Komodo National Park’s Padar Island: where it is and how visits work

Padar Island — is one of the three main islands inside Komodo National Park, and readers searching for it usually want the practical basics: where it is, how to reach it, and whether it is open for visits. The island is uninhabited, reached by sea from Labuan Bajo, and remains part of the UNESCO-listed park, according to Komodo Guide and UNESCO.

Where is Padar Island in Komodo National Park?

Padar lies between Komodo and Rinca within the park’s island chain in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, according to UNESCO and Komodo Guide. Komodo Guide says it is the third-largest island in the park and gives its area as approximately 29.7 km².

The same source says Padar has no permanent settlement and is best known for its ridge-top viewpoint over three bays with different sand colours. UNESCO describes Komodo National Park as composed of three major islands — Rinca, Komodo and Padar — plus numerous smaller volcanic islands.

Is Padar Island open, and how do visitors get there?

Padar is accessed by sea, typically on a day trip or liveaboard from Labuan Bajo, according to Komodo Guide and The World Travel Guy.

In recent reporting from CNN Indonesia, the sea route to Pulau Komodo and Pulau Padar was temporarily closed by the Labuan Bajo harbour authority on 15 September 2026 because of nearly 2-metre waves. That means access can be affected by weather and maritime safety decisions even when the island itself remains part of the park.

What is the main draw of Padar Island?

The main attraction is the uphill viewpoint that looks over three curving bays, with the island’s dramatic ridges and dry, savanna-like landscape making it one of the most photographed places in the park, according to Komodo Guide and TripAdvisor. Atlas Obscura likewise describes Padar as a small, rugged island known for a panoramic summit view and tri-coloured beaches.

Komodo Guide says Padar’s resident Komodo dragon population is believed to have been largely extirpated, likely after deer poaching reduced the prey base. That matters for visitors because Padar is mainly a scenery stop rather than one of the park’s main dragon-viewing islands.

What changed recently for visitors?

The most recent change in the sources is the temporary suspension of sea access announced by the Labuan Bajo port authority on 15 September 2026, reported by CNN Indonesia. That is a transport restriction, not a change to Padar’s status inside the national park.

For a reader planning a visit, the essential point is that Padar is a protected park island reached by boat, and sea conditions can determine whether access is allowed on a given day.

What should readers expect on the island?

The island’s appeal comes from the landscape itself rather than built facilities, with a dry hill terrain and beaches on both sides.

• Inside the park: yes, Padar is one of Komodo National Park’s three major islands.
• Main activity: hike to the viewpoint for the bay panorama.
• Typical access: by boat from Labuan Bajo.
• Visitor pattern: day trip or liveaboard stop, not an overnight settlement.

Sources

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• CNN Indonesia
• Atlas Obscura