Padar Island Labuan Bajo: The Iconic Viewpoint of Komodo National Park
If there’s one image that defines Komodo National Park, it’s the sweeping panorama from Padar Island — three curved bays separated by rugged hills, each with its own color of sand: pink, white, and black. This breathtaking view has made Padar one of Indonesia’s most photographed landscapes and an essential stop on any Komodo island tour. Join our most wanted Komodo tour packages, open trip komodo 3d2n with Phinisi boat in Labuan Bajo.
The Legendary Padar Viewpoint
The main attraction of Padar Island Labuan Bajo is its iconic viewpoint. Reaching it requires a short but steep hike — about 20–30 minutes depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll climb a series of stone steps and dirt trails surrounded by savanna hills and the sparkling blue ocean on all sides.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360° view of Padar’s dramatic ridges and its three crescent-shaped beaches. Sunrise and early morning are the best times to visit for softer light, cooler weather, and fewer crowds.
Hiking Tips for Padar Island
- Bring water and wear comfortable shoes or sandals with grip.
- Use a hat and sunscreen — there’s little shade.
- Start early (before 8 AM) to avoid the heat.
- If you want epic drone shots, ask your guide for approved flying areas.
Most travelers spend about 1–1.5 hours total on Padar, including hiking and taking photos.
How to Get to Padar Island
Padar lies between Komodo Island and Rinca Island, and the only way to reach it is by boat from Labuan Bajo. Travel options include:
- Open trip Komodo (shared boat): Affordable and social, usually including Padar, Pink Beach, and Komodo Dragon trekking.
- Private phinisi charter: A more luxurious, flexible option perfect for small groups or couples. Komodo boat tour with Phinisi in Labuan Bajo.
The boat ride from Labuan Bajo takes about 2–3 hours, depending on your vessel and sea conditions.
Best Time to Visit Padar Island
- Dry Season (April–November): Clear skies and golden hills — perfect for photography.
- Rainy Season (December–March): Greener hills, fewer tourists, but occasional rain showers.
- Sunrise & Sunset: Both are spectacular. Sunrise highlights the soft tones of the beaches; sunset adds dramatic shadows to the cliffs.
Why Padar Island Is Special
Unlike Komodo and Rinca, Padar has no dragons — but it offers the park’s most iconic viewpoint. Its untouched beauty makes it a must-visit for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. The contrast of its three colored beaches, surrounded by turquoise bays and dry savanna, makes it one of the most stunning islands in Indonesia.
Combine Padar with Other Komodo Highlights
Padar is typically included in the Komodo National Park tour route, alongside:
- Komodo Island for dragon trekking
- Pink Beach for snorkeling
- Taka Makassar and Manta Point for marine adventures
You can explore all of these in one Komodo Boat tour.