Waisai is a nice town. The residents are not jaded by tourists (yet) as they see them with less frequency than other locations in Indonesia. Simply stated, they are wonderful. All the children say hello and approach often to ask your name and where you are from. Being there in the beginning of December allowed us to see the Christmas parade and train that takes children around town. Magical in so many ways as you can't help but smile when a parade such as this has Mickey Mouse and the much beloved Hello Kitty. And the train is totally lit up with lights and smiles. Beautiful. Most everyone that shows up in Waisai heads out to a resort. Many of the remainder head to home stays in nearby islands or away from town. These can be nice but we don't do well with being so contained. We did a live aboard here in Raja Ampat and then dove with Olin Dive Center in town for another week. The hotel is very situated in town as it is a short walk to the beach, is very close to the wonderful daily market, close to grocery stores and near to the dive shop. We came to stay for 4 days but stayed the week. Rooms are clean and air-conditioned. They are large, have television and provide a breakfast (included in price). Out back there are clothes lines for use. Not much English is spoken but translation apps made life easy. Staff are very nice! At a moments notice the staff set us up with the town's tourist representative (Husna) to help us out with a great deal including getting to Wayag and also seeing the Red, as well as Wilson's, bird of paradise. The hotel was less expensive than the hostel where another diver stayed. We are unsure if we will return for a third visit to Raja but if we do, we will definitely stay at this hotel again as the the place is nice and the town it is in is wonderful.
Excellent
29 Reviews