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Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
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Last replied
24 Feb 2026
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94.1 %
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Description
Hi, we’re Astrid and Tono, living on the beautiful island of Karimunjawa with our two children, Sophia (6) and Alfie (4).
We run the island’s only solar-powered guesthouse Astrid teaches yoga in some of the most stunning natural locations around the island, and together we are involved in building and supporting a nature-based, bilingual educational initiative here in the community.
We are currently looking for a kind, grounded and nature-loving couple (or a skilled solo traveler) who would like to stay longer-term and truly become part of our family rhythm. The main focus is enriching our children’s lives, through outdoor play, creativity, music, movement, storytelling and presence, while also supporting us practically, especially during busy work periods and yoga teaching afternoons.
English is essential, as our children are bilingual (English and Indonesian). Volunteers must be confident driving a scooter, comfortable living simply on a tropical island, and genuinely enjoy spending time outdoors. A natural affinity with children, emotional maturity, and a creative spirit are far more important to us than formal qualifications.
If you are looking for a meaningful placement where you can build real connection, with our children, our land, and island life, this may be the right fit for you. 🌿
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Farming
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Self development
Culture
Charity work
Music
Plant care
Photography
Gardening
Drawing & painting
Beach
Camping
Dancing
Nature
Outdoor activities
Yoga / Wellness
Books
Art & design
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living with us in Karimunjawa is not a typical Workaway experience, it is an invitation into island life, off-grid rhythms, and a family deeply rooted in nature and community.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Immerse yourself in a remote tropical island environment
- Swim, snorkel and explore largely untouched beaches
- Experience off-grid, solar-powered living
- Witness firsthand how eco-tourism and mindful hospitality operate in a small island setting
- Learn about local conservation efforts and community-led initiatives
- Experience life connected to land, sea and slow rhythms
Astrid is a dedicated yoga teacher, and while she cannot promise daily involvement (as volunteers will often be supporting with the children during teaching hours), there may be opportunities to join selected classes, practice independently in beautiful spaces, and deepen your own personal practice.
Island life here requires adaptability, patience and openness. In return, it offers sunsets that stop you in your tracks, ocean swims before breakfast, barefoot days, and the rare chance to live closely with nature rather than just visit it 🌿
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
## Immediate Short-Term Help Needed – Website & Retreat Preparation
Alongside family support, we are also seeking volunteers who can help with:
* Website updates and improvements
* Photography or visual storytelling
* SEO or booking platform optimisation
* Preparing marketing materials for the upcoming season
* Supporting the preparation of the first yoga retreat
If you have experience in digital marketing, hospitality systems, branding, retreat coordination, or content creation, this would be incredibly valuable.
Ideally, we would love someone who is excited to contribute creatively and practically as we prepare for a busy season ahead.
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## Longer-Term Volunteers Welcome (Minimum 2 Months)
We are currently looking for longer-term volunteers who genuinely enjoy spending time with children and becoming part of family life here in Karimunjawa.
Our two children attend a nature-based bilingual preschool. Support may include:
* Picking up from school (11:00 and 12:00)
* Preparing or sharing lunch (we provide food; cooking skills are very welcome!)
* Afternoon playtime at home or outdoors
* Supporting especially on afternoons when Astrid is teaching yoga
* Occasional evening help if needed / babysitting for date night
Our children love swimming, exploring outdoors, building, reading, imaginative play, and being in nature. We have two dogs and plenty of space to roam. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy being outside, are creative, patient, and genuinely present with children.
They have different play styles and energy levels, so a couple can work beautifully — but a grounded, confident solo traveler is also warmly welcome.
**Commitment:**
We are looking for a minimum stay of **2 months**, with the possibility to extend to 4–6 months if it feels like a good mutual fit. We will always arrange a video call first to ensure compatibility.
If you are only available short-term, this is unfortunately not the right placement for you.
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## Garden & Land Development
We live on 5,000m² of land that is slowly evolving into a child-friendly permaculture garden. It is still very much in its early stages.
If you have skills or passion in:
* Permaculture
* Gardening
* Natural building
* Creating playful outdoor spaces for children
we would love your input and hands-on support.
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## Skills We Love
Music (singing especially), gardening, martial arts, dance, creative arts, outdoor education, storytelling, or anything that brings beauty and inspiration into daily life is very welcome.
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We are looking for volunteers who want to stay long enough to build real connection — with our children, with the land, and with island life.
If this resonates, we would love to hear from you. 🌿
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Indonesian: Fluent
Javanese: Fluent
Accommodation
We offer a simple double room with a fan and private bathroom in town with access to a kitchen. This accommodation is different to our family home. We offer a scooter to use for the duration of your stay.
We provide supplies for meals cooked for our family and volunteers.
What else ...
During your time off, you’ll have space to explore and experience island life at your own rhythm.
We have kayaks that volunteers are welcome to use. The guesthouse sits in a quiet bay with a live coral reef just offshore, a white sand beach within walking distance, and the National Park’s turtle sanctuary nearby (seasonal releases usually happen in the afternoon).
Living with us in Karimunjawa also offers something less visible but equally valuable:
A firsthand experience of what it is like to live on a remote island, run an off-grid hospitality business, and actively contribute to a local educational charity, all while raising a family. You’ll see the behind-the-scenes reality, the beauty, the challenges, the adaptability required, and the creativity it takes to build something meaningful in a small island community.
For those interested in entrepreneurship, eco-tourism, community development, education or conscious business, this can be an eye-opening and inspiring learning experience.
The island itself is best known for:
- Island-hopping boat trips to surrounding uninhabited islands
- Snorkelling and diving in protected marine areas
- Mangrove trekking
- Beach hopping and sunset viewpoints
- Camping on remote islands and beaches
- Exploring small local warungs and village life
Transport here is primarily by scooter, and volunteers must feel confident driving one. Everything is relatively close and the pace of life is slow.
Life here is simple and nature-focused. Evenings are often quiet, with beautiful sunsets, star-filled skies or moon rises. If you are seeking nightlife and constant stimulation, island life may feel too slow. But if you’re curious about intentional living, meaningful work, and being part of something growing, this can be a rare and enriching chapter.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Both our guesthouse and private home have Wi-Fi.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Pucci (8 months)
Adopted from the children's grandma's house, this kitten is fearless and sleeps anywhere in any way!
Tiger (2 years)
Born at home and lost both his siblings, mother and bestie to wild dogs (this was before we got our own dogs), so he's a massive home body. Spends most of his time sleeping (on the bed), because he's not meant to sleep here, so of course he loves it!
Frankie (1 year)
A rescued jungle puppy. She's very gentle, not so brave! Loves swimming in the stream by our house and eating raw egg to keep her lovely coat thick and lush.
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (4)
Besides the project, Astrid, Tono and the kids (Daniya and Alfie) are incredibly sweet and thoughtful! We had dinner with them a couple of times and were able to connect with them! They… read more
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
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(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.5)
Besides the project, Astrid, Tono and the kids (Daniya and Alfie) are incredibly sweet and thoughtful! We had dinner with them a couple of times and were able to connect with them! They… read more
I did some yoga and Acroyoga classes with Astrid; cooked and taught how to prepare some vegan dishes and helped taking care of the magical place. I also brought some ideias of how to start the food forest… read more
