Failaka Island



Failaka is a small Island 20 KM from the Kuwaiti mainland and 50km to the south of Iraq in the Northern part of the Persian Gulf.


     

Before the Iraqi invasion it was a beautiful place for the Kuwaitis to live on and to spend their vacations.

During the invasion Failaka got almost completely destroyed since it was a strategically important base for war operations.

The inhabitants got relocated to Kuwait city and the land owners compensated for their property.

Plans for rebuilding the Hotel and apartment complexes are there, but got (again) postponed in September 2007


     

If you love old ruins and spooky places this is a MUST GO destination during your time in Kuwait. You can drive along the deserted complexes, see buildings and mosques with bullet holes.


     

 

Be aware of dangers and do not leave the streets, since there could be still mines in the desert (the government claims the island is free of mines, but better be safe than sorry)!

Try to get a decent map if you plan on cruising on the Island, since there are close to no signs and the map you get in the Hotel is pretty much useless. Try the stationary shops for maps of Kuwait.

Wild camels are roaming the island. They let you get real close, but be aware of getting too close, they stink quite a bit.


   


The history of Failaka dates back to the Stone age and you can visit archeological Sites with Greek ruins.


   


    

Guided tours can be booked via the Heritage village, which contains a Restaurant, Car & bike rental, Camel rides, Fun park for kids, Souvenir Shop and a small Hotel.

      


      



      


To get to Failaka, take a ferry. One leaves from Marina Mall, costs around 12 KD and includes a good Lunch at the Hotel in the Heritage village. You cannot take your car on this one, but it’s a Speedboat and gets there in 45 minutes. (SAFIR’S FAILAKA ISLAND TOURS - Telephone Number: 2530000).
The cheaper one leaves from the Scientific Center and costs around 3 KD. It leaves twice a day, takes about an hour longer, but for 17 KD more you can take your car. (KPTC: KUWAIT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION COMPANY - Telephone Number: 2574 2664) .