Why Kenawa Island Is Indonesia’s Most Underrated Treasure

Just a short boat ride away from PotoTano Harbor in Sumbawa, Kenawa Island is one of Indonesia’s most breathtaking yet underrated destinations. Despite its small size only about 15 hectares,  the island offers a mesmerizing combination of golden savanna hills, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Standing quietly between Sumbawa and Lombok, Kenawa is a slice of paradise that captures the heart of every traveler who steps onto its untouched shores.

The Location: A Small Island with Big Charm

Kenawa Island lies off the western coast of Sumbawa, easily accessible by a 15-minute boat ride from PotoTano Harbor, which itself is only a short ferry trip away from East Lombok. The location makes it a perfect stopover for travelers crossing between the islands of Lombok and Sumbawa.

Although small, Kenawa is big in beauty. As your boat approaches, the sight of the golden savanna and the deep blue ocean immediately takes your breath away. There are no hotels, no crowds, and no noise  only the soothing sound of waves and the whisper of the wind brushing through the tall grass.

Hiking the Hill: 360° Panoramic Views of Rinjani and Tambora

One of the most unforgettable experiences on Kenawa Island is climbing its hiking hill, located right at the heart of the island. The hike is short, around 10–15 minutes, but the reward at the top is simply priceless.

From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding islands, the turquoise sea, and two legendary volcanoes in the distanceMount Rinjani in Lombok to the west and Mount Tambora in Sumbawa to the east.

As you stand there, surrounded by the vast ocean and golden grasslands, you can feel how small yet grateful you are in front of nature’s masterpiece. The cool wind at the top, the peaceful silence, and the endless blue horizon create a spiritual calm that words can hardly describe.

Relaxing on the Beach and Snorkeling in Crystal-Clear Waters

After the short hike, it’s time to relax and enjoy the beach. Kenawa’s coastline is lined with powdery white sand, so soft it almost feels like walking on flour. The beach gently slopes into the sea, making it perfect for swimming or just lying on the shore with your feet in the water.

The underwater life around Kenawa is equally stunning. Even without diving gear, you can see colorful corals and tropical fish just a few meters from the beach. Snorkeling here feels like floating in a giant aquarium  the visibility is incredibly clear, and the water is calm most of the year.

Bring your snorkeling set and explore at your own pace. You’ll often spot clownfish, starfish, and sometimes even baby reef sharks gliding gracefully through the corals. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and completely safe.

Photography Spots: Every Angle Is a Masterpiece

For photographers and content creators, Kenawa Island is a dream location. The combination of blue ocean, white sand, and golden savanna hills makes every corner picture-perfect.

The pier where boats dock offers one of the best compositions  a long wooden bridge stretching over the crystal-clear sea, with the hills rising softly in the background. During sunrise or sunset, the light turns golden, creating a magical contrast between the sky and the land.

From above the hill, you can capture panoramic shots of the surrounding islands, while drone photography reveals the true beauty of Kenawa’s shape a small, oval paradise surrounded by turquoise water and coral reefs.

The Savanna Hills and the White Sandy Beach

Kenawa’s most distinctive feature is its wide-open savanna, which changes color depending on the season. During the dry season (May to October), the grass turns golden, giving the island a warm and cinematic feel. In the rainy season, the hills glow with a soft green hue, making the island look fresh and vibrant.

The contrast between the savanna hills and the white sandy beach is truly captivating. You can walk from one end of the island to the other in about 20 minutes, passing through gentle slopes, wildflowers, and stunning coastal views. Every turn presents a new perspective of beauty, the harmony between land and sea that defines Kenawa’s charm.

The Blue Ocean Surrounding Kenawa

What makes Kenawa even more mesmerizing is the deep blue ocean that surrounds it. The clarity of the water is unbelievable, you can literally see the seabed from the pier. The ocean here is calm, perfect for kayaking, swimming, or simply floating and letting the waves carry your thoughts away.

On a sunny day, the color gradient of the sea shifts beautifully from bright turquoise to deep sapphire blue. As boats pass by, their reflections shimmer on the surface, creating a peaceful rhythm that blends perfectly with the natural silence of the island.

The Best Time for Sunset

If you have the chance to stay until late afternoon, don’t miss the sunset on Kenawa Island. It’s one of the most magical experiences you can have in Sumbawa. As the sun begins to sink behind Mount Rinjani, the sky transforms into layers of gold, orange, pink, and violet.

From the hilltop or the pier, the view is equally spectacular. The golden light reflects off the savanna and the water, creating a surreal glow that feels almost dreamlike. It’s the perfect time to take photos, meditate, or simply sit in silence, letting the beauty of the moment sink in.

For many travelers, that sunset becomes the highlight of their journey a memory that stays long after they leave the island.

How to Go to Kenawa Island

There is a main ways to reach Kenawa Island

By Sailing Trip (Most Recommended)

The best and most scenic way to visit Saleh Bay is through a 4D3N sailing trip organized by jelogilis Company through jelogilis.com“best way adventure”

This sailing adventure usually starts from Lombok or Labuan Bajo, taking you across the stunning islands of Komodo National Park and eastwardor westward to/from Sumbawa. During the trip, you’ll have the chance to visit iconic destinations such as Padar Island, Komodo Island, and Pink Beach. Saleh Bay for Whale Shark Point.

With jelogilis.com“best way adventure” you can choose the style of your trip:

• Private Boat Tour – exclusive for your group, perfect for families or couples.
• Open Luxury Boat Tour – enjoy premium comfort and meet new travelers.
• Backpacker Low-Cost Boat Tour – an affordable adventure with shared accommodation.

All of these packages are managed by jelogilis.com, ensuring safety, comfort, and memorable service throughout your journey.

Final Thoughts

Kenawa Island is proof that paradise doesn’t always need luxury resorts or crowded attractions. Sometimes, beauty lies in simplicity a small island with golden hills, white sand, and endless blue horizons.

Whether you come for hiking, snorkeling, photography, or pure relaxation, Kenawa gives you everything in one compact, peaceful setting. It’s a place where you can reconnect with nature, clear your mind, and remind yourself how beautiful Indonesia truly is.

If you ever travel between Lombok and Sumbawa, make sure to stop by Kenawa Island a timeless gem floating quietly in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago and get ready to explore Kenawa Island with Jelogilis.com “Best Way Adventure”