You probably know Padar Island from the beautiful Instagram photos of Indonesia. Now you’re probably thinking: I want to go there too! The only thing is: visiting Padar Island takes a bit more effort than most highlights around Bali. First, you need to fly to Flores and book a boat trip there. But don’t worry, in this blog I’ll tell you all about it!
Contents
Your journey starts from Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores
The map above quickly shows you why there are no boat trips from popular Bali to Padar Island. It’s way too far to sail. That’s why you need to fly to Flores. Flores is a much larger and mainly Islamic island of Indonesia. Most tourists come here for Komodo National Park, with highlights such as Padar Island and the world-famous Komodo dragon.
All boat trips depart from Labuan Bajo on Flores. It’s smart to stay one night in Labuan Bajo before your boat trip starts. Most boat tours are not scheduled around your flight times. Labuan Bajo itself is not the most exciting place, but there are plenty of good hotels to relax. For example, have a look at the Seaesta Komodo Hostel, Sudamala Resort & Hotel or Bajo Bunkhouse.
We chose a 3-day boat trip where you visit all the highlights of Komodo, including Padar Island. Want to know more about that? Then read my blog about the entire trip: Komodo Islands boat tour: This is how to experience it from Flores. There are also day trips from Labuan Bajo, so there’s plenty of choice!
By boat to Padar Island & getting up early
After breakfast at our resort, the real adventure begins! We are taken to the harbour where our three-day boat trip starts. Because Padar Island is a bit of a sail away, we only go there on day 2. And we’re definitely not alone. Together with over 150 boats we anchor for the night in front of Padar Island. So yes, it’s a popular destination! According to our guide, it’s becoming more and more popular, which unfortunately mainly affects the coral.
Because of the heat, it’s best to do this hike before sunrise. And of course, all the guides there know that. You’re taken to the island in a small boat and start the hike. The climb to the top took about thirty minutes. Steep? Yes. Tough? Not really.
The view? Incredible! Three bays with different beach colours: white, black and slightly pink. The black sand is a reminder of the volcanic past, while the pink tint is caused by tiny pieces of coral. You do all this still in the dark, together with hundreds of other tourists. Make sure you stay on the paths, because there are snakes living on this small island.
The black sand tells a geological story of millions of years of formation, while the pink beach is a subtle reminder of the fragility and beauty of this ecosystem. From this moment, photographers can go wild. The sun slowly rises and that creates stunning photos!
Video: Padar Island early in the morning
No Instagram filters, just reality. This is your view from the top of beautiful Padar Island. How many boats can you count?
Watching the sunrise
Once at the top, you can sit down and relax. Now it’s time to enjoy the sunrise. Hopefully you’ll have a bit more luck with the clouds than we had that morning. When the sun is up, the big photo shoot starts for most people. Everyone wants that perfect shot where you can see all the beaches.
The biggest challenge is taking a photo without any other tourists in it. Padar Island is simply a destination you have to share, like so many places in Indonesia. A small tip: stand higher up or off to the side (especially on the left when you’re walking back down). That’s where you’ll find the best spots. And sometimes you just have to gently push in front of the tourists who are taking their 30th photo from the exact same angle… 😉
After the hike we quickly went back to our boat to continue the day with snorkelling and a visit to the world-famous Komodo dragons.
How to plan your boat trip to the Komodo Islands and Padar Island
There are several ways to explore the islands. You can choose from:
- Short day trips. For example, compare this day trip or this day trip.
- 3 or 4-day trips (the most popular). Have a look at a budget option and a more expensive option.
- Private cruises
Try to compare carefully based on your wishes. There are comfortable boats with private cabins and air conditioning. Are you more of a budget traveller? No worries! There are also cheaper options with larger boats where you meet more people, but share the facilities.
How much does a boat trip cost?
You can already book a day tour from €90. In that case you rush past all the highlights at the busiest times of the day. The day tours all start at the same time. The multi-day boat trips, on the other hand, are already anchored at the highlights during the night, so you start your day right there.
For a 4-day trip, the price differences are much bigger. This mainly depends on how luxurious you book your boat trip to the Komodo Islands. If you’re fine with a dorm and shared facilities, you can get a 4-day boat trip from €400. Prefer a private cabin on the boat? Then you’ll quickly pay around €750 per person. This amount usually includes food and drinks. Have a look at a budget option and a more expensive option.
Practical tips for your trip to the Komodo Islands
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit the Komodo Islands is between April and December. This is the dry season with the highest chance of sunny weather. July and August are the busiest months due to the holidays.
Life on the boat
Life on the boat is an experience in itself. At night, you sleep in a cabin off the coast of, for example, Padar Island. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the starry sky and the Milky Way! During the day you can relax in hammocks or beanbags, but you’ll mainly be busy snorkelling and visiting the highlights of the Komodo Islands. Every boat has 1 or 2 guides (depending on the number of people). So feel free to ask your guide any questions you have!
The level of comfort on the boat can vary quite a bit, as I mentioned earlier. So what about food & drinks? Every boat has its own cooks on board to prepare delicious meals for you. These are all local dishes. A paradise for anyone who wants to discover Indonesian cuisine (you can try a bit of everything), and a little less fun for picky eaters.
A few extra handy tips
- Bring some cash for park entrance fees and tips.
- There is no Wi-Fi or phone signal on the boat once you are a few kilometres away from Labuan Bajo. Let people at home know you’ll be offline during your boat trip.
- The sea is usually calm, but take seasickness tablets with you just in case.
- You can bring all your luggage on the boat.
- Bring your own snacks and drinks, even if meals are usually included. We were lucky to have brought some biscuits. Our boat didn’t have any alcoholic drinks or snacks, only meals, water and tea.
- Malaria tablets are not necessary, even though you’re travelling to Flores. According to many online maps, Flores is a malaria area, but this does not apply to the Komodo Islands you visit on the boat trip. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, always make your own informed choices.
Hotel tip for Flores
If you want to do a boat trip to Padar Island, your adventure will always start in Labuan Bajo on Flores. And although this town doesn’t overflow with charm, there are fortunately plenty of nice places to stay. Especially if you want to recover a bit after a long journey or start your trip in a relaxed way before boarding the boat.
We stayed at Sudamala Resort Komodo and can definitely recommend it. It’s located just outside the hustle and bustle and has beautiful rooms, a pool and a lovely atmosphere. Ideal for couples or if you simply feel like treating yourself to a bit of comfort.
Another option is Seaesta Komodo Hostel. It’s a really fun place with a social atmosphere, a pool and a rooftop terrace where you can chill with views over the bay. Perfect if you like meeting other travellers or just enjoy a relaxed vibe.
Also popular among backpackers is Bajo Bunkhouse: an affordable option within walking distance of the harbour, with clean rooms and friendly staff.
FAQ about Padar Island
I can imagine you still have some questions. Hopefully you’ll find your answer below!
Do you have to pay an entrance fee for Padar Island?
Yes, you pay an entrance fee for Komodo National Park, of which Padar is a part. These costs are often included in an organised boat tour, but always check this in advance.
Is the hike difficult?
No, the climb to the viewpoint takes around 30 minutes. It is steep, but manageable if you have a normal level of fitness.
Are there Komodo dragons on Padar Island?
No, there are no Komodo dragons living on Padar Island anymore. You can still find them on other islands in the park, such as Rinca and Komodo.
Can I visit Padar Island on my own?
Only if you arrange a private boat. Most people book an organised (multi-day) boat trip from Labuan Bajo.
Is Padar Island suitable for children?
That depends on your child’s age and fitness. The hike is steep and there is little shade. Also keep in mind that it can get very busy. I’d say it’s possible, but it has to be worth the boat trip for you. I wouldn’t recommend it for very young children.
Is there phone signal or Wi-Fi on Padar Island?
No, you won’t have phone signal or internet there. So let people at home know you’ll be offline during your boat trip.
Is Padar Island worth all the effort?
Don’t skip Padar Island if you’re in Indonesia. It may not be the easiest destination to reach, but believe me, if you combine it with a boat trip to the Komodo Islands, it’s absolutely worth it. Take your time, enjoy the landscape and make sure to take lots of photos. Especially if you’ve just been in Bali, you’ll really appreciate this little side trip!
And let’s be honest, you want a photo like the ones you can take on Padar Island too, right?
