Maheswari
Maheswari Phinisi
Kanawa Island: the first sunset of the four-day route
Updated 20 October 2026
Maheswari reaches Kanawa only on day 1 of the 4D3N, where the sunset is at Kanawa after Rangko Cave and Burung Island. The island has white sand beaches and shallow coral reef, 60 to 90 minutes from Labuan Bajo. It is not on the 2D1N or the 3D2N.
A 4D3N stop, on the first evening
The 4D3N opens with a pickup at 10:00, a welcome drink and a sailing at 10:30. Day 1 then lists the Rangko Cave trek, lunch, Burung Island, a snack and sunset at Kanawa, followed by dinner and free time.
Kanawa is the sunset stop of day 1. No other route goes there: it is not on the 2D1N, the 3D2N or the full day.
Weather can change the plan. So can the tide.
Kanawa gives day 1 of the 4D3N its closing image: the light going down over a small island with white sand, after a day that began at Rangko Cave. It is the one stop of the route set aside for sunset alone.
A gentle place to start snorkelling
Kanawa is a small island west of Rinca with white sand beaches. Its coral reef is shallow, between 1 and 6 metres deep, with a mild current, and it is an easy first snorkel.
Kanawa is a sunset stop, and whether there is time in the water before the light goes is the captain's call on the day. Snorkelling gear and life jackets are on board either way.
A party in which some guests have never snorkelled will like this stop. It is a calm start before the stronger water of Manta Point on day 2. A first-time snorkeller loses nothing by starting here, in clear shallow water with a hand on the boat nearby, before the stronger current of day 2 asks more of a swimmer.
Between Burung Island and Kanawa
The afternoon runs in a plain order: lunch, Burung Island, a snack, then Kanawa for the sunset.
Straight from Labuan Bajo, Kanawa lies 60 to 90 minutes away. Your route comes to it by way of Rangko Cave and Burung Island, so the sailing time to it is not a single figure.
Kanawa is popular with day trips, and it can be busy in high season. Sunset is the quieter hour. There is no rush, and the snack before the stop is there for a reason: it lets a party rest between the cave walk of the morning and the light of the evening.
Not on the shorter routes
The 3D2N goes to Kelor, Manjarite and Kalong on day 1. It does not stop at Kanawa, and neither does the 2D1N. A party that wants Kanawa chooses the 4D3N.
Adding Kanawa to a 3D2N is a request we take to the boat, since it changes the first day. Ask early.
Each visitor pays the park fee per day, IDR 250,000 for a foreign visitor, on top of the fare. We mark the park days for your route with your booking. Tickets follow the days, not the stops.
FAQ
Is Kanawa on the 3-day route?
No. The 3D2N goes to Kelor, Manjarite and Kalong on day 1. Kanawa is on the 4D3N only, as the sunset stop of day 1. Ask about it if a snorkel at an easy reef matters to your party.
How long does it take to reach Kanawa?
Straight from Labuan Bajo it is 60 to 90 minutes by boat. On the 4D3N your route reaches Kanawa after Rangko Cave and Burung Island, and the arrival follows the sea. The first day is the longest sail on the 4D3N.
Is Kanawa good for beginners?
Yes. The reef is shallow, between 1 and 6 metres deep, with a mild current, and it is an easy first snorkel. Kanawa is a sunset stop, so the captain decides on the day whether there is time.
Can I add Kanawa to a 3-day trip?
Only on request, which we pass to the boat, because it changes the first day of the route. The 4D3N includes Kanawa as standard. If the change is agreed, we tell you which days of the new route are park days.
Check availability — Maheswari
Maheswari is booked through PT Komodo Explorer Indonesia. We arrange the pickup, take the payment and keep your booking in order. The boat sails with its own crew.