Withdraw before you board
The last reliable ATMs are in Sorong and Waisai. Plan a buffer — ATMs run out of cash, cards get rejected, machines break.
Daily budget:IDR ~2M
Ayau is real, not curated. The water is warm and the welcome is genuine, but the comforts are limited. Here's exactly what to expect — and what to pack.
It's a wooden bungalow on a hand-built homestay, on an island where one family hosts you. There's no concierge desk. Here's what you won't find here.
Withdraw enough cash in Sorong or Waisai before you board the boat. Once you're on the island, what you brought is what you have.
A generator runs from sunset to sunrise. During the day, the village sleeps off-grid. Plan your charging accordingly — bring a power bank.
Starlink is in the neighboring village if you really need it. Otherwise, this is your chance to actually disconnect. Bring a book.
The bungalows are wooden, open to the trade winds, with mosquito nets over the beds. Tropical nights are warm — embrace it, or pick another destination.
Ayau is a Christian community without alcohol sales. If you want a drink at sunset, buy it in Sorong or Waisai and bring it with you.
You eat what Risyard's wife cooks — fresh fish, rice, vegetables. She adapts to allergies and preferences, but there's no à la carte. No spa, no cocktails, no minibar.
The accommodation is paid by Wise transfer before arrival. Everything on-island — activities, boat fuel, extras — runs on Indonesian Rupiah in cash. Withdraw in Sorong or Waisai before you leave the mainland.
The last reliable ATMs are in Sorong and Waisai. Plan a buffer — ATMs run out of cash, cards get rejected, machines break.
Once Risyard confirms your dates, you'll receive Wise transfer details. Pay the full stay before arrival to lock the booking.
Wire transfer takes 1–2 working days. Risyard receives in IDR directly.
Activities and boat transfers can be paid in cash on the island — or settled by Wise transfer at the end of your stay if you're short on rupiah.
Always confirm payment methods directly with Risyard during your booking exchange.
The homestay runs on a generator and rainwater. You'll have what you need — power at night, fresh water for showers, and drinking water provided. Just don't expect plumbing on a Sorong hotel level.
The generator powers the bungalows from dusk to dawn. Charge your devices in the evening — by morning, the village is off-grid again until the next night.
A power bank covers the daytime gap.
Showers are cold fresh water. After a day in the sun, it's actually a relief. No hot water, no pressure, no rainfall showerhead.
Drinking water is provided by Risyard — no need to bring bottled water.
No wifi at the homestay. The neighboring village has Starlink if you absolutely need to send a message. Mobile signal is patchy — sometimes a bar, sometimes nothing.
Tell your people you'll be unreachable. They'll survive.
Full board is included in your stay. Fresh fish caught that morning, local vegetables, rice. Risyard's wife adapts the menu to allergies and dietary preferences — just tell Risyard in advance.
Local Papuan-Indonesian cooking. Fresh fish, sometimes the catch of the day from your own boat outing. Rice, sautéed greens, fruit. Coconut everywhere.
Risyard's wife adapts the menus when you ask. Vegetarian, pescatarian, no spice, allergies — let Risyard know during booking so the ingredients are on the boat when you arrive.
The island is a Christian community without alcohol sales. If you want a beer at sunset, buy it on the mainland and bring it. Drink quietly and respectfully — you're in someone's home.
Ayau is malaria-free and mosquitoes are mild but present. There's a small medical post on the island for minor issues. For anything serious, evacuation means a boat to Waisai or Sorong — get proper travel insurance before you come.
No malaria prophylaxis is needed for Ayau. Mosquitoes exist but aren't a real problem — bungalows have nets over the beds, and a decent repellent in your bag handles the rest.
A small medical post on Ayau handles minor emergencies — cuts, infections, stomach issues. For anything serious, the nearest hospitals are in Waisai or Sorong, hours away by boat.
Get insurance that covers medical evacuation in remote Indonesia. World Nomads, SafetyWing, or your home provider — just make sure boat/helicopter evacuation is included. This is non-negotiable for Ayau.
Susi Air's baggage allowance is 15 kg per person. Tropical climate, limited resupply — the list below is what experienced guests bring, in order of importance.
The optimal window is March through October — calmer seas, clearer water, more predictable Susi Air operations. Outside that window, weather and sea conditions can disrupt boat transfers.
Susi Air operates only two flights per week between Sorong and Kabare. Seats fill fast. Boat transfers depend on fuel availability. Plan early — last-minute Ayau is rarely possible.
Send your dates, party size, and the route you're considering. He'll confirm availability within 72 hours.
You receive Wise transfer instructions. Pay the full accommodation upfront to lock the booking and dates.
Risyard books your Susi Air flights and coordinates boat transfers. Withdraw your cash in Sorong before going further.
Final WhatsApp check with Risyard on flight times, sea conditions, and boat departure. Then board your plane to Sorong.
You've read the realities. You know the trade you're making. If Ayau still sounds like the trip you want, the next step is to message Risyard with your dates.