Dive / Travel Buddy Wanted, Raja Ampat, Dec18

[Marie Australian]

Hi,
I am planning a trip to Raja Ampat, West Papua New Guinea, Indonesia in December 2018. I'm looking at Cenderawasih Bay (whales sharks in abundance!) and Kri Island, staying in a home stay.
I am a female from Western Australia and have done all my diving in Indonesia and Malaysia, going solo. I would like to possibly share this amazing experience with another dive enthusiast.
Marie

 

[stepfen]

Hi,

First if you haven't already, go through this guide: Raja Ampat: A step by step guide to planning your Raja Ampat adventure to see if homestays suit your needs. Homestays are definitely not for everybody. There are also numerous more general helpful resources in that web site.

If you use facebook join this group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/StayRajaAmpat/
It's a group dedicated to travelers (not limited to, but including divers) willing to share boat rides, cost etc. But don't worry too much. Even if you don't arrange something before you arrive there, homestays are quite busy (especially the ones catering divers) so you will probably find several fellow travelers willing to share activities etc.

I will be in Raja Ampat from 27th of November to 11th of December staying in Corepen homestay in Gam. I was there for a week last year and it was so nice that I am going back to the same place. First week I'll be together with my family (wife and 2 kids - not divers) and second week alone. I don't plan to move around much though. Just stay there and enjoy diving.

If you want, you are welcome to join me.

 

[Marie Australian]

Hi Stepfen,
Thanks for the response. I have done quite a bit of research and found a homestay on the south coast of Kri I like the look of: Lumba Lumba Guesthouse.
I have no problem travelling in Indonesia, I have been there maybe two dozen times and can speak reasonably fluent Indonesian.
I've been on six dive trips there in the past 2.5 years, this is my first to RA.
I'm possibly leaving Australia the second week of December and staying until the first or second week in January.
I will look up the place you are staying in Gam and the sites you mentioned.
Thanks!

 

[stepfen]

I have no problem travelling in Indonesia,

I didn't mean that traveling in Raja Ampat or Indonesia in general poses any particular difficulty (apart maybe from the distance) - sorry if I made it sound like this.
However, staying in a homestay in particular is something a lot of people will find "special". Especially people with high expectations and demands will have difficulties. Also a lot of people from this forum wouldn't dive with homestay dive operators because things such as oxygen, radio, plbs, western standard hospitals, chambers, emergency or evac plans etc are simply non existent.
All I am saying is that you should get informed about the conditions before you make a decision. If you are already informed, good for you!
I am sure you will enjoy your stay!