Padar Island

Padar is the third-largest island in Komodo National Park, and its summit ridge produces the single image that sells the whole region: three crescent bays biting into the island from different directions, each with a beach of a different colour, separated by bare volcanic ridges.

The sand colours are genuinely different and not a trick of the light — one beach reads white, one grey-black, and one pink, the last from the same crushed red organ-pipe coral that colours Pink Beach nearby.

The climb is a stepped path from the jetty to a series of viewpoints along the ridge. It takes roughly 20–40 minutes depending on how far up you go and how hot it is, and there is no shade whatsoever. In the dry season the island is bare golden grass; after the rains it turns briefly green. The steps have been formalised in recent years, which makes the route easier but does not change the heat.

Boats arrive for sunrise, and that is the right call — the light is better, the temperature is survivable, and the bays catch colour. By 9am the ridge is hot and busy.

Padar has no dragons. The population died out here decades ago, and the island's draw is entirely the landscape. There is no accommodation, no facilities and no water for sale at the top — carry your own.

Why is Padar Island famous? Its ridge viewpoint looks down on three curved bays, each with a differently coloured beach, forming the defining image of Komodo National Park.

How hard is the climb on Padar Island? A stepped path taking roughly 20 to 40 minutes, not technical but fully exposed with no shade at any point.

Are there Komodo dragons on Padar? No — the population died out decades ago, so Padar is visited purely for the landscape.

When is the best time to climb Padar? Sunrise, for better light, cooler temperatures and far fewer people than mid-morning.

Why are the beaches different colours? One is white sand, one dark volcanic, and one pink from crushed red organ-pipe coral mixed into the sand.