The Komodo National Park is not just about meeting the Komodo dragon but holds many more wonders.If you recall in my last post on the Komodo Dragons, I mentioned the three islands where these dragons are found – one of them being Padar Island. On the day we visited my new best friend – the Komodo Dragon, we first made a stop at Padar Island for a bit of trekking. I was warned that the trek was a little arduous but to be honest, it wasn’t too bad. What made the trek really memorable and amazing was the view that you get at the end of the trek. What was it ? Read on .
Facts about Padar Island
Padar Island is one of the three islands with Komodo dragons. However, there are very few of them surviving on it. A part of the UNESCO World heritage sphere, this island is one of the many that form the Komodo National Park. The island is barren with no human inhabitants There are no rangers, no concrete structures – nothing! And if you are wondering, why visit it at all – well, then you really need to read through the rest of the post.
Journey to Padar Island
We stopped at Padar Island enroute to the Komodo Island. This in fact, was our first activity of the day. The island is a pleasant 40 – 45 minutes boat ride from Labuan Bajo, with wind blowing through your hair, threatening to knock off your caps. The ride was proof to the fact that Indonesia has over 17,500 islands, each of different shapes and sizes . One could witness the gorgeous creations of nature as the boat sped towards our destination.
Along the way, if you are as lucky as I was, you can spot a few dolphins and leaping fish (yes, flying, leaping, bouncing….whatever you want to call them).
Starting the Trek
The first thing that struck me when I reached Padar Island was the crystal clear water and the beautiful white sand beach. The beach is filled with corals and not so pleasant to walk on but the water was another thing. You can just spend some time wading around the cool waters and watching the little fish swim around your ankles. I was a little distracted by that till I heard Tina our guide, warning us that we need to keep our eyes peeled as there could be a Komodo Dragon lurking amidst the rocks.
My heart just jumped into my mouth. Remember, this was our first activity and I still had not made friends with this guy. What if he ambushed me before I got to his other mates?
Tina had my undivided attention from that point on and the rest of the instructions were absorbed without any distraction. Tina explained that the climb could be a little hard to start with and coming down the hill could be a little dicey as the trekking path was a little rough and dry with a lot of pebbles. We needed to take it slow and pace ourselves as per our comfort. We were to also, not wander off and keep in a group. While she would be leading the front, Romi, her partner would trail us from the back. And with that, we were off.
Level One of the trek
As we began ascending, I realised how much fun this was going to be . The trek path was not a well marked one and had loose pebbles and sand that you had to overstep to avoid sliding back to the start line. Frankly this challenge is what made the ascend and descend fun for me. It was like a game to find the right foothold and keep climbing up. After we had reached the first landing point, it was a slight incline to the first view point or the level one of the trek. A perfect place to take a Group Snap as Tina suggested. Apparently, after this level, it was going to get tougher and our pace as a group would differ.
This is where we were introduced to the first sight of the unique beaches on either side of Padar island. The side we came from had the brilliant white beach while the other side of the hill enclosed a black beach. Stunning how the hillock separated the two colors.
View from Level Two
After that brief break, the incline did get a little steeper but not too difficult for most of us. Soon we were treated to the first glimpse of the reward that we could expect atop Padar Island. It was here, we realised that the hills of Padar Island did not just divide the coast line to two colored beaches. In fact, it enclosed tri-colored beaches – white, black and pink.
I went busy snapping up all possible angles, not sure of what I would be able to see from the top. It was just amazing!
The Grand Finale at Padar Island
With some captures, most of us scrambled up to the highest point of Padar Island. For me, the motivation to go up was to grab an unrestricted view of the entire coastline – a sight that was truly rare and something I knew that I would not be able to get anywhere else. To be honest, for me, the climb was not hard at all. And once I was on the top – voila! I will just let my pictures explain how I felt.
Leaving Padar Island
It was kind of hard to leave that mesmerizing view. I won’t say that I could have spend a lifetime there. I might not be able to but then, I was kind of reluctant to leave. I just wanted to grab more and more of those memories, keep snapping, keep clicking and well just take in more. I forgot about the threat of the Komodo dragon. It was just being there for that moment. Eventually, we started our descend and as warned, it was far more treacherous than climbing up. Fun nonetheless, but required some bit of caution.
Tina was amazing. While most of us with our boots and shoes were clambering down slowly, she just sped down in her slippers. She explained that she was used to the terrain and the best way to get down was to speed along with the stones. I tried it out and boy! Was that fun! Soon, we were back to our boats to take on the next leg of our trip – the Komodo island.
Padar Island and the view of the tri-colored beaches from the top left a mark within me -something inexplicable, something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. It has been one of my most amazing treks and I for sure, will be recommending it to anyone who is headed to Flores in Indonesia. Are you guys game for it?
Getting here:
- To get to Padar Island, you need to head to Labuan Bajo and take a cruise or boat from there. There are several internal flight options in Indonesia that can get you to Labuan Bajo. Click here to check the prices of these flights from anywhere in Indonesia.
- Once in Labuan Bajo, you can approach any of the Indonesia travel companies or cruise operators for a trip here. There are plenty that can be found along the main street of Labuan Bajo or you can even find them online.
Travel Tips:
- Our trek was a part of the package that was organized by Oradive. You can find similar packages online by various other operators.
- The best time for this trek is morning when the sun is not overhead.
- There are no toilets or any other facilities on Padar Island
- Ensure you wear comfortable clothes and trekking shoes for this climb
- Climb as much as you can. Do not try to push yourself if you are not up-to it
- Carry a trekking stick or a wooden stick to support you
- Do not panic if you spot a Komodo dragon. Your guide will be equipped to help you with the same.
- Carry enough water with you for the trek.
P.S: I was a part of the Bloggers’ trip organized by Skyscanner .
SandeepaChetan
No words…really! That view with the three colored beaches…uff!! Nothing would be hard enough for that reward!
Ami
To be honest, the trek was not hard at all. And the reward fantastic
Rajiv Verma
What a beautiful place to be at. Crystal clear water & no touristy crowd, what else do you need!
Love the second last photo!
Cheers!
Rajiv
Ami
Thanks Rajiv. I am sure you would have loved the trek too.
Rajiv Verma
I have no doubts !
The Tiny Book
The view from the top is certainly rewarding after the effort. Those beaches look incredibly beautiful, loved the post and had no idea such a nice place existed. Definitely and add to my wish list!! Nice read!!
Ami
Thank you. Glad you liked it.
carmyy
I love how they preserved the islands for the dragons! I like that no one is allowed to live there. It does look very lovely to visit though!
Ami
Thanks Carmyy. I think the seclusion is more by default than design. It is a really tiny island in the middle of nowhere. However, the lack of people is welcome.
Alessandra
This island looks beautiful and the perfect place for hiking as you can clearly enjoy amazing views! Thank you for sharing such an interesting post 🙂
Alessandra
Ami
Glad you liked it Alessandra. It sure is a gorgeous place.
Doreen Pendgracs
OMG! Padar Island looks amazing!!! The views from atop Padar Island really make me wish I was there. Thx for sharing.
Ami
Thanks Doreen. It sure is unbelievable.
Sapna D
It’s amazing how nature works….the tricoloured beaches look beautiful
Ami
Thanks Sapans. You would have loved it.
Chris
What a beautiful spot.
When we visited we only had a short amount of time, so we were only able to visit and see the dragons on Rinca Island.
How lucky you were!
Ami
Thanks Chris. I too, am grateful for being able to visit this place. Hope you can go back soon and visit it.
Fly With Shaunak
Amazing views. How was the weather that day ? Normally hot & humid or just perfect ???
Ami
Thanks Shaunak. The weather was a little humid, not too hot.
My Black Skirt
Such a beauty ! Nothing can surpass Mother Nature 🙂 i am sure u had a good time !
Ami
Thanks. I had an amazing time. It sure was amazing seeing this.
Maitreni Mishra
Woah breathtakingly beautiful snaps & an equally mesmerizing place to be at. Aah crystal clear water! 🙂
Ami
Thank you Maitreni.
Shilpi Dutta
Pictures are beautiful. Traveled the marvelous place through your blog.
Ami
Thanks Shilpi. Glad you liked the virtual travel. Hope you get there in person one day! 🙂
2travellingsisters
Beautiful pictures Ami! Looks like they have preserved these islands well, with no human population residing there..
Ami
Thank you. I think the preservation is more by default as this tiny island is in the middle of nowhere. Difficult for any human inhabitation. But I sure am glad that is the case!
Frenchie on the road
Padar island seems to be a little gem! Dolphins, no concrete, crystal clear water… isn’t it paradise? You deserved to see such things after that trek 😉 The photos are amazing!
Ami
The dolphins were on the way but yes, either ways Padar Island is a little gem. Hope you get to see it some day!
polly674
I guess climbing over there could have been tough, but what a gift once there!!! Amazing view!
Ami
To be honest, not difficult. It was kind of easy. But no denying the rewarding view. Absolutely unique and stupendous.
WhileI'mYoung&Skinny (@danniellelily)
I didn’t realise there were many other attractions aside from the dragons! It really does look like a fun place.
Ami
Thanks Dannielle. Flores and Komodo National park is a lot more than dragons. Stay tuned. A post on that coming up soon!
The Walking Map
Pinned to my Indonesia board. By the way, “Dragon Attack” is a Queen song!
Ami
He he. Will go listen to it soon.
2traveldads
You just sold me on this island specifically. We’re actually working on building out Indonesia plan/bucket list and I just had to add this. So beautiful and it’s got hiking!
Ami
Absolutely and I am pretty sure that you will find this an easy hike. The reward of course, is enormous.
enidhi
Very beautiful place
Ami
It sure is Shrinidhi. Thanks to you, managed to get here.
ourfamilytraveladventures
I’m really blown away but your photos! I would love to sit on that hill and take in that stunning view!
Ami
Thanks. I felt the same way too. 🙂
EG III
Ok, you have just vaulted Padar Island to the top of my travel bucket list! The tri-colored beaches are absolutely stunning!
Ami
Thanks. And am sure you are going to love it too 🙂
Mar Pages
Ah I remember you Komodo dragon visit article. Indonesia has such a varied landscape. I had also done a volcano in slippers (mount sibayak) and would like to climb this one! The views from your pictures are stunning!
Ami
Thank you Mar. Am sure you would love climbing this one too. It is amazing.
Vanessa
What an amazing adventure! Those gorgeous photos make me want to get on a plane today. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous place.
Ami
Thanks Vanessa. Hope you get to visit soon.
quirkywanderer
Totally awestruck.
Such beauty! You had me at the pics. No wonder you didn’t feel like leaving! Superb post Ami!
Ami
Thank you Divyaskshi. It is a gorgeous place. Glad I could visit it.
Modern Gypsy
Breathtaking photographs! Loved the tour of the island through your eyes.
Ami
Thank you. Glad you liked it
Alina Popescu
The shots with all three beaches are breathtaking! I am not a huge fan of beach holidays, but something like this, where I can mix some beach fun with other activities works great for me. I still think the Komodo Dragons are the bigger attraction though. They are just too unique not to outplay the beaches 😀
Ami
True but they are a little rare on this island. You need to get to Komodo or Rinca Island for it. Also, best to catch them in a safe atmosphere.
Shounak
So happy about this post. It made my day. This is the kind of travel I would love to do. Not cities and shopping. Indonesia is intriguing. I read a book about explorers visiting remote Indonesian islands. The three beaches are heavenly. True pristine nature, left to itself. And Komodo’s are fascinating creatures. What an adventure it would have been to walk on an uninhabited island with Komodo’s lurking around. Wow – What must have been a thrilling experience !
Ami
Thanks Shounak. It was a fascinating hike.
Shounak
Did you travel here with kids ? If yes , how old ? Can one go to such places with kids ?
Ami
Well, this trip I did not travel with my family but if I could, I definitely would take my 10 year old.Though I must admit that I did not see any kids here.
Janine Good
Everything to do with Indonesia intrigues me. The fact that Pador island is a natural home to Komodo dragons is intriguing in itself as even though dangerous, I would love to see them roaming freely. No bathroom facilities on the island? Yipe! That would be my biggest challenge!
Ami
Well, there aren’t many on Padar. So, it should be ok. But no bathroom facilities….the only way around it is to get a boat which has one 😀
sensubhadrika
A trek near a beach is certainly not something I have heard a lot about. It seems interesting and I am all game for trekking in any case because of the wonderful views. Also, its a great way to exercise and stay fit. 😛
Ami
Yes and this one is just amazing with its view.
laveenasengar
I personally love hiking so I would defeat love to be here. This was so much better than a travel guide. The place looks dreamy. I would love to explore more about it.
Ami
Thanks Laveena. This was just an amazing experience.
Kevin Wagar
Wow that view of the three beaches is unbelievable! How cool that three beaches in such close proximity have such drastically different sand.
Ami
Indeed…a wonder of nature.
Punita Malhotra
That’s the thing…if you want something, you have to work for it! Referring to the hard trek up those mountains. Wow, what gorgeous views of the waters below!
Ami
Thanks Punita. Yes everything needs some bit of hard work. But honestly, this trek was not all that hard. 😀
Rashmi and Chalukya
We had read about the Komodo dragon but not on the stunning beaches of Padar Island. Your captures of the landscape around the Padar Island is incredible and definitely worth all the trekking effort.
Ami
Thanks guys. It was amazing.
verushka
This place looks incredible.You captured some stunning pics from the hike. I am not a hiking person but would give it a try to see the pink beach.
Ami
Thanks Verushka. You should just do this for the view 🙂
She Said Yes
It sounds fantastic, I’d love to go up Padar Island! I’ve been to Indonesia but never here!
Ami
Thanks. Hope you get there soon.
Komang Ayu Bali
very nice tourist spot. I’m from Indonesia, living in Bali, but I never heard Padar Island. :(. I know the place like it was after reading your article, very useful information, I will go there.
Ami
Thanks Komang. U can get here through Labuan Bajo. Hope you plan a trip soon
Joanna
You must be very fit if you found that trek easy. I am just looking at it and think that it’s way too steep to be easy to climb. I can see how worth it was thought, as the views from the top are simply stunning! I love the pink sand beach! I would have loved to jump in the water too but I don’t know how I would have reacted if I would have met a Komodo Dragon. Are they friendly or not?
Ami
Not at all friendly…very dangerous. But this trek was just amazing. You should definitely attempt it.
Blair Villanueva
This Padar Island looks like three volcano crater combined. Such a precious beauty, and no wonder Indonesia is very proud of it.
Ami
Yep. Since you are mentioning volcanoes, check Kelimutu on my blog. You will find the tri-colored crater lakes interesting.
iamsuanlee
Those tri-coloured beaches are indeed incredible. Glad you had fun while making the ascent – the way you described it reminded me very much of rock climbing when you had to find the right rock to propel yourself up with!
Ami
It is a bit of rock climbing but not as steep or difficult as it is just dry mud around.
Shane
Such gorgeous views! Love the verstile beaches, for a well rounded experience in one spot!
Ami
Thanks Shane. It was a lovely experience.
Rohini
This post was like a virtual trek…very descriptive of every step ! As you’ve rightly said, the convergence of the three beaches is mesmerizing ! Spectacular indeed !
It also got me thinking why the sand is differently colored – white,pink and black ? Any info from the local guide ? Is there any dormant volcano near the black beach ?
Ami
Thanks Rohini. Glad you found it a virtual trek. The pink beach is because of red coral that washes over, the white is the bleached corals and the black is more of just stones. Indonesia is full of volcanoes, so would not be surprised if one was close by.
Aditi
Indonesia is one of my favourite beach destinations with so many activities to do! I haven’t had a chance to visit Padaratz Island but will definitely keep on my list, next time I visit! Also, you’re pictures are stunning.
Ami
Thank you Aditi. Hope you get to Indonesia soon.
anjuprakash
Oh wow those islands look gorgeous! Do you think its better to take a tour hike around this area, or going solo can be as good too?
Ami
You can do a solo upto Labuan Bajo after which you will have to join a tour to take you here. There is no other way to reach the island.
Vyjay Rao
The trek was really worth its weight in gold. The view of the tri-coloured beaches is really something unique and beautiful.
Ami
Indeed. An unforgettable experience.
Vedante | The Lavish Nomad
Love the views from Atop Podar Island. I could sit there all day with my camera!
Ami
Thanks Vedante. I felt the same way.
Ana Ojha
The view of the tri-colored beaches from the top is breathtaking and it would have been an experience of the life time!