Our first destination is Kenawa island, located in Sumbawa. This island is famous with the underwater lives, beautiful panorama, white sandy beach and savanna. To reach Kenawa, we ride along Mataram to the Kayangan Harbor in the east of Lombok. It took 1.5-2 hours of driving. The condition of road is good, along the road we passed there were many interesting spot like fruits seller, markets, rice fields, and unique mosques. The only challenge was the heavy rains that made us stop for 1 hour.
Rain stopped and we continued ride to Kayangan, arrived to Kayangan we paid IDR 56.000,- and it took 1,5hours to get to Pototano Harbor.
I bought 3 pineapples for only IDR 10.000,- what a perfect deal!
We arrived at Pototano Harbor at 5pm and having Niar and Cody were waiting for us in the waiting room. We directly looking for the local who rent their boat to Kenawa, and we met Pak Hasan who offered us IDR 300.000,- for return transport. We agreed and buy some logistics as Kenawa is an empty island with no fresh water and food.
Although there was drizzling afternoon, we were so excited to be there. We hop on the boat and Pak Hasan took us to Kenawa, after 15 minutes we were landing at the white sandy beach on the island with a hill surrounding by green savanna. There were some beach huts along the beach. We went deeper and spotted a flat area to build tent. In 30 minutes our tents were ready, we then boiled water to made noodles. It was rain and we decided to sleep earlier so we can save some energy for tomorrow.
We woke up at 5.30, as we opened the tent door, sunrise shine behind the hills of Sumbawa Island. The color of the sea and sky were so beautiful. It’s a sunny morning. We went up to the hill and took pictures, what a perfect time to freeze the moment.
The pompom shaped green grasses were cover the whole island and enhancing the beauty of Kenawa Island. I had myself explored the whole island, I found rocky cliff and carefully climb down the cliff to get closer with the sea. After explored the whole island, it’s time to discover the beauty of Kenawa Island’s underwater. Niar, Cody and I put the sunblock on, get in to the swimming suit, prepare the snorkeling kit and jump in to the sea. I was so happy that as I looked down I easily found dragon fish on the coral and nemo :) The quality of the coral reef is good, so colorful but, due to ocean currents, the visibility was bad :(
I think the best time for snorkeling at Kenawa Island is on dry season, where you can find crystal clear water. After enjoying snorkeling, sunbathing, taking pictures, we called Pak Hasan to pick us up on 1.30 pm and continued packing our belongings.
One thing that becomes homework for us is the “cemetery” of rubbish at the west side of the island. Most people came and camping at Kenawa island and leave their rubbish. For anyone who would like to visit Kenawa Island, please bring back your rubbish. If you don’t know where you will put the rubbish, please ask the local.
Mr Hasan picked us and dropped us at Pototano Harbor. We thanked him and paid the bill. Cody and Niar want to explore the west side of Sumbawa to enjoy some surfing spots. As Arifin and I would ride to the eastern part, we decided to separate with Cody and Niar.
(Continue to the next post)