AN HONEST REVIEW OF PADAR ISLAND, LABUAN BAJO

Padar Island in Labuan Bajo is a stunning location in the heart of Komodo National Park.  Famous for its unique landscapes and mesmerising views, it’s becoming one of the most iconic spots in all of Indonesia. 

The highlight of Padar Island is the captivating view from the summit.  A moderate 20-minute hike leads you to the vantage point, where the view of rugged golden landscapes, azure waters, and tri-colour beaches await.

In this guide, we advise everything you need to know for visiting Padar Island in Labuan Bajo, so you can decide whether it is worthy of your Flores Itinerary.

Padar Island, Labuan Bajo – An Ultimate Guide

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How to get to Padar Island, Labuan Bajo

Padar Island is located within the Komodo National Park in Flores, Indonesia. To get there you must first book a boat tour from Labuan Bajo.

There are a number of tour options available from Labuan Bajo to suit all budget and interests.  Many opt for a multi-day Live’A’Board Scuba Diving tour, where you can explore the raw beauty of the National Park both above and below the surface.

Or if you don’t have the time or budget, you can also book day trips from Labuan Bajo.  You can read more about the tours available in our guide:  Komodo National Park Tours from Labuan Bajo.

Padar Island Location

What to Expect at Padar Island, Labuan Bajo

• A stunning location in the heart of Komodo National Park.
• One of the most iconic viewpoints in South East Asia.
• Accessible via a Komodo National Park boat tour.
• A moderate 20-minute hike to reach the viewpoint.
• A popular tourist attraction in Flores so can get extremely busy.
• Recommend visiting early morning or late evening.
• A beautiful spot to catch the sunrise or sunset.
• Boasts tri-colour beaches – White, black, and pink sand!
• Rugged golden landscapes encompassed by dazzling azure waters.
• Komodo Island and Pink Beach can be visited nearby.

Our Experience at Padar Island, Labuan Bajo

We arrived at Padar Island on a private day trip from Labuan Bajo.  It was the first stop on our itinerary as we were warned that the island gets extremely busy after 9 am.  This is when the majority of the organised boat tours arrive so it pays to get there earlier if you can.

The plan was to get to Padar for sunrise; however, we left later than planned and didn’t quite make it.  If you don’t mind the early start, we’d recommend making the extra effort for the experience.  It’s not often you get to witness the sunrise at somewhere as extraordinary as Padar Island.

Anyhow, by the time we arrived, it was still early.  And golden hour was still going strong.  From afar, Padar looked like something out of Jurassic park. The rugged savannah landscapes gleaming in the distance as our speedboat cruised the azure waters.

There were some other boats parked up as we approached the port on Padar Island;  however, we could only spot a few dozen people making the hike to the summit.  Eager to make it before the other tours arrived, we commenced the hike at a rapid pace.

Until recently, you would need to clamber up a dusty hill to make it to the viewpoint; however, a staircase engineered into the side makes the steep climb relatively easy.  We made it to the first viewpoint in around 20-minutes.  And anybody of a reasonable fitness level could do the same.

The Viewpoints on Padar Island, Labuan Bajo

The first viewpoint we approached was the iconic view made famous by Instagram. (Are you following us on Instagram? Follow us here!) On a platform where everything gets heavily edited, we were concerned it might not meet expectations; yet, it surpassed them.  Everything from the rough golden terrain to dazzling azure waters, and the remarkable tri-coloured beaches is truly a sight to behold.

After taking some snaps at the popular lookout, we decided to venture up further to the very peak of the hill.  This spot offered a panoramic vista over Padar and surrounding islands.  It also felt far more peaceful and serene, allowing us to fully appreciate the raw beauty of the national park.

Finally, we decided to make our way back to the boat.  Along the way, we encountered numerous other lookout spots, and couldn’t help but stop for photos.  Padar Island is a sensational place and a worthy addition to your Flores Itinerary.

Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo

Hostel – La Boheme Hostel – A quirky hostel with dorm or private accommodation available.  A huge drawcard here is the 24hr free banana pancakes available! They also organise daily group tours.

Luxury – Sunset Hill Hotel – Luxury rooms with spectacular views over the bays of Labuan Bajo.

For more places to stay in Labuan Bajo, you can check the latest prices HERE.

Travel Responsibly

It should go without saying; however, when enjoying your Komodo National Park Tour, it’s important to be mindful of the environment.  It is no secret that some of our planets fragile ecosystems are at risk of extinction.

There are many small steps you can take to becoming a responsible traveller. In the meantime, here are some tips that will help ensure you leave a positive impact when visiting Padar Island.

• Be careful with any rubbish that it doesn’t fly overboard.  Keep it secure until you can dispose of it properly.
• Do not leave anything on the islands, or take anything away – unless you’ve purchased it from a local supplier.
• Wear Reef Safe Sunscreen.
• Try to avoid touching anything underwater.
• Listen to instructions from your guide.

Well, that concludes our guide to Padar Island in Labuan Bajo.  Check out how to book your tour here: Komodo national park tours from Labuan Bajo.

If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram here!

Stay adventurous and Happy travels.

Charlotte & Natalie x

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