A tiny island sits between Lombok and Sumbawa, waiting for travelers who want something far from the typical Bali crowds. Kenawa Island spans just 13 to 15 hectares. Nobody lives there. No hotels. No restaurants. No shops. Just white sand, turquoise water, and a rolling savanna that changes colour with the seasons.
For anyone tired of overpriced beach clubs and packed tourist spots, this is the escape you have been looking for.
Where is Kenawa Island?
Kenawa Island belongs to the Gili Balu archipelago in West Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara. It sits in the Alas Strait, roughly 15 minutes by boat from Poto Tano Port. Mount Rinjani looms in the distance on clear days, visible from the hill at the island's centre.
The island remains one of Indonesia's lesser-known destinations. Most travellers heading east from Lombok skip straight to Flores or Komodo, missing this quiet patch of paradise entirely.
How to Get There
The journey to Kenawa takes some planning but rewards those who make the effort.
From Lombok:
Start at Kayangan Port in East Lombok. Ferries depart throughout the day for Poto Tano Port in West Sumbawa. The crossing takes 1.5 to 2 hours and costs roughly IDR 18,000 to 26,000 per person for a standard ferry ticket.
At Poto Tano, walk about 200 metres from the main ferry terminal to find a smaller dock. Local boat operators wait here to take visitors to Kenawa. The ride lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
Boat hire costs around IDR 300,000 for a round trip to Kenawa alone, split among up to 10 passengers. If you want to visit nearby islands like Paserang and Kambing as well, expect to pay roughly IDR 600,000 for a shared boat covering all three.
From Sumbawa Besar:
Fly into Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport. Drive about 1.5 hours to Poto Tano Port, then catch a boat to the island.
Arrive in the morning if possible. The light is better for photos, and you get more time to explore before the afternoon wind picks up.
What to Do on Kenawa Island
Climb Kenawa Hill
A small hill rises about 80 metres at the island's centre. The hike takes 10 to 15 minutes along a steep path. Wear proper shoes because the soil gets slippery, especially after rain.
At the top, you get a full 360-degree view. The ocean stretches in every direction. Nearby islands dot the horizon. Mount Rinjani appears to the east when skies are clear. Sunrise and sunset bring the best light for photos.
Snorkel in Clear Waters
The water around Kenawa stays remarkably clear, with visibility reaching 3 to 5 metres. Coral reefs grow close to shore. Tropical fish swim just beneath the surface.
You can rent snorkelling gear on the island for around IDR 25,000 to 30,000 per set. The northern beach offers the easiest access to good snorkelling spots.
Camp Under the Stars
No hotels exist on Kenawa. Visitors either come for a day trip or bring tents for an overnight stay. Camping on the beach or in the savanna gives you front-row seats to the sunset and sunrise.
The island has basic toilets, a small prayer room, and a few food stalls that operate during busy periods. Do not expect much. Bring everything you need, especially drinking water.
Explore the Savanna
A grassy savanna covers much of the island. During the rainy season, roughly November to March, the grass turns bright green. In the dry season from April to October, it shifts to golden brown. Both versions look stunning against the blue sea.
Walk around the island. It takes less than an hour to circle the whole thing. You might spot goats grazing in the grass.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from April to October offers the most reliable weather. Calm seas make boat travel easier. The golden savanna looks striking in photographs.
The rainy season brings greener landscapes and fewer visitors. Boat trips can get rough when winds pick up. Check local conditions before planning a trip during these months.
Practical Tips
Bring ample drinking water. The island has no fresh water source.
Pack snacks and food. Food stalls may not be open or stocked.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral.
Wear sturdy shoes for the hill climb. Sandals work fine for the beach.
Bring a torch or headlamp if camping. There is no electricity on the island.
Expect limited or no phone signal. Tell someone your plans before you go.
Do not light fires in the savanna. The dry grass catches fire easily.
Nearby Islands
Many visitors combine Kenawa with stops at neighbouring islands.
Paserang Island offers good snorkelling spots with healthy coral.
Kambing Island gets its name from the goats that roam there.
Belang Island adds another beach to the itinerary.
Boat operators can arrange half-day or full-day trips covering multiple islands.
Why Kenawa Matters
Kenawa Island represents a different kind of travel. It asks you to slow down. To bring what you need and take your rubbish with you. To wake up to the sound of waves instead of traffic.
The island will not suit everyone. If you need air conditioning, room service, and reliable Wi-Fi, look elsewhere. But for those willing to trade comfort for raw natural beauty, Kenawa delivers something increasingly rare: a place that feels untouched.
Go soon. Places like this do not stay quiet forever.