Sustainibility Programs
at Kirana Retreat
Save the Turtle Program
At Kirana Retreat, our commitment to Sumbawa’s future is at the heart of everything we do. Through mindful daily practices and meaningful community initiatives, we work to protect the natural beauty of West Sumbawa. Our Save the Turtle Program invites guests to take part in turtle release ceremonies held every two weeks, where they can name their baby turtle before watching it journey into the ocean. One hundred percent of the proceeds support local conservation efforts, and through our partnership with Sumbawa fishermen, we help create sustainable solutions that protect marine life for generations to come. Click here for more
Sunday Eco Market:
Supporting Local Business & Community
Our Sunday Eco Market, held once a month, is a vibrant community gathering designed to support local businesses and celebrate the spirit of Benete. With free public entry and no minimum spend, everyone is welcome to explore a wonderful selection of fresh organic produce from local farmers, as well as handmade crafts and unique products created by talented artisans. More than just a market, it’s a meaningful initiative that strengthens and supports the Benete community while promoting sustainable, locally driven growth.
Our Sustainability Programs
We eliminate single-use plastics with reusable glass bottles and towel reuse programs. Our hydroponic farm supplies Kirana Resto while supporting local farmers. Marine protection includes private bay conservation, no jet skis, and weekly beach cleanups. Designed by owner Henry Horthy, our eco-architecture uses bamboo construction, solar power, rainwater harvesting, and low-density layouts. 100% Benete village staff receive above-market wages and training.
Join us: Turtle releases, Sunday Eco Market, farm tours, beach cleanups.
Sustainable luxury paradise.
Surf questions...
Make the most of your island exploration with our top-quality scooters! Our N-Max scooters are perfect for taking in everything that the island has to offer and find the best surf spots. Cruise along winding roads, take in breathtaking views, and experience unique culture at every turn. Embark on an unforgettable journey with our reliable scooters! What’s more, they come complete with surf board racks so you can easily find the best waves around! Get ready to explore the island in style.
The west side of Sumbawa Island has some of the best surf breaks in the world, from Tropical and Yo-Yo’s to Scar Reef and Super Suck. Out of all these great options, Yo-Yo’s is the closest to Kirana Retreat; it’s only a 5-minute walk down the road! This spot offers world-class waves that are consistent day in and day out. If you’re looking for something different, Tropical (with medium sized swell) or Super Suck (named for its thick left hand wave) are both about a 5 minute scooter ride away. Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, Scar reef is perfect for goofy footed surfers and is 15 minutes by scooter.
Save the Turtle Program
Yet turtle eggs are still sold for consumption because they are believed to be highly nutritious. In reality, their nutritional value is not exceptional — and they can contain harmful marine contaminants, while the impact on turtles is devastating.
Sea turtles are vital guardians of the ocean. They help maintain healthy seagrass beds, control jellyfish populations, and keep marine ecosystems balanced.
The ocean needs them
- Vital ecosystem role: Sea turtles maintain healthy seagrass beds, control jellyfish populations, and keep marine ecosystems in balance.
- Illegal trade continues: Despite legal protections, eggs are still sold as a local delicacy. Rescue and education are both essential.
- Staggering odds: On average, only 1 in 1,000 sea turtles survive to adulthood. Every hatchling we release counts.
- A 20–30 year journey: Sea turtles may return to the beach where they were born to nest when they reach adulthood.
From egg to ocean
We rescue turtle eggs directly from traders before they reach the market, incubate them for 45–60 days, then release the hatchlings back into the sea — accompanied by environmental education for local communities and guests.
Intercept eggs from traders before they reach the market.
45–60 days in a safe, controlled environment.
Guests name their turtle then release it into the sea.
Environmental education for community and guests.
A few important guidelines
When you join a turtle release at Kirana, please follow these guidelines to keep the hatchlings safe and give them the best possible start.
Do not touch the turtles
Human hands can carry bacteria, oils, and residues that may stress or harm the hatchlings. Please admire them from a distance — their best chance begins the moment they touch the sand undisturbed.
Release from behind the marked line
Place hatchlings gently on the sand behind the marked line and allow them to crawl naturally toward the ocean. This helps them orient using the beach, light, and natural cues — an important part of their early life stage.
They may return one day
Sea turtles may return to the region where they were born to nest when they reach adulthood — a journey that takes approximately 20–30 years. The hatchling you release today may one day nest on this very beach.
Give them a name
You are welcome to give your hatchling a name and take a quiet moment to wish them a safe journey to the ocean. May the ocean always be kind to them.
Help us turn eggs from food into life
This program runs on Kirana's personal funds, supported by small donations collected during release events. Perhaps you would also like to help — so it can save many more turtles without relying solely on the resort's budget.
With donations, we can rescue, hatch, and release many more.
Support This Program Learn More
Our sustainability commitments
Conservation is woven into every aspect of life at Kirana — from how we build, to how we eat, to the people we employ.
Designed with the land
Designed by owner Henry Horthy using bamboo construction, solar power, rainwater harvesting, and low-density layouts that leave the landscape largely untouched.
Private bay conservation
No jet skis in our private bay. Weekly beach cleanups and partnerships with local Sumbawa fishermen to protect the marine ecosystem for future generations.
Eliminating single-use plastic
Reusable glass bottles, towel reuse programs, and compostable alternatives throughout the retreat — single-use plastics are gone.
Farm to restaurant
Our on-site hydroponic farm supplies Kirana Restaurant with fresh produce daily, supporting local farmers and reducing food miles to near zero.
100% Benete village staff
Every team member is from Benete village. Above-market wages and ongoing training — because sustainable tourism must benefit the people who live here first.
Supporting local business
Monthly market at Kirana — free entry, no minimum spend. Local farmers, craftspeople, and artisans from Benete village selling organic produce and handmade goods.
Sunday Eco Market: Benete at its Best
Held once a month at Kirana Retreat, the Sunday Eco Market is a vibrant community gathering designed to support local businesses and celebrate the spirit of Benete village.
Free public entry, no minimum spend — everyone is welcome. From fresh organic produce grown by local farmers to handmade crafts and unique artisan products. More than a market — a commitment to the community that has welcomed us here.
When & where
Once a month at Kirana Retreat, Pantai Lawar, Sekongkang Bawah, West Sumbawa. Follow us on Instagram for the next date.
Why it matters
Tourism only sustains a place when the people who live there benefit. The Eco Market ensures Benete village thrives alongside Kirana.
Join our mission
Turtle releases, Sunday Eco Market, farm tours, beach cleanups — every stay at Kirana is a chance to leave this place better than you found it.
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