TABARI DIVE LODGE

Gorgeous views, amazing staff, sharks always on at the homestay, delicious food for all meals of the day and great dive sites, captains and team, will return

We liked that the restaurant and communal areas were set up so it was easy to talk to other guests, e.g. one or two big tables in the restaurant. The room was spacious and had an en suite bathroom, and a large decking area to sit out on. We were also provided with a fan at night which was nice. Brigitte helped in dealing with any minor issues we had during our stay, along with other requests we had, which was appreciated. They have a high ratio of dive masters per diver (often 1/2 people per dive master), which we appreciated too.

The food was generally tasty, although we would have preferred more vegetables. The meals were sometimes too carb-heavy and breakfast is just pancakes, crepes, and a small omelette. Sometimes the portions for lunch/dinner could be a bit on the small side, and the meals were often served late. Although some fruit is always available for people to take as they wish. Our room was next to the generator, and the smell of fuel wafted into our room, and it could be a bit noisy. We asked to move but no other rooms were available. Another resort we went to was running entirely on solar power, which could be an improvement for Tabari in the future. A couple of times in the morning we had no water in our bathroom, as the staff had forgotten to fill up the water tank, but they sorted it when we asked. The water in the bathroom was also salty. Also, the water pressure in the shower was quite low, and it just had a small amount of water coming out. We asked if it was broken but were told they were all like this. The reef on the other side of the island is quite nice, but the beach there has rubbish around which isn’t cleaned up.

Everything was wonderful. No words can describe how amazing this place is. Brigitte and her staff were so nice. I was sick when we arrived. So they took care very well and provided help all the time. The food was extraordinary. It was the best we had in 2 month in indonesia and of course the best of Raja Ampat. The island is a lovely place. The room and community area was filled with hospitality and lots of attention to detail (flower bucket on the bed when we arrived etc.). We did not want to leave this place. We will definetly come back. It was the best place we have ever been, and we have been to many places. We also did diving during our stay. It was very well. We dived with Like and Olen. They were bery knowledgable and showed us even the smallest and best hidden animals.

Nothing! Everything was extraordinary.

The location is everything. As soon as you arrive you fall in love. Top that with nice bungalows, good food, and kick-ass diving. What’s not to like? Special thanks to divemaster Like, who was amazing to dive with. And Brigitte for her amazing hospitality. Look no further when searching for a stay in Raja Ampat.

Expect a brackish shower. It’s fine if you set your mind to it.

We stayed at that incredible place for 9 nights Tabari is quite a precious discovery in Raja-Ampat area. It is on Pulau Merpati, a tiny island. It takes about an hour to get there from Waisai by a speedboat only. The trip like that will take for about an hour. Brigitte and Jeff, and their incredible team make the stay of their guests unforgettable and comfortable. Tabari means: - family-like environment away from the civilization - daily shark feeding - mind-blowing sunsets - picturesque house reef with turtles and other sea creatures - exquisite French / Indonesian cuisine - diving guided by careful and experienced staff at various sites - marine trips to neighboring islands - sounds of exotics birds and tides - Milky Way in the night sky, which one cannot tear their eyes away. The electricity is available in the morning and evenings; when it is on, the internet by Starlink works like a swing. The bungalows are cozy with the WC and shower. The real gigantic shell is adapted as a wash basin. There are canopies over beds. There were on almost no mosquitos during our stay in late July. At times you can spot some little cute geckos in the bungalow, they hunt insects. There is a hammock on the verandah of a bungalow, so it is nice to chill there enjoying the view. Room cleaning is on the daily basis. Bath and beach towels are provided, which is very comfortable. Meals are served 3 times day at the large table with all the guests seated round, then it is nice to discuss with other guests what has been seen and experienced during the day. We felt at ease like in a real family. Tea / coffee, cookies and some fruit are available at the kitchen during the day. The house reef is magnificent, very vibrant, diverse, soft and stony corals, many sea creatures! Bridget carefully organizes transfers from Waisai and back, she can agree upon a taxi from the ferry to Sorong airport, she is a helping hand with all the issues.

It is worth going there in spite of limited electricity / the internet, no AC and always cool and salty shower in the bathroom. But you are to know what you are striving for while going there.

Excellent location, very peaceful on a small, quiet island. The staff and owners were brilliant, the food was good and the excursions available every day meant you could choose to chill on the island or head out to snorkel/dive in the day and see the beauty of the area. The diving was incredible, Like and Spaniel were great guides on all the dives and Matteo a great captain. They made every day a really fun experience.

Not that we didn’t like anything, but be prepared for the shower as when it has not rained in a while it can be salty as expected so just bring a good conditioner.

You find yourself on a small island surrounded by corrals. Because of the common tours and meals, the ambiance is like a family run guesthouse. However the exceptional food and daily cleaning gives the idea of a resort (bear in mind the modest price you pay), I am a snorkeller, but have joined enough dive excursion worldwide to recognize the professionaly of the divemasters. By all means it is obvious the place has a westener management. which is a plus compared to other, similar accommodations in the area. Great value for money.

We had such an amazing time here. Raja Ampat is one of the most expensive areas to stay in Indonesia. Tabari was great value for your money.The yummy french/Indonesia cuisine was such a nice change from other places we have stayed in Indonesia. Bridget and her staff were so friendly and looked after us so well. There are only 6 rooms which were lovely.Having no air conditioning was no problem as there was always a lovely breeze. Diving was exceptional and the house reef was healthy. Highly recommend this place and would love to go stay again.

I think it will be very hard to get a booking as there will be many returning guests.