Padar Island (Pulau Padar) is the third largest of the Komodo Islands in the Komodo National Park.
Its main attraction is the iconic panoramic viewpoint at the summit of its hills. You get breathtaking views of colourful bays and the surrounding islands. It is one of the only places in the world to have pink, black, and white sand beaches all on one island.
This guide gives an overview of Padar Island and lists some must-do activities and essential tips to help you plan your visit confidently.
How to Get to Padar Island?
Padar Island is about 30 kilometres from Labuan Bajo, a small fishing town in Flores, Indonesia. The only way to reach the island is by boat.
You can fly to Labuan Bajo from major airports like Bali, Lombok, Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, and Kupang. Flights operate daily from nearly all of these airports.
From Labuan Bajo harbour, you can reach Padar Island by:
- Speedboat: It takes around 1.5–2 hours, depending on sea conditions.
- Phinisi or chartered yacht: It takes 2–3 hours, depending on the route and stops. Padar Island is often part of a multi-island tour covering Padar, Rinca, and Komodo.
To enter the island, you need a Komodo National Park permit. Most operators or yacht crews can arrange it in advance.
Note: For sunrise hikes, boats from Labuan Bajo usually depart around 3:00–4:00 a.m. to reach the island before dawn.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Padar Island?
The dry season (April–November) is the best time to visit Padar Island. The sky is clear and the waters are calm. Visibility is steady. So, hiking, snorkelling and photography are comfortable.
Peak months: July–September. The weather is pleasant, but the island is crowded.
Shoulder months: April–June, October. Mornings are cooler, and the island is less crowded.
May and August are ideal for sunrise hikes, as mornings are dry and breezy. Visibility underwater is highest between May and October.
Things to Do on Padar Island
1] Hike to the viewpoint
The hike begins from the main landing beach on the northern bay. It takes about 30 minutes, depending on your pace. The trail is steep but well-marked. Some parts of the path are shaded. There are three rest points along the way.
It is best to start early in the morning (before 7 am) to avoid the heat and crowds.
The sunrise light highlights the island’s curves and bays, and the air is cooler. The view from the top is breathtaking. You see turquoise water, rugged hills, and three distinct beaches below. The golden hour around sunrise or sunset offers the most photogenic light for the viewpoint and bays.
2] See the beaches (Pink Beach, White Beach & Black Beach)
Padar Island has three bays. Each has different sand colours — pink, white, and black. The contrast is striking when viewed from a height and beautiful up close.
The pink beach gets its colour from tiny red coral fragments that blend with white sand. The black beach was made by a volcano. The white beach feels untouched.
These shores are quiet. They are perfect for short walks and photographs after your hike.
3] Snorkel around the island
There are a lot of fish and other sea creatures in the water around Padar Island. You can snorkel near the bays to see colourful corals and fish from the tropics.
Currents can be strong in some places. It is safer to snorkel with a guide or as part of a yacht trip. On a private cruise, your crew can pick shallow spots for swimming and taking pictures underwater.
4] Scuba dive
Scuba diving is popular in the waters around Padar and nearby dive sites like Batu Bolong and Manta Point. Experienced divers can go deeper to see reef sharks, manta rays, and big schools of fish.
5] Take photos of the landscape
Padar Island is one of the most popular places in Indonesia to take pictures. The best times to take pictures are at dawn or dusk. Every viewpoint gives you a different look at the curved coastline and colourful bays. You can use drones in the park if you get permission.
6] Watch the sunset
Watching the sunset from the top, or one of the beaches, is a calm, memorable experience. The sea glows softly, and the hills turn gold.
7] Search for Wildlife
You can find unique animals on Padar Island such as the Timor Deer, Wallaces’s Hanging Parrot, Sea Eagles, Wild Boars and Water Buffalo. There are reptiles such as geckos and pit vipers.
Marine species like Dolphins, Whales, Green Turtles and Small shark species can be seen swimming by the shoreline.
8] Have a Beach Picnic
Take advantage of the morning or afternoon with a memorable beach picnic. Luxury operators like ALEXA Private Cruises will organise this for guests including providing seating, drinks and gourmet food.
Essential Tips for Visiting Padar Island
A] Hiking
- Stay on marked paths so that you do not damage the island’s fragile plants.
- Wear light and breathable clothes to stay cool under the sun.
- Wear shoes or sandals with a sturdy grip for the uneven trail.
- Bring a hat, umbrella, and sunglasses because there is little shade.
- If hiking for sunrise, carry a flashlight for the descent.
B] Swimming or snorkelling
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen. It protects corals and marine life from the chemicals found in regular sunscreens.
- Pack swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof bag for your personal items.
- Don’t touch coral and marine life.
C] General
- Carry enough drinking water. There are no facilities on the island.
- Do not litter. Take all your waste back with you.
- Follow your guide’s safety tips.
- Carry cash for park fees or small purchases.
Where to Stay When Visiting Padar Island?
- In Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo is the main base for visiting Komodo National Park. It has an airport, guesthouses, luxury resorts, restaurants, and travel services.
- On nearby islands
Seraya, Sebayur, and Kanawa feature small eco-resorts and beach villas for quiet stays.
- Liveaboard yachts or Phinisi boats
Many visitors stay overnight on boats to reach Padar Island early, enjoy sunrise hikes, and continue cruising between islands without returning to shore. Luxury travellers usually choose private charters like ALEXA Private Cruises for comfort, flexibility, and privacy.
Visit Padar Island With Alexa Private Cruises
ALEXA Private Cruises is a luxury yacht charter in Indonesia that explores Padar Island and the Komodo archipelago.
You sail aboard ALEXA, a handcrafted 31-metre phinisi designed for two guests.
Each voyage blends luxury, privacy, and connection with nature. Itineraries include sunrise hikes at Padar, afternoon snorkelling, and sunset dinner by the beachside.
The onboard crew includes a cruise director, private chef, dive instructor, and spa therapist. They are familiar with the island; they ensure every aspect of the journey suits your pace and preferences.
Book your private luxury yacht charter to Padar Island today.
