The Beauty of an Uninhabited Flores Island. Between Komodo Island and Rinca Island lies Padar Island, a small island in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

Padar is a part of the Komodo National Park, a World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO). However, there are almost no Komodo dragons on this island. As of 2019, a ranger from Komodo Island reported only about three komodo dragons on Padar Island. Having almost no Komodo dragons, Padar is endowed with natural beauty both on land and underwater. In 2019, Atlas Obscura included Padar on their list of 10 unique beach locations. Exotic landscape, beaches and underwater scenery are Padar’s crown.

There are no permanent local people on Padar Island. Therefore, the authenticity of Padar’s environment is entirely reserved for occasional leisure. Both land and underwater tourism on the island are visit-worthy. You can start your journey on Padar by trekking on the Gili Padar Hill (it’s important to note that the topography is rugged and quite steep). There have been stairs built for tourists, so it will only take around 45 minutes to reach the top. Arriving above, the view of four greenish-blue deep bays with multicoloured beaches will greet you. If you arrive in the morning, the deep blue sea will be your pictures’ main background.

Meanwhile, if you arrive in the afternoon, the captivating clear view of the sunset will give you a one-of-a-kind moment on Padar. Going down the hill, you may run across some wild animals, such as deers and geckos. You can continue your journey by winding down at some beaches differentiated by their sand’s colour. There are pearly white sand, greyish black sand, and pink sand. The black sand comes from the volcanic ash of the inactive mountain on Padar, whereas the pink sand comes from crushed red corals mixed with the already existent white sand.

Aside from the natural landscape, Padar is home to various exotic creatures. As of 2019, there were six sharks species, two species of manta rays, numerous reptiles, dolphins, whales, eagles, and green turtles documented in Padar Island’s vicinity. The underwater ecosystem of the Flores Sea is perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. There are approximately 42 diving spots around Padar Island. One of the most famous ones is the Samsia Stone (Batu Samsia), resembling a series of water pipes. You can directly interact with turtles and mackerels on site.

It is best to book a 4-day-trip to maximize your experience on Padar Island. Although the tropical climate allows you to visit the island all year round, there are two visiting times options for you to consider. If you visit during the dry season, you will be greeted by ashy rocky hills and dry bushes from April until June. Brown will be the theme of your photographs’ background. Meanwhile, if you visit during the wet season, around September until December, the vegetation’s gradated green colour will spice up your pictures. The rustic bushes and trees will be a perfect place to unwind yourself after a tiring trip around the island.

We highly recommend hiring a local ranger for safety precaution if you would like to explore the island. Even though there are reportedly almost no komodo dragons on the island, there is still a slight chance of you to encounter them. Lastly, prepare your health and mentality since Padar will always be a thrilling adventure for tourists.