Next stopPink Beach
Half an hour north of Padar. Coral fragments give the sand its colour — the swim after the climb.
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- Padar Island, Komodo National Park
Padar Island
The third largest island in Komodo National Park, and the ridge that put the park on every postcard. No dragons here — just the climb, and the view at the top.
Third largest island in the park
The island
Three Bays, One Ridge
Padar sits between Komodo and Rinca, the third largest island in the park. It is uninhabited, and despite lying inside dragon territory it has none of its own — the population died out long ago.
What it has instead is the ridge. A steep path climbs from the landing beach to a spine of rock where three crescent bays open out below, each with sand of a different colour. It is the most photographed view in eastern Indonesia, and it earns it.
- No Komodo dragons on the island
- Roughly 40 minutes of steep steps to the ridge
- Climbed at first light to beat the heat
- Trekking sandals or grippy shoes recommended
The climb
How the Morning Goes
01
Anchor Before Dawn
Ocean Angel anchors off the landing beach overnight. The tender runs guests ashore from around half past four.
02
Climb in the Dark
Forty minutes up a stepped path. Steep in places but well made, with viewing platforms at three points along the way.
03
The Ridge at Sunrise
Light comes up over the eastern bay first. Most guests stay an hour, then walk down for breakfast on board.
Practical
Before You Go Up
Location
Between Komodo and Rinca islands
Climb time
About 40 minutes to the ridge
Difficulty
Moderate — steep but stepped
Best time
Sunrise, from around 05:00
Komodo dragons
None on this island
Included in
All packages from 2D1N upward
From the ridge
What the Top Looks Like
The same morning
What Comes Next
Next stop Same dayKomodo Island
Around 1,300 dragons breed here. The ranger-led trek runs late morning, after Pink Beach.
AfternoonManta Point
The drift snorkel that closes the long day. Manta rays year-round in the channel.
Questions
About Padar
Are there Komodo dragons on Padar Island?
No. Padar is the third largest island in Komodo National Park but has no dragon population of its own. For dragons you want Komodo Island or Rinca, both of which are on the same route.
How hard is the climb?
Moderate. It is roughly forty minutes of steep but well-made steps, with viewing platforms along the way. Trekking sandals or shoes with grip are recommended, and the climb is optional.
What time do you go up?
Before dawn. The tender runs ashore from around half past four so guests are on the ridge as the light comes up, which is both the best view and the coolest part of the day.
Is Padar included in every package?
Yes. Padar is on the route for all three lengths — 2D1N, 3D2N and 4D3N.
Why are the beaches different colours?
The three bays below the ridge each hold sand of a different shade. The pink tint on some Komodo beaches comes from red coral fragments mixed through the white sand.
Ready when you are
Wake Up Below the Ridge
Ocean Angel anchors off Padar overnight, so the climb starts a tender ride from your cabin.