Are you looking for a tropical paradise that offers stunning views, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life? If yes, then you should definitely visit Kanawa Island, a small island in Indonesia that is part of the famous Komodo National Park. Kanawa Island is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and relaxation enthusiasts.
Here, you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the island, observe the majestic Komodo Dragon, explore the rich coral reef, and witness the spectacular sunrise and sunset. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kanawa Island, including how to get there, what to do and see, where to stay and eat, and when to visit. Read on to discover why Kanawa Island is a hidden gem that you should not miss!
What Makes Kanawa Island So Special?
Kanawa Island is one of the many islands that make up the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the world's largest lizard, the Komodo Dragon. However, Kanawa Island is not just a gateway to see these amazing creatures. It is also a destination in its own right, with its own unique charm and attractions.
One of the main reasons why Kanawa Island is so special is its natural beauty. The island is surrounded by crystal clear water that reflects the blue sky and the green hills. The water is also teeming with colorful fish and coral, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving. The island itself has a white sand beach that stretches for about 1.5 kilometers, where you can relax, sunbathe, or picnic. The island also has a small hill that offers a panoramic view of the island and the sea, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Another reason why Kanawa Island is so special is its biodiversity. The island is not only a habitat for the Komodo Dragon, but also for many other animals and plants. You can spot baby sharks, turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and whales in the water, or birds, deer, monkeys, and snakes on land. You can also see various flowers, trees, and cacti that add to the island's beauty and diversity.
A third reason why Kanawa Island is so special is its cultural heritage. The island has a history that dates back to the 17th century, when it was a part of the Sultanate of Bima. The island was also a trading post for the Dutch, the Portuguese, and the Chinese, who left their marks on the island's architecture and culture. You can see some of the remnants of these influences, such as the old mosque, the fort, and the cemetery, on the island. You can also learn more about the local culture and traditions from the friendly and hospitable islanders, who are mostly fishermen and farmers.
How to Plan Your Trip to Kanawa Island?
If you are convinced that Kanawa Island is a place that you want to visit, then you need to plan your trip carefully. Here are some practical and useful tips that will help you make the most of your trip to Kanawa Island:
- The best time to visit Kanawa Island is from April to October, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the water is calm and clear. This is also the peak season for tourism, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices. If you prefer a quieter and cheaper time, you can visit from November to March, when the weather is wet and cloudy, and the water is choppy and murky. However, you may also encounter some rain and storms, and some facilities may be closed or limited.
- To get to Kanawa Island, you need to fly to Labuan Bajo, the main gateway to Komodo National Park. You can find direct flights from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, or Kupang, or connecting flights from other cities in Indonesia. The flight time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your departure point. Once you arrive in Labuan Bajo, you need to take a boat to Kanawa Island, which is about 15 kilometers away. You can either book a private boat, which costs about 500,000 IDR ($35) per trip, or join a shared boat, which costs about 100,000 IDR ($7) per person. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the weather and the boat speed.
- To enter Kanawa Island, you need to pay an entrance fee of 50,000 IDR ($3.5) per person, which is valid for one day. You also need to pay a conservation fee of 150,000 IDR ($10.5) per person, which is valid for three days. This fee is used to support the conservation and management of Komodo National Park. You can pay these fees at the ticket office on the island, or online through the official website of Komodo National Park.
- To enjoy your stay on Kanawa Island, you need to pack some essentials, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, swimsuit, snorkel gear, water shoes, insect repellent, flashlight, and camera. You also need to bring enough cash, as there are no ATMs or credit card facilities on the island. You may also want to bring some snacks and drinks, as the food and beverage options on the island are limited and expensive. You should also respect the local culture and customs, and avoid littering, feeding, or touching the animals.
What to Do and See on Kanawa Island?
Kanawa Island offers a variety of attractions and activities that will suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the things that you can do and see on Kanawa Island:
Observe the Komodo Dragon:
One of the main reasons why people visit Kanawa Island is to see the Komodo Dragon, the largest and heaviest lizard in the world. The Komodo Dragon can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh up to 150 kilograms. They are also carnivorous and venomous, and can run up to 20 kilometers per hour. You can find them on the eastern part of the island, where they roam freely and hunt for prey. You can observe them from a safe distance, or join a guided tour that will take you closer to them. However, you should always follow the rules and instructions of the guides, and never approach, feed, or touch the dragons, as they can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Snorkel and Dive:
Another popular activity on Kanawa Island is snorkeling and diving, as the island has a rich and diverse coral reef and marine life. You can snorkel or dive from the beach, or join a boat trip that will take you to different spots around the island. You can expect to see various fish, such as clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish, as well as coral, such as brain coral, table coral, and staghorn coral. You can also encounter some larger and rarer creatures, such as sharks, turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and whales. You can rent snorkel or dive equipment from the resort, or bring your own. You can also hire a guide or instructor, or join a group, if you are not experienced or confident enough.
Relax on the Beach:
If you are looking for some relaxation and peace, you can simply relax on the beach, which is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Indonesia. The beach has soft white sand that contrasts with the turquoise water and the green hills. You can lie down on a sunbed, a hammock, or a bean bag, and enjoy the sun, the breeze, and the sound of the waves. You can also read a book, listen to music, or meditate, and forget about your worries and stress. You can also picnic on the beach, and enjoy some food and drinks that you can buy from the resort or bring from outside.
Enjoy the Sunrise and Sunset:
One of the most amazing and romantic things that you can do on Kanawa Island is to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, which are both spectacular and breathtaking. You can watch the sunrise from the hill, where you can see the sun rising from the horizon and illuminating the island and the sea. You can also watch the sunset from the beach, where you can see the sun setting behind the hills and creating a colorful sky. You can take some photos or videos of these moments, or just admire them with your eyes and heart. You can also share these moments with your loved ones, or make some new friends with other travelers.
Take Photos:
Kanawa Island is a photogenic and picturesque place, where you can take some amazing photos or videos that will capture your memories and impress your friends and followers. You can take photos of the island's natural beauty, such as the beach, the water, the hills, and the sky. You can also take photos of the island's wildlife, such as the Komodo Dragon, the fish, and the birds. You can also take photos of yourself or your companions, and show your happiness and excitement. You can use your camera, your phone, or your drone, and experiment with different angles, filters, and effects. You can also ask someone to take photos of you, or use a tripod or a selfie stick.
Where to Stay and Eat on Kanawa Island?
Kanawa Island has only one accommodation option, which is the **Kanawa Island Resort**, a simple and rustic resort that offers a range of bungalows and tents. The resort is located on the western part of the island, near the jetty and the restaurant. The resort has the following features:
The bungalows are made of wood and bamboo, and have a thatched roof. They have a double bed, a fan, a mosquito net, a bathroom, and a balcony. They can accommodate up to two people, and cost about 500,000 IDR ($35) per night.
The tents are made of canvas, and have a wooden floor. They have a double bed, a fan, a mosquito net, a shared bathroom, and a terrace. They can accommodate up to two people, and cost about 300,000 IDR ($21) per night.
The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a library, and a souvenir shop. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a variety of dishes, such as Indonesian, Western, and vegetarian. The bar offers drinks, such as beer, wine, and cocktails. The lounge, the library, and the souvenir shop are located in a wooden hut, where you can relax, read, or buy some gifts.
The resort also provides some services, such as free Wi-Fi, laundry, massage, and tour booking. You can also rent some equipment, such as snorkel gear, kayaks, and bicycles. You can also hire a guide or a boat to take you to other islands or attractions in Komodo National Park.
You can book your stay at the resort online through their official website, or by phone or email. You can also walk-in, but you may not find any availability, especially during the peak season. You can pay by cash or credit card, but you may incur some extra charges for the latter.
If you are not interested in staying at the resort, or if you are looking for some alternative or cheaper options, you can also consider the following:
Camping: You can camp on the beach, or on the hill, and enjoy the nature and the stars. You can bring your own tent and equipment, or rent them from the resort. You can also use the resort’s facilities, such as the bathroom and the restaurant, for a small fee. Camping costs about 100,000 IDR ($7) per person per night, plus the entrance and conservation fees.
Homestays: You can stay with a local family, and experience their culture and hospitality. You can find some homestays on the island, or on nearby islands, such as Papagarang or Seraya. You can expect to have a simple and basic room, with a bed, a fan, a mosquito net, and a shared bathroom. You can also enjoy some home-cooked meals, and learn more about the local life and traditions. Homestays cost about 200,000 IDR ($14) per person per night, including meals.
Sailing Boats: You can stay on a sailing boat, and explore the Komodo National Park by sea. You can find some sailing boat companies that offer accommodation, meals, and excursions to Kanawa Island and other destinations in the park. You can choose from different types and sizes of boats, such as traditional wooden boats, modern yachts, or luxury catamarans. You can expect to have a comfortable and cozy cabin, with a bed, a fan, a bathroom, and a window. You can also enjoy some delicious food, and some fun activities, such as fishing, kayaking, or yoga. Sailing boats cost from 1,000,000 IDR ($70) to 5,000,000 IDR ($350) per person per night, depending on the boat and the package.
Where to Eat in kanawa Island
As for eating on Kanawa Island, you have two main options:
The resort’s restaurant:
The resort’s restaurant is the only restaurant on the island, and it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, such as Indonesian, Western, and vegetarian. The restaurant also has a daily menu, which changes according to the availability and the season. The restaurant has a nice and spacious dining area, with a view of the beach and the sea. You can also order some drinks, such as beer, wine, and cocktails, from the resort’s bar. The restaurant is open from 7 am to 10 pm, and the bar is open from 10 am to 11 pm. The food and drinks are quite expensive, compared to other places in Indonesia, and they may not be very fresh or tasty. You can expect to pay about 100,000 IDR ($7) for a meal, and about 50,000 IDR ($3.5) for a drink.
Outside food and drinks:
If you are not satisfied with the resort’s restaurant, or if you want to save some money, you can also bring some outside food and drinks to the island. You can buy some snacks and drinks from Labuan Bajo, or from other islands, such as Papagarang or Seraya. You can also catch some fish from the sea, or buy some from the local fishermen, and cook them on the beach. However, you should be careful not to litter, or to attract the animals, especially the Komodo Dragon, with your food and drinks. You should also respect the resort’s rules, and not eat or drink in their premises, unless you pay a corkage fee.
Kanawa Island is a hidden gem that you should not miss if you are visiting Indonesia. The island offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with its natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. You can enjoy the island’s attractions and activities, such as observing the Komodo Dragon, snorkeling and diving, relaxing on the beach, enjoying the sunrise and sunset, and taking photos. You can also choose from different accommodation and dining options, depending on your preference and budget.
You can book your trip to Kanawa Island online, or through a travel agent, and prepare for an amazing adventure. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope that you have found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.
We would love to hear from you, and to help you plan your trip to Kanawa Island. Happy travels!
