Also known as: Pulau Padar
Padar Island is the third-largest island in Komodo National Park, famous for the iconic three-bay viewpoint accessible via a 30-minute hike to the summit. From the top, three crescent-shaped beaches show pink, white, and black sand simultaneously — one of Indonesia's most photographed natural landscapes. Padar is uninhabited and dragon-free, making it a popular early-morning sunrise hike stop on most Komodo phinisi itineraries.
Padar Island (Indonesian: Pulau Padar) is the third-largest island within Komodo National Park, located between Komodo Island and Rinca Island in eastern Indonesia. The island is uninhabited and notably contains no Komodo dragons (extirpated in the 1980s due to local prey decline), making it safe for unguided hiking. The defining feature is the panoramic viewpoint accessible via a 30-45 minute hike (1-2 km, moderate difficulty with stairs) from the southern beach landing. From the summit (~200m elevation), three crescent-shaped beaches show distinct sand colors simultaneously: pink-tinged from crushed red Foraminifera coral on the eastern beach, white quartz sand on the central beach, and dark volcanic black sand on the western beach. The viewpoint is one of Indonesia's most photographed natural landscapes and a signature stop on virtually all Komodo charter itineraries. Best visited early morning (sunrise 5:30-6:30 AM) for cooler temperatures, golden hour photography, and to avoid mid-day crowds. The hike is moderately strenuous in heat — bring water, hat, sun protection, and sturdy footwear. Combined with nearby Pink Beach (15 minutes by boat) for half-day excursion. Anchoring is at the southern bay where small tender boats land at the beach.