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Padar Island is one of the most recognisable landscapes in Indonesia, a rugged, savannah-covered island with prehistoric contours, tri-coloured beaches, and sweeping 360-degree views. Located in the heart of Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara, between Komodo and Rinca, it is a highlight on almost every liveaboard and boat tour itinerary.
At just 20 square kilometres, Padar is compact but full of drama: steep ridgelines, deep bays, and a coastline that shifts from black volcanic sand to rare pink coral beaches. It’s no surprise it has become one of the most photographed spots in the country, featured in travel magazines, drone footage, and postcards, yet it still rewards those who visit in person with an experience far richer than any photo.
Padar Island Quick Facts
- Location: Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara
- Size: ~20 km²
- Access: By boat from Labuan Bajo (1–2 hrs)
- Best Time to Visit: May–October (dry season)
- Famous For: Tri-coloured beaches, panoramic hiking views
Where Is Padar Island?
Padar lies in the south-central section of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is only accessible by boat, with Labuan Bajo in Flores serving as the main gateway. Most tours, from day trips to multi-day liveaboards, reach Padar in 1–2 hours by sea.
Liveaboard cruises and day tours include Padar as a key stop, especially for sunrise or sunset hikes. Despite its popularity, it’s still possible to enjoy Padar without the crowds, especially if you’re arriving early with an overnight boat trip or a private charter.
Why Padar Island is a Must-Visit
Padar’s terrain is like something out of a lost world: rolling savannah hills that turn golden in the dry season, sheer cliffs plunging into turquoise water, and three bays each with a different coloured beach:
- White Sand Bay — classic tropical beauty.
- Black Sand Bay — volcanic in origin, rich in dark minerals.
- Pink Sand Bay — one of only a handful in the world, formed by pulverised red coral mixed with white sand.
This rare combination of beaches in one location makes Padar a geological curiosity as well as a photographer’s dream. From the summit, you can see all three bays in a single sweeping panorama.
Hiking to the Summit
The main reason most people visit Padar is to hike to the top and take in the famous 360-degree view. It’s arguably one of the most iconic lookouts in all of Indonesia.
- Hike duration: 30–45 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep and rocky sections
- Best time to go: Sunrise or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and ideal lighting
The trail is well-defined but exposed, so it’s essential to bring water, wear decent footwear, and protect yourself from the sun. The final steps to the top can be a bit of a scramble, but the reward is a sweeping panorama of the bays, ridgelines, and ocean stretching to the horizon.
Marine Life and Wildlife
Komodo dragons no longer inhabit Padar, largely due to the disappearance of their prey, so while Komodo and Rinca are famous for their dragons, Padar offers a quieter kind of wildlife experience. On land, you may spot sea eagles and other birdlife. In the surrounding waters, which are part of the Coral Triangle, snorkeling can reveal vibrant reefs, reef fish, sea turtles, and on occasion, manta rays.
Nearby dive and snorkel sites, such as Secret Bay and Pink Beach, offer encounters with rich marine biodiversity. Strong currents in some areas mean it’s best explored with experienced guides.
How to Visit Padar Island
The easiest way to visit Padar is as part of a boat tour from Labuan Bajo. Options include:
- Day trips (shared or private) that combine Padar with Komodo Island and Pink Beach
- Liveaboard cruises that allow for early access and sunset visits, avoiding crowds
Most visitors stop at Padar early in the morning before the heat intensifies and before the majority of day-trippers arrive. If you’re joining a liveaboard like Calico Jack or Anne Bonny, your schedule will be timed perfectly for optimal conditions and minimal crowds.
When to Go
The best time to visit Padar Island is during the dry season, from April to December, when seas are calmer and skies are clear. During this period, visibility is also better for underwater activities, and the hiking trail is less slippery and overgrown.
Avoid the peak of the wet season (January to March), when seas can be rough and access may be limited.
Entry Fees and Regulations
- National Park Entry Fee: the New Komodo Entrance fee valid for 2025 is IDR600.000 per person
- Conservation Measures: The Indonesian government is reviewing visitor limits to protect Padar’s fragile ecosystems
- Drones: May require permits
- Guides: Required for most visits as part of conservation rules
Activities on Padar Island
- Summit hike for panoramic views
- Trekking beyond the main path for different vantage points
- Snorkelling or diving at nearby sites
- Relaxing on the tri-coloured beaches
- Wildlife and birdwatching
What to Pack for Padar
- Good walking shoes or hiking sandals
- Water bottle (no plastic — bring a reusable one)
- Hat and sun protection
- Camera or phone with plenty of storage
- Lightweight clothes (but breathable — it gets hot)
- Dry bag for boat transfers
There are no shops or facilities on Padar, so come prepared. Trash bins are limited, and visitors are expected to carry out all waste.
Read more in our What to Pack for a Liveaboard Cruise Guide.
A Highlight of the Komodo Experience
Padar Island is more than just a viewpoint, it’s a highlight of the entire Komodo National Park experience. The raw beauty of the landscape, the challenging yet manageable hike, and the unbeatable views make it a stop you simply can’t miss.
When sailing with Calico Jack or Anne Bonny, you’ll experience Padar the right way, with enough time to enjoy the scenery, photograph the view without crowds, and take in the peace of this unforgettable place.
Why Visit Padar with Calico Jack & Anne Bonny
Sailing with Calico Jack or Anne Bonny means reaching Padar at the best times, before day-trip crowds arrive or after they leave. Our itineraries are designed to maximise your time on the island, with opportunities for both the famous viewpoint and the quieter, lesser-seen corners of the island.
Our crew’s local expertise ensures safe navigation, optimal snorkelling conditions, and a comfortable onboard experience. Whether you’re looking for that perfect photo or simply a moment of stillness on a pink sand beach, Padar with Calico Jack and Anne Bonny is unforgettable.
Ready to explore Padar as part of your Komodo adventure?
Browse our Komodo itineraries or reach out to customise your liveaboard experience. This is one island that truly lives up to the hype.
