Features
- English speaking
- Sleeps 10 or more
- Hiking available
- Good phone signal
- Child discount
- Birds of Paradise
- Has family bungalows
- Calm beach
- Sandy Beach
- Near village
- IDR 400,000 to 500,000
Details
Wapnansan Homestay lies on the south coast of Waigeo island, about a twenty minute drive west of Waisai.
Wapnansan Homestay has one two-room family bungalow and four private bungalows. All are over water. Bungalow rooms sleep two and are furnished with the usual mattresses on the floor. (Please note that only some of the homestay’s bungalows have the raised beds that are pictured in their gallery.)
Bedding and mosquito nets are provided. All bungalows have covered verandahs with tables and chairs.
Family bungalow rooms can be separately rented. If you want to book the entire family bungalow, then select 2 x Room in a bungalow on the booking form above.
Meals are served in Wapnansan Homestay’s beachside dining room, where drinking water and tea and coffee making supllies are always freely available.
All guests share a three-room bathroom building. One bathroom has a shower and bucket bathing. The other two have western style toilets and bucket bathing.
Electricity is supplied by generator and is available from sunset to around midnight, and Wapnansan Homestay receives a strong phone signal. A 3G data connection is usually available.
Wasiai is twenty minutes away by road if you need supplies.
No safe waste disposal or recycling facilties are available in Raja Ampat, so – if you don’t wish to contribute to the trashing of paradise – please take all inorganic waste (especially plastic, dead batteries etc) away with you when you leave.
English is spoken at Wapnansan Homestay.
Transport / Getting there
Transport between Wapnansan Homestay and Waisai is by car and costs IDR 300,000 each way. Depending on luggage, you can fit up to five passengers in the car. Trip price is shared by passengers.
Read more about Raja Ampat boat transport prices here.
Activities
Birding
Wapnansan Homestay owner Franky Mambrasar is an experienced bird watching guide and both Wilson's and Red Birds of Paradise regularly display near the homestay. The homestay makes a great base to observe both these and the many other species that inhabit the surrounding jungle.
Both Red and Wilson's Birds of Paradise can be observed near Wapnansan. The cost is IDR 300,000 per person per site. (So IDR 600,000 per person per site if you want to see both species.)
Snorkelling and diving
The wide sandflats in front of the homestay give way to coral and a reef dropoff that make for good snorkelling. Diving can be arranged in conjunction with nearby dive centers.
Sightseeing and tours
Wapnansan Homestay can arrange any kind of sightseeing or snorkelling tour you wish - just ask. One popular tour visits Friwen Wall for some of the best snorkelling in Raja Ampat, then continues up through Kabui Bay to Batu Pencil and the Warikaf lookout point near Kabui Passage. The cost of that trip is IDR 2,000,000 (shared by passengers).
Pulau Waigeo
See our Waigeo Island page for an overview of the island and its attractions.
Wapnansan Homestay Location Map
Wapnansan Homestay Reviews
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85 Reviews
Loved our stay at Franky’s!
Got to see the red bird of paradise aswell as the wilsons bird of paradise. Both saw them very well!! Great place to stay especially when you are into birding! Around the homestay you can spot a lot of birds aswell! Franky also took us on nightspotting aswell where we saw the frogmouth!
Lost count of the amount of birds we saw there but we would really recommend staying!!
A fabulously-located homestay run by a very friendly family who offer simple accommodation & a variety of delicious meals at each sitting. Sitting on its own bay, it is easy to lose yourself in this beautiful corner of the world.
We had a great stay with Franki and his family. The huts were simple but charming and over the water, with a shared toilet and shower on land about 50 metres away. The food was excellent – lots of delicious fish dishes and lots of variety. Breakfasts were great too & different each day. The bird walks with Franki are really worth doing – we did the bird of Paradise walk. Franki is extremely knowledgeable and was able to spot so much – even a couscous! There’s not much coral here, more seagrass. One of the guests spotted a duggon off the pier.
It’s only 20 minutes from Waisai but feels miles away. It’s surrounded by jungle and bird song.
Be prepared to walk about 300 metres down a path to the homestay from the main road or come by boat – same price.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Wapnasan is lovely.
There was an overbooking problem on the first night. They relocated us in a homestay in the village nearby, and they were very sorry and eager to make it up to us.
Early the next morning we were retransfered to the homestay. I love to sleep over water and be lulled to sleep by the sound of waves. Interesting housereef (we glimpsed a dugong, my first dugong in 4 trips to Raja Ampat), proximity to birds of paradise hides (led by legendary Franky Mambrasar) and to Waisai harbor.
A really great last stay before going back to Sorong.
Plus there’s a super cute ginger cat in the dining room.
Wir haben unsere ersten 6 Nächte im Wapnasan Homestay verbracht. Und es war einfach toll. Franky hat mit uns Schnorchel Touren gemacht. Und er kann das Wasser lesen. Wir haben drei mal Manta Rochen gesehen. Meherer. Und auch zwei bird watching Touren mit ihm gemacht. Wir haben den roten Paradies Vogel gesehen und auch den Wilson Paradies Vogel. So ein großes Geschenk.
Das Frühstück war sehr simple und wir hätten uns Obst gewünscht. Dafür war das Mittag – und Abendessen jedes Mal ein wahrer Genuss. Bei den Schnorcheltouren hatten wir Lunchpakete dabei. Selbst die waren überragend. Rati, die Köchin kann sehr gut English und hat mit allen geholfen. Sie ist ein wahrer Juwel. Ebenso wir Franky (Englisch solala) es ging trotzdem alles wunderbar.
Bei seiner Familie zu sein war richtig toll.
Es war der perfekte Start für uns in Raja Ampat.
Kleiner Verbesserungsvorschlag wären, dass jedes Häuschen zwei Hängematten hat. Um bequemer die tolle Aussicht zu genießen.
Ansonsten war einfach alles so toll. Ein großes Dankeschön an die ganze Familie und mitwirkenden vom Wapnansan Homestay.
We had a terrible stay at Wapnansan Homestay. We booked 5 rooms but they double booked and only had three rooms available. So four of us had to sleep in tents on the deck of another person’s room. We’re now asking for refund and it’s not looking hopeful. Terrible stay. 1 star
How disappointing, Angela 🙁
You have been refunded in accordance with our guarantee.
Myself, my two brothers and my two nephews all had a singular experience at the home stay. Franky and his family expressed nothing but courtesy and warmth.
Our meals were the ultimate in fresh home cooking and we experienced raja Ampat at its finest.
We loved staying with Franky and his family. They serve the best food of all Raja Ampat and always more then enough. We spotted the dungon twice from the yetty together with his family, saw the bird of paridise, the wilson bird, couscous, kookabura, hornbills, coconut cockatoo all thanks to Franky. Things which can be improved is repairing and cleaning the yetty (is always sandy) and cleaning the restaurant area.
Really enjoyed the four nights here! There is a dugong mother and baby that swam by the jetty in the evening at high tide at most days and Franky and his family made sure to let us know whenever they saw it. Same with Cuscus in the garden or even a female bird of paradise. Franky is also extremely knowledgable about birds and can take you to see them all 🙂 Food was also very good and the beds are comfy and raised. Would stay here again!
I spent four very pleasant and relaxing days at Franky’s homestay with her lovely family. Comfortable cabins and good, plentiful food. I went on some lovely hikes to Friwnwall, Batu Pencil, and Kabui Bay. I saw a couple of kuskus and a dugong! The reef in front of Franky’s bungalows is beautiful, more so than other places. Recommended!
A wonderful first place for us in Raja Ampat. Frankie, Potrosin, Ricksan, Malena, Jan, Tina and May did everything to make our stay a delight with wonderful food and delicious fruits. They were very responsive indeed. I asked for a fan and one turned up the very next evening. My friend had a cut that got infected and Frankie accompanied him to the local clinic.
The homestay is surrounded by forest and it did not take long to see a stunningly beautiful yellow breasted myna. I went on two hikes with Frankie up into the forest to some places where it might be possible to spy either Wilson’s or the Red Bird of Paradise. Despite their appearance, these are not easy birds to see but we did catch glimpses of both of them, alongside a weaith of others (see list below ( * = Lifer). One thing – the constant use of playback to ‘call’ the birds has been shown to disorient them and should be discouraged. There is coral beyond the jetty that is in good condition but not as clear as in other places. All in all, this is a lovely peaceful place to stay.
Yellow Faced Myna*
Green imperial Pigeon
Willie Wagtail*
Eclectus parrot*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Common sandpiper
Reef Egret
Beach Kingfisher*
Great Frigatebird
Red Cheeked Parrot*
Kookabura*
Blythe’s hornbill*
Dollarbird
Sulpher crested cockatoo*
Raja Ampat Pitohui*
Pied imperial pigeon*
Black Cockatoo*
Butcher bird*
Red Bird of Paradise* (glimpse)
Wilsons Bird of Paradise* (glimpse)
Brahminy Kite
A wonderful first place for us in Raja Ampat. Frankie, Potrosin, Ricksan, Malena, Jan, Tina and May did everything to make our stay a delight with wonderful food and delicious fruits. They were very responsive indeed. I asked for a fan and one turned up the very next evening. My friend had a cut that got infected and Frankie accompanied him to the local clinic.
The homestay is surrounded by forest and it did not take long to see a stunningly beautiful yellow breasted myna. I went on two hikes with Frankie up into the forest to some places where it might be possible to spy either Wilson’s or the Red Bird of Paradise. Despite their appearance, these are not easy birds to see but we did catch glimpses of both of them, alongside a weaith of others (see list below ( * = Lifer). One thing – the constant use of playback to ‘call’ the birds has been shown to disorient them and should be discouraged. There is coral beyond the jetty that is in good condition but not as clear as in other places. All in all, this is a lovely peaceful place to stay.
Yellow Faced Myna*
Green imperial Pigeon
Willie Wagtail*
Eclectus parrot*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Common sandpiper
Reef Egret
Beach Kingfisher*
Great Frigatebird
Red Cheeked Parrot*
Kookabura*
Blythe’s hornbill*
Dollarbird
Sulpher crested cockatoo*
Raja Ampat Pitohui*
Pied imperial pigeon*
Black Cockatoo*
Butcher bird*
Red Bird of Paradise* (glimpse)
Wilsons Bird of Paradise* (glimpse)
Brahminy Kite
I enjoyed an excellent stay at Wapnansan Homestay. My room was very comfortable with a raised bed and lovely verandah to enjoy sunsets. Food was plentiful, varied and really delicious. Frankie took a friend and I on an early morning walk in the hills behind the homestay to spot birds of paradise. As some one new to birding, this was quite a thrilling experience. We didn’t spot any BoP but did see a wealth of other birds including a wild-looking black palm cockatoo. A punk rocker of the trees!
Perhaps the highlight of our stay was Frankie’s delightful, welcoming family who were very hospitable. They were so much fun. Frankie was especially kind when I developed an abscess from an infected cut. He escorted me twice into Waisai to get it checked out by the emergency clinic at the local hospital.
These are just some of the reasons I would definitely recommend Wapnansan to anyone looking looking for a special experience in Raja Ampat.
I enjoyed an excellent stay at Wapnansan Homestay. My room was very comfortable with a raised bed and lovely verandah to enjoy sunsets. Food was plentiful, varied and really delicious. Frankie took a friend and I on an early morning walk in the hills behind the homestay to spot birds of paradise. As some one new to birding, this was quite a thrilling experience. We didn’t spot any BoP but did see a wealth of other birds including a wild-looking black palm cockatoo. A punk rocker of the trees!
Perhaps the highlight of our stay was Frankie’s delightful, welcoming family who were very hospitable. They were so much fun. Frankie was especially kind when I developed an abscess from an infected cut. He escorted me twice into Waisai to get it checked out by the emergency clinic at the local hospital.
These are just some of the reasons I would definitely recommend Wapnansan to anyone looking looking for a special experience in Raja Ampat.
The owner, Frankie, was friendly and accommodating, but communication was sometimes difficult. The best thing about this stay was bird walks with Frankie. It seemed somewhat late in the season for good chances to see the bird of paradise courtship displays, but we were able to get some fleeting looks at a female Wilson’s b.o.p., and several male red b.o.ps, and he pointed out several other species to us.
The house reef was good. We saw sea turtles twice and a manta ray jumping as a boat went by. The children jumping off the dock and playing around were fun to watch.
Very good food, lots of it. They are open to having guests in the kitchen to observe the food preparation which was a rewarding experience.
We were only guests for the majority of time.
We had some communication problems. It would be helpful to have some explanatory signage. The walking path from the road to the homestay is sloping and narrow amidst the vegetation.
The owner, Frankie, was friendly and accommodating, but communication was sometimes difficult. The best thing about this stay was bird walks with Frankie. It seemed somewhat late in the season for good chances to see the bird of paradise courtship displays, but we were able to get some fleeting looks at a female Wilson’s b.o.p., and several male red b.o.ps, and he pointed out several other species to us.
The house reef was good. We saw sea turtles twice and a manta ray jumping as a boat went by. The children jumping off the dock and playing around were fun to watch.
Very good food, lots of it. They are open to having guests in the kitchen to observe the food preparation which was a rewarding experience.
We were only guests for the majority of time.
We had some communication problems. It would be helpful to have some explanatory signage. The walking path from the road to the homestay is sloping and narrow amidst the vegetation.
Great stay and place to stop after gettinig to Waisai. We saw red bird of parodice and cuscus. Good meals and calm, remote place. Highly recommend!
Great stay and place to stop after gettinig to Waisai. We saw red bird of parodice and cuscus. Good meals and calm, remote place. Highly recommend!
Well located homestay, with delicious and abundant food, and basic but functional accommodation. We did two birding excursions and they were fantastic, we saw both Red and Wilson Bird-of-Paradise.
Well located homestay, with delicious and abundant food, and basic but functional accommodation. We did two birding excursions and they were fantastic, we saw both Red and Wilson Bird-of-Paradise.
We had the privilege of staying at Wapnansan Homestay for four nights and we wish we’d stay longer. Franky and his family are great hosts, the food is amazing, the views are amazing, the hospitality is amazing. We organized the morning walks in the jungle with Franky to go see the Birds of Paradise. The house reef is great for snorkeling. If you like what you see in the pictures, I highly recommend Wapnansan Homestay.
We had the privilege of staying at Wapnansan Homestay for four nights and we wish we’d stay longer. Franky and his family are great hosts, the food is amazing, the views are amazing, the hospitality is amazing. We organized the morning walks in the jungle with Franky to go see the Birds of Paradise. The house reef is great for snorkeling. If you like what you see in the pictures, I highly recommend Wapnansan Homestay.
We had 5days/4 nights here and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Room and facilities were basic but functional, food was plentiful.
We very much enjoyed the bird watching, both with the owner for the BOP, and wandering the beach and roads on our own (keep an ear out for the wing beats of the hornbills- sounds amazing).
For accommodation in the ‘middle of nowhere’ we found a surprising number of acivities- snorkeling off the beach, sightseeing to the Kabui geopark, extensive walking in the area including to the local village along the walkways.
Overall relaxing, enjoyable time – would recommend for those who like birds, and anyone who likes simple living/accomdation, in a beautiful part of Indonesia.
We had 5days/4 nights here and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Room and facilities were basic but functional, food was plentiful.
We very much enjoyed the bird watching, both with the owner for the BOP, and wandering the beach and roads on our own (keep an ear out for the wing beats of the hornbills- sounds amazing).
For accommodation in the ‘middle of nowhere’ we found a surprising number of acivities- snorkeling off the beach, sightseeing to the Kabui geopark, extensive walking in the area including to the local village along the walkways.
Overall relaxing, enjoyable time – would recommend for those who like birds, and anyone who likes simple living/accomdation, in a beautiful part of Indonesia.
ANNE from Jakarta. Stay 16 & 17 Sep 2025
3 of us enjoyed our stay. The visit highlight was trekking up to his hide with the effort rewarded by seeing 6 Red Birds of Paradise, 3m&3f, but of course that cannot be guaranteed. The food was great and Pak Franky arranged three tours in his boat and came with us. He knows where to take you. Pak Franky is a charming man but is sometimes a bit imprecise in his plans so you may need to clarify. The accommodation was as described but I could have done with a row of hooks or nails to hang things up.
ANNE from Jakarta. Stay 16 & 17 Sep 2025
3 of us enjoyed our stay. The visit highlight was trekking up to his hide with the effort rewarded by seeing 6 Red Birds of Paradise, 3m&3f, but of course that cannot be guaranteed. The food was great and Pak Franky arranged three tours in his boat and came with us. He knows where to take you. Pak Franky is a charming man but is sometimes a bit imprecise in his plans so you may need to clarify. The accommodation was as described but I could have done with a row of hooks or nails to hang things up.
Franky was very friendly and the accommodation was just as described. We went on the birds of paradise tours but unfortunately we didn’t see any. The food was spectacular!
Franky was very friendly and the accommodation was just as described. We went on the birds of paradise tours but unfortunately we didn’t see any. The food was spectacular!
People and location make this a great place to stay for a few days, particularly if your looking for birds, Red BOP and Palm Cockatoo in the garden. Food is good, fresh and filling and coffee available 24 hrs. Room clean no mossies. Frankies sons take you to BOP sites, quite a hike take water.
only negative too many dogs
People and location make this a great place to stay for a few days, particularly if your looking for birds, Red BOP and Palm Cockatoo in the garden. Food is good, fresh and filling and coffee available 24 hrs. Room clean no mossies. Frankies sons take you to BOP sites, quite a hike take water.
only negative too many dogs
Good homestay, very helpful family, good birds around. Franky arranged everything for us what we asked for. Recommended, especially for birders!
Good homestay, very helpful family, good birds around. Franky arranged everything for us what we asked for. Recommended, especially for birders!
A very friendly family. Good food with some fish ! The bungalow was ok. You can see nice corals and many fishes in front of the homestay. No waste ! There is a jetty where you can see the sun set.
I went to the forest by foot early in the morning with the son of Francky. We saw the female of Paradise bird and others birds.
You can go to the homestay by the road with a scooter for example (it’s cheaper).
A very friendly family. Good food with some fish ! The bungalow was ok. You can see nice corals and many fishes in front of the homestay. No waste ! There is a jetty where you can see the sun set.
I went to the forest by foot early in the morning with the son of Francky. We saw the female of Paradise bird and others birds.
You can go to the homestay by the road with a scooter for example (it’s cheaper).
homestay simplement doté d’un matelas sur le sol (confortable) et d’une moustiquaire. Sur la petite terrasse une table et une chaise. Un peu léger quand on y passe plusieurs jours, je pense qu’il pourrait être équipé d’un hamac afin de profiter encore un peu plus de la vue et du coucher de soleil magnifique.
Francky et sa famille sont adorables, toujours au petit soin. Il avait envoyé un taxi nous chercher au ferry.
Nous avons découvert les oiseaux du paradis dans un lieu secret et à l’abri à 1/2 heure de marche du logement. Attention l’accès est assez pentu !!
Les repas étaient en abondance et bons.
vous pouvez vous baigner très facilement devant les homestay ou vous relaxer sur la plage.
Par contre, comme sur les autres iles il y a énormément de chiens et pas tous gentils, alors attention
Les sanitaires étaient propres et la douche très pratique.
Les repas sont servis dans un espace dédié et les enfants venaient nous chercher dès que c’était prêt.
homestay simplement doté d’un matelas sur le sol (confortable) et d’une moustiquaire. Sur la petite terrasse une table et une chaise. Un peu léger quand on y passe plusieurs jours, je pense qu’il pourrait être équipé d’un hamac afin de profiter encore un peu plus de la vue et du coucher de soleil magnifique.
Francky et sa famille sont adorables, toujours au petit soin. Il avait envoyé un taxi nous chercher au ferry.
Nous avons découvert les oiseaux du paradis dans un lieu secret et à l’abri à 1/2 heure de marche du logement. Attention l’accès est assez pentu !!
Les repas étaient en abondance et bons.
vous pouvez vous baigner très facilement devant les homestay ou vous relaxer sur la plage.
Par contre, comme sur les autres iles il y a énormément de chiens et pas tous gentils, alors attention
Les sanitaires étaient propres et la douche très pratique.
Les repas sont servis dans un espace dédié et les enfants venaient nous chercher dès que c’était prêt.
Great food, we could sadly never eat it all because it was so much. Beautiful jetty with awesome sunset view, lots of children and dogs running around on the beach. Frankies sons took us to see both birds of paradise on two seperate morning and showed us many other birds as well, Red Birds of Paradise is very close, Wilson is a 1,5h hike but absolutely worth it – thank you again guys! Nice secluded beach a couple of minutes of snorkelling away.
Great food, we could sadly never eat it all because it was so much. Beautiful jetty with awesome sunset view, lots of children and dogs running around on the beach. Frankies sons took us to see both birds of paradise on two seperate morning and showed us many other birds as well, Red Birds of Paradise is very close, Wilson is a 1,5h hike but absolutely worth it – thank you again guys! Nice secluded beach a couple of minutes of snorkelling away.
I stayed at Wapnansan Homestay for 5 nights and was very happy with the food and the effort the owner Mr Frenky Mambrasar took to accommodate me. He helped me with getting Telkomsel sim card and money change in Waisai. The birding was very good and at the Homestay I saw a lot of birds too and on the excursion to Red Bird of Paradise. Well organized and friendly place. Bungalow very simple but clean and fresh water available for shower and laundry.
Electricity 24/7
Thumbs up 👍
I stayed at Wapnansan Homestay for 5 nights and was very happy with the food and the effort the owner Mr Frenky Mambrasar took to accommodate me. He helped me with getting Telkomsel sim card and money change in Waisai. The birding was very good and at the Homestay I saw a lot of birds too and on the excursion to Red Bird of Paradise. Well organized and friendly place. Bungalow very simple but clean and fresh water available for shower and laundry.
Electricity 24/7
Thumbs up 👍
Stayed 1 night as I wanted to make the morning ferry. I was just planning to rest but Frank asked me into going birding in the morning. It was a very early morning but his guide that took me was very reasonable in the pace and was very knowledgeable of the birds we were seeing. It is about a 20ish minute hike uphill but very doable. The huts are basic but has what you need and are over the water with a very nice view of the sunset.
Stayed 1 night as I wanted to make the morning ferry. I was just planning to rest but Frank asked me into going birding in the morning. It was a very early morning but his guide that took me was very reasonable in the pace and was very knowledgeable of the birds we were seeing. It is about a 20ish minute hike uphill but very doable. The huts are basic but has what you need and are over the water with a very nice view of the sunset.
Frank’s homestay is great. Unfortunately we only stayed there one night. Would have liked to stay there longer. Frank is very friendly and the food was sublime. Both lunch and breakfast included fish or chicken. We could choose that ourselves. The bird excursion was great. Frank has an eye for every detail in nature and also pointed it out to us. Super nice. We walked for two hours through the jungle to find the Wlson bird of paradise. Top!
You do have to be aware of the price you have to pay for the bird excursion. Initially, Frank asks for money for every bird you encounter. For example, the cost can easily rise to 1 million rupiah. When I said we didn’t, he immediately adjusted the amount by half. That’s actually the only downside. Nice Homestay and an extremely friendly owner Frank and his family.
Frank’s homestay is great. Unfortunately we only stayed there one night. Would have liked to stay there longer. Frank is very friendly and the food was sublime. Both lunch and breakfast included fish or chicken. We could choose that ourselves. The bird excursion was great. Frank has an eye for every detail in nature and also pointed it out to us. Super nice. We walked for two hours through the jungle to find the Wlson bird of paradise. Top!
You do have to be aware of the price you have to pay for the bird excursion. Initially, Frank asks for money for every bird you encounter. For example, the cost can easily rise to 1 million rupiah. When I said we didn’t, he immediately adjusted the amount by half. That’s actually the only downside. Nice Homestay and an extremely friendly owner Frank and his family.
We were here for birdwatching and oh boy, we were served !
Franky walked with us to the red BoP display site, a 15 mn steep walk inland. He also found us a great variety of birds on the way and around camp, he almost never leaves his pair of binoculars! Hornbills and various parrots are abundant all the way to the beach. We went to Wilson’s BoP display site with his nephew, who did not speak english but were persistent in searching for birds. It took two attempts to see the mating dance of one male, but this single event was the highlight of our entire trip to Raja Ampat. Nothing underwater can beat that! (Personal opinion here).
Although Franky’s red BoP site is good and conveniently located, the birds stay very high. It can be a good idea to try the display site located between the church in Saprorken. We couldnt go, but some birdwatchers told us they have a tower there, which makes it easy to spot several birds at eye level. Franky won’t take you there, you need to find a guide at Warimpuren or other homestays in the village probably.
Snorkelling is ok but not really worth the trip. The food was excellent, the bungalows clean and with a great view. 4G was very good.
We were here for birdwatching and oh boy, we were served !
Franky walked with us to the red BoP display site, a 15 mn steep walk inland. He also found us a great variety of birds on the way and around camp, he almost never leaves his pair of binoculars! Hornbills and various parrots are abundant all the way to the beach. We went to Wilson’s BoP display site with his nephew, who did not speak english but were persistent in searching for birds. It took two attempts to see the mating dance of one male, but this single event was the highlight of our entire trip to Raja Ampat. Nothing underwater can beat that! (Personal opinion here).
Although Franky’s red BoP site is good and conveniently located, the birds stay very high. It can be a good idea to try the display site located between the church in Saprorken. We couldnt go, but some birdwatchers told us they have a tower there, which makes it easy to spot several birds at eye level. Franky won’t take you there, you need to find a guide at Warimpuren or other homestays in the village probably.
Snorkelling is ok but not really worth the trip. The food was excellent, the bungalows clean and with a great view. 4G was very good.
It’s a great homestay if you are into birds! You won’t find any form of luxury here, other than the incredible ocean views… but what you will find are the birds. Franky is a wonderful guide to finding the Wilsons and Red Bird of Paradise and we saw both during our short stay! You’ll hike deep into the jungle, the hike ranging from 20 mins to 1 hr depending on what bird you are looking for. Both bird sites have hides set up so you have a higher chance of seeing them as you are hidden. Other homestays it was harder to see them because you aren’t hidden. Bring a zoom lens if you want good photos.
We even saw the female bird of paradise at the homestay itself. There are a lot of birds at the homestay so when you aren’t on a tour you can spend your free time just looking around the trees at the homestay.
The food is simple but good, the homestay hosts are very friendly, the ocean is lovely, we even saw dolphins a few times.
However, as most homestays in Raja Ampat, it is very basic and you won’t find luxury. Expect a simple bungalow with a bed on the floor with a mosquito net, as well as a shared toilet shed. Bucket shower/ outdoor showers available. Bring mosquito repellent as there are lots of bugs.
It’s a great homestay if you are into birds! You won’t find any form of luxury here, other than the incredible ocean views… but what you will find are the birds. Franky is a wonderful guide to finding the Wilsons and Red Bird of Paradise and we saw both during our short stay! You’ll hike deep into the jungle, the hike ranging from 20 mins to 1 hr depending on what bird you are looking for. Both bird sites have hides set up so you have a higher chance of seeing them as you are hidden. Other homestays it was harder to see them because you aren’t hidden. Bring a zoom lens if you want good photos.
We even saw the female bird of paradise at the homestay itself. There are a lot of birds at the homestay so when you aren’t on a tour you can spend your free time just looking around the trees at the homestay.
The food is simple but good, the homestay hosts are very friendly, the ocean is lovely, we even saw dolphins a few times.
However, as most homestays in Raja Ampat, it is very basic and you won’t find luxury. Expect a simple bungalow with a bed on the floor with a mosquito net, as well as a shared toilet shed. Bucket shower/ outdoor showers available. Bring mosquito repellent as there are lots of bugs.
Wapnansan Homestay Is very good organized for birdwatching. They made special birdwatching tents. We could go with a 4×4 drive jeep because my foot has been broken before and I could not walk for 2 hour through the jungle. Well organized for me it was 1.000.000 for the jeep and 400.000 Red birds and 400.000 Wilson birds. We even got
Homemade warm beignet at 04:00 in the morning before we left for the birds. We were lucky we saw Red birds of Paradise and Wilson birds. Franky is a very good guide.
The housing instead was really basic. We have done many homestays and this was the most basic of all. We had booked a private bungalow but we got a room in a bungalow instead. There was nothing in the private bungalows. They were empty. We had no choice a slept in the small room.
We had booked 2 nights here but of a cancelled Lion Air flight we had to sleep one night in Sorong to be on time for our changed flight. I was glad we could leave earlier because for me it was a bit too basic. The homestay needs new matresses and cleaning. We didn’t get any compensation for the night we could not stay.
Go for the exellent birdwatching but expect very basic of the housing.
Wapnansan Homestay Is very good organized for birdwatching. They made special birdwatching tents. We could go with a 4×4 drive jeep because my foot has been broken before and I could not walk for 2 hour through the jungle. Well organized for me it was 1.000.000 for the jeep and 400.000 Red birds and 400.000 Wilson birds. We even got
Homemade warm beignet at 04:00 in the morning before we left for the birds. We were lucky we saw Red birds of Paradise and Wilson birds. Franky is a very good guide.
The housing instead was really basic. We have done many homestays and this was the most basic of all. We had booked a private bungalow but we got a room in a bungalow instead. There was nothing in the private bungalows. They were empty. We had no choice a slept in the small room.
We had booked 2 nights here but of a cancelled Lion Air flight we had to sleep one night in Sorong to be on time for our changed flight. I was glad we could leave earlier because for me it was a bit too basic. The homestay needs new matresses and cleaning. We didn’t get any compensation for the night we could not stay.
Go for the exellent birdwatching but expect very basic of the housing.
I stayed at Franky’s place in early September and loved every minute. It’s a pretty serene spot, great for a couple days of birding and one or two of relaxing. Franky can take you into the bay for birding from the boat, or snorkeling if you’re up for it. He’s very patient and willing to go the extra mile to help you see whatever you have on your target list. The Wilson’s and red BOP were easy finds and we saw plenty of other species along the way, including the waigeo cuscus. The food was great, too. Would definitely go back.
I stayed at Franky’s place in early September and loved every minute. It’s a pretty serene spot, great for a couple days of birding and one or two of relaxing. Franky can take you into the bay for birding from the boat, or snorkeling if you’re up for it. He’s very patient and willing to go the extra mile to help you see whatever you have on your target list. The Wilson’s and red BOP were easy finds and we saw plenty of other species along the way, including the waigeo cuscus. The food was great, too. Would definitely go back.
Spent 3 nights here. Ideal location for accessing the inner road popular with birders and specifically birds-of-paradise leks. Food very good. Toilets and washing facilities are very basic and could do with improvement. The accommodation over the water was pleasant, but got quite stuffy and hot at night due to poor ventilation.
Spent 3 nights here. Ideal location for accessing the inner road popular with birders and specifically birds-of-paradise leks. Food very good. Toilets and washing facilities are very basic and could do with improvement. The accommodation over the water was pleasant, but got quite stuffy and hot at night due to poor ventilation.
We only had the chance to stay for one night at this homestay, but it was a perfect choice for us to see the birds of paradise. We were unlucky with the Red Bird of Paradise, but we were able to see the Wilson‘s Bird of Paradise in full display for quite a while. The Prices for the tours are reasonable (300.000 IDR Red Bird & 400.000 IDR Wilson‘s). The accommodation is located in a beatiful bay with a very nice house reef. Food was good as well!
We only had the chance to stay for one night at this homestay, but it was a perfect choice for us to see the birds of paradise. We were unlucky with the Red Bird of Paradise, but we were able to see the Wilson‘s Bird of Paradise in full display for quite a while. The Prices for the tours are reasonable (300.000 IDR Red Bird & 400.000 IDR Wilson‘s). The accommodation is located in a beatiful bay with a very nice house reef. Food was good as well!
We stayed three nights at Wapnansan Homestay at the beginning of April. The perfect base to explore the forest and its bird life!
There are two types of bungalows: private and shared. The shared bungalows consist of two rooms under one roof. These are smaller and less comfortable (only one lamp in the middle of the roof covering both rooms) than the private bungalows. New/better matresses would be a great improvement. Toilet facilities (2 toilets and 2 bucket showers) are on land, and not the cleanest.
Food is really good (also for vegetarians with tempe) and plentiful! Bananas are served on request.
The housereef is very diverse in coral species, but lacks (bigger) fishes. In the morning, a pot of dolphins cruises by. Friwen wall is a short distance away and definitely worth a visit (best in the afternoon for the right sun position).
The forest uphill is easy to get to and walk in (just follow the path) from the homestay. We saw many birds, of which the more iconic Wilsons BoP, Red BoP and a big group of Blyths hornbills that leaves their hometree around 6a.m. every morning. The hides built by Franky are well located and definitely worth a visit.
We stayed three nights at Wapnansan Homestay at the beginning of April. The perfect base to explore the forest and its bird life!
There are two types of bungalows: private and shared. The shared bungalows consist of two rooms under one roof. These are smaller and less comfortable (only one lamp in the middle of the roof covering both rooms) than the private bungalows. New/better matresses would be a great improvement. Toilet facilities (2 toilets and 2 bucket showers) are on land, and not the cleanest.
Food is really good (also for vegetarians with tempe) and plentiful! Bananas are served on request.
The housereef is very diverse in coral species, but lacks (bigger) fishes. In the morning, a pot of dolphins cruises by. Friwen wall is a short distance away and definitely worth a visit (best in the afternoon for the right sun position).
The forest uphill is easy to get to and walk in (just follow the path) from the homestay. We saw many birds, of which the more iconic Wilsons BoP, Red BoP and a big group of Blyths hornbills that leaves their hometree around 6a.m. every morning. The hides built by Franky are well located and definitely worth a visit.
We have spent there 3 nights. Franly’s family is super nice and helpful. Bedsheets and towels fresh and clean. Birding with Frankly a great experience. He knows everything about them and were to find them. He brings binoculars along the trip, what makes it perfect. The food was outstanding, the best we have gotten anywhere in Indonesia (I have been in many places). The toilets and showers lack a minimum if cleanliness.
We have spent there 3 nights. Franly’s family is super nice and helpful. Bedsheets and towels fresh and clean. Birding with Frankly a great experience. He knows everything about them and were to find them. He brings binoculars along the trip, what makes it perfect. The food was outstanding, the best we have gotten anywhere in Indonesia (I have been in many places). The toilets and showers lack a minimum if cleanliness.
I stayed 2 nights at Franky’s homestay. It is a lovely place..
I did Red BoP and Wilson’s BoP tracks with Franky, both of which I highly recommend.
I stayed 2 nights at Franky’s homestay. It is a lovely place..
I did Red BoP and Wilson’s BoP tracks with Franky, both of which I highly recommend.
We had a very nice stay at Wapnansan. Franky is lovely and arranged two birding trips to see red bird of paradise and wilson’s bird of paradise, he also helped us spot cuscus in the garden at night. Food was delicious.
We had a very nice stay at Wapnansan. Franky is lovely and arranged two birding trips to see red bird of paradise and wilson’s bird of paradise, he also helped us spot cuscus in the garden at night. Food was delicious.
We really enjoyed our short stay at Wapnansan. The rooms were well built, clean, and comfortable, the food was also very nice. The house reef was beautiful and healthy. What really made our stay here however was watching the birds of paradise with Franky. We left early in the morning and walked for about an hour to reach a viewpoint where we spent about half an hour watching the Wilson’s bird of paradise cleaning his yard. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
I would recommend Wapnansan and Franky’s BOP trek.
We really enjoyed our short stay at Wapnansan. The rooms were well built, clean, and comfortable, the food was also very nice. The house reef was beautiful and healthy. What really made our stay here however was watching the birds of paradise with Franky. We left early in the morning and walked for about an hour to reach a viewpoint where we spent about half an hour watching the Wilson’s bird of paradise cleaning his yard. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
I would recommend Wapnansan and Franky’s BOP trek.
EPIC FEW DAYS
We stayed with Franky and family for 5 Days back in November. We had the whole place to ourselves to snorkel the reef, walk the beach and do the bird tours. We had great views of both the greater Bird of Paradise and Wilson’s Bird of Paradise and very reasonably priced.
Another highlight was the food. This was constantly high quality food with some great flavours.
Thanks guys!
EPIC FEW DAYS
We stayed with Franky and family for 5 Days back in November. We had the whole place to ourselves to snorkel the reef, walk the beach and do the bird tours. We had great views of both the greater Bird of Paradise and Wilson’s Bird of Paradise and very reasonably priced.
Another highlight was the food. This was constantly high quality food with some great flavours.
Thanks guys!
Early October 2022
Franky’s homestay was the first stop of our 3-week journey through RA. Pickup by car from Waisai worked smoothly and arriving at the overwater bungalows was like paradise. Our bungalow was clean, we had a good mattress, mosquito net without holes, simple but well-maintained toilet and shower area. There might be better house reefs, but there are other highlights that totally make up for it: You can start on a bird-watching-trip into the jungle right from the homestay and Franky is the perfect guide! He took us to see the Red BoP and Wilson´s BoP. Furthermore, we saw white and black cockatoos, numerous hornbills, eclectus parrots, paradise kingfishers – and a cuscus. Franky even spotted some western crowned pigeons (that we only saw disappear into the jungle, unfortunately…;). Franky´s shelter for watching Wilson´s BoP is the perfect spot, and he was very patient to make sure we had a great experience.
The family was very kind and helpful. On our request Franky organized a trip to Kalibiru (approximately 1.5 hrs. by car) – it was quite expensive but worth it. On the way back we visited Waisai market, which was nice too.
We really enjoyed the food at Wapnansan Homestay! Fresh fish and vegetables, a bit spicy as we like it, bananas for us to take all day long.
We totally recommend Franky´s homestay. It is the perfect place to start (or end) your Raja Ampat trip!
Thank you very much Franky & family, we had a great time at your nice homestay!
Hi Tobias and Lisa,
That sounds good! What did you pay for the tours you describe? We will be at Wapnansan next Saturday!
BR,
Harry and Claire
Early October 2022
Franky’s homestay was the first stop of our 3-week journey through RA. Pickup by car from Waisai worked smoothly and arriving at the overwater bungalows was like paradise. Our bungalow was clean, we had a good mattress, mosquito net without holes, simple but well-maintained toilet and shower area. There might be better house reefs, but there are other highlights that totally make up for it: You can start on a bird-watching-trip into the jungle right from the homestay and Franky is the perfect guide! He took us to see the Red BoP and Wilson´s BoP. Furthermore, we saw white and black cockatoos, numerous hornbills, eclectus parrots, paradise kingfishers – and a cuscus. Franky even spotted some western crowned pigeons (that we only saw disappear into the jungle, unfortunately…;). Franky´s shelter for watching Wilson´s BoP is the perfect spot, and he was very patient to make sure we had a great experience.
The family was very kind and helpful. On our request Franky organized a trip to Kalibiru (approximately 1.5 hrs. by car) – it was quite expensive but worth it. On the way back we visited Waisai market, which was nice too.
We really enjoyed the food at Wapnansan Homestay! Fresh fish and vegetables, a bit spicy as we like it, bananas for us to take all day long.
We totally recommend Franky´s homestay. It is the perfect place to start (or end) your Raja Ampat trip!
Thank you very much Franky & family, we had a great time at your nice homestay!
Hi Tobias and Lisa,
That sounds good! What did you pay for the tours you describe? We will be at Wapnansan next Saturday!
BR,
Harry and Claire
Simply an awesome experience staying in the chalet over the water. Awesome chances to dip your feet in to crystal clear water after saying hello to Willy Wagtail is a must. A minutes walk out on the jetty at night let’s you see the magnificent night sky littered with beautiful stars. Visits to BoP sites doable and worth the climb to see Wilson and Red BoP. Franki is a very knowledgeable and kind man. Nutritious and tasty fish, chicken and vege dishes with rice served daily plus yummy banana fritters. If you come to Waigeo, a stay here is a must. No fuss ‘Back to basics’, is a good soulful experience. Thanks Franki for the time shared in late Jan 2020.
Simply an awesome experience staying in the chalet over the water. Awesome chances to dip your feet in to crystal clear water after saying hello to Willy Wagtail is a must. A minutes walk out on the jetty at night let’s you see the magnificent night sky littered with beautiful stars. Visits to BoP sites doable and worth the climb to see Wilson and Red BoP. Franki is a very knowledgeable and kind man. Nutritious and tasty fish, chicken and vege dishes with rice served daily plus yummy banana fritters. If you come to Waigeo, a stay here is a must. No fuss ‘Back to basics’, is a good soulful experience. Thanks Franki for the time shared in late Jan 2020.
Just stayed for three nights and really enjoyed it. Very friendly, good food, standard homestay facilties (fresh water in mandi unlike some on smaller islands). Very good coral and fish beyond the lagoon. Bird tours were the highlight – first, to see red and Wilson’s birds of paradise, brought us to within 5m of male Wilson’s thanks to the hide the owner has constructed. Second was a 2-hour walk through forest near the homestay with the owner spotting and calling a good selection of birds for us (including more red birds of paradise). Recommended.
Just stayed for three nights and really enjoyed it. Very friendly, good food, standard homestay facilties (fresh water in mandi unlike some on smaller islands). Very good coral and fish beyond the lagoon. Bird tours were the highlight – first, to see red and Wilson’s birds of paradise, brought us to within 5m of male Wilson’s thanks to the hide the owner has constructed. Second was a 2-hour walk through forest near the homestay with the owner spotting and calling a good selection of birds for us (including more red birds of paradise). Recommended.
Quite a good homestay.
You really felt like living with the family.
Good facilities and food but the toilets could be improved (just a cabin on earth soil). The bungalows are equipped with a small table and chair, a hammock and washing lines. Good jungle vibes. No rats seen.
During my stay there I went diving once with the scuba republic resort which you can reach by foot in about 20min.
Quite a good homestay.
You really felt like living with the family.
Good facilities and food but the toilets could be improved (just a cabin on earth soil). The bungalows are equipped with a small table and chair, a hammock and washing lines. Good jungle vibes. No rats seen.
During my stay there I went diving once with the scuba republic resort which you can reach by foot in about 20min.
Je suis resté une nuit dans ce home stay.
Je suis arrivé en fin de journée, l’accueil a été agréable, le dîner servi était simple mais très bon !
La chambre vraiment basique, un matelas posé par terre, une moustiquaire … tout était humide parce qu’il y avait eu béaucoup de pluie dans la journée.
Nous nous sommes couchés, j’ai entendu du bruit, j’ai allumé la lumière de mon portable, j’ai vu 2 rats qui étaient en train d’essayer de manger mon sac à dos….
J’etais vraiment fatigué et pas beaucoup d’autres options que de dormir … je m’endors et environs 1 heure plus tard j’ai été réveillé par un rat qui me mordais le bras….
Je n’ai donc plus dormi et attendu le jour pour partir !
J’ai dis au propriétaire que je n’avais pas pu dormir à cause des rats, il n’a pas eu l’air surpris, m’a fais payer le même prix normal et m’a souhaiter une bonne journée …
Je suis resté une nuit dans ce home stay.
Je suis arrivé en fin de journée, l’accueil a été agréable, le dîner servi était simple mais très bon !
La chambre vraiment basique, un matelas posé par terre, une moustiquaire … tout était humide parce qu’il y avait eu béaucoup de pluie dans la journée.
Nous nous sommes couchés, j’ai entendu du bruit, j’ai allumé la lumière de mon portable, j’ai vu 2 rats qui étaient en train d’essayer de manger mon sac à dos….
J’etais vraiment fatigué et pas beaucoup d’autres options que de dormir … je m’endors et environs 1 heure plus tard j’ai été réveillé par un rat qui me mordais le bras….
Je n’ai donc plus dormi et attendu le jour pour partir !
J’ai dis au propriétaire que je n’avais pas pu dormir à cause des rats, il n’a pas eu l’air surpris, m’a fais payer le même prix normal et m’a souhaiter une bonne journée …
I stayed 6 nights at the homestay and it was realy great good food Nice bed .
Franky do knows all the best birding spots around.
Very friendly family they try to help as best as possible for your needs.
I would sure recomend this to anyone with interest for birding. And if there is a language problem just ask for Bram as he speaks good English.
Johan
I stayed 6 nights at the homestay and it was realy great good food Nice bed .
Franky do knows all the best birding spots around.
Very friendly family they try to help as best as possible for your needs.
I would sure recomend this to anyone with interest for birding. And if there is a language problem just ask for Bram as he speaks good English.
Johan
We stayed at Wapnansan Homestay for 2 nights and came back for 1 night before leaving Raja Ampat. Franky’s Homestay is the best i should say because you really feel like you are part of their family. Franky is so nice, his wife cooked the best meal ever, Winet, the friend of Franky who speaks very good English is always there also to help us . The cottage over the water is the best because it is not like other homestays with many cottages to rent. We were alone. I recommend Wapnansan Homestay if you plan to stay at Waigeo for a couple of days before exploring other island in raja ampat. It is the best . my husband and I are planning to go back to Frank’s Homestay. Thank you very much to Franky and his family and Winet too
We stayed at Wapnansan Homestay for 2 nights and came back for 1 night before leaving Raja Ampat. Franky’s Homestay is the best i should say because you really feel like you are part of their family. Franky is so nice, his wife cooked the best meal ever, Winet, the friend of Franky who speaks very good English is always there also to help us . The cottage over the water is the best because it is not like other homestays with many cottages to rent. We were alone. I recommend Wapnansan Homestay if you plan to stay at Waigeo for a couple of days before exploring other island in raja ampat. It is the best . my husband and I are planning to go back to Frank’s Homestay. Thank you very much to Franky and his family and Winet too