GAATEH KUWAIT (CYCLING): ROUTE 05: ADVENTURE RIDE TO FALAIKA ISLAND (PART 01)

ROUTE 05: ADVENTURES RIDE TO FALAIKA ISLAND (PART 01)

Failaka Island is a Kuwaiti Island in the Persian Gulf / Arabian Gulf. The island is 20 km off the coast of Kuwait City in the Persian Gulf. The name "Failaka" is thought to be derived from the ancient Greek φυλάκιο(ν) - fylakio(n)"outpost".

Failaka Island is one among the most visited tourist destinations in Kuwait. Located along the northern part of Persian Gulf, and located 20kms away from Kuwait City, and situated opposite to the Failaka Bay, the area covers 24 square kilometers of area, and is one of the most important islands in Kuwait.

Failaka Island is among the major tourist attractions in Kuwait, and is linked to Kuwait City through submarine pipeline that supplies water to inhabitants of Failaka. Failaka is a magnificent island that easily blends ancient history of Kuwait with gleaming modernity.

Failaka Island was home to more than 2000 residents prior to Iraqi invasion. But, after the invasion, several residents left the place.

Several mines in Failaka are now being used by the military. The island also has interesting specimens from the Bronze Age and Dilmun Civilizations. The Greeks are said to have lived in this island and set up localities. The archeological remains of the past, in the form of coins, temples and seals are still found here, which could be a treasure trove for history buffs.

The spring season is the best time to visit the Island it is said, due to the gentle breeze, budding flowers, vibrant flora, changing temperature and pleasant weather conditions. Failaka Island has been much developed as a tourist spot, as it offers fishing, boating, sailing, swimming and water sports.

Falaika Island one of place in my cycling bucket list in Kuwait. Personally. i'm very interested to visit this island although a lot of bad remarks from previous visitors in internet.

The island can be accessed by ferry or boat only. There are two option:

1. Ferry

Buy ticket here :

Contact No: +965-22328814
Price : KD 3 / adult, Car with driver KD 20
Status (as per 01 Oct 2016) - Operation have been suspended for maintenance for 2 months.

2. IKARUS - United Marine Services

Catamaran boats - Bint Al-Khair and Umm Al-Khair
Buy ticket here, near Marina Crescent

Price: 15 KD/ adult (Return ticket including lunch)
You can not bring bicycle unless folding bike (what i did)
Contact No: +965-22244988

-----My adventures trip just started----

01 October 2016

I planned almost a month to visit this island with my friend, Shai. Our departure time at 11.30 am from Marina Crescent. The weather so good with nice scenery. I little bit haze. Temperature: 28 Degree C.

I'm ready now!

I brought my folding bike (B-fold 500) inside the black bag with weight of 14kg. I bought a simple trolley to pull my beg. Leave your luggage at security, there are a few of workers will bring luggage into the boat.

The catamaran boat "Bint Al-Khair".

Today's passenger only half occupied. There is a mini bar, which sell lunch combo; burger (beef/chicken), drink and french fried at 2KD.

The distance between mainland to Falaika just 20km with 45 minutes sailing time. We arrived at Falaika Island’s jetty at 12.15 pm

The feeder bus (included in ticket fee) brought us to Falaika Heritage Village, which located about 2km from jetty.

From the bus, i saw a police station, grocery, fire station and abandoned houses along the road.

Falaika Heritage Village

There are only 2 hotels here; Falaika Heritage Village (KD 60/day) and Ikarus Hotel (KD 50/day). For reservation you can call Ikarus contact number above.

The entrance of village

Map of the village

Reception Building

Cafe

Giant Chess

Masjid Falaika

Playground

Museum

Camel Ride (KD 1)

Souvenir Shop

We went for lunch in Village. The lunch was complimentary. The food served there was a buffet of various choice. Yummy, chicken biryani, sambosa and pasta..Superb!

We prayed (Zohor) at Masjid Falaika, which is located in Heritage Village. This old masjid was well maintain by them. The design almost same with the old masjid in Hadramaut, Yemen.

-- Cycling Time --

Map:

Shai rented a bicycle in Falaika Heritage Village to follow me. The beach very beautiful with blue greenish water but the town look like have been attacked by zombie. No body on the beach with abandoned and ruined building and houses on right side.

I brought enough water for 3-4 hours cycling.

After the Iraqi invasion, Failaka's inhabitants were forcibly moved to central Kuwait. I do not know what the main reason was but I think it has something to do with the health risks involved to live there, mostly due to the depleted uranium.

I also heard that the government concluded that it was very costly to repair the damage that was done during the Gulf War. To replace their homes in Failaka, the island's inhabitants were given land in Kuwait to build their new homes. It was and still is illegal for people to live in Failaka, but for some reason, quite a few have returned to their homes in the island.

We went to wreck tanks and fighting vehicles in the middle of desert. It was abandoned after Iraq invasion in Kuwait in 1990 (Gulf War)

Very thirsty. Shai decided to return to Falaika Heritage Village because he was not feeling well. So I continue my adventure ride alone like "lone ranger" in desert.

50% of my route are off-road. The off-road trail started from Military camp near Qurainiya.