Failaka Heritage Village
Step back in time at Failaka Heritage Village, a beautifully preserved glimpse into traditional Kuwaiti life, offering a serene cultural escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat & crowds
Failaka Heritage Village
Best Time
Escape the heat & crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Failaka Heritage Village, a beautifully preserved glimpse into traditional Kuwaiti life, offering a serene cultural escape.
"It offers a unique glimpse into the country’s rich heritage in a setting that’s both educational and relaxing."
🚢 Ferry Schedules
Confirm ferry times with Ikarus/KPTC or Joan Al Kuwa before your trip.
☀️ Winter is Best
The village is most enjoyable during the cooler winter months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Kuwaiti Life
Failaka Heritage Village
Step back in time and experience authentic Kuwaiti heritage through preserved architecture and artifacts.

Ikarus Heritage Village
Failaka Island
A peaceful escape with welcoming staff, offering a glimpse into Kuwait's rich history and culture.

Oriental Restaurant
Inside Failaka Heritage Village
Savor delicious mixed grills, biryani, and appetizers in a charming, traditional setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Failaka Island
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Failaka Island Day Trip
🚢 Ferry Schedules
Confirm ferry times with Ikarus/KPTC or Joan Al Kuwa before your trip.
☀️ Winter is Best
The village is most enjoyable during the cooler winter months.
VIsiting Failaka island...
How to go to Failaka Island tomorrow?
💰 Market Prices
Be aware that prices in the market can be a bit high.
🏊 Summer Pool
The swimming pool is the main attraction during hot summer days.
Islands in Kuwait for the perfect vacation
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry Schedules
Confirm ferry times with Ikarus/KPTC or Joan Al Kuwa before your trip.
☀️ Winter is Best
The village is most enjoyable during the cooler winter months.
💰 Market Prices
Be aware that prices in the market can be a bit high.
🏊 Summer Pool
The swimming pool is the main attraction during hot summer days.
🏠 Rent a House
Consider renting a house for an overnight stay and free pool access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Failaka Heritage Village is lauded for its authentic portrayal of traditional Kuwaiti life, offering a serene and educational experience. Visitors praise the well-preserved architecture, welcoming staff, and the overall calm atmosphere. While the beach isn't ideal for swimming, the village provides a unique cultural escape, especially recommended during the cooler winter months.
"I recently visited Failaka Island with my family, and it turned out to be a truly memorable experience.
The village beautifully captures the essence of traditional Kuwaiti life, with its well-preserved architecture, artifacts, and serene environment. It offers a unique glimpse into the country’s rich heritage in a setting that’s both educational and relaxing.
The staff at Ikarus Heritage Village were extremely welcoming and cooperative, always ready to assist and guide us throughout our visit. Their hospitality added a warm touch to the entire experience.
The overall atmosphere of the place is just amazing—calm, clean, and thoughtfully maintained. It’s perfect for families, especially those looking to escape the busy city and spend quality time in a culturally enriching environment.
I would highly recommend adding Failaka Island and Ikarus Heritage Village to your Kuwait travel list. It’s a wonderful blend of history, hospitality, and natural beauty."
Hussain Sabun
"Beautiful traditional place! Hence the name. It consists of a number of facilities, houses you can rent to stay the night, a market (pricey though), and an oriental restaurant inside the village that offers tasty variety of food such as mixed grills, biryani, cold and hot appetizers, and other dishes.
Moreover, there's humble entertaining things to do there, recommended during winter time only, like visiting the small museum, checking out vintage paintings on the walls, and playing sports (yes, there's a sports field), not to mention that there's only one place to enjoy during summer which is the swimming pool.
I've been visiting the village for over 10 years now (since 2012). I personally enjoy it as a quiet getaway, and I recommend it in winter."
Dhuha AlSalman
"The beach is not that good to swim. The soil is is not stable inside the beach and it is risky to swim.
The pool is okay worth a rating 3/5 and goes deep up to 2 meters. Entrance is free if you rent a house. Otherwise, you have to pay and entrance fee."
Yasser El Kabbout
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Failaka Island by ferry. Ikarus and KPTC are the primary operators, with services running multiple times a day. Joan Al Kuwa is also mentioned as a potential alternative. It's advisable to check their schedules in advance, especially if your travel days are limited.
Yes, besides KPTC, travelers have mentioned Ikarus and Joan Al Kuwa as companies offering boat services to Failaka Island.
Once on the island, the heritage village itself is walkable. For exploring further, you might need to arrange local transport or consider guided tours if available.
The ferry terminal is usually close to the main attractions. Taxis or local transport options should be available upon arrival if the village isn't within walking distance.
No, private vehicles cannot be taken to Failaka Island. Access is exclusively via passenger ferries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the island itself is accessible, specific facilities within the heritage village might have entry fees or require booking, especially for accommodations or the restaurant. It's best to check on-site or with Ikarus Heritage Village directly.
Opening hours can vary, especially between seasons. The village is generally more active and enjoyable during the cooler winter months. It's recommended to check the latest hours before your visit.
Information on specific entry fees for the small museum within the village isn't always detailed online. It's often included with general access or a small fee might apply. Inquire upon arrival.
Yes, you can rent houses within the village for an overnight stay. This often includes free access to the swimming pool.
If you are not renting a house, there is an entrance fee for the swimming pool. The pool itself is rated as okay, going up to 2 meters deep.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include visiting a small museum, viewing vintage paintings, playing sports on a field, and enjoying the swimming pool (especially in summer). The village offers a calm and clean environment for a relaxing cultural experience.
Absolutely! Families find it a great place to escape the city, spend quality time, and learn about Kuwait's rich heritage in an educational and relaxing setting.
The atmosphere is described as amazing, calm, clean, and thoughtfully maintained. Many visitors feel relaxed and enjoy the serene environment.
During summer, the primary attraction is the swimming pool. Other activities might be limited due to the heat.
The beach is generally not considered good for swimming due to unstable soil, making it potentially risky.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is an oriental restaurant located inside the Failaka Heritage Village that offers a variety of tasty dishes, including mixed grills, biryani, and appetizers.
The restaurant serves a variety of traditional Kuwaiti and oriental dishes, such as mixed grills, biryani, cold and hot appetizers.
While there is a market, some visitors have noted that the prices can be a bit pricey.
Bringing your own food might be an option for picnics, especially if you're renting a house or staying overnight. However, for dining within the village, the restaurant is the main option.
The menu typically includes a variety of dishes. It's best to inquire at the restaurant about specific vegetarian options available on the day of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The well-preserved traditional architecture, vintage paintings on the walls, and the serene island landscape offer numerous picturesque opportunities. Capture the essence of old Kuwaiti life.
Photography rules can vary. It's generally permitted in outdoor areas and public spaces. For indoor areas like the museum, it's best to check for any signage or ask staff for permission.
Early morning or late afternoon during the cooler months provides the best natural light and a softer ambiance for capturing the village's charm.
Look for details in the architecture, traditional elements, and the contrast between the old village and the surrounding natural beauty. The market area can also offer vibrant shots.
Drone usage is often restricted in heritage sites and public areas. It's crucial to check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
🧘♀️ Travelers Seeking Relaxation
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Failaka Island's Heritage
The Ikarus Heritage Village specifically is praised for its welcoming staff and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Beyond the visual appeal, the village often hosts cultural displays and provides insights into traditional practices. It’s a place where history comes alive, offering a stark contrast to the modern cityscape of Kuwait. Many visitors recommend it as a must-visit for anyone interested in Kuwait's rich heritage.
While the heritage village is the main draw, Failaka Island itself has a history stretching back thousands of years, with archaeological findings indicating ancient settlements. This historical depth adds another layer to the island's appeal, making it more than just a tourist destination but a significant cultural landmark.
Accommodation and Dining Options
When it comes to dining, the oriental restaurant within the heritage village is a highlight. It serves a variety of tasty dishes, including popular choices like mixed grills and biryani, alongside cold and hot appetizers. The ambiance of dining in such a traditional setting enhances the culinary experience. However, it's worth noting that some visitors find the prices in the village's market to be on the higher side.
While the beach on Failaka Island is not ideal for swimming due to its unstable soil, the swimming pool offers a refreshing alternative, especially during the warmer months. Entrance to the pool is free for house renters, while others will need to pay a fee.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit