Features
- Seagrass
- Quiet hideaway
- Good phone signal
- Coral
- Child discount
- Good house reef
- Has raised beds
- Western style toilet
- IDR 500,000 to 600,000
- Near village
Details
Korain Homestay lies in a small, private bay on Pulau Friwen’s sheltered northern shore.
Two over-water bungalows are available.
The bungalows sleep two on raised beds. Sheets, pillows, blanket and mosquito nets are provided. Bungalow verandahs are equipped with table and chair settings.
Meals are served in Korain Homestay’s over-water dining room. Free drinking water and tea and coffee making supplies are provided there.
Guests share a 2 room, tile-floored bathroom building. A shower is provided in one room. Showers only work when the electricty is on. Dip mandi (bucket and ladle) bathing is provided for other times. The other room houses a western-style toilet.
Electricity is from the Friwen village supply, and is usually available all night.
Korain Homestay usually receives a good 4G signal which supports a data connection if you have the right Telkomsel plan.
Friwen village is very close, but the unmarked route through the trees to the village is only for the adventurous. At low tide you can walk via the beach. Otherwise it’s a three munute boat ride away. Basic supplies are available at the village shops.
Please do take any inorganic trash you create away with you when you leave, because there is no safe waste management infrastructure in Raja Ampat (opens in a new window).
Only a little English is spoken at Korain Homestay, so bringing a translation app or phrasebook is recommended.
Transport / Getting there
Transport between Waisai and Korain Homestay costs IDR 600,000 each way. A longboat capable of carrying up to 4 people is used. The cost is shared by passengers.
Read more about Raja Ampat boat transport prices here. (opens in a new window)
Activities
Bring your snorkelling equipment! There's great snorkelling straight of your bungalow deck at Korain Homestay.
Dolphins cruise the waters beyond the rich house reef most days. In the afternoons, frigatebirds often gather above the strait between Friwen and Gam to steal fish from other seabirds and occasionally dive for their own.
Relax on your bungalow verandah and watch the changing ocean moods between Gam and Waigeo. Snorkel the coral gardens at the homestay door, or explore the reef that fringes the series of small bays between the homestay and the eastern end of the island.
Great snorkelling with huge schools of juvenile fish can be had at the nearby village jetty.
Snorkelling trips
Korain Homestay provides snorkelling and sightseeing trips on demand. A selection of popular trips are below. Prices are IRD, and trip cost is shared by passengers. (Maximum of 3 passengers)
| SNORKELLING TRIP | PRICE |
|---|---|
| Friwen Wall | 250,000 |
| Batu Lima | 300,000 |
| Sauwandarek Jetty | 1,000,000 |
| Pasir Timbul sandbank | 600,000 |
| Arborek | 1,500,000 |
| Kabui Wall | 1,700,000 |
| Piaynemo | 4,000,000 |
| Yenbuba jetty | 700,000 |
| Mioskon | 400,000 |
When you've spent enough time in the water, the land has plenty to offer.
Explore Friwen village and discover trails through sago and coconut plantations and jungle to island's many bays and viewpoints. Cross to the southern side of the island and watch the sunset light up the limestone cliffs of Friwenbonda (Friwen Wall).
Black Palm cockatoos and brightly coloured Eclectus parrots are frequent visitors to Friwen - especially when the Ketapang (beach almond) trees fruit.
Pulau Friwen
See our Friwen Island page (opens in a new window) for an overview of the island and its attractions.
Korain Homestay Location
See this homestay on the Raja Ampat interactive map (opens in a new window)
Korain Homestay Reviews
The reviews we publish are written by verified guests of Korain Homestay. Please do add yours!
We won't publish reviews by guests that we can not verify, but your feedback is still valued, and will be seen by both the Homestay Association (opens in a new window) and Korain Homestay.
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18 Reviews
Stunning bungalow over the water, the house reef truly amazing and so colourful, we even saw a Dugong swimming past in the deep, Toilets and showers kept so clean and we looked forward to each beautiful meal Pamela prepared for us. We can’t wait to visit again.
Highly recommended.
The Korain house reef is a soft coral wonderland, with hard corals increasing to the east. There are lots of small and medium fish, some very large schools. The shallow coral is followed by a sandy slope into the deep where larger animals can be seen as the visibility is excellent. I saw mantis shrimp every snorkel (my favourite).
The accommodation and facilities couldn’t be cleaner.
Pamela and Aser are very good hosts who look after you well on excursions, and Pamela’s cooking is the best in R4.
The snorkel west to the village unfortunately has a lot of rubbish and although the jetty isn’t ‘pretty’, we saw moray eel, pipefish, lionfish, scorpionfish and huge schools of fish.
Korain homestay was a little piece of paradise. We stayed for our first two nights in Raja Ampat, then travelled around but rebooked again for our last two nights. Helena was away but Pamela and Aser took wonderful care of us. We could see heaps of beautiful fish just by looking off our overwater bungalow, as well as great snorkelling straight from the hut. Very clean, great food, super friendly and helpful.
English:
I never actually write reviews, but this family more than deserves a top rating:
This homestay is highly recommended!!
I felt very welcome. People are super nice. Pamela, the owner’s niece, speaks perfect English. Communication was therefore very easy and she is also fully helpful for all matters. She also cooked, cleaned and run the “buisness” (with the support of her cousins Hermon and Anelka, hope my spelling is correct) when the family had to go to the hospital several days to Sorong due to an illness of a family member.
(Definetly not from the food!)
Get well soon!
With a very good 4G signal (with Telkomsel sim card), you can stay at any time (!) despite Robinson feeling, in contact with the outside world.
There are only 2 bungalows on stilts for guests, a third one that the family uses itself and a larger house with dining area and kitchen. Everything is still very new and absolutely clean. The toilet and shower (yes shower) have always been kept top clean and are shared, which was never a problem with the small amount of bungalows. Of course, there is also the Mandy (large water bucket with ladle), typical for Indonesia. The food was delicious every day, varied and served in generous quantities. Lots of vegetables, eggs, fish and chicken and, of course, rice. We are in Indonesia. If I want pizza or spaghetti, I’ll go to Italy 😂
For dessert, there was always fruit and bananas were always available. But it wouldn’t be a problem for vegetarians either, I assume. I could eat maybe half of what I was provided. Breakfast was typical of this area and also delicious.
There was electricity daily from 6 p.m. to about 7 a.m. Ventilator available.
Most of the time I had the homestay to myself (April). Ideal for nature lovers seeking peace and quiet. And when other guests were here, the amount of food was so large that everyone got satisfied.
In front of the bungalows there is a beautiful reef with a very light current (easy). You can go directly from the bungalow using a latter into the sea and “go for it.”
I snorkeled every day and there’s a lot to discover depending on the time of day and tides. In addition to the many species of colored reef fish, I also saw turtles, reef sharks (blacktips), cuttlefish and an eagle ray. The corals are also very beautiful. The few broken spots are, I believe, of natural origin.
The village of Friwen is accessible by swimming and super sweet! Just in front a white dream beach and turquoise sea.
You can also be brought by boat.
The spectacular Friwen Wall is not far away either.
All in all: I am thrilled and since I have been to 3 other homestays even more!
Terima kasih banyak! Saya mau kembali lagi! ❤️
Deutsch:
Ich schreibe eigentlich nie Bewertungen aber diese Familie hatt eine Topbewertung mehr als verdient:
Dieses homestay ist äusserst empfehlenswert!!
Ich fühlte mich sehr willkommen. Die Leute sind supernett. Pamela, die Nichte der Besitzer, spricht perfekt englisch. Kommunikation war daher sehr einfach und sie ist auch voll hilfsbereit bei sämtlichen Anliegen. Sie hatt auch gekocht, geputzt und den “Laden” mit grossen Engagement alleine (mit Unterstützung ihrer Cousins) geschmissen, als die Familie wegen eines Krankheitsfall mehrere Tage nach Sorong ins Krankenhaus musste. Gute Besserung!
Mit einem sehr guten 4G Empfang (mit Telkomsel sim card) bleibt man, trotz Robinson Feeling auch jederzeit(!) mit der Aussenwelt in Kontakt.
Es gibt nur 2 Bungalows auf Stelzen für die Gäste, ein drittes das die Familie selbst nutzt und einen grösseres Haus mit Essbereich und Küche. Alles ist noch sehr neu und absolut sauber. Die Toilette und Dusche (ja Dusche) wurde immer top sauber gehalten und werden gemeinsam genutzt was bei der kleinen Menge an Bungalows nie ein Problem war. Es gibt aber natürlich auch das für Indonesien typische Mandy (grosser Wassereimer mit Schöpfkelle) Das Essen war jeden Tag SUPERlecker, abwechlungsreich und wurde in grosszügigen Mengen serviert. Viel Gemüse, Eier, Fisch und Hühnchen und natürlich Reis. Wir sind ja in Indonesien. Wenn ich Pizza oder Spaghetti will geh ich nach Italien 😂
Zum Nachtisch gabs immer Früchte und Bananen waren jederzeit verfügbar. Aber auch für Vegetarier wäre es hier wohl kein Problem. Ich konnte vielleicht die Hälfte essen von dem was mir bereitgestellt wurde. Früstück war typisch für diese Gegend und aber auch sehr lecker.
Strom gabs täglich von 18 Uhr bis etwa 7 Uhr Morgens. Ventilator vorhanden.
Die meiste Zeit hatte ich das homestay für mich alleine (April). Für Ruhesuchende Naturliebhaber ideal. Und wenn mal andere Gäste hier waren, war auch die Menge an Essen so gross das alle pappsatt wurden.
Vor den Bungalows gibts ein schönes Riff mit sehr leichter Strömung (easy). Man kann direkt vom Bungalow über eine Treppe ins Meer und “loslegen”.
Ich habe jeden Tag geschnorchelt und je nach Tageszeit und Gezeiten gibts viel zu entdecken. Nebst den sehr vielen Arten von farbigen Rifffischen sah ich auch Schildkröten, Riffhaie(blacktips), Sepien und einen Adlerrochen. Auch die Korallen sind sehr schön. Die wenigen kaputten Stellen sind glaub ich natürlichen Urspungs.
Das Dorf Friwen ist schmimmend erreichbar und supersüss! Davor weisser Traumstrand und türkisfarbenes Meer
Man kann sich aber auch mit dem Boot bringen lassen.
Die spektakuläre FriwenWall ist auch nicht weit.
Alles in allem: Ich bin begeistert und seit ich noch in 3 anderen homestays war umso mehr!
Terima kasih banyak! Saya mau kembali lagi! ❤️
This was without doubt the best homestay we had in Raja Ampat!
We spent 4 night in Friwen and we had the most welcoming and magical experience.
The location on the island was amazing, being above the water and having a beautiful coral garden right in front of the terrace of our room felt unreal. One morning, we even had dolphins swimming just in front of the homestay.
The food made by Helena was very diverse and always delicious. The room and shared bathroom facilities were extremely clean and well equipped. The rooms were of very good standard with a nice bed a lot of little things that made the difference (tissues, mosquito spray, etc) — the attention to detail that we did not see in other homestays.
Roy was a great guide on our excusions and always made tailored program for us.
We cannot recommend this homestay enough, thank you again for making our stay so memorable!
I had been here for 3 days and was an amazing place. I fully recommend it.
An absolutely beautiful homestay! Situated on a quiet part of the island, it sits right above a beautiful reef, a great place for snorkeling. The food was good, the people friendly and no bugs or rats to be seen. 10/10, would definetely come back!
This homestay is an absolute dream!
If you go to Raja Ampat, definitely stop by here!
We were welcomed in a wholesome family. Thanks to Pamela’s Great English, the communication was superb.
The location was unbeatable. Our terrace looked down on a beautiful house reef, so you could snorkel straight from your cabin, very unique reef!
There is a list of fair-priced activities to do nearby (or further away).
Aser is an experienced boat driver, which made us feel safe.
The food was heavenly and plentiful. We stayed for three nights but ended up staying three more.
The toilet and shower are very clean.
Our room was well equipped, our hosts think of all the details.
Thanks for the lovely memories, we will never forget our stay here!
A secluded and quiet place to stay on Friwen island. The reef around the Homestay is quite good. The bed was comfortable and everything (including facilities) was absolutely clean. The overwater dining room is amazing and the food absolutely yummy (the best food I had during my three weeks in Raja Ampat). Thanks s lot!
We loved staying there! The owener / Manager (Helen and Pamela) where really kind and helpful. Very nice corals (+sharks, fish) directly under the homestays. Really good food, big and clean toilet/shower. Good waterpressure, cleaned everyday!
Wir hatten eine fanatisch Zeit bei Helena und ihrem Mann. Wir sind zwei Nächte länger geblieben als geplant. Die Häuschen sind groß und die Betten auch. Wir haben so gut geschlafen. Es ist alles super sauber.
Das Essen war fantastisch. Die Aussicht ein Traum. Von der Veranda aus konnte man in ein unglaublich tolles Korallenriffe eintauchen (bzw Schnorcheln). WOW.
Es gibt nichts, wirklich nicht was hätte anders sein können.
We spent 9 days at Korain Homestay and loved every minute of our stay. The reef around the homestay is beautiful and full of fishes, the best we’ve seen around the Friwen island, and you can enjoy it from the water or from the decks. Nice and peaceful village and beach at swimming distance. The bungalows are new and confortable, as well as the dining area, with great views. And the highlight is the kindness if the hosts, and the food was by far the best we’ve had in our month in Raja Ampat. We had a great time!
Korain homestay is the real deal. It is situated in a lovely, secluded inlet beyond the busier part of this small, charming island — a place to truly relax and enjoy what Raja Ampat has to offer.
It is run by husband-and-wife team Helena and Asir, with occasional help from their niece Pamela, a tourism graduate who speaks excellent English. They manage to provide that rare thing: a combination of warmth and kindness with professionalism. They are there for you if you need anything, but never get in the way.
If the underwater world is a priority, there is a very healthy coral reef just off the verandah of each overwater room. For a novice snorkeller like myself, it offered a perfect introduction to reef life: turtles, reef sharks, and an abundance of parrot fish. Asir will also happily take you to any number of local dive spots for more adventure, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Food is served in a dining room just a few steps along a gangway from the accommodation, with lovely views across the water. My friend and I enjoyed an amazing variety of fresh fish, chicken, vegetables, fruit, and bakes. Memorable meals included satay and a delicately spiced coconut curry with chicken and quail eggs. After eating, the dining room was a great place to hang out and chat about the day.
I should also mention the rooms and toilet facilities. Each room is spacious, with a king-size raised bed, mosquito net, hangers, ample power sockets, and a powerful fan that can be used when the island’s electricity is on (approximately 6pm to 6am).
The toilet block is excellent, with a Western-style toilet, bidet gun, and a separate bathing room offering both a traditional bucket-and-ladle wash as well as a good shower. Facilities are cleaned regularly.
If you are looking for somewhere authentic in Raja Ampat, a homestay beats a hotel hands down — but this homestay stands above the rest. It’s very special. Highly recommended.
I feel incredibly lucky to have stayed at Korain homestay and I hope one day to be able to return. Helena, Asir, Pamela and family worked so hard to make our stay a very special one. Everything is kept clean and tidy and I really appreciated the shower as well as a mandi for bathing. The rooms are comfortable and electricity went through the night. The meals were fantastic – everyday something different, wonderful fish, even chicken, a variety of vegetables and delicious fruits.
The homestay sits above a coral garden which hosts a rich diversity of coral fishes – I identified over 40 but there are, of course, many more, including Green Turtles and Black tipped reef sharks. One rainy day a Manta Ray even jumped out of the water!
The family are so warm and friendly and helped us in every way they could, including trips to Waisai to find things we needed, trips to the nearby Friwen wall and across the strait to amazing mangroves with rich birdlife.
I am now appreciating just how exceptional Korain is and what a gem tiny Friwen Island is.
My favourite homestay of my month in RA. It is new, so everything is in perfect condition. The rooms are beautifully presented, the deck has a hammock perfect for relaxing, and there is a ladder allowing you to enter the water and snorkel the small but beautiful house reef. The bathrooms are very clean by RA standards :
Helena is an excellent cook! Meals were tasty, plentiful and varied. The best food I ate in RA. The family is incredibly kind and welcoming, and every need was taken care of (it seemed effortless but I’m sure there was plenty of work behind the scenes).
I didn’t do any excursions as it was my first homestay and I was in sleep and relax mode. But I kinda wish I had as there are lots of great spots near by. The transfer was great, Roy picked me up from Waisai and speaks fluent English. He seems to help the family out with tours and interaction with guests.
Note: if you are looking on Google maps the location is off. It’s on the other side of the island facing Gam, not next to Friwen wall. I was quite happy with this as it turned out to be a more peaceful side of the island.
Vam passar-hi tres dies meravellosos. La casa i les instal.lacions comunes impecables, molt netes, no vam trobar-hi cap bestiola. L’habitació molt còmoda i el llit molt comfortable. Els àpats bons, abundants i variats. I destacar per damunt de tot la gentil.lesa dels amfitrions, el cuiner i el barquer. Coneixen molt bé la zona on viuen. Totalment recomanable!
This was one of the best places we stayed in Raja Ampat. The bathroom and shower were the cleanest we found anywhere, and the water pressure was excellent – a proper shower! Since the homestay is newly built, all the facilities are clean, fresh, and in great condition, which we really appreciated.
The hosts were very kind and welcoming, and the meals were not only tasty but also generous in portion. We especially enjoyed that every lunch and dinner included either fresh fish or chicken.
We also loved being able to take trips to nearby snorkeling spots – the prices were reasonable and the sites themselves were absolutely beautiful. Another big highlight was the house reef right in front of the water bungalows. Being able to step straight into such a stunning reef made our stay even more special.
Korain Homestay was added to Stay Raja Ampat today, and so does not have any reviews yet.
It’s really hard for new homestays.
Please do consider giving Korain Homestay a chance, and then be the first to submit some feedback.
Helena, Aser and Deviano will be so happy to see you! 😊🙏