Day Trip to Failaka Island, Kuwait; A simple guide for expats

You might never heard this place before. Unknown to many expats, there’s an island located some 20 kilometers off the coast of Kuwait City in the Persian Gulf. An island that once witnessed the bitter past of a nation being torned by war and conflict. Despite of its unpleasant yesterday and present abandoned state, it maintained its identity as an island. Clear seawaters, white sand beaches and wild birds are thriving. More than enough reasons I guess for the curious mind of its guest to take a break from a busy day to day life in the mainland and indulge and experience what the island could actually now offer. Welcome to “Failaka Island”.

Literally detached from the mass land of gulf region, it would take 30-45 minutes by speedboat to reach the island. Ikarus Marine offers planned tours to Failaka. Twenty (20) KD for the round trip boat fare plus a lunch buffet is included. Weekend trip (Friday) from Marina Crescent departs at 10 o’clock and 11:30 in the morning and returns back at 6 o’clock and 7:30 in the evening. Prior reservation is advised as they could get a good number of visitor at times especially winter season. Try to contact them on this number 60066444.

Here are some of the activities you may consider doing while in the island.

1. Visit the Museum Palace of Sheikh Abdullah Al Salim Al Sabah

Preserved and kept here are the evidences showing the life they have in the 1900s. From the elegant designs of furnitures to intricate tools, framed photographs that simply reflects the unique and rich culture of Kuwait.

2. Meet and greet animals at the zoo

There are monkeys , goats, deer, rare chicken and peacocks.  They are fenced and can be viewed all throughout the day. Kids will surely enjoy in this area.

P.S. The photo of the camel above is not in the zoo itself. It’s actually outside and can be rented for ride for a minimal fee. It’s just that we usually don’t have camels in the Philippines. This is something new to see.

3. Boating at the “Failaka Lake”

4. Sightseeing at the abandoned and wrecked buildings

Everywhere you look around, buildings and infrastructures have huge holes, partially and totally ruined by war. Learn to appreciate their present state. Still there is beauty in them.

5. Rust from the past (visit the remnants of war)

Iraq once tried to invade Kuwait in early 90’s. Visiting the site where these remnants of military vehicles are situated gives one a glimpse of how destructive and powerful these weapons are.

6. Oh Camel!

Part of the optional island tour* is a visit at the camel farm. There are hundreds of them. If you’re sensitive to foul smelling surroundings, just keep something to cover your nose ready.

*Fee for the optional island tour is 1KD per person and is not included in the 20KD boat and lunch package.

7. Traipse the island

You will have ample time to spend while waiting for your trip back to the mainland. Walk and roam around. Observe. Discover.

8. Sunset Watching

Experiencing the moment when darkness slowly wrapped the island is a must. Failaka may have one of the best sunsets.

9. Photoshoot! Take photos! A lot of photos

Arm yourself with fully charged cameras and mobile phones. You’ll be using those gadgets the whole time. Take a lot of photos. This is once in a lifetime experience. You never know when will be your next visit to Failaka again. Memories in your head can’t be printed.

Me and my friends visited Failaka Island at the height of winter season here in Kuwait. Weather is unfriendly to some activities like swimming at the beach and other watersports adventures since it can get a bit chilly. I just opted not to include it in the list to do in the island.