Padar Island Adventure: Climbing 1,000 Steps with Nasi en Stamppot
Quick Answer:
Padar Island offers one of the most iconic viewpoints in Indonesia, where three beaches meet in white, pink, and black. Reaching the top takes about 1,000 steps (30–45 minutes), making it an unforgettable family-friendly adventure within Komodo National Park.
A Busy Morning in Labuan Bajo
That morning we had to wake up earlier than usual. We had an ambitious plan, to visit six destinations in a single day: Padar Island, Pink Beach, Manta Point, Taka Makasar, Siaba Bay, and Loh Liang on Komodo Island.
What Makes This Day on Padar Island So Special?
At 8:00 AM, the East Cruise team came pick us up from Bintang Flores Hotel. The night before, they had reminded us to request a packed breakfast. Fortunately, the staff at Bintang Flores Hotel were very accommodating. Although the buffet opened at 6:00 AM, they kindly prepared breakfast boxes for us.
But even with the boxes ready, we could not resist sitting down at the buffet table for a quick bite. “Just a little taste,” I said. The result was that I ended up holding my stomach, already full before the trip had even begun 🤪.
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Meanwhile, Bas was busy taking care of the laundry while I rechecked the packing list. Towels, swimwear, extra clothes, hats, umbrellas, sunscreen, and a spare power bank were all packed. Caesar and Milan were restless, moving around the room, excited about their very first speedboat ride on the open sea.
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How Did We Prepare for the Heat?
In August, Labuan Bajo temperatures can reach between 31 and 37 degrees Celsius. Sunscreen is important, but Caesar and Milan are allergic to all kinds of sunscreen. Long before this trip, I had prepared special long-sleeve swimsuits and leggings made from UPF 50+ fabric. The material is cool, anti-irritant, quick-drying, and even resistant to sand sticking to it.
We also brought water shoes. These are much more flexible than sneakers for water activities and safer than sandals when crossing rocky or pebbly terrain.
What to Know Before Boarding
Our taxi driver arrived a little late, but it was not a problem. It gave us extra time to relax. I could not stop laughing at Bas’s outfit, formal sneakers paired with beach themed socks. He was clearly embracing the holiday spirit. Bas walked confidently and said, “That is what holidays are for.”
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Before boarding the boat, there is one important requirement. Registration at the harbor must be completed at least one day in advance. Fortunately, East Cruise helped us with the entire process. We received boarding QR codes that had already been prepared for each of us by their staff. Printing was not necessary, a screenshot on the phone was enough to show to the harbor staff on departure day.
Checklist before departure
Register at the harbor one day before departure
ID card or passport details are required
Receive your boarding QR code
Take a screenshot on your phone (no need to print)
Show the QR code to the staff before boarding
The main harbor of Labuan Bajo, Marina Komodo, is located right in the city center, surrounded by hotels and restaurants. Almost all tourists begin their island-hopping journey from here.
In the small waiting area of the harbor, we finally met Vicky, our guide for the day. He was a young man, fresh out of high school, friendly and clear in his explanations. His age made Caesar and Milan feel comfortable right away.
How Long Is the Boat Ride to Padar?
At 08:52 AM, our speedboat left the harbor. The cool sea breeze, the hum of the engine, and the sight of small islands lining the horizon made the journey unforgettable. Milan quickly fell asleep, while Caesar leaned over the side of the boat, observing the sea with curiosity.
At exactly 09:51 AM, after traveling about 30 kilometers, we arrived at Padar Island.
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How Many Steps Are There on Padar Island?
Because the boat could not dock directly on the shore, Vicky instructed us to remove our sneakers and change into water shoes. From the shoreline, we looked up at the dry hills towering above us. That was where we had to climb. I carried a bottle of water in my backpack, because bringing enough water is absolutely necessary.
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Padar Island has an overall elevation of about 400 meters above sea level, but the tourist trail only leads to the viewpoint at around 185 meters. To reach it, visitors must climb approximately 1,000 steps with six rest posts along the way.
Hiking Time Guide for Padar Island
Harbor to Post 1: 5–10 minutes (flat trail, bay comes into view)
Post 1 to Post 2: 5–7 minutes (gentle incline)
Post 2 to Post 3: 5–10 minutes (breathing heavier)
Post 3 to Post 4: 7–12 minutes (steeper, but views improve)
Post 4 to Post 5: 10–15 minutes (steep stairs, iconic viewpoint)
Post 5 to Post 6: 10–15 minutes (quieter, wider panorama)
Every step felt heavy under the blazing sun, especially since the trail was crowded and the hills were almost bare of trees. Sweat poured down, but as the view gradually opened, our spirits lifted. And yes, we made it all in water shoes! leaving our sneakers behind on the speedboat.
What’s at the Summit?
Finally, after passing Posts 1 through 6, we reached the legendary Padar viewpoint.
From the top, the view was extraordinary. Three beaches in three different colors stretched before us. White on the right, pink in the middle, and black on the left, blending with the turquoise sea and rugged hills of Flores.
We stood quietly, speechless, exhausted but amazed. Cameras tried to capture the scene, but what mattered most was how it imprinted itself in our hearts. A true masterpiece of nature. Allahu akbar.
Travel tip: Our favorite family travel must-haves.
When Does Padar Island Close?
By 11:00 AM, we began descending. We were among the last visitors still on the trail. Behind us, rangers began guiding people down, ensuring the path was clear before closing the hike. Padar Island is only open until 11:00 AM and reopens at 3:00 PM. This rule is meant to protect tourists from the extreme midday heat.
We walked down slowly. It was quieter, calmer, and we felt a sense of relief that we had managed the climb. At the beach, we waited for our speedboat to return. Since boats are not allowed to park on the beach, we had time to wade in the shallows, where we discovered small, beautiful corals scattered between the rocks.
Why Padar Island is Special
Padar Island is the third largest island in Komodo National Park and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is rugged, dry, and wild, yet it offers one of the most iconic viewpoints in Indonesia.
The rare phenomenon of three beaches with three different colors on a single island makes it truly extraordinary. For us, hiking Padar was not just about reaching the summit. It was a family journey filled with laughter, sweat, and a renewed sense of wonder at the beauty of creation.
Our adventure on Padar Island had come to an end that day. We hiked, we laughed, we sweated, and we fell in love with the view. An unforgettable memory.
But our journey was far from over. The boat was waiting to take us to our next destination, the beautiful Pink Beach with its shimmering blue waters and blush-colored sand.
Watch the full vlog on YouTube. Subscribe to Nasi en Stamppot Studio, because every island has a story to tell.
FAQ
It’s the third-largest island in Komodo National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Known for its three-colored beaches.
Offers one of the most photographed views in Indonesia.
Ideal for travelers who love nature, hiking, and family adventure.
Moderate. There are about 1,000 steps with rest posts every few minutes. Suitable for families if started early.
Between May and September (dry season). Start early morning to avoid the heat.
Water, hat, sunglasses, power bank, camera, and UPF 50+ swimwear for protection.
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