Imuri Homestay

Two beach bungalows at the edge of Sauwandarek village, south coast of Mansuar Island. Imuri is the Betew name for the yellow-striped sweetlips, plentiful on the reef out front.

The bungalows

Each has a private bathroom with a sit-down toilet and shower, plus a sea-facing veranda. At high tide the water can reach beneath the bungalow. Raised beds sleep two, with mosquito nets, sheets, pillows and towels. A child's mattress can be added, but a bungalow does not take three adults.

Meals, power and signal

Three meals a day are brought to your veranda, with tea, coffee and hot water any time. Village power usually runs all night, and so does the tap water. Signal is weak, especially in rain. WhatsApp usually works on the beach, but plan to be offline.

Things to do

Snorkel right off the village jetty, where fish school around soft corals. Snorkelling and sightseeing trips by boat can be arranged. A forest trail runs north past an inland lake to Yenbekwan village, and on to Yenbuba with a guide. At low tide the sandbanks lead across to Kri.

Getting there

Boat pickup and drop-off from Waisai can be added when you book. One boat carries up to four people.

Good to know

Sauwandarek is an Adventist village that keeps the Sabbath every Saturday. There is no diving that day, trips must be arranged ahead, and guests are asked to keep quiet until services end around noon. Hosts speak little English, shops sell only basics, and please take inorganic waste home.