Labuan Bajo, a small town on the western tip of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, has become one of Indonesia's most popular tourist destinations. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Labuan Bajo offers the perfect combination of clear blue sea, exotic islands, and unique biodiversity such as the Komodo dragon.
One of the must-see tourist icons is Padar Island, which offers spectacular views from the top of a savanna-shaped hill, complete with three charming, colourful sandy bays. Labuan Bajo is not only a place for vacation, but also an unforgettable experience.
About Pulau Padar
Padar Island is one of the most breathtaking tourist destinations in Indonesia. It is located in the Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara. The island is famous for its spectacular natural panorama, especially the view from the top of the hill, which overlooks three bays with different-coloured sands: white, grey, and pink.
Unlike Komodo Island, Padar Island is not inhabited by komodo dragons, making it safe for trekking activities. To reach this island, tourists must take a 2-3 hour boat trip from Labuan Bajo. The favourite activities on Padar Island are hiking up the hill to watch the sunrise or enjoying the photogenic landscape.
The trekking trails are well-maintained and suitable for all ages. Padar Island is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Labuan Bajo. Its captivating beauty makes it an iconic photo spot and an unforgettable nature tourism experience.
How to Get to Padar Island
To reach Padar Island, the journey begins in Labuan Bajo, a port city on the western tip of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara. You can first fly to Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo from major cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, or Bali, with a flight time of approximately 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the route.
Upon arrival in Labuan Bajo, the journey continues by Boat from the local port to Padar Island. There are two main options: join a one-day trip package that visits several destinations in a day, or a live-on-board package that allows you to stay on the Boat for several days.
The travel time to Padar Island ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the type of Boat used. Since this island is part of the Komodo National Park, it is recommended that you book your trip through a trusted agent. It is best to depart early in the morning to avoid the heat when trekking on Padar Island.
Exciting Activities on Padar Island
1. Trekking to the Top of Padar Hill
This is the primary and mandatory activity. You will climb around 800 steps and a hilly path for ±30-45 minutes to reach the summit. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of three beautiful bays with different sand colours: white, grey, and pink. The best time for trekking is in the morning or before sunset.
2. Photo Hunting at Iconic Spots
Padar Island is a photographer's paradise. The view of green hills (or brown during the dry season), combined with the blue sea and curved coastline, creates a natural backdrop that is very Instagrammable. Many tourists come here specifically to take photos.
3. Explore the Beaches on Padar Island
At the foot of the hill, there are several small beaches that you can explore. Each has its own unique sand characteristics. You can relax, play in the water, or enjoy the peaceful natural atmosphere away from the crowds.
4. Enjoying the Sunrise and Sunset
The peak of Padar Island is one of the best spots to see the sunrise in Labuan Bajo. The orange sky that appears behind the hills creates a magical atmosphere. The sunset is equally stunning, especially with the silhouettes of ships and islands in the distance.
5. Picnic or Rest on the Boat
Many tourists use boats as a place to relax after trekking. You can have lunch or enjoy snacks while floating in the calm waters around Padar Island. Tourist boats usually provide dining facilities and places to rest.
6. Update Your Social Media with a Stable Internet Signal
Even though it is located in a remote area, Padar Island generally has cellular signal coverage, and several providers have even conducted network trials here. So, you can still upload photos or videos in real-time.
My Experience Visiting Padar Island
The beauty of this island also makes it the only one of the Indonesian government's 10 priority destinations in East Nusa Tenggara to be developed. During the trip, I saw many islands we passed, and the boat owner explained each of them. I also saw an island shaped like a komodo dragon.
Words cannot describe how beautiful my country is. The journey from Labuan Bajo harbour was long, but it didn't feel that way because the view of Padar Island was so lovely. After about two hours, we finally arrived at the harbour.
Upon arriving at the pier, we had to continue trekking for about 30 minutes to see the beautiful scenery of one of Indonesia's top tourist destinations, Padar Island. A few meters from the pier, a series of stairs had been built to make trekking easier, and they were very Instagram-worthy, perfect for those who love taking photos.
The trekking path leading to Padar Island has brown grass due to the dry season, and there's only one tree, so there's no shade.
The weather on Padar Island was very hot because it was summer when we visited, so all the grass was brown. I really enjoyed that beautiful view. I also saw a group from a mobile provider who were trialling their products. So for those who like to update their social media, don't worry, the internet signal here is available 24 hours a day.
After spending about an hour enjoying this beautiful island, one of Indonesia's top tourist destinations, we returned to the Boat to continue our journey to other tourist spots, namely Komodo Island and Pink Beach.
For those of you who have been to Padar Island, feel free to share your experiences in the comments section. What fun things did you get to do?
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