If you have seen one photograph of Komodo National Park, it was probably taken on Padar. From the island’s ridge, three curving bays fan out below you — one fringed with white sand, one with black and one with pink — framed by jagged brown peaks and impossibly blue water. It is one of the most photographed viewpoints in all of Indonesia.
Padar is the third-largest island in the park, but it no longer has resident dragons, so you can hike freely on the well-built stone staircase with your guide. Almost every day trip stops here first thing in the morning; liveaboard guests often climb at sunrise, when the light is soft and the air still cool.
Top things to do at Padar Island
Hike to the main viewpoint
A stone staircase climbs steadily to a series of platforms. The classic photo spot is about 30 minutes up; keep going for even wider panoramas.
Catch sunrise from the ridge
Overnight boats anchor nearby so you can start climbing in the dark and watch the bays light up — the magic hour on Padar.
Swim at Padar’s pink beach
The southern bays hide a pale pink-sand beach where many boats stop for a swim after the hike.
Photograph the three bays
A wide-angle lens (or your phone’s 0.5× mode) captures all three bays at once. Drones require a park permit.
Best tours that visit Padar Island
These top-rated trips from Labuan Bajo include Padar Island:
Speedboat day trip Komodo Island Day Tour with Snorkeling (6 stops)
The most-booked Komodo day trip: a fast boat hits Padar, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Manta Point and more in one long, unforgettable day, with lunch and snorkel gear included.
- Padar Island viewpoint hike
- Komodo dragons with a park ranger
- Pink Beach & Manta Point snorkeling
Best for: first-timers who want every highlight in a single day
Speedboat day trip Komodo National Park Full-Day Speedboat Tour
One of the best-reviewed shared speedboat trips, with an English-speaking guide, lunch box, snacks and snorkel gear. A slightly shorter day that still covers the big four: Padar, dragons, Pink Beach and mantas.
- Padar summit hike
- Komodo dragons up close
- Swim with mantas at Manta Point
Best for: travellers who want great value and a top-rated crew
How to get to Padar Island
- Nearly all Komodo day trips include Padar as their first stop — see the 6-stop day tour.
- 2D1N and 3D2N liveaboards anchor near Padar to allow a sunrise climb.
- Private boats can time the visit to avoid the mid-morning speedboat rush.
- Start early — by 9 am the steps are crowded and the heat is fierce.
- Wear shoes with grip; the path can be dusty and slippery on the way down.
- Bring water and a hat. There is almost no shade.
