Kanawa Island
Kanawa Island
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- Susan WKiama, Australia29 contributionsKanawa just a stop for snorkelling on 2-3 day trip. Basic snorkelling at thatKananwa maybe OK for quiet 1-2 night stay if you aren't on tight schedule. But didn't impress us much with basic snorkelling - which we know is subject to your previous experiences. Some may think it's fantastic, others may think it terrible. There is a little to see and some fish but I wouldn't go there if it wan't on our 3 day trip itinerary. Tides affect snorkelling and it should have been good when we were there - but just OK. Probably good for beginner (kid) snorkelling. Quiet and not over developed for sureVisited July 2019Written February 11, 2020
- Natasa JLjubljana, Slovenia87 contributionsCombine the trip with watching of flying foxesBeautiful place for snorkling and amazing beach - all shades of blue and green. We did a private trip by Kharisma tour and we had all the flexibility with the program for good price. We went also to another great snorkling place - Manjerite. I saw sea snake (black and white) there. The highlight came after sunset - flying foxes! This is incredible and it happens every evening: felt like shooting of BBC documentary. Don’t miss this!Visited July 2022Traveled with familyWritten July 26, 2022
- Tim, CaliforniaMammoth Lakes, California7 contributionsFinding Nemo! Short fun stop!Cute little beach, snorkeling area. Have to pay for beach and lounge chairs to support the locals. Snorkel to the left side of pier from the beach. Watch out for poisonous sea urchins. Lots of Blue Starfish and others, plenty of sea eanemones, finding Nemo!Visited May 2022Traveled with friendsWritten May 10, 2022
- UncleTravellingRichSydney, Australia149 contributionsNot worth stopping atLast stop on Komodo island tour. Place is run down, heard it was much better kept under prior owners. Coral mostly dead. Snorkelling much better in national park. Don’t know why the tours come here other than to kill time.Visited December 2019Traveled with familyWritten December 30, 2019
- samo c4 contributionsBeautiful sea, but only thatguessing pandemic hit the island, because it's beautiful as nature,but everything is deserted. All building's are mostly destroyed or damaged and there is nothing but sea, you can not rest and sit down, to get some tea or drinks. There is no added value but the sea. So better bring water, some snacks.Visited July 2022Traveled with familyWritten July 10, 2022
- Maciej BEindhoven, The Netherlands39 contributionsGo for snorklingGreat place to see corals and fishes. Perfect beach with tiny sand. Nice stopover on the way to Komodo National Park. Be careful with swimming far into the ocean since there are strong water streams.Visited April 2015Traveled with familyWritten April 13, 2015
- jekkp36 contributionsSadness.....Kanawa island resort in Komodo national park was a little gem for snorkekers and Robinsons. New owners almost destroyed it. Now it's only a place where you want to spend some hours for snorkeling during day time, amongst many other islets here. No well-kept tents, bale or bungalows anymore, only expensive bungalows in poor condition, with no water most of the time, missing electric bulbs, broken showers (when you have water). The food in the only restaurant is quite bad, half of the short menu is missing and it's 2 to 3 times the price in neighboring LabuanBajo; also we shared it with many flies when we were there. Icing on the cake: there is plastic trash all over the island - I saw only tourists cleaning part of it from time to time. This place which was thriving with all kinds of people is almost empty now. They ask you to pay in advance in their office in Labuanbajo, as you may run away after one night there. If you really still want to spend some time there, my advice would be to book it for one night only, and to bring your own drinks (they are nice enough to let you store them in one of their empty fridges) and snacks. A new management should take over soon. We'll see if it gets better or worse, and then I'll update this review.Visited September 2017Traveled with friendsWritten October 11, 2017
- JuliesomuchtravelAustin, Texas206 contributionsGo for snorkeling- dont stay on islandWent snorkeling here as part of a two day/one night Komodo trip at 650,000 per person (after bargaining). Had wanted to stay here too, but the only place on the island was 700,000IDR per night and the bungalows looked really shabby. Snorkeling was phenomenal though - say blue spotted ray, baby shark, tons of fish - big, little, bright colors, wonderful coral. Check out of blog for pics: https://somuchtravel.wordpress.com/Visited April 2015Traveled as a coupleWritten April 28, 2015
- CindyramithaJakarta, Indonesia77 contributionsJust Out of Curiosity..One of many reasons I finally visit Flores, is Kanawa island. Some friends have been telling me that it serves you great feelings and really pleasant experience when you visit the island. Well, it's different with me.. Visited this place after trekking and sightseeing in Padar island, I found that Kanawa is not that interesting. Yes, it shows you beautiful white sands and great view (if you decide to have a little trekking to the hill). However, it is crowded place. If you want to stay in the island, you really need to book and ensure that you are informed enough about the accommodation there (Because i heard it was already booked for a year?! Hopefully it was only a hoax, I didn't bother to look for more info, though). After all, surely I suggest you to visit this place. But just for out of curiosity. There are so many places around Labuan Bajo that are more virgin, quiet, and beautiful.Visited August 2014Traveled with friendsWritten March 19, 2015
- bruno lParis, France793 contributionsAvoid this placeCertainly our worst experience in Komodo National Park. The place seems lovely, a very small island with a nice beach, good place for snorkeling, etc... But they set up a resort a few years back, and now they are trying to charge for EVERYTHING. So make sure u don't use any of their installations if u don't want to get scammed. We were on a boat tour and were supposed to spend the night in front of Kanawa - our tourist suggested to go and see the sunset from the top of the small hill - we were welcome by security staff when we arrived and reached the perfect spot after a few mns walk - sunset was good. Then we came back and wanted to reach our boat, we were verbally assaulted by the same security guards, asking us to pay 100.000 IDR each for it !!! they justified their demand by showing us a little poster with all prices indicated, among which the sunset walk (with a bottle of water - lol) for 100.000 IDR. It took a long time but we finally left without paying any ruppiah... what a scandal ! And if you think about spending a night there, please think it twice - the bungalows look absolutely not engaging and they would require quite a high level of refurbishing just to make them acceptable...Visited October 2016Traveled with familyWritten November 12, 2016
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
705 reviews
Excellent
343
Very good
225
Average
76
Poor
31
Terrible
30
Susan W
Kiama, Australia29 contributions
Jul 2019
Kananwa maybe OK for quiet 1-2 night stay if you aren't on tight schedule. But didn't impress us much with basic snorkelling - which we know is subject to your previous experiences. Some may think it's fantastic, others may think it terrible. There is a little to see and some fish but I wouldn't go there if it wan't on our 3 day trip itinerary.
Tides affect snorkelling and it should have been good when we were there - but just OK. Probably good for beginner (kid) snorkelling.
Quiet and not over developed for sure
Tides affect snorkelling and it should have been good when we were there - but just OK. Probably good for beginner (kid) snorkelling.
Quiet and not over developed for sure
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natasa J
Ljubljana, Slovenia87 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Beautiful place for snorkling and amazing beach - all shades of blue and green. We did a private trip by Kharisma tour and we had all the flexibility with the program for good price. We went also to another great snorkling place - Manjerite. I saw sea snake (black and white) there. The highlight came after sunset - flying foxes! This is incredible and it happens every evening: felt like shooting of BBC documentary. Don’t miss this!
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim, California
Mammoth Lakes, CA7 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Cute little beach, snorkeling area. Have to pay for beach and lounge chairs to support the locals. Snorkel to the left side of pier from the beach. Watch out for poisonous sea urchins. Lots of Blue Starfish and others, plenty of sea eanemones, finding Nemo!
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UncleTravellingRich
Sydney, Australia149 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Last stop on Komodo island tour. Place is run down, heard it was much better kept under prior owners. Coral mostly dead. Snorkelling much better in national park. Don’t know why the tours come here other than to kill time.
Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
samo c
4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
guessing pandemic hit the island, because it's beautiful as nature,but everything is deserted.
All building's are mostly destroyed or damaged and there is nothing but sea, you can not rest and sit down, to get some tea or drinks.
There is no added value but the sea. So better bring water, some snacks.
All building's are mostly destroyed or damaged and there is nothing but sea, you can not rest and sit down, to get some tea or drinks.
There is no added value but the sea. So better bring water, some snacks.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maciej B
Eindhoven, The Netherlands39 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
Great place to see corals and fishes. Perfect beach with tiny sand. Nice stopover on the way to Komodo National Park. Be careful with swimming far into the ocean since there are strong water streams.
Written April 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jekkp
36 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
Kanawa island resort in Komodo national park was a little gem for snorkekers and Robinsons. New owners almost destroyed it. Now it's only a place where you want to spend some hours for snorkeling during day time, amongst many other islets here.
No well-kept tents, bale or bungalows anymore, only expensive bungalows in poor condition, with no water most of the time, missing electric bulbs, broken showers (when you have water).
The food in the only restaurant is quite bad, half of the short menu is missing and it's 2 to 3 times the price in neighboring LabuanBajo; also we shared it with many flies when we were there.
Icing on the cake: there is plastic trash all over the island - I saw only tourists cleaning part of it from time to time.
This place which was thriving with all kinds of people is almost empty now.
They ask you to pay in advance in their office in Labuanbajo, as you may run away after one night there.
If you really still want to spend some time there, my advice would be to book it for one night only, and to bring your own drinks (they are nice enough to let you store them in one of their empty fridges) and snacks.
A new management should take over soon. We'll see if it gets better or worse, and then I'll update this review.
No well-kept tents, bale or bungalows anymore, only expensive bungalows in poor condition, with no water most of the time, missing electric bulbs, broken showers (when you have water).
The food in the only restaurant is quite bad, half of the short menu is missing and it's 2 to 3 times the price in neighboring LabuanBajo; also we shared it with many flies when we were there.
Icing on the cake: there is plastic trash all over the island - I saw only tourists cleaning part of it from time to time.
This place which was thriving with all kinds of people is almost empty now.
They ask you to pay in advance in their office in Labuanbajo, as you may run away after one night there.
If you really still want to spend some time there, my advice would be to book it for one night only, and to bring your own drinks (they are nice enough to let you store them in one of their empty fridges) and snacks.
A new management should take over soon. We'll see if it gets better or worse, and then I'll update this review.
Written October 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juliesomuchtravel
Austin, TX206 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Went snorkeling here as part of a two day/one night Komodo trip at 650,000 per person (after bargaining). Had wanted to stay here too, but the only place on the island was 700,000IDR per night and the bungalows looked really shabby. Snorkeling was phenomenal though - say blue spotted ray, baby shark, tons of fish - big, little, bright colors, wonderful coral. Check out of blog for pics: https://somuchtravel.wordpress.com/
Written April 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindyramitha
Jakarta, Indonesia77 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
One of many reasons I finally visit Flores, is Kanawa island. Some friends have been telling me that it serves you great feelings and really pleasant experience when you visit the island. Well, it's different with me..
Visited this place after trekking and sightseeing in Padar island, I found that Kanawa is not that interesting. Yes, it shows you beautiful white sands and great view (if you decide to have a little trekking to the hill). However, it is crowded place. If you want to stay in the island, you really need to book and ensure that you are informed enough about the accommodation there (Because i heard it was already booked for a year?! Hopefully it was only a hoax, I didn't bother to look for more info, though).
After all, surely I suggest you to visit this place. But just for out of curiosity. There are so many places around Labuan Bajo that are more virgin, quiet, and beautiful.
Visited this place after trekking and sightseeing in Padar island, I found that Kanawa is not that interesting. Yes, it shows you beautiful white sands and great view (if you decide to have a little trekking to the hill). However, it is crowded place. If you want to stay in the island, you really need to book and ensure that you are informed enough about the accommodation there (Because i heard it was already booked for a year?! Hopefully it was only a hoax, I didn't bother to look for more info, though).
After all, surely I suggest you to visit this place. But just for out of curiosity. There are so many places around Labuan Bajo that are more virgin, quiet, and beautiful.
Written March 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bruno l
Paris, France793 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
Certainly our worst experience in Komodo National Park.
The place seems lovely, a very small island with a nice beach, good place for snorkeling, etc... But they set up a resort a few years back, and now they are trying to charge for EVERYTHING. So make sure u don't use any of their installations if u don't want to get scammed.
We were on a boat tour and were supposed to spend the night in front of Kanawa - our tourist suggested to go and see the sunset from the top of the small hill - we were welcome by security staff when we arrived and reached the perfect spot after a few mns walk - sunset was good. Then we came back and wanted to reach our boat, we were verbally assaulted by the same security guards, asking us to pay 100.000 IDR each for it !!! they justified their demand by showing us a little poster with all prices indicated, among which the sunset walk (with a bottle of water - lol) for 100.000 IDR. It took a long time but we finally left without paying any ruppiah... what a scandal !
And if you think about spending a night there, please think it twice - the bungalows look absolutely not engaging and they would require quite a high level of refurbishing just to make them acceptable...
The place seems lovely, a very small island with a nice beach, good place for snorkeling, etc... But they set up a resort a few years back, and now they are trying to charge for EVERYTHING. So make sure u don't use any of their installations if u don't want to get scammed.
We were on a boat tour and were supposed to spend the night in front of Kanawa - our tourist suggested to go and see the sunset from the top of the small hill - we were welcome by security staff when we arrived and reached the perfect spot after a few mns walk - sunset was good. Then we came back and wanted to reach our boat, we were verbally assaulted by the same security guards, asking us to pay 100.000 IDR each for it !!! they justified their demand by showing us a little poster with all prices indicated, among which the sunset walk (with a bottle of water - lol) for 100.000 IDR. It took a long time but we finally left without paying any ruppiah... what a scandal !
And if you think about spending a night there, please think it twice - the bungalows look absolutely not engaging and they would require quite a high level of refurbishing just to make them acceptable...
Written November 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonbruno
Rome, Italy63 contributions
Hi - how to get to this paradise? I'd be flying in from Shanghai. Any suggestion on ariports?
RizaL Sulaeman
Jakarta, Indonesia297 contributions
If you rent the boat for your own very expensive looking for open trip that you can join in. usually every weekend like starting Friday always have an open trip just browsing it they are a few travel agent who doing this trip/
harkawal_malhotra
Singapore6 contributions
Hi
We plan to visit LB and Kanawa in Dec. Had a question about the boat transfers from LB to Kanawa. Could someone please help with the details.
1. Are there options for private boat during late afternoon or early evening, other than the only local ferry of 12pm?
2. Do the boats also run in the evening when its getting dark?
Cheers, Harry
ZacharyMarret
402 contributions
Yes, private boats are available at various hours of the day.
Ciao,partirò domani da bali per labuanbajo. Da li dovrei andare a kanawa... il problema è che con l'aereo arrivo alle 12'20, quindi sarò al porto -penso- verso le 13.20. Sapete se ci sono barche che collegano con l'isola anche da quell'ora? Ho letto di un unica andata alle 12... avete qualche contatto?
Francescodacrema
Crema, Italy139 contributions
Non conosco gli orari dell barche, ma al porto trovi barche veloci o barche di legno che ti possono portare a qualsiasi ora. Basta solo contrattare il prezzo!
AndreaM574
Parma, Italy449 contributions
Come sei arrivato per la gita di un giorno? Tour organizzato? Grazie
Stephen Anthony
Bajawa, Indonesia76 contributions
I am tour driver at Flores Island,chat me +6282244499249
AndreaM574
Parma, Italy449 contributions
Ciao, partirò a breve per l'Indonesia. In merito a Kanawa (e anche riguardo le altre isole intorno a Labuan Bajo), è possibile raggiungerle, chiedendo un passaggio ad una barca "normale" per una giornata, senza dovere per forza partecipare a tour? Vorrei visitare anche Kelor e Bididari (Angel island), possibilmente. Grazie.
Williams B
Cisano Bergamasco, Italy173 contributions
ciao.Penso di si, ti consiglio di fare un giro al porto e sentire i pescatori; magari troverai difficoltà con la lingua però tentare non nuoce
Gumic
Bergamo, Italy58 contributions
Hi is it possible to come on the Island just for a day of snorkeling and relax? If so, is it possible to book a transfer boat just the day before? Or should I book now for the end of August?
How much should be the boat price?
mariagrazia2701
Prato, Italy80 contributions
Si certo è possibile andare a Kanawa un giorno per fare snorkeling. Noi siamo andati la mattina presto al molo abbiamo scelto una barca e abbiamo contrattato il prezzo sul momento, era però maggio. Il prezzo dipende da quanti siete e dal periodo naturalmente. Essendo agosto magari è meglio andare prima, ma è sempre consigliato fissare sul posto.
Sarà bellissimo
Hola! Hay excursiones de un día desde Labuan bajo a Kanawa? Alguien me sabría decir alguna agencia, precios, duración, etc? No consigo encontrar nada de info sobre el tema!
Muchísimas gracias!!
Claudia SB
Buenos Aires, Argentina266 contributions
Hay excursiones desde Labuan Bajo hacia Kanawa, Pink island, Padar y Komodo. Nuestro guía fue Rafi Rani de global komodo tours. Es muy recomendable !!!!
Valentinarocco
Genoa, Italy83 contributions
To whom it may concern,
my cousin and I will be traveling around Indonesia in august and we are interested in your location.
I would like to know if you have any availability from the 6th of August 2018 to the 11th of August 2018. If possibile, we would like to stay in one of the houses near the beach.
In addition we would like to know couple things more:
1. How can we reach the island from Labuan Bajo? How much does it cost?
2. Do you organize snorkeling trips? how much is it for two people maybe joining a group? We are not divers but we would enjoy a lot snorkeling in the area
3. Do you organize trips to Rinca and Manta point? how much is it including the entrance fee?
Regarding food, as I understood there is a restaurant. Is it possible to bring on the island your food such as snacks? (not food that must be cooked).
Thank you very much
I am looking forward to your reply
Best regards,
Valentina
qaevoknow2
Dhaka City, Bangladesh8 contributions
Hello everyone. Can you help me that can I take a 1day tour covering Padar Island, then pink beach & then Kanawa Island? I don't want to visit Komodo National park. So will it minimize my costing? Do you suggest any local guide whom I can contact & get to know the costing? Or any idea how much it might cost?
Thanks in advance
Michael Y
New York City, NY154 contributions
Frankly, by traveling that far, I'd suggest just taking the tour ( or just hanging out on the beach, we saw Komodos on the beach, not the tour of the park). It's a long boat ride to only see two spots (at least add in more stops for the same price, I'm sure you can get a guide to throw more in, also you'll be going with a group and they'll probably have a longer itinerary than Padar and Pink Beach).
As for guides, you can walk around when you get there and find reputable ones. It cost 400,000 Rupiah/ per person for a full-day tour to Padar, Komodo National Park, Pink Peach and Manta Point with lunch, snacks and water ( Komodo park fee was NOT included)
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Claim your listingKanawa Island (Labuan Bajo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Kanawa Island
- We recommend booking Kanawa Island tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 27 Kanawa Island tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Kanawa Island:
- One day Komodo trip with Bintang Komodo Tours (From $148.30)
- 1- day Komodo island Tour hopping around by Speed Boat (From $126.16)
- Highlights of Komodo (From $165.00)
- 1 Day Komodo Trip By Luxury Fast Boat Join Group (From $150.00)
- 3-Day Komodo island Tour with or without Roundtrip Flight From Bali (From $343.59)
- Hotels near Kanawa Island:
- (3.28 mi) Komodo Resort & Diving Club
- (8.22 mi) Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa
- (8.40 mi) Loccal Collection Hotel
- (8.24 mi) AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach
- (8.53 mi) Scuba Junkie Komodo Beach Resort
- Restaurants near Kanawa Island:
- (8.11 mi) Copper Bonnet Bistro & Bar
- (8.23 mi) Escape Bajo
- (8.20 mi) Atlantis On The Rock by Plataran
- (8.18 mi) Carpenter Cafe And Roastery
- (8.19 mi) Baccala Bajo
Kanawa Island Information
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