Rifalda Cottage (Raja Ampat)
What visitors say
- ★ 5Greg Ishii
Great, clean budget stay in Waisai. The cottages look to all be very similar, the one I stayed in had a living room and bathroom (with fairly hot water) that were very spacious and comfortable with plenty of room to dry out your clothes and any dive/snorkeling gear. These areas are enclosed without AC but have above window vents that are screened to keep insects out. There is a midsize fridge, filtered water, a kettle and coffee and tea supplies and a small TV. The two separate bedrooms each have their own AC (plenty strong) a comfortable bed and cabinets to hang and store your clothing. It is simple but everything you need. The host is very friendly, speaks good English and provided contacts for bird/night tours, diving, and scooters (highly recommend to make getting around easy - there is a lot to see on this island). Many divers stay on the various smaller islands, but I found it just as effective to do day trips (8a-5p) from here, through Olin Dive Center. All in all a great stay.
- Trip.com Member
Rating: ★★★★★If you are looking for a true sanctuary in Raja Ampat, Rifalda Cottage is a hidden gem that perfectly balances comfort with the raw beauty of the islands. It is the kind of place where the pace of life slows down the moment you arrive.The Atmosphere & ServiceThe most striking thing about this stay isn’t just the scenery—it’s the people. The local community and the staff are incredibly welcoming, creating a calm and safe environment. Their helpfulness feels genuine; they go out of their way to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. It is a very peaceful spot, ideal for those looking to disconnect from the noise of the world.AccommodationsThe cottages themselves are impressive. While many island stays can feel a bit "rustic," the rooms here are:• Super Clean: Impeccably maintained, which is a breath of fresh air in a tropical environment.• Comfortable: The beds and layout make it easy to relax after a long day of diving or exploring.A Qu
- ★ 5Marilyn Dávila
Best host in town! Tono is so kind and helpful, he even lent us his motorbike and gave us the best tips. He really takes care of his guests. The room was very comfortable, clean, and the perfect spot to rest after diving and fishing trips. Thanks for everything, Tono!
- davidhughtaylor
Waisai town is quite primitive but Rifalda Cottages provides a fantastic budget option with first world amenity! It is close to port so convenient for first/last day of liveaboard boat trip. Ignore the smashed front sign of the road! Things much better inside the compound with a quiet garden area. Each stand-alone cottage is spacious, well lit, insect-proof, with drinking water fountain and clean tiled bathrooms with hot water. Amazing effort to provide all this under such primitive conditions!
Review excerpts via Google Maps.