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Bigeh

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Bigeh

Bigeh Island

Bigeh is an island located in the Nile at Aswan, Egypt. It contains ruins from the ancient Nubian region. Originally part of the mainland, the area became an island following the completion of the old Aswan Dam in 1902. Visitors go here to see these archaeological remains within the reservoir environment.

Getting There

Access to the island is by boat from the Aswan city centre. The travel time varies depending on the boat operator and current river conditions, but typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to explore the ruins and the island's terrain.

When to Visit

The best time to visit is during the cooler winter months to avoid the extreme heat of the Egyptian summer. Early morning or late afternoon is recommended to minimize sun exposure. The site is generally less crowded than the major temple complexes in the area.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location, this site is easily combined with other nearby landmarks accessible by boat:

  • Philae: 0.4km
  • Trajan's Kiosk: 0.5km
  • Agilkia Island: 0.5km
  • Temple of Isis in Philae: 0.6km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Bigeh

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Bigeh Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Philae

Nature

Philae

An ancient Egyptian temple complex on an island in the Nile near Aswan. When the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge it, UNESCO led an effort to relocate it to its current site, adding to its story.

0.4 km away

Trajan's Kiosk

Heritage & monuments

Trajan's Kiosk

A roofless temple on Agilkia Island south of Aswan, originally serving as the gateway to the Temple of Philae. It is said to have been built during the reign of the Roman emperor Trajan, and its unfinished columns are striking.

0.5 km away

Agilkia island

Nature

Agilkia island

Agilkia Island lies in the reservoir of the old Aswan Dam and is home to the Temple of Philae. When the temple's original site was submerged by the dam's construction, a UNESCO project relocated it stone by stone to this island.

0.5 km away

Temple of Isis in Philae

Temples & religious sites

Temple of Isis in Philae

An ancient Egyptian temple complex situated on an island in the Nile at Aswan. Its striking setting makes it look as though it's floating on the water.

0.6 km away

Heisa Island

Nature

Heisa Island

Heisa Island is an inhabited basalt island in the Nile at the site of the former First Cataract in Aswan, which came to lie within the reservoir after the Aswan Low Dam was completed in 1902. It is home to Kenzi Nubian-speaking residents, offering a taste of Nubian culture.

1.0 km away

International Museum of Nubia

Museums & galleries

International Museum of Nubia

An archaeology museum in Aswan, Egypt. It opened in 1997 in connection with a UNESCO campaign to save Nubian monuments, and displays artifacts from Nubian civilization.

6.6 km away