Features
- Sleeps 10 or more
- Reef dropoff
- Hiking available
- Coral
- Good house reef
- Calm beach
- Sandy Beach
- IDR 600,000 to 700,000
- Has raised beds
- Western style toilet
- Has ensuite bathroom/toilet
- In village
Details
Sawedi Homestay has four beachfront VIP bungalows with ensuite bathrooms, located at Sauwandarek village on Mansuar’s south coast.
The bungalows sleep two on raised beds. An electric fan, and the usual bedding and mosquito net is provided. An extra mattress can be provided if needed.
The bungalow verandahs have ocean views and are equipped with a hammock and table and chairs.
The ensuite bathrooms provide a western style toilet with showers and dip mandi bathing. (Note that showers only work when electricity is available.)
Meals are served in Sawedi Homestay’s beachside dining room. Free drinking water and tea and coffee making supplies are provided there for guests.
Only a weak signal is available at Sawedi, especially if it’s rainy. The best reception is out on the beach. WhatsApp will usually work, but you should be prepared to be offline at Sauwandarek.
Electricity is from the town supply and is usually available from sunset to sunrise.
Only basic English is spoken at Sawedi Homestay, so bringing a phrasebook or translation app is recommended.
Safe rubbish disposal is unavailable on any of the Raja Ampat islands, so if you want to avoid contributing to the trashing of paradise, please take all the inorganic waste you create away with you when you leave.
PLEASE NOTE: Sauwandarek is a Seventh Day Adventist community, and the village strictly observes the Sabbath on SATURDAYS.
This means that, with the exception of meal preparation and Waisai transfers for incoming and outgoing guests, no activities that require homestay staff to work are available on Saturdays.
No diving is available on Saturdays at Sauwandarek homestay dive centers.
Snorkelling, or sightseeing trips can only be provided on Saturdays by advance arrangement with your hosts. (Your hosts will organise a boat from another village for you.)
The Sauwandarek community also hope that you will help in their observance of the Sabbath by postponing all your private activities and quietly relaxing until noon, when church services finish.
Transport / Getting there
Transfers between Waisai and Sawedi Homestay (or vice versa) cost IDR 1,000,000. The longboat used can carry up to four passengers and the trip cost is shared.
Arborek transfers are also available at a shared cost of IDR 600,000.
Read more about Raja Ampat boat transport prices here.
Activities
Sawedi Homestay has excellent snorkelling at the door. Easy access to the water is provided by the nearby village jetty, which also shelters large schools of fish and many colourful soft corals. Healthy coral reef stretches right along Mansuar's southern shore, where rich upwellings attract plenty of marine life.
When you need a break from the water and sun, Sauwandarek's wide sandy beaches and beachside trees provide plenty of shady places to relax with a good book.
Long hikes are available on Mansuar. Follow the path leads north from Sauwandarek, and you will pass by a lake in the center of the island, before coming to the north shore village of Yenbekwan, where more great snorkelling is available. From Yenbekwan, it's possible to follow a jungle path eastward, all the way to Yenbuba village on Mansuar's eastern tip. If you're really keen (and the tide is low), from Yenbuba you can cross the sandbanks to Kri. Sawedi Homestay can also provide snorkelling and sightseeing trips to anywhere you might like to go.
Do be aware that Sauwandarek village is of the Seventh Day Adventist faith, and that the day of rest there is Saturday. Apart from providing transport to Waisai if needed, your hosts will not be available for boat trips or other guided activities on Saturdays.
Pulau Mansuar
See our Mansuar Island page for an overview of the island and its attractions.
Sawedi Homestay Reviews
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110 Reviews
Sawedi Homestay is located on one of the best coral reef in Raja ampat, very close to the village, which gives you the possibility of experiencing also local life.
Bungalows have direct access to the reef, verandas, and ensuite bathrooms.
Do ask for enclosed boxes where to put all your belongings!
Women of the family are very nice and prepare good and various food
Perfect the Pick up from Waisai, but don´t rely on drop off, which we had to organize independently.
They don´t offer excursions so I would suggest to organize them with other boats. I am sure tough in the future this activity will improve.
All the best and thanks again!
I spent 3 nights and 4 days at Sawedi Homestay, and it was an incredible experience.
The beachfront bungalow is unbelievably comfortable, with a spacious patio and a hammock—perfect for relaxing. One thing that really stood out (and is not so common in Raja Ampat) is the private bathroom inside the bungalow, which made everything much more convenient.
Just a few steps away, there’s the jetty, where you can enjoy epic snorkeling or diving. The entire reef in front of the homestay is full of life: corals, fish, turtles, and even blacktip reef sharks—which you can sometimes spot directly from your bungalow patio.
The food was always abundant and delicious. Breakfast and snacks were especially amazing, but lunch and dinner were great as well.
The location is perfect, very close to some of the best dive and snorkeling spots in the area like Manta Point, Manta Ridge, Citrus Reef, Blue Magic, Cape Kri, and Yenbuba Jetty.
Finally, I want to say a few words about Marcos and his family: truly wonderful people. Always kind, grateful, and happy to have you around. Marcos is a very friendly and fun guy, and he really takes care of his guests.
A huge thank you to all the members of Sawedi Homestay.
From Jambo ❤️
Snorkeling was very great. Butiful reef. Nice View from the bungalow. Bungalow very basik and a small bed.
The food was very basic
The service was too
Clean,c omfortable beach bungallows w toilet and shower. The village is just a couple of min away, where you can buy beer. Food is just ok. Do not ask boat trips or transfers directly to the guy at the homestay as he tend to price a double amount, which you need to bargain down to a fair amount. Whatsup the ower directly instead. The reef in front of the homestay is wonderful with many turtles, so are the number of scuba and snorkel tourists.
my best homestay during my trip!
very nice family, tasty meals, we got what we were asking for, beautiful housereef in front of the homestay, at sunset there are some turtles in the seagras-area, village nearby with minimarket (snacks and cold drinks) and very lovely kids
authentic taste of raja ampat
Delicious food
lovely family
Old school homestay but with own private bathroom. Nice verandah
The reef is one of the best in Raja Ampat and it’s a nice village – very welcoming
Staying in the home stays means you can beat the crowds. Swim before and after the hordes of tourists/day trippers/liveaboards have left
You can also walk across the island to the northern reefs.
Definitely a great place for a few days
We just spent 2 nights at Sawedi and it was a blast. The food was absoluteku fabulous, for an afternoon snack they even served kind of western food – toast with chocolate and donuts. The house reef is out of this world – each time you dive in you get to see a shark or a turtle. The family is Uber nice, when my husband forgot his flip flops they came to our next homestay (not asked) to return them. Highly recommended.
Best snorkeling in central Raja Ampat. Absolutely amazing coral reef. And very nice location on the bungalows, right on the beach with a hammock on the veranda. Family is great and made us the food we wanted if we asked (noodles and pancakes).
Sawandarek is a very nice village with a lot of kids and several smaller “shops”. Cold drinks (Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Fanta etc.) can be found at several places. Fresh coconuts can be bought from the kids. Delicious! Only downside is that 4G coverage is pretty bad in Sawandarek.
Can highly recommend Sawedi and Sawandarek!
Margot, Januari 2026
The best accommodation on this side of Mansuar Island. Located RIGHT ACROSS from the reef (accessible in just a few strokes of the fins), which is magnificent. Bungalow with bathroom, comfortable bed with mosquito net, terrace with a hammock to admire the turtles or sharks that come very close to the beach. The food is good, varied, and plentiful (you have to like rice: you’re in Indonesia 😉). I highly recommend it 👍
Margot, Januari 2026
The best accommodation on this side of Mansuar Island. Located RIGHT ACROSS from the reef (accessible in just a few strokes of the fins), which is magnificent. Bungalow with bathroom, comfortable bed with mosquito net, terrace with a hammock to admire the turtles or sharks that come very close to the beach. The food is good, varied, and plentiful (you have to like rice: you’re in Indonesia 😉). I highly recommend it 👍
Nice beachfront bungalows in a beautiful village setting. You can snorkel right from your bungalow by high tide or under the jetty with one of the most amazing underwater spots in Raja Ampat. Very authentic local life, peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. Nice, fresh home-cooked food. A great place for a real Raja Ampat experience.
When I forgot my underwater case, Markus brought it back by boat to my new homestay— a 3-hour round trip, for free. That’s real customer service
Nice beachfront bungalows in a beautiful village setting. You can snorkel right from your bungalow by high tide or under the jetty with one of the most amazing underwater spots in Raja Ampat. Very authentic local life, peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. Nice, fresh home-cooked food. A great place for a real Raja Ampat experience.
When I forgot my underwater case, Markus brought it back by boat to my new homestay— a 3-hour round trip, for free. That’s real customer service
Best possible reef upfront which was the reason for my visit
Pick up provided from other homestay with fair price but was very late
Apart from owner no one speaks English (he wasn’t there most of the time) I could rent a snorkel after asking several times only
But there is a dive shop closer to the village. Village is 100-200 m by foot along the coast.
Amazing house reef with turtle guarantee
Nice reef sharks beautiful corals
Own toilet and shower (with head) which was great. But very basic bed on the floor seemed a bit run down and filthy all… could use some cleaning of the floor. Hammock infront. Very local with village kids running around. breakfast was banana or some pancakes I couldn’t eat. Food was the same for all two days. No wifi despite advertised online. No reception for eSIM. I asked for wifi and the Teenager living there said he can give me a hotspot if I give him my number so I obviously declined. The owner gave me a hotspot so I could send some messages to my family. I’d stay somewhere else or maximum one day to go snorkeling here in the morning when no one is here but there are other guesthouses on this side of the island too. Price seems higher than other places with less comfort. Wouldn’t return
Best possible reef upfront which was the reason for my visit
Pick up provided from other homestay with fair price but was very late
Apart from owner no one speaks English (he wasn’t there most of the time) I could rent a snorkel after asking several times only
But there is a dive shop closer to the village. Village is 100-200 m by foot along the coast.
Amazing house reef with turtle guarantee
Nice reef sharks beautiful corals
Own toilet and shower (with head) which was great. But very basic bed on the floor seemed a bit run down and filthy all… could use some cleaning of the floor. Hammock infront. Very local with village kids running around. breakfast was banana or some pancakes I couldn’t eat. Food was the same for all two days. No wifi despite advertised online. No reception for eSIM. I asked for wifi and the Teenager living there said he can give me a hotspot if I give him my number so I obviously declined. The owner gave me a hotspot so I could send some messages to my family. I’d stay somewhere else or maximum one day to go snorkeling here in the morning when no one is here but there are other guesthouses on this side of the island too. Price seems higher than other places with less comfort. Wouldn’t return
Great position. Unfortunately it felt like that they were unaware of our arrival.Beds not done and minimal food for lunch and dinner that day. That did improve. We had also requested change iof dates. Thumbs up reply but no compensation or response where all the other homestay that had to shift dates were very accommodating and refunded money if required
I asked if I could arrange snorkeling. No was the immediate response.
I persisted when I saw a boat come in with supplies . I asked through google translate and it was arranged.
We are seasoned travellers but we felt there must be poor communication between owner and managers.
In info they stated internet. For us it wasn’t the case
To be honest there are better places to stay
Great position. Unfortunately it felt like that they were unaware of our arrival.Beds not done and minimal food for lunch and dinner that day. That did improve. We had also requested change iof dates. Thumbs up reply but no compensation or response where all the other homestay that had to shift dates were very accommodating and refunded money if required
I asked if I could arrange snorkeling. No was the immediate response.
I persisted when I saw a boat come in with supplies . I asked through google translate and it was arranged.
We are seasoned travellers but we felt there must be poor communication between owner and managers.
In info they stated internet. For us it wasn’t the case
To be honest there are better places to stay
Nice stay in a nice place with nice food !
But owner was not here and we had any briefing or welcoming at our arrival. Nothing !
Our pick-up from Waisai was 1h30 late without being warned. Disappointed.
Nice stay in a nice place with nice food !
But owner was not here and we had any briefing or welcoming at our arrival. Nothing !
Our pick-up from Waisai was 1h30 late without being warned. Disappointed.
We stayed 2 nights there, very Nice place !
People were helpful although communication was not super easy nor fluid.
The pisang goreng were great!
We definitely reccomend this place for a few days, and, as a marine biologist, snorkeling and diving addict I can say that the reef just in front is AMAZING !
Thank’you
We stayed 2 nights there, very Nice place !
People were helpful although communication was not super easy nor fluid.
The pisang goreng were great!
We definitely reccomend this place for a few days, and, as a marine biologist, snorkeling and diving addict I can say that the reef just in front is AMAZING !
Thank’you
We stayed 4 nights at Sawedi Homestay.
In our opinion it was perfect, the food was absolutly amazing, plentyful and tasty!
The accomodation was as shown.
Calvin was absolutly great, we hat a lot of fun with him and his grandfather as we made a snorkel trip. They really put a great effort in these trips, and even collect trash from the ocean as they see it in the water or the reef huge shout out to Calvin !
Calvin thought us some papuan, invited us to have a little party for his birthday with his family showed us his school building project in the village.
The whole family treat you really respectful.
Only three things to say: hope to see you soon, thanks for everything and last but not least, Andalan poex Calvin!
We stayed 4 nights at Sawedi Homestay.
In our opinion it was perfect, the food was absolutly amazing, plentyful and tasty!
The accomodation was as shown.
Calvin was absolutly great, we hat a lot of fun with him and his grandfather as we made a snorkel trip. They really put a great effort in these trips, and even collect trash from the ocean as they see it in the water or the reef huge shout out to Calvin !
Calvin thought us some papuan, invited us to have a little party for his birthday with his family showed us his school building project in the village.
The whole family treat you really respectful.
Only three things to say: hope to see you soon, thanks for everything and last but not least, Andalan poex Calvin!
– Really nice people
– Really good snorkeling right from the doorstep
– Tip: At low tide walk down to the jetty and go in there (there is a ladder)
– Host organized lunch when we did two trips in one day
– Prices for trips were written on the board
– They had an afternoon snack
– Good mosquito net
– Really nice people
– Really good snorkeling right from the doorstep
– Tip: At low tide walk down to the jetty and go in there (there is a ladder)
– Host organized lunch when we did two trips in one day
– Prices for trips were written on the board
– They had an afternoon snack
– Good mosquito net
I stayed in this Homestay for a few days. Normally I don’t mind having a private room but here I realized how nice it is to be able to have a shower immediately before bed to cool down and refresh. I loved their pisan goreng (fried bananas). For snorkelling the currents were mild. So many huge turtles and cool black tip sharks just in front of the Homestay. Small advice: enter the weather through the yeti. In front of the Homestay the water can be very shallow and you risk damaging the coral.
I stayed in this Homestay for a few days. Normally I don’t mind having a private room but here I realized how nice it is to be able to have a shower immediately before bed to cool down and refresh. I loved their pisan goreng (fried bananas). For snorkelling the currents were mild. So many huge turtles and cool black tip sharks just in front of the Homestay. Small advice: enter the weather through the yeti. In front of the Homestay the water can be very shallow and you risk damaging the coral.
We really enjoyed our stay at Sawedi. The location is fantastic, right in front of the beach and with an AMAZING house reef! It’s also great to explore the nearby village (where we were able to purchase snacks). We did do the walk to the lake (didn’t quite make it to Yenbuba!), but it was quite slippy after a night of heavy rain and a much harder walk than we’d anticipated. Still beautiful though!
The room here was really nice and clean. Very basic, but with all the essentials. Most importantly, the mattress was very comfortable. The balcony was a welcome addition, with a little hammock to relax in and take in the views. The dining area has also been decorated beautifully, and gives a very homely feel. The food timings are listed there, but somebody also came and kindly let us know when food was out. We had a good mixture of food throughout our stay (and condiments also!).
We did a lot of our trips before arriving here, but we did arrange Kali Biru with Sawedi (via text with Lucky). We felt that the organisation was efficient and the price was fair. They also made us a packed lunch to take, which was lovely. They also provided us with a rain poncho as the weather was quite bad that day, which was really thoughtful.
We always felt safe on the boat, and the family were lovely. They were around if you needed them, but they generally kept themselves to themselves. We were able to communicate with translation apps and the help of others.
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay at Sawedi and would definitely return here.
We really enjoyed our stay at Sawedi. The location is fantastic, right in front of the beach and with an AMAZING house reef! It’s also great to explore the nearby village (where we were able to purchase snacks). We did do the walk to the lake (didn’t quite make it to Yenbuba!), but it was quite slippy after a night of heavy rain and a much harder walk than we’d anticipated. Still beautiful though!
The room here was really nice and clean. Very basic, but with all the essentials. Most importantly, the mattress was very comfortable. The balcony was a welcome addition, with a little hammock to relax in and take in the views. The dining area has also been decorated beautifully, and gives a very homely feel. The food timings are listed there, but somebody also came and kindly let us know when food was out. We had a good mixture of food throughout our stay (and condiments also!).
We did a lot of our trips before arriving here, but we did arrange Kali Biru with Sawedi (via text with Lucky). We felt that the organisation was efficient and the price was fair. They also made us a packed lunch to take, which was lovely. They also provided us with a rain poncho as the weather was quite bad that day, which was really thoughtful.
We always felt safe on the boat, and the family were lovely. They were around if you needed them, but they generally kept themselves to themselves. We were able to communicate with translation apps and the help of others.
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay at Sawedi and would definitely return here.
If all Cruise boats bring their divers customers just in front of Sawedi, there is a good reason, the best reef I have seen with turtles and sharks, no dolphins.
Accommodation is good, family nice, no English, village ok, I was the only bule there, end April. Walk in the forest is unfortunately cut with small bridge broken.
Food ok but why serving me few times chicken when you stay above sea ?
Stay 6 nights there
If all Cruise boats bring their divers customers just in front of Sawedi, there is a good reason, the best reef I have seen with turtles and sharks, no dolphins.
Accommodation is good, family nice, no English, village ok, I was the only bule there, end April. Walk in the forest is unfortunately cut with small bridge broken.
Food ok but why serving me few times chicken when you stay above sea ?
Stay 6 nights there
Siamo stati 14 giorni in questa struttura e la consigliamo perché si è rivelata molto confortevole. Capanna grande con wc interno. Cibo molto buono e abbastanza vario. Merenda inclusa. Letto sollevato da terra, zanzariera 2 tavolini 2 sedie. Corrente elettrica dal tramonto all’alba. Wifi no. Segnale telefonico scarso. No carta di credito. Acqua sempre. Forse sarebbe necessario dotarsi di una barca in più per consentire più facilmente di fare delle escursioni
Siamo stati 14 giorni in questa struttura e la consigliamo perché si è rivelata molto confortevole. Capanna grande con wc interno. Cibo molto buono e abbastanza vario. Merenda inclusa. Letto sollevato da terra, zanzariera 2 tavolini 2 sedie. Corrente elettrica dal tramonto all’alba. Wifi no. Segnale telefonico scarso. No carta di credito. Acqua sempre. Forse sarebbe necessario dotarsi di una barca in più per consentire più facilmente di fare delle escursioni
We have spent 5 days at Sawedi in the beach bungalow. The bungalow is very simple, with mattress on the floor (a little smelly) and dip mandhi bath, but with unobstructed and fantastic view on the tranquil beach. Absolutely great reef right in front of the bungalow, with resident green sea turtles, a lot of big fish from the nearby jetty. The food is repetitive but tasty, vegetarian option present. The village is full of trash unfortunately. The owner was not there, but Arkesh took good care of us and he speaks good enough English. We recommend the Yenbuba Jetty excursion.
We have spent 5 days at Sawedi in the beach bungalow. The bungalow is very simple, with mattress on the floor (a little smelly) and dip mandhi bath, but with unobstructed and fantastic view on the tranquil beach. Absolutely great reef right in front of the bungalow, with resident green sea turtles, a lot of big fish from the nearby jetty. The food is repetitive but tasty, vegetarian option present. The village is full of trash unfortunately. The owner was not there, but Arkesh took good care of us and he speaks good enough English. We recommend the Yenbuba Jetty excursion.
We stayed at Sawedi Homestay for 4 nights. The bungalows were a good size & very clean. The beds were comfortable & having fresh water to wash & a toilet was a great bonus.
Food was great, fresh & plenty of it. The reef was good, especially off to the left towards the far jetty. There is a rainforest walk past the lake.
An English speaking guide was there & took us to some amazing reefs.
We purchased fresh coconuts each day & the people in the village were great.
Would definitely recommend Sawedi Homestay.
We stayed at Sawedi Homestay for 4 nights. The bungalows were a good size & very clean. The beds were comfortable & having fresh water to wash & a toilet was a great bonus.
Food was great, fresh & plenty of it. The reef was good, especially off to the left towards the far jetty. There is a rainforest walk past the lake.
An English speaking guide was there & took us to some amazing reefs.
We purchased fresh coconuts each day & the people in the village were great.
Would definitely recommend Sawedi Homestay.
I spent three nights at this homestay. Honestly, two nights would have been enough. The reef just in front is very beautiful, and you can see also turtles. However, the current brings a lot of trash and plastic to this coast every day, making it almost impossible to swim at certain times. The family doesn’t speak any English and doesn’t offer any excursions to guests. For this reason, a maximum of two days would be sufficient.
The bungalow is in good condition and has a rustic en-suite bathroom. But the real problem is the presence of rats at night — you have to store everything like soap, creams, and food in a box they provide. Unfortunately, they don’t warn you about this when you arrive, but they really should, to avoid unpleasant surprises. In my case, a rat chewed a big hole in my backpack.
The food is okay but a bit repetitive — overall, nothing exceptional.
I spent three nights at this homestay. Honestly, two nights would have been enough. The reef just in front is very beautiful, and you can see also turtles. However, the current brings a lot of trash and plastic to this coast every day, making it almost impossible to swim at certain times. The family doesn’t speak any English and doesn’t offer any excursions to guests. For this reason, a maximum of two days would be sufficient.
The bungalow is in good condition and has a rustic en-suite bathroom. But the real problem is the presence of rats at night — you have to store everything like soap, creams, and food in a box they provide. Unfortunately, they don’t warn you about this when you arrive, but they really should, to avoid unpleasant surprises. In my case, a rat chewed a big hole in my backpack.
The food is okay but a bit repetitive — overall, nothing exceptional.
In total we were 6 weeks on 6 different islands and 9 different accommodations.
Large bungalows with their own toilet and bucket shower. Water tap in front of the bungalow for washing feet, water all day. Very good bed and mosquito net without holes. Food varied and delicious. Akes and Herlina are very nice. They pay close attention to cleanliness. Snorkeling at the jetty with large turtles and fish. Best early in the morning or early in the evening when all the boats with snorkelers and divers are not there. Reef with beautiful coral garden and colorful fish in both directions from 700 meters from the jetty. Just ask Akes, he will take you there and you can snorkel with the current for at least 2 kilometers. On the island with the lighthouse – about a 10 minute drive towards Batanta – there is also a great coral garden at the resort. Thank you very much, we would stay there again any time.
In total we were 6 weeks on 6 different islands and 9 different accommodations.
Large bungalows with their own toilet and bucket shower. Water tap in front of the bungalow for washing feet, water all day. Very good bed and mosquito net without holes. Food varied and delicious. Akes and Herlina are very nice. They pay close attention to cleanliness. Snorkeling at the jetty with large turtles and fish. Best early in the morning or early in the evening when all the boats with snorkelers and divers are not there. Reef with beautiful coral garden and colorful fish in both directions from 700 meters from the jetty. Just ask Akes, he will take you there and you can snorkel with the current for at least 2 kilometers. On the island with the lighthouse – about a 10 minute drive towards Batanta – there is also a great coral garden at the resort. Thank you very much, we would stay there again any time.
I spend 7days at sawedis. The people were very nice and the bungalow with bathroom and the food excellent! The nicest place on the beach. The housreef accommodates at least 10 turtels and many blacktiped sharks which you see while snorkeling always. Lots of fish around the jetty, but at high tide sometimes also a lot of jelly fish, from the jetty to the right lots of sweetlips and at often Baracudas. I even saw to small mantas and a eagle ray. Its also a good place for diving!
I spend 7days at sawedis. The people were very nice and the bungalow with bathroom and the food excellent! The nicest place on the beach. The housreef accommodates at least 10 turtels and many blacktiped sharks which you see while snorkeling always. Lots of fish around the jetty, but at high tide sometimes also a lot of jelly fish, from the jetty to the right lots of sweetlips and at often Baracudas. I even saw to small mantas and a eagle ray. Its also a good place for diving!
We spent three nights at Sawedi and absolutely loved it. The place is beautifully decorated with great attention to detail. It is located right on the beach, and while snorkeling in front of the house, we saw a variety of corals, turtles, and reef sharks. The host is very attentive, discreet, and incredibly warm-hearted!
We spent three nights at Sawedi and absolutely loved it. The place is beautifully decorated with great attention to detail. It is located right on the beach, and while snorkeling in front of the house, we saw a variety of corals, turtles, and reef sharks. The host is very attentive, discreet, and incredibly warm-hearted!
We stayed at Sawedi for 3 nights. We had a wonderful time! The bungalows, located directly on the beach, are clean and in perfect condition, with an ensuite bathroom. The mattrasses on the floor are new and big and so the mosquito net.
The snorkeling there is amazing, many fish and giant turtles in front of the homestay, which is just 5 minutes walking from the village and the jetty. The food is excellent and plentiful, Herlina’s pisang goreng are the best of Indonesia. The owners are such a nice family. We loved also the village atmosphere and being able to interact with the kids during the day.
I definitely recommend Sawedi. Sampai jumpa lagi ♥️
We stayed at Sawedi for 3 nights. We had a wonderful time! The bungalows, located directly on the beach, are clean and in perfect condition, with an ensuite bathroom. The mattrasses on the floor are new and big and so the mosquito net.
The snorkeling there is amazing, many fish and giant turtles in front of the homestay, which is just 5 minutes walking from the village and the jetty. The food is excellent and plentiful, Herlina’s pisang goreng are the best of Indonesia. The owners are such a nice family. We loved also the village atmosphere and being able to interact with the kids during the day.
I definitely recommend Sawedi. Sampai jumpa lagi ♥️
Sawedi is an excellent homestay. The family have kept the rooms and grounds in immaculate condition and the ensuite toilet was very welcome. Food was both excellent and plentiful . The family are very kind and considerate . We very much enjoyed our stay. If you are looking for a relaxing couple of days on Mansuar look no further than Sawedi
Sawedi is an excellent homestay. The family have kept the rooms and grounds in immaculate condition and the ensuite toilet was very welcome. Food was both excellent and plentiful . The family are very kind and considerate . We very much enjoyed our stay. If you are looking for a relaxing couple of days on Mansuar look no further than Sawedi
We sure love Sawedi homestay! We stayed here for 4 nights. The bungalow is clean and has a private bathroom. The homestay is only a 10 mins walk to the village where you can buy a cold drink or snacks.
The veranda is above the beach, where the water laps at high tide.
But the best en most important part is: The bed! Its the biggest en most comfortable bed we ever had in Raja Ampat! The size is 220cm x 220cm!
The under water world in front of this Homestay is absolutely amazing. Huge turtles everyday.
The family is very nice and the food is fresh and delicious with fruits, fish, vegetables and chicken. Everyday some afternoon snacks and water, tea and coffee is always available.
Sawedi is a fantastic homestay, we recommend it!
We sure love Sawedi homestay! We stayed here for 4 nights. The bungalow is clean and has a private bathroom. The homestay is only a 10 mins walk to the village where you can buy a cold drink or snacks.
The veranda is above the beach, where the water laps at high tide.
But the best en most important part is: The bed! Its the biggest en most comfortable bed we ever had in Raja Ampat! The size is 220cm x 220cm!
The under water world in front of this Homestay is absolutely amazing. Huge turtles everyday.
The family is very nice and the food is fresh and delicious with fruits, fish, vegetables and chicken. Everyday some afternoon snacks and water, tea and coffee is always available.
Sawedi is a fantastic homestay, we recommend it!
The best vacation! The reef is located literally off the coast. You can use the services of a diving instructor, or you can go snorkeling. We have never seen such a variety of the underwater world. Scuba diving, I saw a nurse shark, huge turtles, barracuda, anemone with amphiprions, parrotfish, moraena and many other different organisms, the names of which I do not know. Such a variety of underwater colors is unlikely to be found anywhere else. We would also like to thank Luki and his family for the warm welcome! The owner is very tactful, everything is clean and well cleaned in the houses. Delicious and varied cuisine. It is impossible to stay hungry here. Meeting at the port and transfers – everything was accurate and punctual.
Thank you for an unforgettable vacation, Luki!
The best vacation! The reef is located literally off the coast. You can use the services of a diving instructor, or you can go snorkeling. We have never seen such a variety of the underwater world. Scuba diving, I saw a nurse shark, huge turtles, barracuda, anemone with amphiprions, parrotfish, moraena and many other different organisms, the names of which I do not know. Such a variety of underwater colors is unlikely to be found anywhere else. We would also like to thank Luki and his family for the warm welcome! The owner is very tactful, everything is clean and well cleaned in the houses. Delicious and varied cuisine. It is impossible to stay hungry here. Meeting at the port and transfers – everything was accurate and punctual.
Thank you for an unforgettable vacation, Luki!
We spent 2 nights in Sawedi Homestay. The bungalow is very basic but nice, the private bathroom inside the cabin is the best. The hammock outside could be renewed, we practically did not go inside. They family was very nice and the food was delicious. We really had a good and relaxing time in Sawedi. Sawandarek is a very nice village with a very cool beach and reef in front, but yo have to know that it is isolated from the rest of the accommodations and activities in Raja Ampat, so if you want to share trips and costs it is more difficult as there are very few people staying in the village
As points against, I would say that the price is a little high compared to other accommodations we have been to with more modern accommodation. And finally, the boat they have is a small and very slowly one and it seems to me that the price of transportation is high for the conditions of the boat.
We spent 2 nights in Sawedi Homestay. The bungalow is very basic but nice, the private bathroom inside the cabin is the best. The hammock outside could be renewed, we practically did not go inside. They family was very nice and the food was delicious. We really had a good and relaxing time in Sawedi. Sawandarek is a very nice village with a very cool beach and reef in front, but yo have to know that it is isolated from the rest of the accommodations and activities in Raja Ampat, so if you want to share trips and costs it is more difficult as there are very few people staying in the village
As points against, I would say that the price is a little high compared to other accommodations we have been to with more modern accommodation. And finally, the boat they have is a small and very slowly one and it seems to me that the price of transportation is high for the conditions of the boat.
We spent 3 nights in August in Sawedi. Herlin welcomed us when we arrived and she was always taking care of us. She cooked great and abundant meals and some afternoon snacks. Water, tea and coffee always available.
We stayed in the bungalow over the beach: it had the private bathroom, clean bed, mosquito nets and a large verandah with a hammock. The reef was beautiful: we saw lots of colorful corals, fishes, turtles and some little sharks.
Sometimes we had a little walk to the near Sawandarek village and we find it pretty and peaceful.
We tried to follow the route from the village to the other part of the island through the jungle, but the route was interrupted and we had to come back.
Thanks for the hospitality and kindness, we had a great time!
We spent 3 nights in August in Sawedi. Herlin welcomed us when we arrived and she was always taking care of us. She cooked great and abundant meals and some afternoon snacks. Water, tea and coffee always available.
We stayed in the bungalow over the beach: it had the private bathroom, clean bed, mosquito nets and a large verandah with a hammock. The reef was beautiful: we saw lots of colorful corals, fishes, turtles and some little sharks.
Sometimes we had a little walk to the near Sawandarek village and we find it pretty and peaceful.
We tried to follow the route from the village to the other part of the island through the jungle, but the route was interrupted and we had to come back.
Thanks for the hospitality and kindness, we had a great time!
I enjoyed the feeling nutured in the quiet of nature and in the welcoming of my homestay hosts; Lucky Mambraku and his extensive family. The accomodation was great. I had deluxe bungalow with its own toilet and Mandi. Everything I needed. Bed was offf the ground,comfy and wirh good mosquito net.The verandah sits over the beach,with the water lapping up to it at high tide. Great place to read,in tbe hammock.
The house reef was good, I snorkled there each day ( not at low tide). Lucky organised snorkling trips each day, to other reefs. Weather dependant. Saw a variety of corals and underwater life. Excellent.
Food was good. Lunches and dinner filling. Fresh fruit, fresh fish,bannana fritters, vegetables,temphe,tofu,rice.A good variety. Plenty of drinking water,tea,coffee. I bought extra snacks with me.
A fabulous 6 days. Lucky organised transfer to my to my next homestay on Fam Islands. Thankyou Lucky and your family.
I enjoyed the feeling nutured in the quiet of nature and in the welcoming of my homestay hosts; Lucky Mambraku and his extensive family. The accomodation was great. I had deluxe bungalow with its own toilet and Mandi. Everything I needed. Bed was offf the ground,comfy and wirh good mosquito net.The verandah sits over the beach,with the water lapping up to it at high tide. Great place to read,in tbe hammock.
The house reef was good, I snorkled there each day ( not at low tide). Lucky organised snorkling trips each day, to other reefs. Weather dependant. Saw a variety of corals and underwater life. Excellent.
Food was good. Lunches and dinner filling. Fresh fruit, fresh fish,bannana fritters, vegetables,temphe,tofu,rice.A good variety. Plenty of drinking water,tea,coffee. I bought extra snacks with me.
A fabulous 6 days. Lucky organised transfer to my to my next homestay on Fam Islands. Thankyou Lucky and your family.
Sawedi homestay is wonderful. I agree with all of the recent positive reviews. Just one added comments: while you can hike to the other end of the island and even across to Kri, it is only at low tide.
Sawedi homestay is wonderful. I agree with all of the recent positive reviews. Just one added comments: while you can hike to the other end of the island and even across to Kri, it is only at low tide.
Love sawedi homestay!
The beach at sawesi is beautiful even though you can have a dip only on high tide…..for a good reason….there are corals everywhere, you can walk to the jetty which is 2 minutes walk and splash!….you are in heaven….fantastic snorkelling at your doorstep.
The rooms are very basic yet clean and roomy…it has a proper bed and ensuite with western style toilet, there is a large verandah overlooking the beach …be sure to get off bed early enough for the sunrise….
People are lovely and eventhough do not speak English they do everything to make you feel welcome and give you all you need…lucky has been able to arrange any trip with wanted to do with very short notice.
A special mention goes to John which was hanging around the homestay always ready to dispense smile and wave, not only that he would climb the palm trees and get us to taste the freshest coconuts….wait there is more john even let us use his data to be in touch with our family….a special man that made us feel at home….
Thanks
Vince and giorgia
Love sawedi homestay!
The beach at sawesi is beautiful even though you can have a dip only on high tide…..for a good reason….there are corals everywhere, you can walk to the jetty which is 2 minutes walk and splash!….you are in heaven….fantastic snorkelling at your doorstep.
The rooms are very basic yet clean and roomy…it has a proper bed and ensuite with western style toilet, there is a large verandah overlooking the beach …be sure to get off bed early enough for the sunrise….
People are lovely and eventhough do not speak English they do everything to make you feel welcome and give you all you need…lucky has been able to arrange any trip with wanted to do with very short notice.
A special mention goes to John which was hanging around the homestay always ready to dispense smile and wave, not only that he would climb the palm trees and get us to taste the freshest coconuts….wait there is more john even let us use his data to be in touch with our family….a special man that made us feel at home….
Thanks
Vince and giorgia
Two Americans stayed in a bungalow on the beach for 4 nights. Great boat ride with lucky and brother from waisai harbor for 1,000,000 rupees, loved staying here, great food, always white rice and veggies plus protein of choice, we are vegan so we always got tofu or tempeh. We asked for non fried food and the chef complied! Some of the best snorkeling in raja Ampat right out your front door! A hot spot for diving liveaboard boats, usually one or two out in the harbor. Use your google translator and learn some Indonesian!
Two Americans stayed in a bungalow on the beach for 4 nights. Great boat ride with lucky and brother from waisai harbor for 1,000,000 rupees, loved staying here, great food, always white rice and veggies plus protein of choice, we are vegan so we always got tofu or tempeh. We asked for non fried food and the chef complied! Some of the best snorkeling in raja Ampat right out your front door! A hot spot for diving liveaboard boats, usually one or two out in the harbor. Use your google translator and learn some Indonesian!
I had a good stay in Sawedi Homestay. The family did a good effort to accomodate my girlfriend and me. The food is good (but not the best). The bungalows are comfortable with a private bathroom. It was clean. The view on the beach is stunning. The house reef is insane (lots of turtles, sharks and big fishes). The village is cute. The main host “Lucky” is very nice and welcoming. He took us for a nice walk through the island.
The only small problem is that there are rats in the area. We found one in the bungalow. But this is a common problem in Raja Ampat.
I had a good stay in Sawedi Homestay. The family did a good effort to accomodate my girlfriend and me. The food is good (but not the best). The bungalows are comfortable with a private bathroom. It was clean. The view on the beach is stunning. The house reef is insane (lots of turtles, sharks and big fishes). The village is cute. The main host “Lucky” is very nice and welcoming. He took us for a nice walk through the island.
The only small problem is that there are rats in the area. We found one in the bungalow. But this is a common problem in Raja Ampat.
Ich möchte mich ganz herzlich bei Heriwen und Lucky bedanken, für die wunderbare und friedvolle Erfahrung im Sawedi. Der Platz am Ende des Strandes hat eine tolle Aussicht, ist super um direkt am reichen Riff zu Schnorcheln und das Engagement der Gastgeber ist authentisch und herzlich, alles ist gut gepflegt und einladend. Auch ich habe gut und abwechslungsreich gegessen, habe viel gelacht, mich gut unterhalten und vor allem die Seele baumeln lassen. Die Transfers und Hilfe beim Geldautomaten haben super funktioniert, Lucky hat sich um alles gekümmert. Ein schöner Ort um voll und ganz ins Inselleben von Raja Ampat einzutauchen. Terima kasih
Ich möchte mich ganz herzlich bei Heriwen und Lucky bedanken, für die wunderbare und friedvolle Erfahrung im Sawedi. Der Platz am Ende des Strandes hat eine tolle Aussicht, ist super um direkt am reichen Riff zu Schnorcheln und das Engagement der Gastgeber ist authentisch und herzlich, alles ist gut gepflegt und einladend. Auch ich habe gut und abwechslungsreich gegessen, habe viel gelacht, mich gut unterhalten und vor allem die Seele baumeln lassen. Die Transfers und Hilfe beim Geldautomaten haben super funktioniert, Lucky hat sich um alles gekümmert. Ein schöner Ort um voll und ganz ins Inselleben von Raja Ampat einzutauchen. Terima kasih
I stayed in Sawedi homestay 5 nights and I really liked it very much.
Lucky and hus sister Herline are very good hosts.
Everyday there is a very good and plenty of food, with fruits for dessert.
Breakfast, tea, coffee and water is always served on your balcony.
The view from the balcony is excellent, the snorkeling in gront of Sawedi is superbe. I saw turtles, reefsharks, a lot of colourful fishes and a great coralreef.
Lucky speaks english is helpful for everything you need.
We did a snorkeltour, which was wonderful. Je was always snorkeling next to me, showing me the turtles, sharks, trompetfishes…. and by the way you feel very safe.
Thank you very much Lucky, Hermine and you cude little Elli.
I enjoyed my stay and I ‘d love to come back:):)
Highly recommanded
Terimakasih
I stayed in Sawedi homestay 5 nights and I really liked it very much.
Lucky and hus sister Herline are very good hosts.
Everyday there is a very good and plenty of food, with fruits for dessert.
Breakfast, tea, coffee and water is always served on your balcony.
The view from the balcony is excellent, the snorkeling in gront of Sawedi is superbe. I saw turtles, reefsharks, a lot of colourful fishes and a great coralreef.
Lucky speaks english is helpful for everything you need.
We did a snorkeltour, which was wonderful. Je was always snorkeling next to me, showing me the turtles, sharks, trompetfishes…. and by the way you feel very safe.
Thank you very much Lucky, Hermine and you cude little Elli.
I enjoyed my stay and I ‘d love to come back:):)
Highly recommanded
Terimakasih
A truly relaxed Homestay. Lucky and Herlyn are great hosts. The food is fresh and delicious with fruits, fish, vegetables and chicken. Water, tea and coffee is always available. Uninterrupted sea views from your hut. Excellent snorkeling on house reef immediately in front of Homestay. Turtles, reef sharks and plentiful varieties of fish can be seen daily. Waters are calm with no current. Coral is healthy. Walking possible up and down the beach and to a nearby lake and the other side of the island (bring mosquito spray). Highly recommend this Homestay. Lucky is always about to help if you need anything.
Terimakasi banyak
Terimakasih
A truly relaxed Homestay. Lucky and Herlyn are great hosts. The food is fresh and delicious with fruits, fish, vegetables and chicken. Water, tea and coffee is always available. Uninterrupted sea views from your hut. Excellent snorkeling on house reef immediately in front of Homestay. Turtles, reef sharks and plentiful varieties of fish can be seen daily. Waters are calm with no current. Coral is healthy. Walking possible up and down the beach and to a nearby lake and the other side of the island (bring mosquito spray). Highly recommend this Homestay. Lucky is always about to help if you need anything.
Terimakasi banyak
Terimakasih
We stayed four nights at Sawedi homestay and everything was perfect.
Families were really friendly, especially the sister! She could not speak English but we could communicate by using Google translation. She is kind, helpful, always smiling and cooking great. She delivered breakfast to our bungalow every morning, lunch and dinner would be shared at the dining place with neighbours.
Our bungalow was nice decorated with seashell stuff, and there were coffee, tea, a small pail of drinking water and a thermos bottle of boiled hot water for us.
We snorkelled right in front of our hut, also snorkelled at jetty. We really enjoyed abundant wonderful reef and corals there.
There was a short trail near school that you could take a walk, but so many mosquitos! We bought some mosquito repellent lotion from the little shop in the village.
Our neighbours booked a boat for fishing and we shared that trip with them. Guess what, that was our first fishing experience and we got two tuna. EXCITING！
Family helped us to arranged a snorkelling activity to Yenbuba as well, which was fantastic! It was a dreaming snorkelling spot with so many fishes around us when we were into the sea. Many people diving there too. Bringing a Gopro is a good idea.
All in all, Sawedi is a fantastic homestay, we truly recommend it if you would like to stay in Mansuar island!
Terimakasih
We stayed four nights at Sawedi homestay and everything was perfect.
Families were really friendly, especially the sister! She could not speak English but we could communicate by using Google translation. She is kind, helpful, always smiling and cooking great. She delivered breakfast to our bungalow every morning, lunch and dinner would be shared at the dining place with neighbours.
Our bungalow was nice decorated with seashell stuff, and there were coffee, tea, a small pail of drinking water and a thermos bottle of boiled hot water for us.
We snorkelled right in front of our hut, also snorkelled at jetty. We really enjoyed abundant wonderful reef and corals there.
There was a short trail near school that you could take a walk, but so many mosquitos! We bought some mosquito repellent lotion from the little shop in the village.
Our neighbours booked a boat for fishing and we shared that trip with them. Guess what, that was our first fishing experience and we got two tuna. EXCITING！
Family helped us to arranged a snorkelling activity to Yenbuba as well, which was fantastic! It was a dreaming snorkelling spot with so many fishes around us when we were into the sea. Many people diving there too. Bringing a Gopro is a good idea.
All in all, Sawedi is a fantastic homestay, we truly recommend it if you would like to stay in Mansuar island!
Terimakasih
Absolutely beautiful. One of the nicest places I’ve stayed in many months in Raja. Really comfortable bungalow with amazing bed, at the far end of the beach so it’s totally peaceful but only 10 mins walk to the village if you want to talk to people and play with the kids. The couple who run the place are delightful, really kind, helpful, putting so much love into the place. The food is amazing, fruit and veg and grilled fish( even shrimp!!!) and not oily and all requests catered to. Herlina is a fantastic cook and she really cares about making the food how you like it. Sauwandarek itself is a sweet village with a nice beach and a glorious reef, tons of huge turtles and sharks , lovely soft corals, just gorgeous, easy to spend all day in the water. The walks round the island are gentle and beautiful.. just a wonderful place to stay. I’ll be back for sure. Terima kasih banyak Herlina dan Lucky. Rumah kalian indah terlalu
Terimakasih banyk
Absolutely beautiful. One of the nicest places I’ve stayed in many months in Raja. Really comfortable bungalow with amazing bed, at the far end of the beach so it’s totally peaceful but only 10 mins walk to the village if you want to talk to people and play with the kids. The couple who run the place are delightful, really kind, helpful, putting so much love into the place. The food is amazing, fruit and veg and grilled fish( even shrimp!!!) and not oily and all requests catered to. Herlina is a fantastic cook and she really cares about making the food how you like it. Sauwandarek itself is a sweet village with a nice beach and a glorious reef, tons of huge turtles and sharks , lovely soft corals, just gorgeous, easy to spend all day in the water. The walks round the island are gentle and beautiful.. just a wonderful place to stay. I’ll be back for sure. Terima kasih banyak Herlina dan Lucky. Rumah kalian indah terlalu
Terimakasih banyk
The place to be when snorkelling. Famous reef just in front. Quiet location next to small village. Family run cosy homestay. Very clean incl. outside and beachfront. Regular changed sheets. Traditional bungalows with comfort inside, fan and king size bed with anti musquito net. Amenities to place your stuff on and in.Good cooking. Family does everything to make you feel comfortable. Lucky speaks english.We stayed 5 days and loved it. Highly recommended.
Makasih banyak
The place to be when snorkelling. Famous reef just in front. Quiet location next to small village. Family run cosy homestay. Very clean incl. outside and beachfront. Regular changed sheets. Traditional bungalows with comfort inside, fan and king size bed with anti musquito net. Amenities to place your stuff on and in.Good cooking. Family does everything to make you feel comfortable. Lucky speaks english.We stayed 5 days and loved it. Highly recommended.
Makasih banyak
We stayed for 4 nights at Sawedi homestay and it was a truly amazing experience.
Our bungalow was really clean and quite spacious with a raised bed with intact mosquito net. We had also after 2 days a change of bed sheets and towels. There is also an electric fan an a small drawer. The en-suite bath suite was also really clean and the beforehanded mentioned problems with the mosquito has been fixed.
From the terrace you have an amazing view,a hammock, coffee,tea and drinking water all the time.
The food was served in the dining hut nearby. We asked for no meat and they provided tempeh,tofu and fish options – in generous amounts. For us, the best food at the Raja Ampat homestays 🙂
There is plenty to do at the homestay: great reef,turtles, black-tip sharks, school of fish. There is a jungle path to a lagoon and the next village and we saw lots of hornbills at sunsets. We did two snorkeling tours with lucky and his brother. They always tried to work things out even if we had big trouble with our flights back.
To sum it up, really caring hosts, great cook and a small paradise to enjoy.
Terimakasi banyk🙏
We stayed for 4 nights at Sawedi homestay and it was a truly amazing experience.
Our bungalow was really clean and quite spacious with a raised bed with intact mosquito net. We had also after 2 days a change of bed sheets and towels. There is also an electric fan an a small drawer. The en-suite bath suite was also really clean and the beforehanded mentioned problems with the mosquito has been fixed.
From the terrace you have an amazing view,a hammock, coffee,tea and drinking water all the time.
The food was served in the dining hut nearby. We asked for no meat and they provided tempeh,tofu and fish options – in generous amounts. For us, the best food at the Raja Ampat homestays 🙂
There is plenty to do at the homestay: great reef,turtles, black-tip sharks, school of fish. There is a jungle path to a lagoon and the next village and we saw lots of hornbills at sunsets. We did two snorkeling tours with lucky and his brother. They always tried to work things out even if we had big trouble with our flights back.
To sum it up, really caring hosts, great cook and a small paradise to enjoy.
Terimakasi banyk🙏
We stayed 3 nights at Sawedi Homestay and have only good things to say.
Sawedi has two bungalows located 3 minutes walk from Sauwandarek Jetty with super good snorkeling.
The bungalows are located directly on the sandy beach between leafy trees and are the last ones after the other homestays (Eren’s and Napoleon’s). It is a peaceful and undisturbed location.
Our bungalow appeared like new. It is very simple, built in traditional Papuan palm hut style, but nice and clean. The bed was comfortable – with good pillows, a soft blanket, mosquito net and a fan standing on the floor.
The cabin has an ‘en suite (western) toilet’ with a big water bucket for rinsing and bathing. The bathroom is dark, but it is nice and clean. As a bonus, there are shelves at the end of the room, which is nice as it makes unpacking easier.
The terrace is spacious and with a wonderful view of the sunrise over the sea every morning. It is equipped with a hammock, two plastic chairs and a table where there is always a jug of drinking water and a thermos with hot water + tea, coffee and sugar.
There is electricity from approx. 18-06. There is only one outlet, so bring a power outlet if you need to charge more things.
We had bought a Telkomsel SIM card, but the connection was not super good.
We have read in other reviews that you had to eat at another homestay, as Sawedi did not yet have its own restaurant. It has now been fixed – and hooray for that! The owners cook really good food and in generous portions. It’s one of the best we’ve had in Raja Ampat.
We did not see rats, nor sandflies. But here there were quite a few more mosquitoes than we experienced at Arborek and Kri, for example, so remember spray and Vape.
We snorkeled three times a day, as the Jetty makes it possible to swim along the beautiful reef regardless wether it is high tide or low tide.
We always saw black tip reef sharks, big turtles, large schools of fish and a Napoleon that seems to be hanging out just under the bridge. There are quite a few boats during the day, as Sauwandarek Jetty is a popular spot. Remember your own snorkelling gear, there are no diving shops or rentals here.
The village is very quiet, but inhabited by nice people and happy children. There are a few small kiosks where you can buy basic things, such as biscuits and cold soft drinks. Lycky was nice to buy us cold beer one day when he was going to Waisai.
The family can also help with laundry, transport and excursions. Only Lucky speaks a little English, but everyone is really nice, welcoming and hospitable.
Terimakasi
Saya akan menyiapkan semportan nyamuk dan sya akan perbaiki
Nya
We stayed 3 nights at Sawedi Homestay and have only good things to say.
Sawedi has two bungalows located 3 minutes walk from Sauwandarek Jetty with super good snorkeling.
The bungalows are located directly on the sandy beach between leafy trees and are the last ones after the other homestays (Eren’s and Napoleon’s). It is a peaceful and undisturbed location.
Our bungalow appeared like new. It is very simple, built in traditional Papuan palm hut style, but nice and clean. The bed was comfortable – with good pillows, a soft blanket, mosquito net and a fan standing on the floor.
The cabin has an ‘en suite (western) toilet’ with a big water bucket for rinsing and bathing. The bathroom is dark, but it is nice and clean. As a bonus, there are shelves at the end of the room, which is nice as it makes unpacking easier.
The terrace is spacious and with a wonderful view of the sunrise over the sea every morning. It is equipped with a hammock, two plastic chairs and a table where there is always a jug of drinking water and a thermos with hot water + tea, coffee and sugar.
There is electricity from approx. 18-06. There is only one outlet, so bring a power outlet if you need to charge more things.
We had bought a Telkomsel SIM card, but the connection was not super good.
We have read in other reviews that you had to eat at another homestay, as Sawedi did not yet have its own restaurant. It has now been fixed – and hooray for that! The owners cook really good food and in generous portions. It’s one of the best we’ve had in Raja Ampat.
We did not see rats, nor sandflies. But here there were quite a few more mosquitoes than we experienced at Arborek and Kri, for example, so remember spray and Vape.
We snorkeled three times a day, as the Jetty makes it possible to swim along the beautiful reef regardless wether it is high tide or low tide.
We always saw black tip reef sharks, big turtles, large schools of fish and a Napoleon that seems to be hanging out just under the bridge. There are quite a few boats during the day, as Sauwandarek Jetty is a popular spot. Remember your own snorkelling gear, there are no diving shops or rentals here.
The village is very quiet, but inhabited by nice people and happy children. There are a few small kiosks where you can buy basic things, such as biscuits and cold soft drinks. Lycky was nice to buy us cold beer one day when he was going to Waisai.
The family can also help with laundry, transport and excursions. Only Lucky speaks a little English, but everyone is really nice, welcoming and hospitable.
Terimakasi
Saya akan menyiapkan semportan nyamuk dan sya akan perbaiki
Nya
Many good things to say about Sawedi. We felt very welcomed, like it was our home, the family was very nice with us, the food was amazing (I’ll never forget the banana fritter! Was the best I’ve had and I will miss it).
Two of the reasons that we chose Sawedi was being near a village and having good house reef. None disappointed us. Sauwandarek village is a magical place. From all the villages we passed by (we did pass a fair bit of them while walking over Mansuar and Gam), this one holds a special place in our hearts. Lovely and friendly people, it just has such a special atmosphere. And the house reef is amazing to go there everyday, we saw plenty of sharks, turtles and the coral is very good.
Finally, about the accommodation, the toilet was very good. Clean, with wooden planks floor and the bed was very comfy. Lunch and dinner were served on a hut beside ours with nice sea view. Be sure to bring repellent for the verandah, as mosquitoes appear at dusk and night (as expected).
If you’re looking for contact with persons, village life, and great snorkelling right out the door, then this really is the homestay to go. We just regret we did not learn a bit more Bahasa. But next time we’ll come prepared!
You won’t regret staying with Lucky’s family.
Terimakasi
Many good things to say about Sawedi. We felt very welcomed, like it was our home, the family was very nice with us, the food was amazing (I’ll never forget the banana fritter! Was the best I’ve had and I will miss it).
Two of the reasons that we chose Sawedi was being near a village and having good house reef. None disappointed us. Sauwandarek village is a magical place. From all the villages we passed by (we did pass a fair bit of them while walking over Mansuar and Gam), this one holds a special place in our hearts. Lovely and friendly people, it just has such a special atmosphere. And the house reef is amazing to go there everyday, we saw plenty of sharks, turtles and the coral is very good.
Finally, about the accommodation, the toilet was very good. Clean, with wooden planks floor and the bed was very comfy. Lunch and dinner were served on a hut beside ours with nice sea view. Be sure to bring repellent for the verandah, as mosquitoes appear at dusk and night (as expected).
If you’re looking for contact with persons, village life, and great snorkelling right out the door, then this really is the homestay to go. We just regret we did not learn a bit more Bahasa. But next time we’ll come prepared!
You won’t regret staying with Lucky’s family.
Terimakasi
Basically can confirm what Pam and Bill said. The reef and snorkelling is outstanding with lots of turtles and sharks every time we went. The bungalow is nice and the small town is lovely with friendly people. There were quite a few mosquitoes, but not many in the ensuite bathroom, this seems to be fixed already. Transportation prices were also very reasonable!
The dining room is currently being built and wasn’t ready yet. The only negative for us, was a lack of food variety when eating at Napoleon Homestay, but cannot really hold this against Sawedi I guess. I hope when their own dining room is ready, the food will be a bit more varied 🙂
Terimakasih mr jonas saya akan perbaiki makanannya 🙏
Basically can confirm what Pam and Bill said. The reef and snorkelling is outstanding with lots of turtles and sharks every time we went. The bungalow is nice and the small town is lovely with friendly people. There were quite a few mosquitoes, but not many in the ensuite bathroom, this seems to be fixed already. Transportation prices were also very reasonable!
The dining room is currently being built and wasn’t ready yet. The only negative for us, was a lack of food variety when eating at Napoleon Homestay, but cannot really hold this against Sawedi I guess. I hope when their own dining room is ready, the food will be a bit more varied 🙂
Terimakasih mr jonas saya akan perbaiki makanannya 🙏
This homestay is located on one of the premier house reefs in Raja and we didn’t feel the need for any excursions while there. The coral is very healthy with the biggest and most fish we’ve ever seen on any of our three trips to Raja.
Our hut (two others are being built nearby) was on the beach with a terrace, great ocean view, comfy hammock and chairs. Mattress (on the floor) was comfortable and mosquito net was intact. There is a large fan aimed at bed which was wonderful at night, and no generator noise.
We had some great meals although breakfast usually consisted of plain bread with some toppings (hint- if you ask, they will make you eggs). Meals were served at next door Napolean Homestay dining pavilion, not on the terrace as indicated.
Only negative was the ensuite toilet/dip mandi was filled with mosquitos which made bathing unpleasant. When we mentioned it to the owner, Lucky, he said he would address the issue.
All in all, a great place to stay and a snorkelers delight.
Terimakasih atas ulasannya
Saya akan mengatasi masalh tersebut
This homestay is located on one of the premier house reefs in Raja and we didn’t feel the need for any excursions while there. The coral is very healthy with the biggest and most fish we’ve ever seen on any of our three trips to Raja.
Our hut (two others are being built nearby) was on the beach with a terrace, great ocean view, comfy hammock and chairs. Mattress (on the floor) was comfortable and mosquito net was intact. There is a large fan aimed at bed which was wonderful at night, and no generator noise.
We had some great meals although breakfast usually consisted of plain bread with some toppings (hint- if you ask, they will make you eggs). Meals were served at next door Napolean Homestay dining pavilion, not on the terrace as indicated.
Only negative was the ensuite toilet/dip mandi was filled with mosquitos which made bathing unpleasant. When we mentioned it to the owner, Lucky, he said he would address the issue.
All in all, a great place to stay and a snorkelers delight.
Terimakasih atas ulasannya
Saya akan mengatasi masalh tersebut