you will be receiving a poor service.

    I snorkelled at Melissa Garden, Barracuda Point, Yendos Reef and did the manta trip + Piaynemo trip. I do think the prices charged for tours were high especially for Piaynemo but fortunately I split all the tours with other guests. Yendos Reef was stunning and is a must see.

    To conclude worth it for a night or two if you accept you will not be getting a rosy welcome and the food is challenging but the marine life is stunning.

  • Unfortunately I find myself writing this review.
    My partner and I had booked two nights in a bungalow at Rufas homestay. upon our arrival they told us to wait because our bungalow was not ready, meaning we then had lunch.
    After that, they tell us that our bongalow is not available. they place us in a dilapidated room next to the dining room. A 4m2 room, completely closed, dark, without a window, with a door onto the dining room. there were no pillows or towels.
    Other people’s personal objects were also found inside the room.
    they tell us to spend a night in this room and that the next night they would give us the bongalow.
    obviously we don’t accept, and I thank the guys at stayrajaampat for helping us.
    After hours trying to resolve the situation, we decide to move to the next homestay.
    in conclusion: we lost a day of travel, paid for unnecessary transport and had to make excursions in that area starting from a further away point.
    furthermore on the same day they asked a girl to share the bongalow with another girl unknown to her.
    it is unprofessional to take more reservations than there are free seats available.

    • Sorry you had this happen to you Silvia 🙁

      It is indeed completely unacceptable and unprofessional for homestays to not have promised rooms available when guests arrive.

      There’s not much we can do about the inconvenience, but we guarantee that Stay Raja Ampat guests will be fully refunded (as Simone was) for every night that they have to spend in a room that was not the one they paid for. We also offer immediate assistance to find alternate accommodation and arrange transport there if needed.

  • Unfortunately I find myself writing this review.
    My partner and I had booked two nights in a bungalow at Rufas homestay. upon our arrival they told us to wait because our bungalow was not ready, meaning we then had lunch.
    After that, they tell us that our bongalow is not available. they place us in a dilapidated room next to the dining room. A 4m2 room, completely closed, dark, without a window, with a door onto the dining room. there were no pillows or towels.
    Other people’s personal objects were also found inside the room.
    they tell us to spend a night in this room and that the next night they would give us the bongalow.
    obviously we don’t accept, and I thank the guys at stayrajaampat for helping us.
    After hours trying to resolve the situation, we decide to move to the next homestay.
    in conclusion: we lost a day of travel, paid for unnecessary transport and had to make excursions in that area starting from a further away point.
    furthermore on the same day they asked a girl to share the bongalow with another girl unknown to her.
    it is unprofessional to take more reservations than there are free seats available.

    • Sorry you had this happen to you Silvia 🙁

      It is indeed completely unacceptable and unprofessional for homestays to not have promised rooms available when guests arrive.

      There’s not much we can do about the inconvenience, but we guarantee that Stay Raja Ampat guests will be fully refunded (as Simone was) for every night that they have to spend in a room that was not the one they paid for. We also offer immediate assistance to find alternate accommodation and arrange transport there if needed.

  • Tiny island paradise. Bungalows were nice and a fan provided was very appreciated as you don’t often get that in Raja Ampat. View from the balcony/hammock over the lagoon was one of the best of any Homestay we stayed at. Joshua was so friendly and his English really good – helped with organising any tours and stuff we wanted to do. Although no diving was available while we were there, Joshua did try to help with organising through another Homestay. Very close to the amazing Piaynemo. Coral reef surrounding the island is some of the best snorkelling to be had in Raja Ampat. Food provided was lovely and plentiful. No signal which can be pretty frustrating although some people managed to get it at the top of the viewpoint – which also happens to have unreal 360 degree views (and so great for sunsets!!)

  • Tiny island paradise. Bungalows were nice and a fan provided was very appreciated as you don’t often get that in Raja Ampat. View from the balcony/hammock over the lagoon was one of the best of any Homestay we stayed at. Joshua was so friendly and his English really good – helped with organising any tours and stuff we wanted to do. Although no diving was available while we were there, Joshua did try to help with organising through another Homestay. Very close to the amazing Piaynemo. Coral reef surrounding the island is some of the best snorkelling to be had in Raja Ampat. Food provided was lovely and plentiful. No signal which can be pretty frustrating although some people managed to get it at the top of the viewpoint – which also happens to have unreal 360 degree views (and so great for sunsets!!)

  • Très bel accueil de Joshua, un papou qui travaille pour le homestay et parle anglais. Un vrai plus, avec des soirées à parler de leur culture et mieux comprendre la vie a Raja Ampat. Il est au petit soin.
    De bons spots de snorkelling (le meilleur est celui derrière les cuisines), un point de vue de dingue pour le lever et coucher de soleil en haut de l’île de Rufas.
    Nous avons vu des varans sur l’île, des oiseaux de paradis et des crabes de cocotiers.
    Pour le point de vue à Pianeymo, nous avons pu y aller l’après midi et prendre le temps quand il y a moins de personnes et une meilleur exposition avec la soleil pour prendre des photos. L’avantage d’être à coté !
    La nourriture très bonne, il y a aussi des goûters !
    Chaque personne qui arrive dans le lagon en bateau arrive avec un grand sourire, tellement c’est magique dès les premiers secondes !
    Par contre, pas de wifi et on capte seulement à certaines heures de la journée au point de vue de l’île si on a une carte sim telkosmel.
    Nous avons pu prendre le cargo boat de PAM Village le samedi pour rentrer à Sorong. 145000 par personne le cargo + 500 000 le bateau du homestay pour nous y déposer. Un vrai plus car sinon c’est 2 500 000 le bateau pour rentrer à Wasai de Rufas avec le homestay.

  • Très bel accueil de Joshua, un papou qui travaille pour le homestay et parle anglais. Un vrai plus, avec des soirées à parler de leur culture et mieux comprendre la vie a Raja Ampat. Il est au petit soin.
    De bons spots de snorkelling (le meilleur est celui derrière les cuisines), un point de vue de dingue pour le lever et coucher de soleil en haut de l’île de Rufas.
    Nous avons vu des varans sur l’île, des oiseaux de paradis et des crabes de cocotiers.
    Pour le point de vue à Pianeymo, nous avons pu y aller l’après midi et prendre le temps quand il y a moins de personnes et une meilleur exposition avec la soleil pour prendre des photos. L’avantage d’être à coté !
    La nourriture très bonne, il y a aussi des goûters !
    Chaque personne qui arrive dans le lagon en bateau arrive avec un grand sourire, tellement c’est magique dès les premiers secondes !
    Par contre, pas de wifi et on capte seulement à certaines heures de la journée au point de vue de l’île si on a une carte sim telkosmel.
    Nous avons pu prendre le cargo boat de PAM Village le samedi pour rentrer à Sorong. 145000 par personne le cargo + 500 000 le bateau du homestay pour nous y déposer. Un vrai plus car sinon c’est 2 500 000 le bateau pour rentrer à Wasai de Rufas avec le homestay.

  • I stayed 3 nights at rufas homestay and I really enjoyed the island! It‘s unique! Really good snorkeling around the island and a beautiful viewpoint. The lagoon is so calm and nice. The people were friendly, food was okay and the rooms / bathroom very basic but good.

  • I stayed 3 nights at rufas homestay and I really enjoyed the island! It‘s unique! Really good snorkeling around the island and a beautiful viewpoint. The lagoon is so calm and nice. The people were friendly, food was okay and the rooms / bathroom very basic but good.

  • It is really a nice place! Surrounding is very beautiful. Close to viewpoint Pianeymo and you have very good options to snorkling around the island!

    The homestay itself it is basic but i had a good time there! The food was good and the people were very nice. Joe can speak English very well and helps you to organize a tour.

    Thankyou for having me here in this little paradise!

  • It is really a nice place! Surrounding is very beautiful. Close to viewpoint Pianeymo and you have very good options to snorkling around the island!

    The homestay itself it is basic but i had a good time there! The food was good and the people were very nice. Joe can speak English very well and helps you to organize a tour.

    Thankyou for having me here in this little paradise!

  • Nous avons passés 3 jours sur cette merveilleuse île qui vaut clairement le détour. Les cabanes sont entretenues. Ce n’est pas du tout le cas des WC et c’est dommage.
    Le lieu est idyllique, au milieu de la mer.
    La nourriture est faite en quantité même si elle est peu variée (comme partout à Raja).
    Nous avons passé un très bon séjour dans l’ensemble.

  • Nous avons passés 3 jours sur cette merveilleuse île qui vaut clairement le détour. Les cabanes sont entretenues. Ce n’est pas du tout le cas des WC et c’est dommage.
    Le lieu est idyllique, au milieu de la mer.
    La nourriture est faite en quantité même si elle est peu variée (comme partout à Raja).
    Nous avons passé un très bon séjour dans l’ensemble.

  • Excellent place… This tiny Island is your private one for you and Just for a really few more people… Peace and relax are incluided. The food is great. Alfred and his family will take care of you. Highly adviceable.

  • Excellent place… This tiny Island is your private one for you and Just for a really few more people… Peace and relax are incluided. The food is great. Alfred and his family will take care of you. Highly adviceable.

  • We really recommend Rufas Homestay. We read reviews that the food wasn’t good here but they have definitely changed that, the food was tasty and plentiful. The huts and facilities are basic but comfortable. The view on the lagoon is stunning and very unique. The snorkelling on the reef surrounding the island is some of the best we’ve seen and it’s close to really great snorkel/dive sites such as Melissa’s Garden and Fam Wall. Piaynemo is also really close, you can see it from Rufas. We really recommend the day trip to Piaynemo from here.

  • We really recommend Rufas Homestay. We read reviews that the food wasn’t good here but they have definitely changed that, the food was tasty and plentiful. The huts and facilities are basic but comfortable. The view on the lagoon is stunning and very unique. The snorkelling on the reef surrounding the island is some of the best we’ve seen and it’s close to really great snorkel/dive sites such as Melissa’s Garden and Fam Wall. Piaynemo is also really close, you can see it from Rufas. We really recommend the day trip to Piaynemo from here.

  • We’ve been in Rufas many times, nice family, beautiful environment and this time the food was very good. – A little bit of maintenance work would not hurt: the steps from the bungalows into the lagoon, the jetty …
    We enjoyed our stay, thank you very much!

  • We’ve been in Rufas many times, nice family, beautiful environment and this time the food was very good. – A little bit of maintenance work would not hurt: the steps from the bungalows into the lagoon, the jetty …
    We enjoyed our stay, thank you very much!

  • 4 séjours parfait au Rufas Homestay ! Nous étions seuls 3 nuits sur 4 et avons eu de la nourriture en abondance, différente chaque jour et excellente.
    Les bungalows sont très sympa, le minimum mais largement suffisant, avec la terrasse qui donne dans ce superbe lagon et l’échelle qui y descend directement, c’est magnifique.
    De magnifique centre d’intérêt tout autour mais des tarifs un peu élevés même pour de court trajet, mais il suffit de prendre son équipement et de faire du snorkeling autour de l’île et c’est magique !
    Le seul bémol c’est que la famille ne parle pas du tout anglais et les échanges sont donc inexistants mais ils sont toujours au petit soin et très souriant.
    Suite à de mauvais retour sur l’air des bouteilles nous n’avons pas osé tester la plongée avec le centre qui s’y trouve mais leur matériel semblait en très bon état.. à vérifier !
    On vous recommande vivement de passer quelques jours dans ce petit paradis

  • 4 séjours parfait au Rufas Homestay ! Nous étions seuls 3 nuits sur 4 et avons eu de la nourriture en abondance, différente chaque jour et excellente.
    Les bungalows sont très sympa, le minimum mais largement suffisant, avec la terrasse qui donne dans ce superbe lagon et l’échelle qui y descend directement, c’est magnifique.
    De magnifique centre d’intérêt tout autour mais des tarifs un peu élevés même pour de court trajet, mais il suffit de prendre son équipement et de faire du snorkeling autour de l’île et c’est magique !
    Le seul bémol c’est que la famille ne parle pas du tout anglais et les échanges sont donc inexistants mais ils sont toujours au petit soin et très souriant.
    Suite à de mauvais retour sur l’air des bouteilles nous n’avons pas osé tester la plongée avec le centre qui s’y trouve mais leur matériel semblait en très bon état.. à vérifier !
    On vous recommande vivement de passer quelques jours dans ce petit paradis

  • An amazing stay at Rufas. Beautiful people, nice activities close to the homestay, lagoon is just breathtaking and snorkeling good all around. Food was also plenty and different each day. Totally enjoyed our stay !

  • An amazing stay at Rufas. Beautiful people, nice activities close to the homestay, lagoon is just breathtaking and snorkeling good all around. Food was also plenty and different each day. Totally enjoyed our stay !

  • Its a nice little Island and we had a good time

    However the bungalows are not in the best condition anymore compaired to other homestays in Raja Ampat.

    The food was ok but unfurtnally not much for vegetarian.
    Fish is okay but the chicken smelled bad. We didn’t ate it.
    Also the privat home of the family doesn’t look tourist friendly and a look at the kitchen should be avoided.
    If you got a sensitiv stomach like me Rufas can be hard.
    Didn’t had any problems at other homestay only here at Rufas.

    You won’t be talking much to the family as noone speaks english.

    There is sometimes a person coming from another Island who speaks a littlebit English. With him you can go to Piaynemo.

    The bathroom and shower is a bit nasty… Didn’t like it.

    Snorkeling is amazing though!
    Best reefs of Raja Ampat in my opinion.
    Really in good condition.

    We d
    id some dives with the Lagoon Diver.
    Also here you should be a expierence diver. We where Instructors so we know how to help ourself. But no good briefing. No paperwork. Noone speaks english..
    And the boat broke while going to the first dive site. At least we got an Discount and our own equipment.
    Unfurtnally the air was at the second day really bad. I felt sick under water. So we stopped diving.

    So the island is nice
    Dive Sites are one off the best
    Galaxy Point and Melissas Garden!

    Really remote Island Life
    Its an expierence but you can get bored as there are no other guests or we where unlucky maybe

    Piaynemo is just around the corner
    So thats a big plus!

    I can recommend coming from Fam Island

    There is a Cargo Ferry leaving every Saturday from Fam to Sorong
    For only about 7 Euros
    And you can take the same ferry from Sorong to get to Fam.

    • Mohon maaf atas ketidak nyamanan anda menginap di Homstey kami dan terimakasih atas masukan anda agar kedepannya kami akan memaksimalkan pelayanan Kami sekali lagi mohon maaf .

  • Its a nice little Island and we had a good time

    However the bungalows are not in the best condition anymore compaired to other homestays in Raja Ampat.

    The food was ok but unfurtnally not much for vegetarian.
    Fish is okay but the chicken smelled bad. We didn’t ate it.
    Also the privat home of the family doesn’t look tourist friendly and a look at the kitchen should be avoided.
    If you got a sensitiv stomach like me Rufas can be hard.
    Didn’t had any problems at other homestay only here at Rufas.

    You won’t be talking much to the family as noone speaks english.

    There is sometimes a person coming from another Island who speaks a littlebit English. With him you can go to Piaynemo.

    The bathroom and shower is a bit nasty… Didn’t like it.

    Snorkeling is amazing though!
    Best reefs of Raja Ampat in my opinion.
    Really in good condition.

    We d
    id some dives with the Lagoon Diver.
    Also here you should be a expierence diver. We where Instructors so we know how to help ourself. But no good briefing. No paperwork. Noone speaks english..
    And the boat broke while going to the first dive site. At least we got an Discount and our own equipment.
    Unfurtnally the air was at the second day really bad. I felt sick under water. So we stopped diving.

    So the island is nice
    Dive Sites are one off the best
    Galaxy Point and Melissas Garden!

    Really remote Island Life
    Its an expierence but you can get bored as there are no other guests or we where unlucky maybe

    Piaynemo is just around the corner
    So thats a big plus!

    I can recommend coming from Fam Island

    There is a Cargo Ferry leaving every Saturday from Fam to Sorong
    For only about 7 Euros
    And you can take the same ferry from Sorong to get to Fam.

    • Mohon maaf atas ketidak nyamanan anda menginap di Homstey kami dan terimakasih atas masukan anda agar kedepannya kami akan memaksimalkan pelayanan Kami sekali lagi mohon maaf .

  • Rufas homestay is my favorite in Raja Ampat. I spent a week in Rufas Homestay 4 years ago with friends, we loved it. I came back this year with other friends, and we loved it too. The situation, the people in charge, the lagoon, the snorkeling around the island, Piayneimo right there, activities with the boats… There were also this year some improvements this year from before Covid: electricity and fans during the night, and the food was way better. And this part of Raja Ampat is still free from trash and plastics in the water at the opposite of Kri and Arborek, and there are no rats.

  • Rufas homestay is my favorite in Raja Ampat. I spent a week in Rufas Homestay 4 years ago with friends, we loved it. I came back this year with other friends, and we loved it too. The situation, the people in charge, the lagoon, the snorkeling around the island, Piayneimo right there, activities with the boats… There were also this year some improvements this year from before Covid: electricity and fans during the night, and the food was way better. And this part of Raja Ampat is still free from trash and plastics in the water at the opposite of Kri and Arborek, and there are no rats.

  • Vraiment top. Cette île est mystique c’est carrément l’île à sejourner à raja surtout pour visiter piaynemo qui était à seulement 10min en bateau! Le matin il ya des petits requin pointe noir dans la baie et une tortue qui se promène. Le corail est super beau tout autour de l’île, juste en PMT on en prend plein les yeux.et l’équipe est au top merci à eux pour les excursions et pour avoir pris soins de nous. Tout l’équipement de plongé à l’air en super bon état casi neuf donc c’est top.jz recommande

  • Vraiment top. Cette île est mystique c’est carrément l’île à sejourner à raja surtout pour visiter piaynemo qui était à seulement 10min en bateau! Le matin il ya des petits requin pointe noir dans la baie et une tortue qui se promène. Le corail est super beau tout autour de l’île, juste en PMT on en prend plein les yeux.et l’équipe est au top merci à eux pour les excursions et pour avoir pris soins de nous. Tout l’équipement de plongé à l’air en super bon état casi neuf donc c’est top.jz recommande

  • We just spent a few days in Rufas homestay. The location and surroundings are of course amazing. The lagoon has to be experienced. The bungalow was probably my favourite of the ones we stayed in and the common bathroom/toilet was lovely with a sand/shell flooring.
    The only negative would be the meals. Compared to Piyanemo homestays amazing fish/vegetable/coconut/banana meals Rufas was somewhat of a disappointment especially since at the end of our trip we didnt have extra food stacked. One morning breakfast consisted of a piece of dry cake. Food portions were also small considering the amount of guests. If it hadnt been for this minus we would have been happy to stay longer

  • We just spent a few days in Rufas homestay. The location and surroundings are of course amazing. The lagoon has to be experienced. The bungalow was probably my favourite of the ones we stayed in and the common bathroom/toilet was lovely with a sand/shell flooring.
    The only negative would be the meals. Compared to Piyanemo homestays amazing fish/vegetable/coconut/banana meals Rufas was somewhat of a disappointment especially since at the end of our trip we didnt have extra food stacked. One morning breakfast consisted of a piece of dry cake. Food portions were also small considering the amount of guests. If it hadnt been for this minus we would have been happy to stay longer

  • Good stay at Rufus
    The island is very beautiful with great views from the lookout point.
    The house reef is great with healthy coral and good fish.

    The location makes it very easy to visit piyanemo.

    It’s a very scenic island with great sunsets and serene jetty views.

    The rooms are fairly standard. They have a fan which is great and good 4g signal.

    The bathrooms are decent.

    The meals were timely and varied but personally felt portions could be larger for some meals.

  • Good stay at Rufus
    The island is very beautiful with great views from the lookout point.
    The house reef is great with healthy coral and good fish.

    The location makes it very easy to visit piyanemo.

    It’s a very scenic island with great sunsets and serene jetty views.

    The rooms are fairly standard. They have a fan which is great and good 4g signal.

    The bathrooms are decent.

    The meals were timely and varied but personally felt portions could be larger for some meals.

  • Eine freundliche Gastfamilie
    Wir haben verschiedene Touren gebucht und schöne Ausflüge gemacht. Pyanemo sind keine 10 min entfernt. Einfach weiter zu empfehlen. Mehrere Haie die das Riff außerhalb umkreisen zum Schnorcheln ist es wie eigentlich fast überall super schön.

  • Eine freundliche Gastfamilie
    Wir haben verschiedene Touren gebucht und schöne Ausflüge gemacht. Pyanemo sind keine 10 min entfernt. Einfach weiter zu empfehlen. Mehrere Haie die das Riff außerhalb umkreisen zum Schnorcheln ist es wie eigentlich fast überall super schön.

  • Hello
    could you tell me please what is the cost per person for a pickup at Kri to go to your place
    thank you

    • As published in the table in the “Transport/Getting there” section above, Martin. As noted there, the price is per trip, and is shared by passengers. If you are the only passenger, then you will pay the full trip price.

  • Hello
    could you tell me please what is the cost per person for a pickup at Kri to go to your place
    thank you

    • As published in the table in the “Transport/Getting there” section above, Martin. As noted there, the price is per trip, and is shared by passengers. If you are the only passenger, then you will pay the full trip price.

  • L’arrivée et l’entrée dans le lagon est juste magique! Nous avons passé 2 nuits chez Ruffas (6/8 février 2023). Couchage tout à fait correct et bungalow propre.
    La famille d’accueil est très gentille.
    Nous avons eu la pluie ce qui nous a décidée à ne pas restez plus longtemps. Nous sommes montées sur le point de vue et avons pu admirer le lagon d’en haut. Quel chance d’être dans un si beau décor!
    Après une accalmie, nous avons pu nous rendre sur l’île de Pianemo. Nous avons été surprises de ce bel aménagement d’escaliers en bois pour atteindre le fameux point de vue où l’on découvre toutes les îles. Encore un endroit féerique !
    Le seul bémol, c’es que la nourriture n’était pas en quantité suffisante pour le nombre de personnes accueillies.

  • L’arrivée et l’entrée dans le lagon est juste magique! Nous avons passé 2 nuits chez Ruffas (6/8 février 2023). Couchage tout à fait correct et bungalow propre.
    La famille d’accueil est très gentille.
    Nous avons eu la pluie ce qui nous a décidée à ne pas restez plus longtemps. Nous sommes montées sur le point de vue et avons pu admirer le lagon d’en haut. Quel chance d’être dans un si beau décor!
    Après une accalmie, nous avons pu nous rendre sur l’île de Pianemo. Nous avons été surprises de ce bel aménagement d’escaliers en bois pour atteindre le fameux point de vue où l’on découvre toutes les îles. Encore un endroit féerique !
    Le seul bémol, c’es que la nourriture n’était pas en quantité suffisante pour le nombre de personnes accueillies.

  • I think it’s interesting to visit, but as a day trip – I wouldn’t come back to stay. The food was really poor compared to other homestays. I had to ask if we could at least have a fish (coz they served us just rice, oily eggplant and 1 fried egg). I also had to ask for bananas, just to have something to snack, or to eat something else than rice.
    The location is quite remote so it takes time to get here and you don’t have many options if you don’t like something.
    Trips seemed quite pricy to me. 400k snorkel trip to Melissa Garden, which is 10 min away, 500k piaynemo (out of which 300 was entrence fee, I was told).
    The mattress we slept on was quite bad.

    What was a bit grotesque was that when we were here, you think you are so far from everything so you’ll have a peace – all of a sudden bam – massive luxury yacht arrives in front of piaynemo and in the evening, they have big party and loud music goes through whole lagoon until late night.. Lol.

    On positive note there many okayish (for the context) toilets and showers available. They built many bungalows there, I counted 8 or 9, I think.
    View point offers amazing views, sunsets, sunrises.
    Snorkeling was fun and rich around the lagoon, with sharks hunting smaller fishes in the morning.

  • I think it’s interesting to visit, but as a day trip – I wouldn’t come back to stay. The food was really poor compared to other homestays. I had to ask if we could at least have a fish (coz they served us just rice, oily eggplant and 1 fried egg). I also had to ask for bananas, just to have something to snack, or to eat something else than rice.
    The location is quite remote so it takes time to get here and you don’t have many options if you don’t like something.
    Trips seemed quite pricy to me. 400k snorkel trip to Melissa Garden, which is 10 min away, 500k piaynemo (out of which 300 was entrence fee, I was told).
    The mattress we slept on was quite bad.

    What was a bit grotesque was that when we were here, you think you are so far from everything so you’ll have a peace – all of a sudden bam – massive luxury yacht arrives in front of piaynemo and in the evening, they have big party and loud music goes through whole lagoon until late night.. Lol.

    On positive note there many okayish (for the context) toilets and showers available. They built many bungalows there, I counted 8 or 9, I think.
    View point offers amazing views, sunsets, sunrises.
    Snorkeling was fun and rich around the lagoon, with sharks hunting smaller fishes in the morning.

  • My friend and I had a lovely time at Rufas Homestay. Our host Ariens was able to take us out on day trips each day and there were so many beautiful places to visit for snorkelling. Rufas itself is a stunning island and we loved swimming in the lagoon and climbing to the highest point to take in the views. The homestay family was very polite and kind to us. We enjoyed speaking Indonesian and the local language with them. A great choice if you’re looking for an isolated stay in a beautiful place.

  • My friend and I had a lovely time at Rufas Homestay. Our host Ariens was able to take us out on day trips each day and there were so many beautiful places to visit for snorkelling. Rufas itself is a stunning island and we loved swimming in the lagoon and climbing to the highest point to take in the views. The homestay family was very polite and kind to us. We enjoyed speaking Indonesian and the local language with them. A great choice if you’re looking for an isolated stay in a beautiful place.

  • Nous avons séjourné 5 jours dans ce lieu paradisiaque. Quel dommage dans un tel joyau d’avoir un service aussi déplorable. Personne ne vient vous accueillir à votre arrivée. Quant aux repas les quantités étaient insuffisantes : les derniers arrivés n’avaient que du riz et 1 repas sur 2 tête de poisson au menu. De plus le personnel ne parle pas anglais. C’est la 1ère fois que nous mettons un commentaire négatif et j’attends impatiemment la réponse du propriétaire.

    • So sorry to hear of your experience at Rufas Christian, and thank you for taking the time to leave a review.

      It’s unlikely that Rufas’ owners will see your feedback here, but we will pass it on to them.

      Your booking confirmation email contained information about what to do in the event of service failures. If you had contacted the number provided as soon as the problem became apparent, we could have either helped to fix it, or arranged alternate accommodation for you.

      Hopefully your other stays will be much more enjoyable and earn better reviews!

    • Hi Christian, I’am sorry for the inconvenience and our service and we will try to prevent the same thing from happening again.

      Thanks for your comment

  • Nous avons séjourné 5 jours dans ce lieu paradisiaque. Quel dommage dans un tel joyau d’avoir un service aussi déplorable. Personne ne vient vous accueillir à votre arrivée. Quant aux repas les quantités étaient insuffisantes : les derniers arrivés n’avaient que du riz et 1 repas sur 2 tête de poisson au menu. De plus le personnel ne parle pas anglais. C’est la 1ère fois que nous mettons un commentaire négatif et j’attends impatiemment la réponse du propriétaire.

    • So sorry to hear of your experience at Rufas Christian, and thank you for taking the time to leave a review.

      It’s unlikely that Rufas’ owners will see your feedback here, but we will pass it on to them.

      Your booking confirmation email contained information about what to do in the event of service failures. If you had contacted the number provided as soon as the problem became apparent, we could have either helped to fix it, or arranged alternate accommodation for you.

      Hopefully your other stays will be much more enjoyable and earn better reviews!

    • Hi Christian, I’am sorry for the inconvenience and our service and we will try to prevent the same thing from happening again.

      Thanks for your comment

  • Good morning,
    We have our open water so is it possible to do diving on this island or we can do only snorkling?
    Best regards,
    Chloé

  • Good morning,
    We have our open water so is it possible to do diving on this island or we can do only snorkling?
    Best regards,
    Chloé

  • Hi, this looks amazing, but on some of the pictures the lagoon is blue, and some are green, which time of year is when it is blue? thanks :))))

    • Hi Robert

      The apparent colour of the lagoon does change a little, depending on viewing angle, time of day, and weather conditions, but every time that we have visited it has looked more blue than green. In our opinion, the biggest contributor to the colour variation seen in the photos is the colour balance of the individual devices used for capture!

  • Hi, this looks amazing, but on some of the pictures the lagoon is blue, and some are green, which time of year is when it is blue? thanks :))))

    • Hi Robert

      The apparent colour of the lagoon does change a little, depending on viewing angle, time of day, and weather conditions, but every time that we have visited it has looked more blue than green. In our opinion, the biggest contributor to the colour variation seen in the photos is the colour balance of the individual devices used for capture!

  • Hello,

    I will be travelling to Raja Ampat between 19th and 27th of October and Rufas seems beyond my dreams. My only concern is I am solo at if I am not wrong, both ways could cost me like 10.000.000idr which way too much from what I can afford. Could someone tell me how much would I have to pay from Wasai and let says back to Kordiris Homestay

    Thanks

    • Hello Kerem

      Transfers between Rufas and Waisai cost IDR 2,500,000. If you were the only person travelling, then the price you would pay to travel Waisai – Rufas – Waisai would be IDR 5,000,000.

      Rufas has not provided any other transfer prices, but Kordiris is about two-thirds of the way back to Waisai, so you would probably need to pay about IDR 1,600,000 for a transfer from Rufas to Kordiris.

  • Hello,

    I will be travelling to Raja Ampat between 19th and 27th of October and Rufas seems beyond my dreams. My only concern is I am solo at if I am not wrong, both ways could cost me like 10.000.000idr which way too much from what I can afford. Could someone tell me how much would I have to pay from Wasai and let says back to Kordiris Homestay

    Thanks

    • Hello Kerem

      Transfers between Rufas and Waisai cost IDR 2,500,000. If you were the only person travelling, then the price you would pay to travel Waisai – Rufas – Waisai would be IDR 5,000,000.

      Rufas has not provided any other transfer prices, but Kordiris is about two-thirds of the way back to Waisai, so you would probably need to pay about IDR 1,600,000 for a transfer from Rufas to Kordiris.

  • Nous sommes restés 4 nuits à Rufas, et c’était formidable!
    Le lagon, les bungalows, et puis surtoutEdi et sa famille: des gens fabuleux! Toujours attentifs tout en étant discrets. Edi nous a emmené faire de fantastiques excursions et après nous avoir déposés dans notre homestay suivant, il est même venu nous rapporter un sac que nous avions oublié dans son bateau!
    Merci pour tout Edi c’était vraiment le paradis dans ton homestay 😉

  • Nous sommes restés 4 nuits à Rufas, et c’était formidable!
    Le lagon, les bungalows, et puis surtoutEdi et sa famille: des gens fabuleux! Toujours attentifs tout en étant discrets. Edi nous a emmené faire de fantastiques excursions et après nous avoir déposés dans notre homestay suivant, il est même venu nous rapporter un sac que nous avions oublié dans son bateau!
    Merci pour tout Edi c’était vraiment le paradis dans ton homestay 😉

      • Thank you for your answer but that’s not exactly what i meant
        I do not come to Raja Ampat to stay only in a small lagoon as pretty as it is
        I wanted to know if the weather conditions which at this time of the year are often difficult (the wind), allow on the one hand to get there without difficulty and on the other hand once there to be able to take advantage of the many snorkeling trips from Rufus (Melissa’s Garden, Napoleon Reef, Pam Wall, Piaynemo, Napoleon Reef etc.)

      • Thank you for your answer but that’s not exactly what i meant
        I do not come to Raja Ampat to stay only in a small lagoon as pretty as it is
        I wanted to know if the weather conditions which at this time of the year are often difficult (the wind), allow on the one hand to get there without difficulty and on the other hand once there to be able to take advantage of the many snorkeling trips from Rufus (Melissa’s Garden, Napoleon Reef, Pam Wall, Piaynemo, Napoleon Reef etc.)

      • All ok now with internet and phone signal. But be careful to buy 4G Telkomsel package for data. Otherwise Rufus homestay wonderful as ever. Just spend two weeks here and will return. Even food now good they are trying their best.

      • All ok now with internet and phone signal. But be careful to buy 4G Telkomsel package for data. Otherwise Rufus homestay wonderful as ever. Just spend two weeks here and will return. Even food now good they are trying their best.

  • Thank you Suliman for your welcome ! A Fantastic place to stay very close to Pianemo, a amazing place around a private lagoon, just look at the view on the picture it’s like it is.
    Our host and his family are really attentive and benevolent. From Rufas you can dive or snorkel to Baracuda, melissa garden, fam wall,… etc … and Suliman will guide you safely. Thank you again for all.
    Monie & David

  • Thank you Suliman for your welcome ! A Fantastic place to stay very close to Pianemo, a amazing place around a private lagoon, just look at the view on the picture it’s like it is.
    Our host and his family are really attentive and benevolent. From Rufas you can dive or snorkel to Baracuda, melissa garden, fam wall,… etc … and Suliman will guide you safely. Thank you again for all.
    Monie & David

  • Stayed for six days mid- November. Nice corals, an interesting mix of wall and shelf. I was a bit surprised there were not more fishes, in particular large ones were rare. Some luminescent plankton under the pier at times. Located around the lagoon, and protected from the wind, the huts, all with nice porches, were quite warm at night. Everyone had trouble sleeping. Fortunately not many mosquitoes and so net was not necessary, which helped a bit. A bit more variety when it came to the food would have been nice. There was enough food to go around, although to not go hungry, some times my meals were 90% rice.

  • Stayed for six days mid- November. Nice corals, an interesting mix of wall and shelf. I was a bit surprised there were not more fishes, in particular large ones were rare. Some luminescent plankton under the pier at times. Located around the lagoon, and protected from the wind, the huts, all with nice porches, were quite warm at night. Everyone had trouble sleeping. Fortunately not many mosquitoes and so net was not necessary, which helped a bit. A bit more variety when it came to the food would have been nice. There was enough food to go around, although to not go hungry, some times my meals were 90% rice.

  • Amazing place!

    Being alone on a private island surrounded by amazing coral reefs was just the best for us.
    For the moment there is only one caban with a beautiful view on the lagoon, you can basically jump from the caban to the water. I think they are building 3-4 new cabans on the other side of the island.

    Ariens can arrange boat trips (snorkeling) to several places near Gam and we took the tour to Melissa’s garden and Piaynemo. We were alone and it was great! The price was fair for the whole morning.
    After that he advised us to snorkel around the island to spot turtles, so we did and it exceeded our expectations when we spotted a mother and baby dugong! He had never seen dugongs here so I guess we were very lucky!

    There are 2 ladies on the island to prepare the food, which was good. They don’t speak English but seem very friendly.
    The shower and toilet are clean.

    The only thing you have to take into account is that it’s quite far from Central Raja Ampat and they usually charge 2M Rps to come from Kri (anyone will tell you this). What you can try to do is negotiate with them (we could negotiate the way back because they were going to Waisai anyway) or try to find other people going to Fam islands to share a boat (call other homestays in the area or leave a comment in the fb group).

    We will come back again!

    Thank you 🙂

  • Amazing place!

    Being alone on a private island surrounded by amazing coral reefs was just the best for us.
    For the moment there is only one caban with a beautiful view on the lagoon, you can basically jump from the caban to the water. I think they are building 3-4 new cabans on the other side of the island.

    Ariens can arrange boat trips (snorkeling) to several places near Gam and we took the tour to Melissa’s garden and Piaynemo. We were alone and it was great! The price was fair for the whole morning.
    After that he advised us to snorkel around the island to spot turtles, so we did and it exceeded our expectations when we spotted a mother and baby dugong! He had never seen dugongs here so I guess we were very lucky!

    There are 2 ladies on the island to prepare the food, which was good. They don’t speak English but seem very friendly.
    The shower and toilet are clean.

    The only thing you have to take into account is that it’s quite far from Central Raja Ampat and they usually charge 2M Rps to come from Kri (anyone will tell you this). What you can try to do is negotiate with them (we could negotiate the way back because they were going to Waisai anyway) or try to find other people going to Fam islands to share a boat (call other homestays in the area or leave a comment in the fb group).

    We will come back again!

    Thank you 🙂

  • +
    nice snorkeling
    Nice lagoon and viewpoint


    Just very poor and bad food
    Communication was nearly impossible

  • +
    nice snorkeling
    Nice lagoon and viewpoint


    Just very poor and bad food
    Communication was nearly impossible

  • Just stayed at Rufas. Fantastic snorkeling. Good outing. Rufus family very caring. Simple but sufficient food. Ask Arien for affordable pickup from Waisai or other homestays.

  • Just stayed at Rufas. Fantastic snorkeling. Good outing. Rufus family very caring. Simple but sufficient food. Ask Arien for affordable pickup from Waisai or other homestays.

  • Hello we sleep on Gam Yenbaynus the night of September 25, and wish to come 2 nights at Rufas. Is it possible that the boat comes to pick us up at this place or must we imperatively be on waisai?

    • Only request a Waisai pickup from the first place you stay at Mary.

      Onward transfers are easily arranged when you are there.

      The best way to get to your next homestay is to ask your current one to take you there. Or you can ask them to call your destination to come and pick you up.

  • Hello we sleep on Gam Yenbaynus the night of September 25, and wish to come 2 nights at Rufas. Is it possible that the boat comes to pick us up at this place or must we imperatively be on waisai?

    • Only request a Waisai pickup from the first place you stay at Mary.

      Onward transfers are easily arranged when you are there.

      The best way to get to your next homestay is to ask your current one to take you there. Or you can ask them to call your destination to come and pick you up.

  • We stayed at Rufas for 5 nights in March and we LOVED our stay!

    As we were only the two of us there was always more than enough food! + always a snack in the afternoon, which didn’t happen in any other homestay. The food is very basic, but it is very delicious and you cannot expect luxury when being so remote.

    The lagoon is very nice and calming, with a great reef just outside. The views from the viewpoint are amazing, perfect for sunset watching.

    For snorkelling we would definitely recommend Pam Wall! You slowly drift with the current and corrals are super colourful.
    Melissa’s Garden is a bit too deep for snorkelling.

    If you are looking for a relaxing time, this is it!! 🙂

  • We stayed at Rufas for 5 nights in March and we LOVED our stay!

    As we were only the two of us there was always more than enough food! + always a snack in the afternoon, which didn’t happen in any other homestay. The food is very basic, but it is very delicious and you cannot expect luxury when being so remote.

    The lagoon is very nice and calming, with a great reef just outside. The views from the viewpoint are amazing, perfect for sunset watching.

    For snorkelling we would definitely recommend Pam Wall! You slowly drift with the current and corrals are super colourful.
    Melissa’s Garden is a bit too deep for snorkelling.

    If you are looking for a relaxing time, this is it!! 🙂

  • We had an amazing stay at Rufas. It has a great house reef, a nice lagoon and a beautyfull viewpoint. Wich was, in our opinion, even better than the nearby Piaynemo viewpoint (wich was still awesome). There are lots of snorkeling opportunities. The People of rufas are really kind and helpfull. The food is great and you get more than enough. At least 4 times a day.

    For the dutch people who read this. They gave us poffertjes (ofja een soort van) and Hot chocolate (van Friese Vlag)

    Highly reccomend this homestay!

  • We had an amazing stay at Rufas. It has a great house reef, a nice lagoon and a beautyfull viewpoint. Wich was, in our opinion, even better than the nearby Piaynemo viewpoint (wich was still awesome). There are lots of snorkeling opportunities. The People of rufas are really kind and helpfull. The food is great and you get more than enough. At least 4 times a day.

    For the dutch people who read this. They gave us poffertjes (ofja een soort van) and Hot chocolate (van Friese Vlag)

    Highly reccomend this homestay!

  • Please i what time the boat leave from Arefi to Pam, and I what time the ferry arrive at Pam (perhaps wecan take this ferry if we want to go from Batanta (Dayan) to Pam (Rufas) ?

    • The departure from Arefi is usually after 10pm Catherine, so arrival at Pam would usually be after midnight. Dayan is also almost halfway to Pam from Arefi, and from Pam you need another boat to get to Rufas. It would be far more convenient (and the journey would take much less time) to arrange a direct transfer between Dayan and Rufas. Either homestay can take you to the other.

  • Please i what time the boat leave from Arefi to Pam, and I what time the ferry arrive at Pam (perhaps wecan take this ferry if we want to go from Batanta (Dayan) to Pam (Rufas) ?

    • The departure from Arefi is usually after 10pm Catherine, so arrival at Pam would usually be after midnight. Dayan is also almost halfway to Pam from Arefi, and from Pam you need another boat to get to Rufas. It would be far more convenient (and the journey would take much less time) to arrange a direct transfer between Dayan and Rufas. Either homestay can take you to the other.

  • I stayed 4 nights at Rufas in the end of january. They picked me up in Pam where I arrived by public boat.
    The site is beautiful. Swimming inside the lagoon is easy and nice. Outside the lagoon it is more interesting but you have to be aware of currents.
    Food is basic but always enough.
    The place is clean and the staff very friendly.
    It is really worth to come here.

  • I stayed 4 nights at Rufas in the end of january. They picked me up in Pam where I arrived by public boat.
    The site is beautiful. Swimming inside the lagoon is easy and nice. Outside the lagoon it is more interesting but you have to be aware of currents.
    Food is basic but always enough.
    The place is clean and the staff very friendly.
    It is really worth to come here.

  • My wife and I stayed here for 4 days in March.
    This is our favourite places of seven we visited during 5 weeks in RA.
    Not because of the food which was ok but simple. The bungalow was nice, the mandi quite clean, the family really friendly,  but the location is absolutely perfect. The deck of the bungalow overlooks the quiet lagoon. There is great snorkelling inside and outside, lots of sharks, turtles…
    The famous Piaynemo is just opposite and there is also a wonderful look out on Rufas itself.
    Aries who stayed in Waisai always reacted promptly when I asked for reservation and pick up – thanks for that!

  • My wife and I stayed here for 4 days in March.
    This is our favourite places of seven we visited during 5 weeks in RA.
    Not because of the food which was ok but simple. The bungalow was nice, the mandi quite clean, the family really friendly,  but the location is absolutely perfect. The deck of the bungalow overlooks the quiet lagoon. There is great snorkelling inside and outside, lots of sharks, turtles…
    The famous Piaynemo is just opposite and there is also a wonderful look out on Rufas itself.
    Aries who stayed in Waisai always reacted promptly when I asked for reservation and pick up – thanks for that!

  • I had originally booked to stay at Rufas for 2 nights but when I arrived the homestay was full even though I had texted them the day before to confirm my arrival. Fortunately they managed to find a room in the back of one of the huts which was appreciated after a long rough trip to get there. I ended up staying only one night. The place is beautiful but quite exposed. I arrived on a very windy day and was still shaken by the rough trip. I also found it quite crowded for such a tiny atoll. There were 10 other people staying there (plus the host family) and the area in which you can walk around is very small. The snorkelling inside the lagoon was not as nice as the water was quite murky and with lots of filamentous green algae although some of the huge coral formations were quite incredible. The snorkeling outside was fantastic although I didn’t explore everything as I was alone and weary of strong currents. The view at the top was great. There is no generator on the island (that I could see or hear) and power is supplied by battery which is great as there is no noise but not as reliable. The host family were very friendly, helpful and accommodating and the food was great. It’s great for a day trip but I would probably only stay there for 1 night at the most.

  • I had originally booked to stay at Rufas for 2 nights but when I arrived the homestay was full even though I had texted them the day before to confirm my arrival. Fortunately they managed to find a room in the back of one of the huts which was appreciated after a long rough trip to get there. I ended up staying only one night. The place is beautiful but quite exposed. I arrived on a very windy day and was still shaken by the rough trip. I also found it quite crowded for such a tiny atoll. There were 10 other people staying there (plus the host family) and the area in which you can walk around is very small. The snorkelling inside the lagoon was not as nice as the water was quite murky and with lots of filamentous green algae although some of the huge coral formations were quite incredible. The snorkeling outside was fantastic although I didn’t explore everything as I was alone and weary of strong currents. The view at the top was great. There is no generator on the island (that I could see or hear) and power is supplied by battery which is great as there is no noise but not as reliable. The host family were very friendly, helpful and accommodating and the food was great. It’s great for a day trip but I would probably only stay there for 1 night at the most.

  • We stayed at Rufus Homestay February 9-16,2019.
    The place is amazing and worth the long journey to get there!
    I would like to address some of the complaints I have been reading.
    FIRST…people complain about not getting picked up and that their room is not available…
    Rufus seems to extend the visits of people who are already there, especially if they are not sure you will be coming as planned.
    My solution was to book with Stay Raja Ampat and then send an email every few weeks stating my reservation number and a note saying yes I am still coming!
    A week before my dates I sent an email with my reservation number telling them what Ferry I was arriving on from Sorong and asked for specific instructions on who would pick me up at Waisai. This gives them time to arrange transport for you.
    Second… the food is poor, monotonous and not always enough to fill the belly. I would pay extra for more fruit and fish etc but it is what it is…. the poor girl doing the cooking only has the food they give her to cook, which is rice ,vegetables and eggs. She does wonders with those basic ingredients!
    So… the solution is to bring some food. We brought Mie Goreing instant noodles, coconut cookies,a can of sweetened condensed milk,for our coffee, packets of instant coffee and hot chocolate, some hard candies and some fruit.
    All of this food was hung by a cord from the rafter to avoid rats.
    With those problems solved, the place is a paradise!
    Snorkle in the lagoon, out the opening to the right and around the island to the dock. Best time is at high tide when there is little current. You need to dive under the little bridge of coral that connects to a small side islet or simply swim around the islet!
    You will see many black tip sharks. They are as afraid of you as you are of them. They eat small fish, not marine mammals.
    The north side of the island ( behind the bungalows and opposite the lagoon) is often rough with waves.
    If it is ever calm though, the reef there is fantastic! Lots of fish and very healthy coral, both hard and soft… it is a beautiful coral garden !
    Papa Soloman will also take you to neighbouring snorkle sites and the Piaynemo viewpoint is worth the admission.
    Melissas Garden is too deep to enjoy snorkelimg, but Fam Wall was great, with lots of soft coral like Freiwen wall. Napolean reef was also good.
    We are planning to return next year!

  • We stayed at Rufus Homestay February 9-16,2019.
    The place is amazing and worth the long journey to get there!
    I would like to address some of the complaints I have been reading.
    FIRST…people complain about not getting picked up and that their room is not available…
    Rufus seems to extend the visits of people who are already there, especially if they are not sure you will be coming as planned.
    My solution was to book with Stay Raja Ampat and then send an email every few weeks stating my reservation number and a note saying yes I am still coming!
    A week before my dates I sent an email with my reservation number telling them what Ferry I was arriving on from Sorong and asked for specific instructions on who would pick me up at Waisai. This gives them time to arrange transport for you.
    Second… the food is poor, monotonous and not always enough to fill the belly. I would pay extra for more fruit and fish etc but it is what it is…. the poor girl doing the cooking only has the food they give her to cook, which is rice ,vegetables and eggs. She does wonders with those basic ingredients!
    So… the solution is to bring some food. We brought Mie Goreing instant noodles, coconut cookies,a can of sweetened condensed milk,for our coffee, packets of instant coffee and hot chocolate, some hard candies and some fruit.
    All of this food was hung by a cord from the rafter to avoid rats.
    With those problems solved, the place is a paradise!
    Snorkle in the lagoon, out the opening to the right and around the island to the dock. Best time is at high tide when there is little current. You need to dive under the little bridge of coral that connects to a small side islet or simply swim around the islet!
    You will see many black tip sharks. They are as afraid of you as you are of them. They eat small fish, not marine mammals.
    The north side of the island ( behind the bungalows and opposite the lagoon) is often rough with waves.
    If it is ever calm though, the reef there is fantastic! Lots of fish and very healthy coral, both hard and soft… it is a beautiful coral garden !
    Papa Soloman will also take you to neighbouring snorkle sites and the Piaynemo viewpoint is worth the admission.
    Melissas Garden is too deep to enjoy snorkelimg, but Fam Wall was great, with lots of soft coral like Freiwen wall. Napolean reef was also good.
    We are planning to return next year!

  • We stayed at Rufas for 4nights in February.
    Loved it to the moon and back.
    But let me start from the beginning. .
    The pick up was on point in Waisai.
    It was not Rufas’ own boat (we noticed later).
    It was quite rough sea for that little “speedboat” and we asked before leaving the harbour : do we need to cover our packing (because they didn’t do that) ?(laptop,phones, batteries,cameras and so on)
    The 2 guys said no no not need.
    (Strange-all homestays we went in boats with cover their guests packing)

    After 20 minutes they stopped and said : cover bags.
    LUCKILY we have been traveling before and had 2 big plastic bags(160 litre)with us.
    We had to cut one open to cover the big backpacks and one plastic bag we stuffed our carry-on bags in.
    And then the hell trip began.
    The boat men laughing, while we where terrified!!! I fell of my seat 3 times!
    Like a ping pong ball on the seat.
    We screamed a few times and they just kept going in same speed. It was the worst worst ride ever!!!
    At one point one motor stopped also.
    That is really dangerous for back injuries to drive like maniacs in that sea!!!
    150 minutes!!!
    Many days after I had blue marks on my arms, legs and my back.

    In the afternoon new guests came with Rufas’own boat. Their ride was 3hour and they also had a stop to rest/look around.

    Apart from that horrific boatride Rufas delivered what we wanted 🙂
    Remoteness. Peacefulness.
    Calmness.
    Stunning Lagoon.
    Sound from the waves and birds.
    Friendly host+family ?
    Ariens brother (I forgot his name, I’m ashamed) ask if you want to to do trips.

    It is close to Piaynemo. ~7minute boatride there; 400.000 for the boat incl fee to Piaynemo. And a tour around the area also.

    Rufas also has a Look out but prepare for some work to get there. Beautiful view over the lagoon and Piaynemo ?

    Perfect lagoon to swim and snorkel and just at the opening and outside the opening it is FABULOUS snorkeling!

    Compare to other homestays the food was worst of the 3 we stayed at this trip around.
    It really needs to improve.
    But for 4days we did ok 😉

    Clean – both bungalow and toilet/shower.

    And also , we had a bed! Not only a mattress on the floor.
    That means a lot sometimes (for example when stiff after a hellride )

    The place is good also since it is close to nearby snorkeling places/ diving.

    We highly recommend Rufas. <3 <3 <3

    Just be aware of the boat ride if the sea is bumpy…

  • We stayed at Rufas for 4nights in February.
    Loved it to the moon and back.
    But let me start from the beginning. .
    The pick up was on point in Waisai.
    It was not Rufas’ own boat (we noticed later).
    It was quite rough sea for that little “speedboat” and we asked before leaving the harbour : do we need to cover our packing (because they didn’t do that) ?(laptop,phones, batteries,cameras and so on)
    The 2 guys said no no not need.
    (Strange-all homestays we went in boats with cover their guests packing)

    After 20 minutes they stopped and said : cover bags.
    LUCKILY we have been traveling before and had 2 big plastic bags(160 litre)with us.
    We had to cut one open to cover the big backpacks and one plastic bag we stuffed our carry-on bags in.
    And then the hell trip began.
    The boat men laughing, while we where terrified!!! I fell of my seat 3 times!
    Like a ping pong ball on the seat.
    We screamed a few times and they just kept going in same speed. It was the worst worst ride ever!!!
    At one point one motor stopped also.
    That is really dangerous for back injuries to drive like maniacs in that sea!!!
    150 minutes!!!
    Many days after I had blue marks on my arms, legs and my back.

    In the afternoon new guests came with Rufas’own boat. Their ride was 3hour and they also had a stop to rest/look around.

    Apart from that horrific boatride Rufas delivered what we wanted 🙂
    Remoteness. Peacefulness.
    Calmness.
    Stunning Lagoon.
    Sound from the waves and birds.
    Friendly host+family ?
    Ariens brother (I forgot his name, I’m ashamed) ask if you want to to do trips.

    It is close to Piaynemo. ~7minute boatride there; 400.000 for the boat incl fee to Piaynemo. And a tour around the area also.

    Rufas also has a Look out but prepare for some work to get there. Beautiful view over the lagoon and Piaynemo ?

    Perfect lagoon to swim and snorkel and just at the opening and outside the opening it is FABULOUS snorkeling!

    Compare to other homestays the food was worst of the 3 we stayed at this trip around.
    It really needs to improve.
    But for 4days we did ok 😉

    Clean – both bungalow and toilet/shower.

    And also , we had a bed! Not only a mattress on the floor.
    That means a lot sometimes (for example when stiff after a hellride )

    The place is good also since it is close to nearby snorkeling places/ diving.

    We highly recommend Rufas. <3 <3 <3

    Just be aware of the boat ride if the sea is bumpy…

  • Beautiful place.. amazing private lagoon.. i hope one day i can come again.. thanks for kaka ari and fam.. very kind people..

  • Beautiful place.. amazing private lagoon.. i hope one day i can come again.. thanks for kaka ari and fam.. very kind people..

  • Stayed here in mid February, the island is something really unique, bungalows overlooking the lagoon are well built & comfortable. Food was the worst we has in RA & the place has lots of mosquitos. Amazing house reef & great 360* look out tower to enjoy sunrises & sunsets.

  • Stayed here in mid February, the island is something really unique, bungalows overlooking the lagoon are well built & comfortable. Food was the worst we has in RA & the place has lots of mosquitos. Amazing house reef & great 360* look out tower to enjoy sunrises & sunsets.

  • Penginapan paket lengkap. Rekomen banget, liat pemandangan di sekitar bisa naik ke atas bukit., mau berenang di sekitar juga bisa, tempat snorkeling bisa diluar maupun di lagoon

  • Penginapan paket lengkap. Rekomen banget, liat pemandangan di sekitar bisa naik ke atas bukit., mau berenang di sekitar juga bisa, tempat snorkeling bisa diluar maupun di lagoon

  • Dear vusitours.
    Please be careful about booking Rufus homestay.
    Owner not serious, over booked many time. They not inform you noting, they just not come pickup you in Waisai port, and you will have many problems find new home stay on arriving day.
    I was booked Rufus for 3 night but they say I’m sorry we still full. You can stay one night in Sunrise homestay, and we come pickup you next morning to go Rufus. Next morning nobody come pickup me, nobody called me, noting…..And I was stay Sunrise homestay 3 night. I recommend that you avoid this accommodation

  • Dear vusitours.
    Please be careful about booking Rufus homestay.
    Owner not serious, over booked many time. They not inform you noting, they just not come pickup you in Waisai port, and you will have many problems find new home stay on arriving day.
    I was booked Rufus for 3 night but they say I’m sorry we still full. You can stay one night in Sunrise homestay, and we come pickup you next morning to go Rufus. Next morning nobody come pickup me, nobody called me, noting…..And I was stay Sunrise homestay 3 night. I recommend that you avoid this accommodation

  • Stayed here for 5 days in January. Incredible. My favourite place in the world. Rufas has the best snorkelling in raja ampat, there are sharks, turtles, mantas, dugong, parrotfish, you name it, they have it. The lagoon is always warm and is filled with baby sharks and plenty of interesting fish.
    The lookout is a highlight. Bring a hammock and enjoy afternoon naps to the sounds of waves crashing against the cliffs. Amazing.
    Food was not the best we had in RA, but given the remoteness, I was impressed. The local family are also lovely, though we were lucky that a papuan teenager studying to be a tourist guide was staying there for a few weeks and was able to translate for us as the family are not strong English speakers.
    Piaynemo is literally across the water from Rufas, so do that tour from here for very cheap. There are 4 bedrooms, each of which accommodates two people (either in a double or two singles).

  • Stayed here for 5 days in January. Incredible. My favourite place in the world. Rufas has the best snorkelling in raja ampat, there are sharks, turtles, mantas, dugong, parrotfish, you name it, they have it. The lagoon is always warm and is filled with baby sharks and plenty of interesting fish.
    The lookout is a highlight. Bring a hammock and enjoy afternoon naps to the sounds of waves crashing against the cliffs. Amazing.
    Food was not the best we had in RA, but given the remoteness, I was impressed. The local family are also lovely, though we were lucky that a papuan teenager studying to be a tourist guide was staying there for a few weeks and was able to translate for us as the family are not strong English speakers.
    Piaynemo is literally across the water from Rufas, so do that tour from here for very cheap. There are 4 bedrooms, each of which accommodates two people (either in a double or two singles).

  • Rufas Homestay is a hidden gem.

    We had a fantastic time with the family who looked after us very well and organized trips to our needs. Their family became part of our family and we enjoyed getting to know them.

    The lagoon itself offers some good snorkeling and just outside by the jetty you will find an amazing coral reef – beware of the currents though!

    Food was basic, which was to be expected due to the remote location, but it was tasty and we didn’t go hungry. Just not much variety, but that’s something one can easily deal with.

    Overall, if you want to be near Piaynemo (5 minutes by boat) and some great snorkeling sites (Melissa’s Garden, Long Beach, Napoleon’s Reef, Fam Wall), then this is the place to be.

  • Rufas Homestay is a hidden gem.

    We had a fantastic time with the family who looked after us very well and organized trips to our needs. Their family became part of our family and we enjoyed getting to know them.

    The lagoon itself offers some good snorkeling and just outside by the jetty you will find an amazing coral reef – beware of the currents though!

    Food was basic, which was to be expected due to the remote location, but it was tasty and we didn’t go hungry. Just not much variety, but that’s something one can easily deal with.

    Overall, if you want to be near Piaynemo (5 minutes by boat) and some great snorkeling sites (Melissa’s Garden, Long Beach, Napoleon’s Reef, Fam Wall), then this is the place to be.

  • Dear fellow traveller
    In our 5 weeks in RA visiting more than 10 homestays we realize how difficult it is to choose them upon the comments. We try to give one star for each: beeing welcome by the staff/owners, accomodation/cleanness, food, housereef and trips. In november 2018 we stayed 3 nights at Rufas homestay.

    1. star: We were warmly welcome by the managing family of Edi. There was a very relaxed, friendly athmosphere on the island.

    2. star: Accomodation- the rooms and the bathrooms were clean.

    No star for food- however in this place we knew from the beginning it is quite a way to organise vegetables and fruits in eather direction. We saw Edi in the morning and evening going out to try to catch a fish- he was unlucky but thank you for trying.

    3. star: The housereef arround the lagoon is amazing- soft and hard corals. We were unlucky to be in the jellyfish season of beginning of december there.

    4. star: Trips to the main snorkelling spots are just arround the corner. The prices are fair for RA, and there is an official table in the dining area with prices on it, even the discount for the 15ps boat are written down. This was objectif and helpful for planning, thank you Rufas.

  • Dear fellow traveller
    In our 5 weeks in RA visiting more than 10 homestays we realize how difficult it is to choose them upon the comments. We try to give one star for each: beeing welcome by the staff/owners, accomodation/cleanness, food, housereef and trips. In november 2018 we stayed 3 nights at Rufas homestay.

    1. star: We were warmly welcome by the managing family of Edi. There was a very relaxed, friendly athmosphere on the island.

    2. star: Accomodation- the rooms and the bathrooms were clean.

    No star for food- however in this place we knew from the beginning it is quite a way to organise vegetables and fruits in eather direction. We saw Edi in the morning and evening going out to try to catch a fish- he was unlucky but thank you for trying.

    3. star: The housereef arround the lagoon is amazing- soft and hard corals. We were unlucky to be in the jellyfish season of beginning of december there.

    4. star: Trips to the main snorkelling spots are just arround the corner. The prices are fair for RA, and there is an official table in the dining area with prices on it, even the discount for the 15ps boat are written down. This was objectif and helpful for planning, thank you Rufas.

  • We stayed for 4 days at Rufas Homestay and had an excellent time. The island with the private lagoon, the great snorkelling opportunities and the viewpoint is just perfect.

    Edi and his family were very caring about the needs of there guest. Edi asekd every evening about the plans for the following day and even joined the snorkelling trips to check out the current and to show the underwater world.

    I hope, that this island will stay as beautiful as it is now and can only reccomend to stay at Rufas Homestay.

  • We stayed for 4 days at Rufas Homestay and had an excellent time. The island with the private lagoon, the great snorkelling opportunities and the viewpoint is just perfect.

    Edi and his family were very caring about the needs of there guest. Edi asekd every evening about the plans for the following day and even joined the snorkelling trips to check out the current and to show the underwater world.

    I hope, that this island will stay as beautiful as it is now and can only reccomend to stay at Rufas Homestay.

  • The island is a jewel with its own lagoon and the abundant corals in front of the homestay! The hosts are very kind and attentive. They proactively ask about your plans, making suggestions and finding solutions for all the small problems in the life of a tourist.
    Hope that the island’s beauty will be preserved as it is really unique.
    Thank’s to Edi and his family. Sarah

  • The island is a jewel with its own lagoon and the abundant corals in front of the homestay! The hosts are very kind and attentive. They proactively ask about your plans, making suggestions and finding solutions for all the small problems in the life of a tourist.
    Hope that the island’s beauty will be preserved as it is really unique.
    Thank’s to Edi and his family. Sarah

        • Don’t know why that would be Jen. They may have lost their phone, they may have dropped it in the water, or they could be out of phone credit or signal reception area. Most homestays respond more reliably to bookings sent via the website booking system than by any other method, though. All we can suggest is to keep trying.

        • Don’t know why that would be Jen. They may have lost their phone, they may have dropped it in the water, or they could be out of phone credit or signal reception area. Most homestays respond more reliably to bookings sent via the website booking system than by any other method, though. All we can suggest is to keep trying.

  • I took the public ferry from Rufas back to Sorong and here is some additional info.

    My boat left on Saturday at 8.30am from the Pam (Fam) village. It took roughly 4 hours from Pam to Batanta and another 5.5 hours to go from Batanta to Sorong.
    I arrived in Sorong at around 5.30pm.

  • I took the public ferry from Rufas back to Sorong and here is some additional info.

    My boat left on Saturday at 8.30am from the Pam (Fam) village. It took roughly 4 hours from Pam to Batanta and another 5.5 hours to go from Batanta to Sorong.
    I arrived in Sorong at around 5.30pm.

  • We had pretty bad experience with the owner of the homestay…

    Fist we’ve tried to organise a pickup from Arborek. We were told that the boat was currently in Waisai and would pick us up at 1pm that day. We’d been waiting the whole afternoon, but the boat never arrived. In the evening we eventually managed to call Rufas owner and were told that the boat engine was broken. He said they might be able to pick us up the next day in the afternoon. Obviously, we didn’t really want to waste more of our precious time here waiting for a boat which “might” come, so we decided to get to Pam with different Homestay instead, spend a night somewhere else and move to Rufas the day after.

    We told Rufas our plans, managed to get picked up from Arborek the following morning by a guide from Pam Guesthouse, Uri, whom we asked to call Rufas Homestay and book two nights for us one day in advance as he seemed very keen to help us. We were told everything was sorted out. However, when we arrived to Rufas Homestay in order to stay there the 2 nights as arranged, we were rejected as there were supposed to be 4 people on a way to the homestay and there was no space for us. One couple was just about to leave and they were happy to vacate their bungalows for us, but we were rejected anyway. The owner of the Homestay was not present at the site and did not respond to any of our calls.

    As we learned from the couple next day, they had to stay at Rufas that night (as their pickup didn’t arrive), nobody arrived to the Homestay that night, leaving Rufas Homestay pretty much empty…

    We do not know whether the owner was punishing us for not waiting for his boat or there was a bad blood between the guide and the homestay (as he was supposed to do some guiding service for Rufas). Either way we cannot recommend this Homestay at all. Do not take me wrong, the island is amazing, viewpoint with a view to the lagoon is stunning, but the way this homestay treats their clients is unprecedented. The three of us were deeply disappointed.

  • We had pretty bad experience with the owner of the homestay…

    Fist we’ve tried to organise a pickup from Arborek. We were told that the boat was currently in Waisai and would pick us up at 1pm that day. We’d been waiting the whole afternoon, but the boat never arrived. In the evening we eventually managed to call Rufas owner and were told that the boat engine was broken. He said they might be able to pick us up the next day in the afternoon. Obviously, we didn’t really want to waste more of our precious time here waiting for a boat which “might” come, so we decided to get to Pam with different Homestay instead, spend a night somewhere else and move to Rufas the day after.

    We told Rufas our plans, managed to get picked up from Arborek the following morning by a guide from Pam Guesthouse, Uri, whom we asked to call Rufas Homestay and book two nights for us one day in advance as he seemed very keen to help us. We were told everything was sorted out. However, when we arrived to Rufas Homestay in order to stay there the 2 nights as arranged, we were rejected as there were supposed to be 4 people on a way to the homestay and there was no space for us. One couple was just about to leave and they were happy to vacate their bungalows for us, but we were rejected anyway. The owner of the Homestay was not present at the site and did not respond to any of our calls.

    As we learned from the couple next day, they had to stay at Rufas that night (as their pickup didn’t arrive), nobody arrived to the Homestay that night, leaving Rufas Homestay pretty much empty…

    We do not know whether the owner was punishing us for not waiting for his boat or there was a bad blood between the guide and the homestay (as he was supposed to do some guiding service for Rufas). Either way we cannot recommend this Homestay at all. Do not take me wrong, the island is amazing, viewpoint with a view to the lagoon is stunning, but the way this homestay treats their clients is unprecedented. The three of us were deeply disappointed.

  • The better place in Raja Ampat! No other family had been kinder! And the boys speak very well English! The food is very good! The rooms are on the water it’s a private lagoon amazing!!! Wonderful for snorkelling! We miss it a lot

  • The better place in Raja Ampat! No other family had been kinder! And the boys speak very well English! The food is very good! The rooms are on the water it’s a private lagoon amazing!!! Wonderful for snorkelling! We miss it a lot

  • This place is quite special. Here you can enjoy different surroundings: the lagoon, the private viewpoint, the beach and the amazing coral reefs.

    The room and the mattress were the best during our stay in 4 different homestays.

  • This place is quite special. Here you can enjoy different surroundings: the lagoon, the private viewpoint, the beach and the amazing coral reefs.

    The room and the mattress were the best during our stay in 4 different homestays.

  • it’s wonderful time to stay at rufas homestay, im speechless with that view, so nice to meet papa and mama (homestay owner) they are so friendly, when you wake up in the morning and look out throught the window you can see the true beautiful nature like mini piaynemo,this hime stay location so near from piaynemo, so you can stay at rufas homestay if you go to raja ampat, i give 5 stars and two thumbs up for tbis place ?????

  • it’s wonderful time to stay at rufas homestay, im speechless with that view, so nice to meet papa and mama (homestay owner) they are so friendly, when you wake up in the morning and look out throught the window you can see the true beautiful nature like mini piaynemo,this hime stay location so near from piaynemo, so you can stay at rufas homestay if you go to raja ampat, i give 5 stars and two thumbs up for tbis place ?????

  • UPDATE re captive turtle reported below:

    The Homestay Association has spoken with Pak Ariens at Rufas, who says that the turtle has been a pet since it hatched.

    The Association explained how the display of captive wildlife is both cruel and against Association membership regulations and Pak Ariens has agreed to release the animal immediately.

    We hope to be able to provide some photographic proof of the turtle’s release soon. Perhaps if you are a guest at Rufas when the release takes place, you might like to film it and send it to us?

    The Homestay Association is committed to preserving Raja Ampat’s terrestrial and marine environments and thanks guests for reporting these concerns.

    • I was a guest at Rufas homestay and I saw the turtle being released on March 29. Unfortunately I have no photographic evidence of the release. The bad publicity has definitely affected the hosts and I don’t believe they are likely to do this again.

      • Thanks so much for confirming that for us Inka – it’s much appreciated 🙂

        It’s fabulous that the folks at Rufas were receptive to the information provided by both guests and the Homestay Association. It’s a shame, though, that some local people think they have to conform to the dictates of the domestic tourism market. A while ago, a homestay at Misool published plans for a development in conjunction with a Jakarta company. The plans included an artificial lake and a zoo! Seriously: Who goes to a wonderland like Raja Ampat and wants to see those things? So sad and thoughtless 🙁

        It would be great if you have the time to leave a review for Rufas here though. Some feedback (and whatever star rating you think they deserve) would really help them. Thanks again 🙂

  • UPDATE re captive turtle reported below:

    The Homestay Association has spoken with Pak Ariens at Rufas, who says that the turtle has been a pet since it hatched.

    The Association explained how the display of captive wildlife is both cruel and against Association membership regulations and Pak Ariens has agreed to release the animal immediately.

    We hope to be able to provide some photographic proof of the turtle’s release soon. Perhaps if you are a guest at Rufas when the release takes place, you might like to film it and send it to us?

    The Homestay Association is committed to preserving Raja Ampat’s terrestrial and marine environments and thanks guests for reporting these concerns.

    • I was a guest at Rufas homestay and I saw the turtle being released on March 29. Unfortunately I have no photographic evidence of the release. The bad publicity has definitely affected the hosts and I don’t believe they are likely to do this again.

      • Thanks so much for confirming that for us Inka – it’s much appreciated 🙂

        It’s fabulous that the folks at Rufas were receptive to the information provided by both guests and the Homestay Association. It’s a shame, though, that some local people think they have to conform to the dictates of the domestic tourism market. A while ago, a homestay at Misool published plans for a development in conjunction with a Jakarta company. The plans included an artificial lake and a zoo! Seriously: Who goes to a wonderland like Raja Ampat and wants to see those things? So sad and thoughtless 🙁

        It would be great if you have the time to leave a review for Rufas here though. Some feedback (and whatever star rating you think they deserve) would really help them. Thanks again 🙂

  • Very nice place. However, we found a baby hawksbill in a net kept as “tourist attraction”. Even heard from other tourist that they were planning on maybe getting a manta ray…hope it’s not true. But those behaviours shouldn’t be permitted.

    • Hi Maria

      As we’ve noted below, this practice is in complete contravention of the Homestay Association member standards and regulations. It also breaks Indonesian laws that protect endangered species. Action will be taken.

      We value reports like these, as they help alert the homestay association to situations they may be unaware of, and communicate guest expectations to homestay owners.

      We’re saddened though, that this series of reviews again proves that guests are far more motivated to leave complaints than they are to leave good reviews for the places that deserve them.

      That’s a shame, because guest reviews make a huge difference to the livelihoods of families operating homestays. Especially the newer ones that have few or no guest reviews yet.

  • Very nice place. However, we found a baby hawksbill in a net kept as “tourist attraction”. Even heard from other tourist that they were planning on maybe getting a manta ray…hope it’s not true. But those behaviours shouldn’t be permitted.

    • Hi Maria

      As we’ve noted below, this practice is in complete contravention of the Homestay Association member standards and regulations. It also breaks Indonesian laws that protect endangered species. Action will be taken.

      We value reports like these, as they help alert the homestay association to situations they may be unaware of, and communicate guest expectations to homestay owners.

      We’re saddened though, that this series of reviews again proves that guests are far more motivated to leave complaints than they are to leave good reviews for the places that deserve them.

      That’s a shame, because guest reviews make a huge difference to the livelihoods of families operating homestays. Especially the newer ones that have few or no guest reviews yet.

  • Since this homestay is keeping endangered wildlife species as pets for tourist attraction, I will not book this place.
    I will not support animal cruelty.
    Since most tourists in raja ampat enjoy the beauty of nature, I assume I will not be the only one looking for a different place…

    • Thanks for making that plain Shauna. We’re in complete agreement with you!

      As noted in our response to Christoph below, abuse of wildlife and deliberate environmental damage are in breach of the Homestay Association’s standards and won’t be tolerated.

      We expect a swift resolution of this problem and will keep you posted.

      It would be really helpful if you have a photograph of this that you can provide us. Please get in touch via our contact page if you can help in that regard. Thanks!

  • Since this homestay is keeping endangered wildlife species as pets for tourist attraction, I will not book this place.
    I will not support animal cruelty.
    Since most tourists in raja ampat enjoy the beauty of nature, I assume I will not be the only one looking for a different place…

    • Thanks for making that plain Shauna. We’re in complete agreement with you!

      As noted in our response to Christoph below, abuse of wildlife and deliberate environmental damage are in breach of the Homestay Association’s standards and won’t be tolerated.

      We expect a swift resolution of this problem and will keep you posted.

      It would be really helpful if you have a photograph of this that you can provide us. Please get in touch via our contact page if you can help in that regard. Thanks!

  • The setting is lovely.

    BUT: The owners caught a baby hawksbill 5 which is critically endangered and now keep it as pet and attraction in a tiny 1 sqm net.

    I tried to convince them to release it, but without success.

    Wild animals belog into the wild!

    This cute little animal will probably die there soon.

    Please do not support animal cruelty.

    This turtle species is commonly found on the surrounding reefs.

    • This is terrible news Christoph and is in direct contravention of Homestay Association membership standards. Thank you so much for reporting it.

      We have contacted the Association to alert them to this and expect that the turtle will be freed immediately. Rufas will be removed from Stay Raja Ampat if they don’t comply. There is no place on the website for operators who abuse wildlife and flout the Association’s own standards and regulations.

      Please get in touch via our contact page if you have a photograph of this that you’d be willing to share with us. Thanks again.

      • Thank you so much for taking up this issue!

        I really appreciate your engagement!

        Kind Regards Christoph

  • The setting is lovely.

    BUT: The owners caught a baby hawksbill 5 which is critically endangered and now keep it as pet and attraction in a tiny 1 sqm net.

    I tried to convince them to release it, but without success.

    Wild animals belog into the wild!

    This cute little animal will probably die there soon.

    Please do not support animal cruelty.

    This turtle species is commonly found on the surrounding reefs.

    • This is terrible news Christoph and is in direct contravention of Homestay Association membership standards. Thank you so much for reporting it.

      We have contacted the Association to alert them to this and expect that the turtle will be freed immediately. Rufas will be removed from Stay Raja Ampat if they don’t comply. There is no place on the website for operators who abuse wildlife and flout the Association’s own standards and regulations.

      Please get in touch via our contact page if you have a photograph of this that you’d be willing to share with us. Thanks again.

      • Thank you so much for taking up this issue!

        I really appreciate your engagement!

        Kind Regards Christoph

  • Outstanding nature.
    This tiny island is unique. The coral landscapes surroundings Rufas is the most beautiful and thriving i have seen since Egypt.

    I spent hours snorkling and enjoying the beauty.

    The couple is friendly. The food is allright. I asked for fresh fish and got it twice.

    Some mornings the ocean is clear like drinking water and the beauty is stunning.

    Will go back

  • Outstanding nature.
    This tiny island is unique. The coral landscapes surroundings Rufas is the most beautiful and thriving i have seen since Egypt.

    I spent hours snorkling and enjoying the beauty.

    The couple is friendly. The food is allright. I asked for fresh fish and got it twice.

    Some mornings the ocean is clear like drinking water and the beauty is stunning.

    Will go back

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