Kenawa & Paserang Islands: Two Small Islands at Sumbawa's Gateway

Kenawa and Paserang islands sit close together in the waters of West Sumbawa, not far from Poto Tano Harbour. Because they're so near each other, they're almost always visited on the same trip.

The two have quite different characters. Kenawa is dominated by a bare savanna hill that turns golden in the dry season. Paserang leans more towards a white-sand beach and calm, shallow water.

The hill on Kenawa Island isn't tall. The climb can be finished quickly, and from the top you can see a stretch of sea with small islands scattered in the distance.

One thing to plan around: there's no shade along the hill trail. If you're climbing at midday, bring a hat and sunscreen. The best time is morning or late afternoon, when the light is also better for photos.

The practical advantage of both islands is their location. Poto Tano Harbour is the main entry point from Lombok, and the ferry crossing from Kayangan Harbour takes about two hours.

That means if you're arriving from Lombok, Kenawa and Paserang can be visited on your very first day, without a long overland drive beforehand. That's exactly why these two islands often serve as the opening destination in multi-day packages.

Facilities on both islands are minimal. There are no permanent food stalls, toilets are limited, and there's no clean water source. Come prepared with your own supplies.

The savanna's condition also changes with the season. In the dry season, the grass turns a golden yellow — the look you'll see in most photos. In the rainy season, it's green and the atmosphere is different. Both are appealing; you just need to know what to expect.