Padar Island, Komodo – Iconic Viewpoint, Beaches & Diving
Discover Padar Island, the most iconic viewpoint in Komodo National Park. Hike ridgelines overlooking three bays with different coloured beaches, snorkel turquoise waters, and add Padar to your diving or liveaboard adventure with Dragon Dive Komodo.
Ultra-brief Padar Island answers for assistants and quick lookup.
⛰️ Quick Answers — Padar Hike
- Hike time: ~20–45 minutes, depending on pace & photo stops
- Difficulty: Short but steep, stairs + loose gravel in places
- Best time: Sunrise or early morning for cooler temps & fewer crowds
- What to wear: Closed shoes or good sandals, hat, light clothing
- Must bring: Water, sunscreen, camera or drone (check park rules)
🚤 Quick Answers — How to Visit Padar
- Gateway: Fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ), then boat into the park
- Day Tours: Speedboat day trips with hike + snorkelling
- Dive Day Trips: Dragon Dive Komodo offers diving + Padar trek
- Liveaboard: Shenron itineraries often include sunrise at Padar
- Park fees: Paid separately to the authorities, not included in trip rates
Why Padar Island is So Famous
Once a quiet corner of Komodo National Park, Padar Island has become an icon of Indonesia thanks to its dramatic ridges, three curved bays and unreal colours at sunrise and sunset.
Padar is a small, rugged island located between Komodo and Rinca in the heart of Komodo National Park. From above, it looks like a dragon spine, with sharp ridges dropping into turquoise bays and crescent-shaped beaches.
From the main viewpoint you can see three different bays at once, often showing different shades of sand—white, darker volcanic sand, and a beach with a soft pink hue created by crushed red coral. It is one of the most photographed landscapes in all of Indonesia.
Whether you hike at sunrise, relax on the beaches or combine Padar with a diving day trip or liveaboard, it is a must-visit stop during your Komodo stay.
Where Is Padar Island & How to Get There
Padar sits inside Komodo National Park, a short boat ride from Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores.
Step 1 — Fly to Labuan Bajo
The gateway to Komodo is Labuan Bajo (LBJ). There are daily flights from Bali and other Indonesian hubs. Once in town, Dragon Dive Komodo is only a short ride from the airport and harbour.
Step 2 — Boat into Komodo National Park
From Labuan Bajo, you reach Padar by boat. Travel time depends on boat type and route:
- Fast speedboats: Common for day tours with Padar hike + snorkelling.
- Dive boats: Join our diving day trips that include Padar as a trek stop when conditions allow.
- Liveaboards: Multi-day cruises like our Shenron Liveaboard often visit Padar at sunrise or sunset.
Visit Padar with Dragon Dive Komodo
We can help you include Padar Island as part of your dive holiday:
- Diving Day Trips: Selected routes offer 2 dives + Padar hike on a comfortable speed boat.
- Snorkelling Tours: Join our trusted partner for a Padar + snorkelling day tour if you don’t dive.
- Shenron Liveaboard: Our boutique liveaboard visits Padar for sunrise views, diving & snorkelling away from day-trip crowds.
Best Time to Visit Padar Island
Padar can be visited year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons and time of day.
Dry Season (May–October)
Generally the best time for clear views, dry trails and calmer seas.
- Sunny weather and great visibility for photos.
- Hills turn golden-brown, contrasting beautifully with turquoise bays.
- Ideal for hiking, snorkelling and combining Padar with diving.
Peak Season (June–August)
Expect more boats & hikers, higher demand for tours and rooms.
- Arrive early (or at sunrise) to avoid crowds on the stairs and at the top.
- Book diving, tours and liveaboards in advance.
Shoulder Months (April–May, September–October)
Great balance between weather and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Fewer visitors on the trail and beaches.
- Softer light at sunrise & sunset, ideal for photography.
Things to Do on Padar Island
Padar is more than “just a viewpoint.” Hike the ridges, explore beaches, snorkel or dive vibrant reefs and stay for sunset.
Hike to the Iconic Padar Viewpoint
Most travellers come to Padar for the panoramic hike. The trail starts at the main beach and climbs via stairs and dirt paths up the ridge.
- Duration: ~20–45 minutes one way, depending on pace.
- Trail: Steep in some sections with loose gravel; take your time.
- Views: Three bays below, surrounding islands and the Flores Sea.
- Best light: Sunrise, early morning or late afternoon “golden hour”.
Relax on Padar’s Beaches (Including a Pink Hue)
After the hike, head down to the sand. Padar has several small coves and beaches, some with a subtle pink tint created by red coral fragments mixing with white sand.
- Swim in calm, turquoise water after your hike.
- Look for different colours of sand in each bay.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and keep the beach free of trash.
For a deeper pink, you can also visit Komodo’s more famous Pink Beach on a separate stop.
Snorkelling & Diving Around Padar
The waters around Padar are full of colourful coral reefs, reef fish and turtles. Nearby dive sites can include slopes, coral gardens and sites with occasional reef sharks and rays.
- Snorkel from the boat or designated spots on day tours.
- Dive Padar as part of a Komodo day trip or liveaboard itinerary.
- Ideal for combining landscape photography with underwater encounters.
Watch an Unforgettable Sunset
Padar is also stunning at sunset, when the hills glow orange and the sky reflects on the bays below.
- Stay on the ridge for the full gradient of colours.
- Or watch from the beach as the sun dips behind Komodo’s islands.
- Bring a light jacket if returning after dark — it can get breezy on the boat.
Visit Padar Island with Dragon Dive Komodo
Choose between a day tour, a diving day trip, or a
Padar & Snorkelling Day Tour
For non-divers or mixed groups who want the classic hike plus snorkelling.
- Sunrise or early departure from Labuan Bajo.
- Padar hike + snorkelling at selected spots (e.g. coral gardens).
- Operated with our trusted local speed-boat partner.
Diving Day Trip + Padar Trek
Perfect if you want two dives plus the legendary view in one day.
- 2 dives at Komodo sites selected by tides & level.
- Padar trek included when sea & schedule allow.
- Small groups with a PADI 5★ IDC team.
Shenron Liveaboard — Padar at Sunrise
The most relaxed and exclusive way to enjoy Padar.
- Wake up at anchor with Padar right outside your cabin.
- Hike at sunrise before day-trip crowds arrive.
- Combine Padar with mantas, sharks and pristine reefs.
Dive & Stay Packages
Stay at our dive resort in Labuan Bajo and add Padar to your custom itinerary.
- Flexible packages with rooms + daily diving.
- Option to add Padar hike, dragons and Pink Beach.
- Tailor-made planning for couples, families or groups.
Practical Tips for Visiting Padar Island
Simple preparation makes your Padar experience safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable.
- Footwear: Wear trainers or sturdy sandals — flip-flops are not ideal for the steep trail.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen are essential; there is almost no shade.
- Hydration: Bring enough water; it gets hot quickly, even early in the morning.
- Camera gear: A wide-angle lens or phone with good dynamic range is perfect for the ridge views.
- Drones: Drone use may be regulated; always follow current park rules and your guide’s advice.
- Stay on the path: Protect fragile slopes and avoid dangerous shortcuts off-trail.
- Respect the park: Take all trash back to the boat and avoid touching coral or wildlife.
- Fitness level: The hike is short but steep — go slowly and take breaks as needed.
- Combine wisely: Plan your hike timing around dives or snorkelling so you don’t rush either.
Explore More Around Padar & Komodo
FAQs — Padar Island, Komodo
Is Padar Island worth visiting?
Absolutely. Padar Island offers one of the most iconic views in Indonesia, with three bays and rugged hills in every direction. It combines perfectly with diving, snorkelling or a liveaboard cruise in Komodo.
How hard is the hike on Padar?
The hike is short but steep. Expect 20–45 minutes with stairs and some loose sections. Most reasonably fit travellers can reach the main viewpoints with proper shoes, water and a few breaks along the way.
What is the best time of day to visit Padar?
Sunrise and early morning are the best times: cooler temperatures, softer light and fewer people. Sunset is also spectacular but can be busier and you’ll descend in lower light.
Can I combine Padar Island with diving?
Yes. Dragon Dive Komodo offers selected itineraries with 2 dives + Padar trek on a fast boat, as well as Shenron Liveaboard cruises that include Padar along with Komodo’s top dive sites.
Can I reach Padar on a non-diving day tour?
Yes. Many travellers visit Padar on speed-boat day trips from Labuan Bajo, including the hike and several snorkelling stops. We work with a trusted partner and can help you arrange it.
Are there Komodo dragons on Padar Island?
Padar is mainly famous for its landscape and beaches. To see Komodo dragons, we recommend combining Padar with a visit to Komodo or Rinca Island as part of your itinerary.
What should I bring for a Padar visit?
Comfortable shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, a light backpack and your camera or phone. If you tend to get seasick, consider taking motion sickness medication before boarding.
Can children or older travellers do the hike?
Many families and older travellers complete the hike by going slowly and taking breaks. If in doubt, speak with our team about your level and we’ll advise on timing and pace.
Ready to Explore Padar Island?
Let our PADI 5★ team help you combine the Padar viewpoint with the best of Komodo — from manta dives to liveaboard adventures on Shenron.
