Padar Island – A Landscape Masterpiece in the Heart of Komodo’s Wild Frontier
Padar Island, the third largest in Komodo National Park, is a photographer’s dream and an adventurer’s reward. Located between Komodo Island and Rinca Island, it’s famous for its surreal, dragon-back ridges and panoramic views of three crescent-shaped bays, each adorned with differently colored sand — white, charcoal-grey, and blush-pink.
First Impressions
As the boat approaches, the silhouette of Padar rises dramatically from the sea — a rugged, Jurassic-looking terrain with sharp peaks, rolling hills, and deep valleys. The absence of large trees gives it an almost desert-island vibe, but its golden-brown grass changes to lush green during the rainy season (December–March), making the island’s scenery striking year-round.
The anchoring point is usually in one of the turquoise bays, where the water is so clear you can see fish darting around the coral from the deck. Most travelers arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat, as the trek to the viewpoint has no shade.
The trail to the iconic viewpoint is a moderate-to-challenging hike, depending on your fitness level.
As you climb, the landscape unfolds — jagged hillsides plunging into the ocean, sand beaches curling like delicate ribbons, and surrounding islets dotting the sapphire-blue horizon. Every rest stop is a photo opportunity.
At the main viewpoint, the 360-degree panorama is nothing short of breathtaking:
It’s the kind of view that makes you instinctively pause, not just for photos, but to absorb the sheer beauty of nature’s design.
Unlike Komodo and Rinca, Padar has no Komodo dragons today — they disappeared decades ago due to a lack of prey. This makes the island safer for free exploration, though you may still spot wild goats on the slopes. The surrounding waters are part of the Coral Triangle, home to manta rays, reef sharks, and vibrant coral gardens — making Padar an ideal stop before or after a snorkeling session.
Padar is accessible only by boat. Most visitors come as part of a day trip or liveaboard itinerary from Labuan Bajo, Flores. Travel time:
Speedboat: 1.5–2 hours one way.
Slow wooden boat: 3–4 hours.
The island is under the management of Komodo National Park, so you’ll need to pay the park entrance fee, which also covers other destinations within the park.
Pros
Cons
Padar Island is not just a stop — it’s a highlight of any Komodo National Park journey. It’s where the raw power of geological time, the artistry of nature, and the thrill of adventure combine. Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect shot, a hiker looking for a rewarding climb, or a traveler in search of one of Earth’s most stunning seascapes, Padar will etch itself into your memory.
Travel Reviewer’s Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) – A must-visit, bucket-list-worthy destination in Indonesia.