When talking about Labuan Bajo, it's almost impossible not to mention Padar Island. This island isn't just a photo spot — it's practically the signature view of Komodo National Park. From the top of its hill, you'll see three perfectly curved bays, each with different colored sand: white, black, and pink. This rare combination is hardly found anywhere else in the world, making Padar Island the most iconic postcard from Flores.

Another thing that makes Padar so special is its dry, rugged hills that resemble a Jurassic landscape. It's no wonder that being here feels like stepping into a prehistoric world — especially considering that Komodo Dragons once roamed this area. While now you can only find them on Komodo and Rinca Islands, Padar still has unique residents: wild deer, often seen grazing across the savanna. A little surprise that makes the trek even more exciting.

Trekking on Padar Island has become somewhat of a ritual for travelers. The trail is steep, but well-maintained with stairs and stone paths. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top. The best time to go? Sunrise. As the golden light rises behind the hills, the Flores Sea transforms — deep blue, turquoise, and shimmering orange hues make every camera work overtime. Many say that sunrise at Padar is the true highlight of a trip to Labuan Bajo.

Getting there is easy. From Labuan Bajo harbor, you can take a speedboat for a quick trip or a phinisi boat if you prefer a more relaxed sailing experience. Most sailing trip and liveaboard packages combine Padar with other destinations like Pink Beach or Manta Point. But in the end, it’s always that iconic photo from the top of Padar that becomes the ultimate trophy.

For travelers, once you’ve hike Padar, you can proudly say:
you’ve truly been to Komodo National Park.