Asik OriginalFrom
$50
Saleh Bay, Sumbawa
Whale Shark Snorkeling, Saleh Bay
New experience
1 DaySmall groups
A tiny uninhabited island off Poto Tano with a 15-minute hike to a 360-degree hilltop.
Kenawa is a small, treeless island just off Poto Tano on Sumbawa's west tip, basically a grassy hump fringed by white sand and reef. There is no village, no shops, and only a couple of basic shelters, which is the appeal: you get a wide stretch of beach and a single grassy hill more or less to yourself.
The hike to the top takes about 15 minutes up a clear path and opens onto a full 360-degree view over the Alas Strait, the ferries crossing to Lombok, and the surrounding islets. It is a classic sunset spot.
Snorkelling off the jetty is decent, with coral and fish close to shore when the water is calm.
Getting there
Kenawa sits a short hop from Poto Tano, the main ferry port on Sumbawa's west coast (about 1.5 hours by car from Sumbawa Besar, or right off the ferry from Lombok). From a small dock near the port, charter a local wooden boat for the 15 to 20 minute crossing and arrange your pickup time in advance.
Best time
April to October, the dry season, brings calm seas, clear snorkelling, and reliable sunsets. The island is fully exposed, so come prepared for strong sun and wind year-round.
Good to know
Bring all your own water, food, and shade, as nothing is sold on the island. If you want the sunset and stars, ask about camping, but pack out everything you bring in.
About 15 minutes on a clear, fairly easy path to the summit. The reward is an unobstructed 360-degree view over the strait and nearby islands.
Yes, basic camping is possible and popular for the sunset and night sky, but there are no real facilities. You will need to bring a tent, water, and food, and take your rubbish out.
Very. Poto Tano is the Sumbawa ferry port to and from Lombok, so Kenawa works well as a first or last stop on a cross-island trip.
Add it to a route across Indonesia and we will work out the travel time and cost between every stop.
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