A Dream Vacation in Kanawa Island, Flores

The Island of Kanawa, only 15 kilometers from growing fishermen’s town of Labuan Bajo in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara is fringed with coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. This inhabited island is a great, secluded destination presented for those who seek solitude. Kanawa Island Resort is a resort on a small island of only 28 hectares in the Flores Sea.

Kanawa Island is a hideout, yet so close to the burgeoning harbor of Labuan Bajo. This could be the only resort class service that fits the budget of backpackers. Imagine this, 14 bungalows stretching along the shoreline of the astonishing landscape of blue waters, clear skies and pinkish sandy beach, framed by two bulging hills offering a fantastic hilltop panorama.

The price is a steal at Rp 450,000 a night for the most expensive bungalow on the island. Constructed on one of the best beaches on the planet, the basic accommodation is nothing to complain about. Backpackers could even opt to rent a tent for just Rp 100,000 per night and camp onshore.

Being at the gate of Komodo National Park, Kanawa is the perfect starting point to visit and discover the hidden beauty the park has to offer. The resort provides daily excursion trips by boat to Komodo Island and Rinca Island. On Komodo Island, you can visit Kampung Komodo, the island’s traditional village. It’s amazing to see the local villagers live harmoniously with these deadly dragons. They go about their daily activities seemingly unaware of the threat of the dragons, fishermen go to the sea to fish, their wives dry the caught fish under the blazing sun, children run around happily barefoot and craftsmen diligent sculpt komodo statues for tourists.

Kanawa Island, Flores
Kanawa Island, Flores Indonesia

It is impossible not to dive into the crystal clear waters of Komodo National Park. The park is one of the richest marine environments in the world and one of the most challenging. Popular among scientists, underwater photographers and sport divers alike, Komodo National Park is a world-class diving destination. This is the one (and sometimes the only) reason most visitors keep coming back to Komodo year after year.

How to Get to  Kanawa Island

By boat  

Boat schedule is as follow:
    From Kanawa every morning at 08:00
    From Labuan Bajo every day at 12:00
    It is possible to charter a boat at any other time for 3/500.000 depending on availability.

By Air:

Lion air
Trans Nusa Airlines
Merpati
Regular flights every day, 50 minutes with Trans Nusa, 80 minutes with Merpati and Lion Air Labuan Bajo airport has connecting flights also to Ende and Kupang.

By Land:

The gateway cities of Labuan Bajo are connected to Denpasar, Bali by overland buses.