Kelor Island
Kelor is a small, steep-sided island roughly 30 minutes from Labuan Bajo, which makes it the closest island in the archipelago and the standard first stop on almost every boat itinerary heading into the park.
It is essentially one conical hill rising out of the water with a crescent of white sand at its base. The climb to the summit takes about 15 minutes and is short but genuinely steep — loose dirt and grass rather than steps, with a rope in places. From the top you get a 360-degree view over the surrounding islands and the boats anchored below, and it is the cheapest panorama in the region in terms of effort.
Because it is close to town, Kelor is often used as a sunrise or sunset stop at the beginning or end of a trip, and it is markedly quieter than Padar.
The beach is sheltered and the water calm, with reef at either end of the bay. Snorkelling here is decent rather than spectacular — the standout sites are further into the park — but it is safe, shallow and a good place to check your mask before the more demanding drift sites.
There are no facilities of any kind — no shade, water, toilets or shelter. In the dry season the hill is bare and gets extremely hot by mid-morning, so the climb is best done early or late.
Travel tips for Kelor Island
- The climb is short but steep — about 15 minutes on loose dirt and grass, with a rope in places. Trainers, not flip-flops.
- Do it early or late. The hill is bare, exposed and very hot by mid-morning.
- Good first snorkel of a trip — sheltered and shallow, a sensible place to test gear before the drift sites.
- No facilities whatsoever. Everything, including shade and water, comes from your boat.
- 30 minutes from Labuan Bajo, which makes it the usual opening or closing stop on an itinerary.
- Quieter than Padar for a comparable view, if a less famous one.
Popular tours here
- Komodo Tour from Lombok
- Padar, Pink Beach & Komodo Day Trip
- Komodo National Park 3D/2N Liveaboard
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kelor Island from Labuan Bajo?
About 30 minutes by boat, making it the closest island in the archipelago and the usual first stop.
How hard is the Kelor Island climb?
Short but steep — roughly 15 minutes up loose dirt and grass with a rope in sections, so proper shoes help.
Is Kelor good for snorkelling?
It is decent and very safe, with sheltered shallow reef at either end of the bay, though the best sites in the park lie further out.
Are there facilities on Kelor Island?
None at all — no shade, water, toilets or shelter, so bring everything from the boat.
Are there Komodo dragons on Kelor?
No — it is a small uninhabited island visited for the viewpoint and the beach.