Where Is Kanawa Island? Location, Map & Key Facts

Updated: August 2026

Kanawa Island is a small island in the Flores Sea in eastern Indonesia, roughly 11–15 kilometres from the harbour town of Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores. It sits administratively within West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara province, directly along the boat corridor that runs from Labuan Bajo toward Komodo National Park. Most searches for Kanawa Island Indonesia refer to this island — a white-sand islet famous for a house reef that begins just metres off the beach — and not Kenawa Island near Sumbawa, which is a different place with a confusingly similar name.

This page is a plain-language location reference: where the island actually is, how far it is from Labuan Bajo, whether it falls inside the national park boundary, what a visit costs as of 2026, and the honest status of the island’s resort. If you already know the geography and simply want to go, start with our Kanawa Island day trip from Labuan Bajo page.

Kanawa Island Fast Facts

Here are the key facts about Kanawa Island Indonesia in one place, current as of 2026.

Where Exactly Is Kanawa Island?

Kanawa Island lies off the western tip of Flores, one of the major islands of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia’s southeastern island province. The nearest town is Labuan Bajo, the fast-growing gateway port for Komodo National Park, and the island falls under the jurisdiction of West Manggarai Regency (Kabupaten Manggarai Barat).

On a map, look for the scatter of small islands in the strait between Labuan Bajo and the large park islands of Rinca and Komodo. Kanawa is one of the closer islets to Labuan Bajo in that chain, which is exactly why it became the classic short boat hop: near enough for an easy half-day or full-day visit, far enough to feel removed from town.

There is no airport, harbour town, or road on Kanawa itself. The island is small — commonly cited at around 32 hectares — with a single main beach, a landing area, and a hill behind it. Access is by boat only.

Kanawa vs Kenawa: Two Different Islands

A one-letter difference causes real confusion. Kanawa Island is near Labuan Bajo, Flores, in East Nusa Tenggara. Kenawa Island is off Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara, hundreds of kilometres to the west. If your itinerary starts in Labuan Bajo or mentions Komodo, you are looking for Kanawa with an “a”.

How Far Is Kanawa Island from Labuan Bajo?

Published sources place Kanawa roughly 11–15 kilometres from Labuan Bajo — figures differ slightly between guides, but every source agrees it is one of the shortest island crossings available from the town. In practical terms, travel time matters more than distance:

• Speedboat: about 20–35 minutes in calm conditions — the standard choice for day trips.
• Slower wooden boat: around 45–75 minutes — cheaper, and some travellers prefer the unhurried ride.

Sea state affects both. In the dry season (April–October) crossings are typically smooth; in the rainy months, morning departures are usually calmer than afternoon returns. For boat options, departure points, and how transfers are arranged, see our Kanawa Island boat transfer page.

Is Kanawa Island Inside Komodo National Park?

Kanawa sits at the eastern approach to Komodo National Park and is commonly described in guides as lying just outside the park’s formal boundary, in the transitional waters between Labuan Bajo and the park islands. That position explains its role in itineraries: boats heading to or from Padar, Pink Beach, and Manta Point pass close by, so Kanawa often appears as the first or last snorkelling stop of a Komodo day-trip loop.

Two practical consequences follow from this geography:

• Park fees depend on your route. Komodo National Park entrance and activity fees are set by the park authority and revised periodically. As of 2026 there is no single fee figure we can responsibly print here — the schedule changes, and whether it applies to your day depends on whether your itinerary enters the park proper. Confirm the current fee breakdown with your operator when you book; a written quote should itemise park fees separately from the boat price.
• A Kanawa-only visit is logistically simpler. Because the island sits so close to Labuan Bajo, a dedicated Kanawa trip does not require the long westward run to Komodo or Padar, which keeps boat time short and costs lower.

How Do You Get to Kanawa Island Indonesia?

The route is the same for almost every visitor:

• Step 1 — Fly to Labuan Bajo. Komodo International Airport (LBJ) receives multiple daily flights from Bali (about 1 hour) and direct connections from Jakarta. The airport is roughly 10–15 minutes from the harbour.
• Step 2 — Take a boat from Labuan Bajo harbour. Day-trip boats and private charters depart in the morning, typically between 6:00 and 9:00 depending on the itinerary. Shared trips bundle Kanawa with other stops; private boats run on your schedule.
• Step 3 — Land directly on the beach. Crossings take 20–35 minutes by speedboat. Most visitors stay 2–5 hours for snorkelling, the beach, and the viewpoint hill before returning.

There is no scheduled public ferry dedicated to Kanawa as of 2026; local public boats exist but run informally, so most international visitors book through an operator. A structured day trip remains the most reliable way to visit.

What Is Kanawa Island Known For?

One thing above all: the house reef. Coral starts within metres of the sand, in calm, shallow, turquoise water, which makes Kanawa one of the most beginner-friendly snorkelling sites in the Labuan Bajo area. Travellers regularly report abundant reef fish directly off the beach, with no long swim or boat positioning needed. Visibility is generally best in the dry season, roughly April to October.

One practical caution reported by visitors: sea urchins are present in the shallow reef entry area, so reef shoes or water shoes are strongly recommended, especially for children.

Beyond the reef, the island offers a white-sand main beach, a short hill walk with views over the strait toward the park islands, and — because facilities on the island are minimal — a genuinely quiet, bring-your-own-everything atmosphere.

Is There a Resort on Kanawa Island?

Honest answer, based on the most credible reports available per 2026: no source confirms Kanawa’s legacy resort accommodation operates normally today. Booking platforms still carry legacy listings for the island’s former beach resort and bungalows, but recent traveller reports describe deteriorated buildings and limited on-island services. The island itself remains open to day visitors, and day-time snorkelling stops continue normally.

If overnight accommodation reopens, that status can change quickly — so treat any live listing with caution and confirm directly with an operator on the ground before paying for a stay. For most travellers in 2026, the practical plan is a day visit from Labuan Bajo, with hotels in town as your base.

How Much Does a Kanawa Island Visit Cost?

Pricing for a Kanawa Island visit follows three structures rather than one fixed table (figures below are in US dollars, the currency used on Komodo Luxury’s published rate page):

• Organised shared tours including Kanawa: priced per person — Komodo Luxury’s general Komodo speedboat day-tour rate starts from USD 90 per person (Komodo Luxury, checked 25 August 2026)
• All-inclusive day trips: priced on a written quote per person, with no single published rate
• Private boat charter: priced per group and vessel — from USD 800 per boat per day for a private Komodo National Park day charter (Komodo Luxury, checked 25 August 2026) — not a Kanawa-specific round-trip transfer fare; request a written quote
• Local public boats: no published rate — request a price directly; informal and schedule-dependent

Disclaimer: these are Komodo Luxury’s own published reference rates, checked 25 August 2026, not a survey of the wider market or a fixed quote for your trip. Actual pricing varies with boat type, group size, fuel costs, season, and whether park stops are included, and any park or landing fees are additional and set by the relevant authorities. Always confirm a current itemised quote before booking.

Plan Your Kanawa Island Visit

Kanawa Island Indonesia rewards a well-planned visit: the right departure time, the right boat, and a clear picture of what is and is not on the island. Trips are operated by Komodo Luxury, a real operator working out of Labuan Bajo since 2015 and part of Juara Holding Group, founded 2015 — which means current, first-hand answers on sea conditions, island status, and fees rather than recycled listings.

Tell Komodo Luxury your dates and group size and they will map the cleanest route to the island for you. Message Komodo Luxury on WhatsApp at +62 811-3823-875 or email sales@komodoluxury.com for a same-day itinerary and quote.

Plan Your Kanawa Island Visit

• Kanawa Island Shared Day Trip
• Kanawa Island Cost & Pricing Guide

Practical Kanawa Island Location & Access Questions

Is there a Kanawa Island map that shows the jetty and the route from Labuan Bajo?

Most operators use a simple Kanawa Island map showing the former jetty’s location on the north-facing beach, opposite Labuan Bajo. Boats leave from Labuan Bajo harbour and track west‑southwest through the line of small islands; Kanawa is one of the first stops. Your captain will usually anchor offshore, with arrival on the beach via a small tender boat or a wet landing.

What is the exact location of Kanawa Island near Labuan Bajo, and how big is it?

Kanawa lies in the Flores Sea, administratively in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, at roughly -8.494719, 119.759167. The island is small, around 1.4 km long and 0.4 km wide, or about 32 hectares. It sits between Labuan Bajo and the larger Komodo National Park islands, just outside the official park boundary but along the same boat corridor.

How long does it take to walk around Kanawa Island, and what is the trail like?

On any Kanawa Island detailed map, the size looks tiny, and it feels that way on foot. Most people take 45–75 minutes to walk around the island at a relaxed pace, including photo stops. You follow the beach at low tide or informal sandy paths behind it. Wear sandals or reef-safe shoes; some stretches have coral rubble and sharp shells.

Where exactly do boats land on Kanawa, and how long is the trip from Labuan Bajo?

Boats come in on the northern side of the island, facing back toward Flores and Labuan Bajo. From the main harbour, a speedboat usually needs about 20–35 minutes in normal dry-season conditions. A shared wooden boat can take roughly 45–75 minutes. Sea conditions, boat load, and how many other stops are included all affect the real crossing time.

Is Kanawa Island inside Komodo National Park, and does a Kanawa-only visit require park tickets?

Kanawa sits just outside the Komodo National Park boundary. A Kanawa-only day does not usually require the Komodo park PNBP ticket, so foreign visitors do not pay the IDR 250,000 per day park fee when they only stop here. That changes as soon as your boat enters the park proper for places like Padar, Rinca, Komodo Island, or Manta Point.

What are the main Kanawa Island West Manggarai attractions besides snorkelling?

Snorkelling the house reef is the obvious draw, but there are a few simple extras. You can hike the low hill behind the beach for views towards Labuan Bajo and the park islands, do a slow beach circuit at low tide, or simply swim in the shallows. There are no formal “Kanawa Island West Manggarai tour” facilities like shops or paved paths; it’s a basic, beach-focused stop.

How do boat trips to Kanawa Island work, and what moves the charter price?

Most visitors reach Kanawa on a shared Komodo day tour, a private Kanawa Island West Manggarai boat trip, or as a stop on a liveaboard. Boat prices are set per boat (private charter) or per seat (shared trip), and vary with boat type, route, and season. For current structures, check published options such as Komodo speedboat charters and ask operators to confirm whether Kanawa is included.

Is there a resort on Kanawa Island, and what facilities should you expect?

The island carries legacy resort infrastructure with a row of bungalows, but its operation has run on and off for several years. Reviews from 2024 and 2025 describe power and water that do not always work and bathrooms that are poorly maintained. Do not assume the resort is running normally; confirm directly before you travel. Plan for minimal facilities: no ATM, weak signal, and wifi that cannot be relied on even when it appears.

How long is the boat from Labuan Bajo to Kanawa Island, and what does the day cost?

Crossing time follows the hull: roughly 20 to 35 minutes by speedboat, and roughly 45 to 75 minutes on a shared wooden boat, over the 11 to 15 km from the harbour. The cost of the day is built from the boat, charged per vessel or per seat, the island access contribution, snorkelling gear and food. Ask the operator for that breakdown in writing before you leave.

What do foreign visitors pay to enter Kanawa Island, and how do you check it is open today?

For foreign visitors the charge is normally the operator-set island access contribution, which is separate from the official Komodo National Park ticket. That contribution can change without notice, because no single government rate is published for Kanawa. Since operations and weather both shift, ask your operator whether the island is open on your date before you commit to a boat.

Jika Anda sudah siap mengubah semua detail ini menjadi perjalanan nyata, minta jadwal dan kuotasi resmi melalui WhatsApp di +62 811-3823-875 atau email sales@komodoluxury.com. Untuk inspirasi rute dan jenis kapal, lihat rangkuman perjalanan kapal Komodo dan pilihan liveaboard Komodo, lalu cocokan dengan waktu dan anggaran Anda.

Kanawa the place — more from the Journal

• How Big Is Kanawa Island? Size, Hill & Geography
• Kanawa vs Kenawa Island: Two Islands, One Big Mix-Up
• Kanawa Island to Lombok Sailing Trip (One Way)
• Kanawa Island vs Bidadari Island: Which to Pick
• Kanawa Island Speedboat Charter: Fast Private Boats