The paradise islands of Kri and Mansuar are the reason to visit Raja Ampat. The reef surrounding the islands is breathtakingly beautiful, you stay in a stunning bungalow on stilts above the crystal-clear water, and the beaches are so white they almost hurt your eyes. Since Kri and Mansuar are close to each other, you can easily take a trip to the other island. Walk through the jungle to a spectacular viewpoint, snorkel or dive in one of the world’s most beautiful spots, and stroll along the expansive white sandbanks. Welcome to Kri and Mansuar, two islands you’ll probably never want to leave!
The Difference Between Kri and Mansuar
Kri Island is only 1 km (0.6 miles) wide and 2.5 km (1.6 miles) long. There are no roads, shops, or restaurants, but compared to other islands in Raja Ampat, you’ll find a lot of homestays close together. There is a larger dive school, and a friendly atmosphere among travelers. It’s easy to meet other travelers as many accommodations are located along the beautiful west coast, close to each other. In addition, the reef around Kri is truly fantastic! Mansuar Island is much larger than Kri, but there are fewer homestays, and they are spread out, giving you more of a feeling of being on a deserted island. Besides a few small villages, Mansuar is entirely jungle. Mansuar also has a beautiful reef, comparable to Kri’s. Since Kri and Mansuar are so close, you can easily combine the two and take excursions between the islands.
What to Do on Kri and Mansuar?
Here are the top 11 things to do on Kri and Mansuar that you shouldn’t miss.
Hike to the Viewpoint on Kri
We’ll start this list with a fun challenge! At the highest point of Kri, you’ll find a viewpoint that you can reach by a short but still intensive climb through the jungle. Once at the top, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Mansuar and the surrounding islands.
Wear good shoes and bring enough water when starting the hike. The trail is only 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) long, but due to the high temperature and humidity, it’s quite exhausting. The path is fairly steep, and the last part involves climbing over stones that can be slippery. Walk carefully and make sure not to slip. The sunset from this viewpoint is stunning!
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and don’t forget to bring a flashlight. A headlamp is ideal so you can keep your hands free. The trail can be unclear with many side paths. Download the map of Kri in the Maps.me app, as it shows the trail clearly, so you won’t get lost. It’s recommended to always hike with someone else.
See the Hundreds of Fish Species at Cape Kri
Cape Kri is located on the eastern side of Kri and holds a world record. It’s where the most fish species were counted during a single dive—374 species to be exact! This makes Cape Kri one of the highest fish diversity spots in the world. You can imagine what snorkeling and diving here must be like! The reef at Cape Kri is in top condition, with many hard and soft corals in all colors and sizes. Frequently, you’ll spot white-tip reef sharks, gray reef sharks, large groups of barracudas, parrotfish, and turtles.
Note: The current can sometimes be very strong at Cape Kri. Listen carefully to your guide and make sure you don’t drift too far from the boat.
Soul Scuba Divers
Soul Scuba Divers is a dive school on Kri and also the most popular spot on the island. The dive school is located halfway along a long pier, where people often relax in the hammocks above the sea. If you want to dive with Soul Scuba Divers, it’s advisable to reserve your dives in advance. This dive school is very popular and often gets fully booked at the last minute.
Snorkel Around the Soul Scuba Divers Pier
You can do some amazing snorkeling around the Soul Scuba Divers pier. The reef is a beautiful color palette, and there are so many fish that it feels like you’re swimming in an aquarium! If the water is still, you can even admire the beautiful corals and fish from the pier. If you swim to the left (towards Mansuar), be careful of the current, as it can be quite strong.
Watch the Sunset from the Pier on Kri
When the last half hour before sunset begins, it’s time to leave the sea and enjoy the show from the Soul Scuba Divers pier. A sunset in Raja Ampat is a spectacle on its own, so bring a drink, sit back, and enjoy the show!
Tip: There are no shops on Kri, but there is a fridge with ice-cold cola and beer. You can find it at the back of Yenbuba Homestay, just next to the Soul Scuba Divers pier.
Night Snorkeling
Once the sun sets, different sea creatures become active, like sharks, eels, and lobsters. This is a great time to jump into the sea with an underwater flashlight and snorkel! You’ll have the chance to spot octopuses, sea snakes, and various shark species. Make sure to turn off your flashlight for a moment, as you might witness bioluminescence. The plankton emits light when disturbed, creating hundreds of tiny lights in the water. Magical!
Tip: You can rent an underwater flashlight at Yenbuba Homestay on Kri. The best time to spot sea creatures is just after sunset.
Walk or Snorkel Between Kri and Ransiwor
Ransiwor is a tiny island located between Kri and Mansuar. During low tide, a vast sandbank appears off the coast, allowing you to walk from the western tip of Kri to Ransiwor through shallow water. It must be low tide for this, as otherwise the water will be too high and walking against the current can be dangerous. Wear water shoes or sandals, as there may be venomous stonefish hiding in the sand, and make sure to return before the tide comes back.
You can also choose to snorkel from Kri to Ransiwor. However, the same applies—only do this at the right time and make sure to return on time. When it’s high tide, strong currents develop, and it becomes too dangerous to make the crossing.
The Southern Beach of Kri
Most beaches in Raja Ampat don’t have a name yet. For convenience, we’ll call this the “southern beach of Kri.” It probably won’t surprise you that this beach is perfect for snorkeling. From the pier, you can jump into the water and immediately see beautiful corals and fish. Also, walk to the end of the beach (towards the west). This is a beautiful stretch of beach with hanging palm trees and lovely water to swim in without rocks or corals.
Tip: There are no roads on Kri, but there are several walking paths, so you can walk to this beach from many places.
Walk Across the Pristine White Sandbank Pasir Timbul Manduar
Pasir Timbul Manduar is a pristine white sandbank that is only visible during low tide. The crystal-clear water around the sandbank makes this place a true paradise. The sandbank is perfect to visit in combination with Cape Kri, as these two spots are close to each other. Pasir Timbul Manduar is located off the northeastern coast of Kri.
Yenbuba Jetty & Yenbuba Village on Mansuar
Yenbuba is a small village located on the eastern side of Mansuar. It’s fun to walk through the village, greet the locals, and buy something small from a stall. Next to the village is a long pier, which is also great for snorkeling. Many fish seek shelter around the pier’s posts, and with a bit of luck, you’ll see large schools of fish here.
Sauwandarek Jetty on Mansuar
This pier is located at the village of Sauwandarek, on the southern coast of Mansuar. The sea life around this pier is fantastic. The spot is known for the giant turtles that hang around here. We encountered several turtles, one of which was 1.5 meters (5 feet) long. The corals, the number of fish, and the crystal-clear water make this a very special place for snorkeling or diving.
Tip: Take a walk through the village of Sauwandarek from the pier. If you turn left and walk a few hundred meters, you’ll reach a small shop where you can buy cold drinks.
How to Visit the Attractions of Kri and Mansuar?
Many of the above locations can only be reached by boat. The best way is to join a boat tour to combine these spots. Discuss in advance with the captain or host of your homestay which places you’d like to visit and what the cost will be. Be sure to also ask other travelers at your homestay to share a boat with you to reduce costs. Boat tours don’t need to be reserved in advance and can be arranged on the spot. However, it’s necessary to bring your own snorkeling gear.
Where to Stay on Kri and Mansuar?
Looking for a lively and central location? Kri is probably the best choice. If you prefer peace and quiet, Mansuar is ideal. If you have the time, you can also choose to stay on both islands. We recommend staying on the west side of Kri (see our accommodation tip below) because it offers the best snorkeling, a fantastic beach, and a fun atmosphere. On Mansuar, the northern coast is the best location to stay. Here, you’ll find several beautiful accommodations, and you can easily catch a boat to Kri. Below, we recommend three great places to stay on Kri and Mansuar.
Our Favorite Places to Stay on Kri
If you decide to stay on Kri, Junior Homestay is the best choice. This accommodation is centrally located, just a few minutes’ walk from the Soul Scuba Divers pier, yet still very peaceful. The bungalows are on stilts above the sea and are equipped with all the comforts, including a fan, a mosquito net, and a large double bed. The host, Alfred, is extremely friendly, and the food is delicious. Gibran Guesthouse, located on the beautiful southern beach of Kri, is also a great place to stay on Kri. You’ll be warmly welcomed here, and it feels like home from the moment you arrive. You’ll also stay in a bungalow on stilts, with a good bed and a comfortable hammock. Additionally, there’s a beautiful reef right in front. Gibran Guesthouse is peacefully located, about a 15-minute walk to the busier area (the west side of Kri). Turtle Dive Homestay is the neighbor of Gibran Guesthouse and is a perfect accommodation if you plan to dive. At this homestay, you can enjoy a bit of extra luxury. The bungalows have a private bathroom, comfortable sunbeds, and even wifi!
 Junior Homestay |
 Gibran Guesthouse |
 Turtle Dive Homestay |
Our Favorite Places to Stay on Mansuar
On Mansuar Island, it’s a treat to stay at Terimakasih Homestay. Here, you’ll stay in a lovely bungalow with large glass doors and a veranda with a hammock. The house reef is incredibly beautiful, so you can jump right into the sea from your bungalow to admire the stunning corals and fish. This homestay has 8 bungalows, so you’ll often eat with many people and easily connect with other travelers. The sweet dog Goldie will keep you company during your stay at Terimakasih Homestay. This is one of the best homestays in Raja Ampat! Also, Mansuar Raja Ampat Bungalows is a fantastic place to stay. You’ll stay in a spacious bungalow with a large four-poster bed, a hammock, and lovely décor. The facilities are luxurious, with even a rain shower! Additionally, the hosts Mima and Ringo are incredibly friendly and create a welcoming atmosphere. Ringo is very musical and loves to showcase his musical talents.
 Terimakasih Homestay |
 Mansuar Raja Ampat Bungalows |
