Padar Island in Indonesia 2024
Explore one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia
Best time: April–June | September–November
A small island located between Rinca and Komodo island is the third largest island that is part of Komodo National Park. It has no Komodo dragons, but its famous for unique white, pink and black sand beaches.
Padar Island is covered by savannah hills. The steep volcanic mountains covered with bushes and grassland lead to deep bays with beaches of different colours, popular with scuba divers. Its main three turquoise bays have amazing beaches: one is white, another charcoal black and a third is soft pink. The black beach has a volcanic origin, while the pink consists of red coral mixed with white sand.
The best time is April–June and also the dry season; September–November. July and August are very crowded and December to March is too rainy. Padar is about 30 km (20 ml) from Labuan Bajo, a fishing town on the westernmost part of Flores. Take a 30-min hike to Padar's summit to see the whole island.
Practical info
When is a good time to go to Padar Island?
The optimal time to visit Padar Island is during the dry season, particularly from April through June and September to November. Peak tourist season is July and August rendering them crowded. December to March is monsoon season with excessive rainfall. Dry season is also the best time for adventure activities such as scuba diving and trekking.
What makes Padar Island so popular?
The unique beaches with sand of various colors like black, pink, and white are Padar Island's primary attraction. These hues are due to a mixture of volcanic rock and coral, a characteristic exclusive to Padar Island in Indonesia. The summit provides astounding views of natural scenery and is frequently hiked by tourists.
Do Komodo dragons live on Padar Island?
No, Padar Island is one of the few islands of Komodo National Park that do not have the Komodo Dragon species. However, there are multiple wildlife species like monkeys, deer, boars, and numerous bird species that can be viewed during the visit.
What is the mode of travel to reach Padar Island?
A boat ride from Labuan Bajo, located on the western side of Flores, is the means of reaching Padar Island, which is nearly 30 kilometers, or 20 miles away. The journey generally lasts about two hours, and there are many charter boats or organized tours available from Labuan Bajo, including multi-day excursions to neighboring islands.
How long will it take to climb to the top of Padar Island?
The steep and sometimes strenuous hiking trail up Padar Island's summit generally takes around 30 minutes. However, the majestic scenic vistas from the hilltop are worth the effort, and it is recommended that visitors who wish to photograph Padar's unique geography at sunrise or sunset should allow themselves extra time and plan accordingly.
