The thinking, the story, and the people behind ipyum.
ipyum is more than a place to stay
It is an evolving idea shaped by Raja Ampat, the people building it, and a desire to create something beautiful while caring for the environment—something better without losing what makes this place special.
The idea behind ipyum
ipyum is a Biak word meaning good or beautiful.
The swirl in our logo is inspired by the white chalk patterns traditionally painted on Papuan skin during festivals and celebrations.
“Real by nature” expresses what ipyum is: authentic and shaped by nature.
The original beach hut at ipyum in 2023
Our story
In 2023, we set out to create a business that would be engaging, challenging and meaningful, and we saw the possibility of a different kind of stay in Raja Ampat.
Together with people from the local villages, we turned that possibility into ipyum—a place shaped by a shared belief in caring for people and place.
Better than usual
We’re not scared to do things differently
~ Solar panels replace roofing
~ Natural materials replace manufactured plastics
~ We make for quality rather than accept the usual
~ Plastic waste is managed in the city, not burned on-site
~ Solar power replaces diesel fumes
~ ipyum is built and staffed locally
Built around nature
ipyum draws on building traditions used here for centuries: open to the air and connected to nature.
Shade and cross-drafts bring natural comfort while protecting the buildings from Raja Ampat’s humidity.
We work with nature rather than shutting it out.
Powered by the sun
Far from the electricity grid, ipyum produces and stores its own power.
Two roof canopies are generating clean energy and creating shade at the same time.
Environmental care
We avoid unnecessary plastic and packaging.
Plastic waste—including ocean-borne plastic collected at ipyum—is shipped to the city, never burned.
Protecting the surrounding forest, reef and wildlife guides how we operate.
Made at ipyum
Our diverse team creates much of what surrounds our guests:
Buildings and jetties
Water and power systems
Doors, windows and joinery
Furniture
Light fixtures
Curtains and bed canopies
Clothing and hats
Original dishes and drinks
Coconut oil
Websites and publications
Made for ipyum
What we do not make ourselves is often handcrafted especially for ipyum by skilled makers across Indonesia.
Follow along
Inside ipyum shares the decisions, trade-offs, lessons learned and small moments behind building ipyum in Raja Ampat.
Read Inside ipyum↗ on Substack
