Kenawa Island Sumbawa: Day Trip Guide from Lombok 2026

Kenawa Island doesn’t show up on most Indonesia travel itineraries, which is part of its charm. Tucked into the Gili Balu archipelago off the western tip of Sumbawa, this 13-hectare uninhabited island offers something rare in this part of the country: open savanna meeting clear turquoise water, a single climbable hill with 360° views, and almost zero tourist infrastructure.

This guide is built from our experience running tours from Lombok to Sumbawa. We’ll cover how to actually reach Kenawa Island in 2026, current ferry and boat rates, what you can do once you’re there, what facilities exist (and which ones don’t), and the practical questions other guides skip — like whether boats run daily and how solo travelers can make the trip work.

Where is Kenawa Island? Quick Facts

Kenawa Island sits in the Alas Strait between Lombok and Sumbawa, in the Poto Tano sub-district of West Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB). It’s one of eight small islands in the Gili Balu Conservation Area, alongside Paserang, Kambing, Belang, Kalong, Nano, Mandiki, and Ular.

Official records list the island at around 11.83 hectares, though most travel sources round it to 13-15 hectares depending on whether the mangrove fringe is included. The coastline runs about 1.73 km, and a small hill rises roughly 80 meters above the middle of the island.

There are no permanent residents — just a handful of simple gazebos, a wooden jetty, and a couple of small warungs (food stalls) that operate during busier periods. The island’s protected conservation status means a few rules apply. We’ll cover those in the activities section.

How to Get to Kenawa Island from Lombok

Most of our international guests reach Kenawa from Lombok, since that’s the most practical base if you’re flying into Indonesia via Bali or directly to Lombok International Airport. The total journey from Lombok to Kenawa takes about 5-6 hours one way.

From Lombok International Airport (LOP)

You’ll start at Lombok International Airport in Praya, then make your way northeast to Kayangan Port in East Lombok. The drive takes about 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic. Options:

Private car rental with driver (most flexible, around IDR 600,000-800,000 round trip)
DAMRI bus from Mataram terminal (cheapest at IDR 25,000-30,000, but slower)
Pre-arranged tour transport (included in most one-day Kenawa packages)

From Mataram or Senggigi

If you’re already staying in Mataram or the Senggigi area (which most international travelers do), Kayangan Port is about 2-2.5 hours by car. The road follows the northern coast through some scenic villages, so the drive itself is fairly pleasant.

Kayangan to Poto Tano Ferry

The ferry from Kayangan to Poto Tano runs 24 hours a day, with departures roughly every hour. The crossing takes 1.5-2 hours across the Alas Strait.

Ferry tariffs (2026):

Category	Price
Adult passenger (foot)	IDR 18,800
Child / infant	IDR 5,200
Bicycle	IDR 32,000
Motorcycle	IDR 75,000
Small car	from IDR 568,000

Tariffs occasionally change, and the government has run discount promotions during peak holiday seasons. You can buy tickets at the port counter or online via the Ferizy app and website.

Boat from Poto Tano to Kenawa Island

After arriving at Poto Tano Port, walk about 200 meters north to the Dermaga Rakyat (the small public/fishing jetty). If you can’t find it, port staff can point you in the right direction.

From the jetty, you hire a wooden boat directly from local fishermen. Typical rates:

IDR 300,000 round trip to Kenawa Island only
IDR 500,000-600,000 round trip if you also stop at Paserang and Kambing islands

One boat holds up to 10 people. The price is per boat, not per person, so traveling in a group makes this much more affordable.

Important tip: save your boatman’s phone number before being dropped off. They’ll come back at the agreed time, but if your plans change (weather, you want to stay longer or leave earlier), having direct contact makes coordination much easier.

Alternative Routes to Kenawa Island

From Bali via Lombok

If you’re coming from Bali, you’ll need to cross to Lombok first. The common route:

Padangbai (Bali) → Lembar (Lombok) by ferry: about 4-5 hours
Lembar to Kayangan Port: 2.5-3 hours overland
Then follow the Lombok route described above

Many travelers spend at least one night in Lombok before continuing to Kenawa, since the full Bali-to-Kenawa journey in one day is exhausting.

From Sumbawa Besar Airport

If you’re flying into Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport in Sumbawa Besar (with limited flight options), you can reach Poto Tano in about 2 hours by road. This route makes sense if you’re combining Kenawa with other Sumbawa destinations like Moyo Island or whale shark snorkeling in Saleh Bay.

Best Time to Visit Kenawa Island

The dry season from April to October is the sweet spot. Seas are calm, the sky is clear, and boat crossings are smooth. The trade-off: the savanna turns golden brown rather than green. Many photographers actually prefer this look — it gives the island a striking African-savanna feel.

The wet season (November to March) brings lush green savanna but rougher seas in the Alas Strait. Some boat crossings get cancelled during storms, so plan a buffer day if you visit in this season.

Within any day, early morning (before 10 AM) offers the calmest water and clearest views. After midday, the wind tends to pick up.

Things to Do on Kenawa Island

The island is small enough to walk around in under an hour. That’s part of its appeal: it’s a place to slow down, not a place to pack with activities.

Hike Kenawa Hill for 360° Views

The hill in the middle of the island is the most iconic feature. It’s only about 80 meters tall, and the climb takes 10-15 minutes.

That said, don’t underestimate it. The incline reaches around 60° in places, the soil is loose and slippery, and coming down is harder than going up. Wear shoes or sandals with good grip rather than flip-flops. Stop if you feel unsafe — the view from halfway up is already worth it.

From the top, you’ll see the full island layout, the surrounding Gili Balu islands, the coastline of Sumbawa, and on clear days, Mount Rinjani rising in the west.

Snorkel in Crystal-Clear Waters

The water around Kenawa stays clear at 3-5 meter depths near the beach, with coral reefs that remain in decent condition. Expect small reef fish, occasional starfish, and rarely larger species.

Some local boatmen rent snorkel gear on the island for IDR 25,000-30,000 per person, but availability is inconsistent. If you’re serious about snorkeling, bring your own gear from Lombok. Ask your boatman which side of the island has the calmer current that day. Conditions vary, and they know best.

Camp Under a Sky Full of Stars

Camping on Kenawa is one of the more unusual experiences in West Nusa Tenggara. You can pitch your tent on the beach with waves as a soundtrack, or in the middle of the open savanna under a wide-open sky.

What you need to bring yourself:

Tent and sleeping gear
Drinking water (lots of it)
Food and a small portable stove if you want to cook
Trash bags — you take all rubbish back with you

Some local boat operators offer camping packages with tent rental included, but it’s not consistent. If you arrive independently, assume there’s no rental gear on the island.

Important rule: open fires are not allowed. The dry savanna grass is extremely flammable, and there’s been at least one major fire on the hill in the past. Use a portable gas stove and keep cooking near the beach or jetty.

The reward for camping here is the night sky. With no light pollution, you can see thousands of stars and often the Milky Way arc on clear nights.

Explore the Mangrove Forest

A small mangrove forest covers part of the island’s edge. It’s not large, but it’s an important part of the ecosystem that gives Kenawa its protected status. Walk along the edge for photos, but don’t damage or pick anything — mangroves protect the island from erosion.

Catch Sunrise and Sunset

Because Kenawa sits in a strait, you can watch the sunrise over Sumbawa and the sunset over Lombok from the same small island. The hilltop is the best spot for sunrise; the beach works fine for sunset. If you stay overnight, both golden hours here are among the most worthwhile in this part of Indonesia.

Facilities on Kenawa Island: What to Expect

This is where most tourists get surprised. Kenawa isn’t a developed island, and that’s both its appeal and its challenge.

Usually available:

A few simple gazebos for shade
Basic public toilets (with limited water)
One or two small warungs selling instant food, drinks, and sometimes rice meals
Clean water sold by the gallon (around IDR 10,000-15,000, subject to stock)
Phone charging at warungs (around IDR 10,000 per device)
A simple prayer room (mushola)
A wooden jetty

Not available:

Hotels, homestays, or any kind of accommodation
Fresh water for showering (buy from warung or pack enough)
24-hour electricity (warungs may run a generator at certain hours only)
Reliable phone signal (Telkomsel is most stable but still spotty)
ATM or currency exchange
Reliable tent or camping gear rental
Lifeguards or rescue services

Bring enough cash. Bring more water than you think you need.

What to Pack for Kenawa Island

For a day trip:

Hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses
Flip-flops plus shoes or sandals with grip for the hill
Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
At least 2 liters of drinking water per person
Snacks
Cash in small denominations
Power bank
Plastic bags for wet items and trash

Additional items for overnight camping:

Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
Portable gas stove and instant meals
A warm layer (nights can get cool in dry season)
Personal medications
Insect repellent
Large trash bag (everything you bring in, you take out)

Estimated Budget for a Kenawa Island Trip (2026)

Rough numbers based on 2026 rates. Actual costs vary by group size and negotiation at the port.

Day trip from Lombok, independent (group of 4, per person):

Car rental round trip: around IDR 175,000
Ferry tickets (passenger only, round trip): around IDR 37,600
Wooden boat to Kenawa: around IDR 75,000
Food and drinks: around IDR 100,000

Total: roughly IDR 380,000-450,000 per person

A pre-arranged tour package typically lands in the same range but removes all the logistics, which is useful if you don’t want to coordinate transport, ferry timing, and boat hire yourself.

Overnight camping (group of 4-6, total):

Transport from Lombok: IDR 800,000-1,000,000
Ferry tickets (passengers): around IDR 150,000
Wooden boat round trip with overnight standby: IDR 400,000-500,000
Camping gear (bring or rent): variable
Food, water, snacks: around IDR 300,000

Total: roughly IDR 2,000,000-2,500,000 for the group (around IDR 400,000-500,000 per person).

Insider Tips from a Lombok-Based Tour Operator

After running this route many times, here are a few things we’ve learned that other guides skip.

Morning before 10 AM is the golden window. Water is clearest, wind is lowest, and the island is at its quietest. By noon the wind picks up and ferry traffic creates choppier conditions near Poto Tano.

Boat tariff negotiation is easier in the afternoon. Some fishermen offer slightly better rates after the morning rush, when they’re done with their early guests.

Bring small bills. Toilets, charging, water gallons — every transaction is cash, and vendors often don’t have change for IDR 100,000 notes.

Check the last ferry time if you’re doing a day trip. The last ferry from Poto Tano typically leaves before sunset. If you miss it, your options are limited to basic homestays around Poto Tano or backtracking to Sumbawa Besar.

Weather can change quickly. We’ve had trips where guests arrived in clear weather, then sudden rain stranded them for 4 hours until the fishermen felt safe to cross back. If you see dark clouds piling up toward Lombok or Sumbawa, finish your activities and request earlier pickup.

Carry out all your trash. This isn’t just etiquette — it’s a conservation area rule. Some guests are used to beaches with cleaning staff and are surprised when we ask them to collect their wrappers and bottles to take back.

Kenawa Island vs Moyo Island: Which One Fits Your Trip?

A question we get often from guests new to Sumbawa. The honest answer depends on your travel style.

Choose Kenawa Island if:

You have limited time (a day trip from Lombok works well)
You’re on a tighter budget or backpacker mindset
You enjoy minimalist camping
You’re drawn to open savanna landscapes rather than tropical forest

Choose Moyo Island if:

You want a fuller island experience (waterfalls, premium snorkeling spots, tropical jungle)
You have a larger budget (accommodation ranges from homestays to exclusive resorts)
You can dedicate at least 2-3 days
You want both inland and underwater adventures on the same island

Many of our guests with 5-7 days in Sumbawa do both: Kenawa for a day trip and Moyo for an overnight or two. See our Moyo Island Tour Package

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee to Kenawa Island? No official entrance fee. You only pay for boat transport. Some sources mention a IDR 50,000 fee, but that’s either outdated or applies to specific organized groups.

Do boats to Kenawa run every day? Yes, local fishing boats operate daily as long as weather permits. There’s no fixed schedule — you arrange directly with boatmen at the public jetty. In rainy season, some days get cancelled due to rough seas.

Is Kenawa Island safe for solo travelers? Yes, the island itself is generally safe. The main consideration for solo travelers is the boat cost — IDR 300,000 round trip is steep for one person. We recommend either joining a group at the jetty (often possible) or booking through a tour operator that combines smaller parties.

Can I camp overnight without a guide? Yes, you can camp independently. Just confirm your pickup time with the boatman and make sure to bring everything you need (tent, water, food, lighting). Keep valuables secure and follow the no-fire rule.

Is there mobile signal on the island? Some signal exists, with Telkomsel being the most reliable. Don’t expect to stream video or work online; it’s enough for messaging and emergency calls when working.

Can I rent a tent or camping gear on the island? Availability is inconsistent. Some boat operators offer camping packages with gear included, but if you arrive independently, plan to bring your own equipment.

For travelers tired of crowded Bali or Gili Trawangan, Kenawa offers something genuinely different — a small, quiet, almost untouched corner of West Nusa Tenggara that feels much further from the mainstream than it actually is.

If you’d rather skip the logistics of arranging ferry timing, boat rental, and overland transport, our team at The Langkah Travel has been running trips to Kenawa Island for years from both Lombok and Sumbawa. See our Sumbawa Tour Packages or contact our team to plan your trip.

Kenawa Island, Sumbawa: A Complete Day Trip Guide from Lombok (2026)

Where is Kenawa Island? Quick Facts