Failaka Island
Failaka Island
3.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.5
61 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
16
Average
16
Poor
8
Terrible
5
M C
Italy332 contributions
Dec 2022
I have given a five star review, as the island it self is worth the visit.
You can get there by taking Ikarusmarinekw. They leave from the Marina. When we went the ferry had two departure times.
We went early December. There is a 12:30 ferry and a 1pm ferry. They have different prices we paid for the 1pm 15kd return. It took us approx. 30 minutes to arrive. Faster than the 12:30 ferry which takes over an hour, as you can also take your car...it is pricy though.
This time of year to be on the island is cooler, the evening is cooler and the days are shorter. Good idea to take a late picnic perhaps even snacks or dinner with you. The variety on the island is very limited. You CAN NOT pay cash on this island for some reason. Only cards are accepted.
This was unfortunate as neither of us have cards.
They also serve everything in take out plastic (a big no no!)
There are toilets, there is the reception area of the hotel where you can sit while waiting for the late return of the ferry. This is due to the tide. Take warm clothes for the late return.
We didn't really have a choice so this was the only time we could get there. But I would suggest visiting this island when the days are longer. Spend as much time walking around the area as it is surreal seeing this once lived in island so abandoned after the attacks.
Take the 3kd (at this time) for the bus to take you around the island. It doesn't go everywhere, however where it does take you is worth the while. (our driver spoke great Arabic but very limited English)- we managed.
A taxi or another tour may also be able to take you to the Sa’ad and Sae’ed Area in Failaka Island an archaeological area we did not go to.
P.S. It has a beautiful sunset!
Do your touring first and the food and relaxing after
You can get there by taking Ikarusmarinekw. They leave from the Marina. When we went the ferry had two departure times.
We went early December. There is a 12:30 ferry and a 1pm ferry. They have different prices we paid for the 1pm 15kd return. It took us approx. 30 minutes to arrive. Faster than the 12:30 ferry which takes over an hour, as you can also take your car...it is pricy though.
This time of year to be on the island is cooler, the evening is cooler and the days are shorter. Good idea to take a late picnic perhaps even snacks or dinner with you. The variety on the island is very limited. You CAN NOT pay cash on this island for some reason. Only cards are accepted.
This was unfortunate as neither of us have cards.
They also serve everything in take out plastic (a big no no!)
There are toilets, there is the reception area of the hotel where you can sit while waiting for the late return of the ferry. This is due to the tide. Take warm clothes for the late return.
We didn't really have a choice so this was the only time we could get there. But I would suggest visiting this island when the days are longer. Spend as much time walking around the area as it is surreal seeing this once lived in island so abandoned after the attacks.
Take the 3kd (at this time) for the bus to take you around the island. It doesn't go everywhere, however where it does take you is worth the while. (our driver spoke great Arabic but very limited English)- we managed.
A taxi or another tour may also be able to take you to the Sa’ad and Sae’ed Area in Failaka Island an archaeological area we did not go to.
P.S. It has a beautiful sunset!
Do your touring first and the food and relaxing after
Written December 17, 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.
Marialy G
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Beautiful island, got plenty of activities to offer. Me and my friends spent the whole day walking and taking pictures around the island. The staff at the resort gate was helpful and tried his best to explain the itinerary that the place can offer
Written May 22, 2023
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.
carloscq
Neuilly-sur-Seine, France10 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
We went to Failaka island with some friends. The island could have some interesting things to see (like helenic ruins, war landmarks,...) but the bus tour did not have any guide, neither advices.
The boat trip was also very bad organized. No clear instructions for the return to Kuwait resulting in long queues during night time.
In summary, a place with some interesting things to show but very bad organization.
The boat trip was also very bad organized. No clear instructions for the return to Kuwait resulting in long queues during night time.
In summary, a place with some interesting things to show but very bad organization.
Written November 27, 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.
Wilesta P
41 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
For 20kd pp we had an amazing outing from the start to the end.
We walked around the resort and the ruins post-war, taking beautiful pictures.
Also joined the tour.
Food was way beyond expectations!
Especially appreciated the fact that everything was on schedule.
We walked around the resort and the ruins post-war, taking beautiful pictures.
Also joined the tour.
Food was way beyond expectations!
Especially appreciated the fact that everything was on schedule.
Written January 2, 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.
renirinu
New York City, NY1 contribution
Jun 2017 • Family
How will go there.how much money for fullday.any vehicle available there.food available there.in Ramadan holidays available there
Written June 8, 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.
Ilayaraja D
1 contribution
Aug 2018 • Family
I travel with my Family along with my friend and his family to Failaka island through KPTC Service on Friday 17th August 2018. I would like to give the feedback point by point as follows.
1. KPTC ON FRIDAYS 1:30PM to 3:00PM.and return from Failaka 4:30PM reach to salmiya6:00pm. But we reached failaka island 3:15pm but return sharp 4:30PM
2. KPTC tickets for own vehicle 30kd for rental car 50kd.we have paid 50 KD and each person 5kd which is high cost for 1 day trip. I have reached to Failaka island 3:15pm.
3. Contaminated drinking water in KPTC Ferry BOAT service.
4. Seats are very local and poor.
5. Main thing insufficient time for site seeing only we had 1 hrs 15 mins. No public transport at Failaka island. We need to take car with us.
5. No guide
6. I feel it's experience and not worthy for any expatriates.
7. May be suitable for Citizens to stay and spend time and money. Not for expatriates. It's totally unworthy.
8. I am totally fed up about the visit to Failaka island.
9. Insufficient time and not good timings plan by KPTC.
My advice it's experience and unworthy. 1:30hrs nobody can finish site seeing even a small island.
1. KPTC ON FRIDAYS 1:30PM to 3:00PM.and return from Failaka 4:30PM reach to salmiya6:00pm. But we reached failaka island 3:15pm but return sharp 4:30PM
2. KPTC tickets for own vehicle 30kd for rental car 50kd.we have paid 50 KD and each person 5kd which is high cost for 1 day trip. I have reached to Failaka island 3:15pm.
3. Contaminated drinking water in KPTC Ferry BOAT service.
4. Seats are very local and poor.
5. Main thing insufficient time for site seeing only we had 1 hrs 15 mins. No public transport at Failaka island. We need to take car with us.
5. No guide
6. I feel it's experience and not worthy for any expatriates.
7. May be suitable for Citizens to stay and spend time and money. Not for expatriates. It's totally unworthy.
8. I am totally fed up about the visit to Failaka island.
9. Insufficient time and not good timings plan by KPTC.
My advice it's experience and unworthy. 1:30hrs nobody can finish site seeing even a small island.
Written August 18, 2018
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.
wagadd
1 contribution
Apr 2019 • Friends
Had very bad experience with Ikarus, they charged me extra money (240Kd) en top of what we agreed on reservation time
they did not answer my claim
they don't care about you
they did not answer my claim
they don't care about you
Written June 9, 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.
Altaf A
Kuwait City, Kuwait20 contributions
Dec 2018 • Friends
Went today from 10am to 5pm paid 20 kd includes transportation, lunch , bus tour .. great weather .. had fun
Written December 7, 2018
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.
JackiB0312
Annapolis, MD59 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
Failaka Island was a nice break away from Kuwait City. After a boat ride with stunning views of Kuwait City, we walked through the Heritage Village. This showed how the residents lived in the past, and was very well maintained. Past that was a small zoo (not worth seeing, only a monkey and some livestock).
The buffet lunch was very nice and had a wonderful assortment of foods. Wait staff were pleasant and attentive.
Lots of things to do for families including a game room (arcade), mini-golf, horseback ride, camel ride (he is not there every day).
The tour bus took us to the old military tanks, sitting and rusting on the sand. It also toured the demolished and bombed out buildings from years ago. This was a somber reminder of what took place there.
Be sure to see the sunset before departing. A beautiful view!
The buffet lunch was very nice and had a wonderful assortment of foods. Wait staff were pleasant and attentive.
Lots of things to do for families including a game room (arcade), mini-golf, horseback ride, camel ride (he is not there every day).
The tour bus took us to the old military tanks, sitting and rusting on the sand. It also toured the demolished and bombed out buildings from years ago. This was a somber reminder of what took place there.
Be sure to see the sunset before departing. A beautiful view!
Written January 22, 2018
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.
Barbara L
Honolulu, HI151 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Failaka Island is 44 kilometers (27 miles) east of Kuwait City and visited by thirty-minute speedboat ride. We organized our trip through Ikarus which has an office and pier at Marina Crescent behind Starbucks. Cost is 20KD/US$66 which includes speedboat rides, buffet lunch, and bus tour.
We chose the 12:00 departure. Upon arrival, a bus took us to Heritage Village Hotel where we toured Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Palace Museum followed by lunch. The two-hour bus tour began at 14:00 and we stopped at archaeological sites, former National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Building, first Gulf War equipment graveyard, and a camel farm. Next we walked around ruined buildings nearby the hotel, relaxed at its cafe, and watched the sunset before the return boat to Kuwait City at 18:30.
Failaka Island’s historical sites include a temple from Alexander The Great’s era at the end of 4th century BC and buildings destroyed during Iraq’s invasion in 1990.
Overall it was a compelling and relaxing day.
We chose the 12:00 departure. Upon arrival, a bus took us to Heritage Village Hotel where we toured Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Palace Museum followed by lunch. The two-hour bus tour began at 14:00 and we stopped at archaeological sites, former National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Building, first Gulf War equipment graveyard, and a camel farm. Next we walked around ruined buildings nearby the hotel, relaxed at its cafe, and watched the sunset before the return boat to Kuwait City at 18:30.
Failaka Island’s historical sites include a temple from Alexander The Great’s era at the end of 4th century BC and buildings destroyed during Iraq’s invasion in 1990.
Overall it was a compelling and relaxing day.
Written March 13, 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.
How much time will it take to visit and come back from failaka island
Written November 22, 2019
Are there attractions to see in the island- historical ones?
Written November 15, 2019
wakmo
London, United Kingdom
Hello,
I'm planning to visit Failaka Island with my family and kids in April,2019. I would like to know how can we get into Land from Kuwait city (my will stay near Block2 ). How are the transport option avaible in Kuwait to travel
What are the other places you recommend in Kuwait to visit? Is there any way we can experience Camel ride and where?
Thanks
Written March 24, 2019
The best option is to call Ikarus United Marine tel: 22022018 or visit them at Marina Crescent . They provide marine transport service to the island
Written March 8, 2018
Is there a contact number for the Heritage village in Failaka?
Written January 5, 2017
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