Padar Island: 815 Steps to Paradise Views in Flores

The boat ride from Marina Labuan Bajo to Padar Island took almost an hour, and the views along the way were simply stunning. I couldn’t be more thankful because the weather that day was just perfect—clear blue skies that made the beauty of the Flores islands stand out even more. As soon as we reached Padar Island, I was instantly blown away by the scenery around the jetty, tucked into a beautiful bay. The water was crystal clear and so blue! To my surprise, there were also a few Javan deer strolling along the beach. Of course, the place was packed with visitors, but honestly, it wasn’t too overwhelming. Near the jetty, there’s a shaded waiting area, toilets, and even a small stall selling drinks—especially fresh coconuts. Right at the foot of the hill, next to the stairs, you’ll also find local vendors selling souvenirs like hats, fridge magnets, and more. Can’t really comment on the prices though—I didn’t buy anything. Before starting the climb up Padar Hill, visitors are reminded not to smoke since it’s the dry season and a single cigarette butt could easily cause a fire in this parched landscape. We were given about two hours to explore, from 8:30 to 10:30 in the morning. To reach the top, you’ll have to conquer 815 steps and pass through five different viewpoints, with the highest being Point 5. I wasn’t sure if I could make it all the way up, but let’s see. Along the way, there were rangers stationed at several points—not just to share information but also to help take photos (super helpful!). We took it slow going up. Honestly, I was out of breath! So if you’re planning to come here, make sure your stamina is on point. Seriously, start working out a bit before your trip. At the end of the climb, I felt incredibly grateful. The views here were exactly what inspired me to finally plan a trip to Labuan Bajo. I’d been dreaming about this since 2016, back when I first started researching trips to Lombok. Alhamdulillah, I finally got the chance to witness this breathtaking creation of Allah with my own eyes. That’s what I truly love about traveling in nature—it humbles you and leaves you in awe. #travel #thingstodo #naturalwonders