Padar, the quintessential view of the Komodo National Park Tour, can only accessed by boat; usually as part of a tour from Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores (see Booking a Komodo National Park Tour - What You Need to Know).

It's hot and a bit of a hike, but totally worth it.

On my 2 day tour, our boat stopped at Padar at around 7am on the second day. We were not given any warning of the timing and didn't even know that breakfast was ready so we missed that. We were tendered to the island 5 people at a time on a small boat. The hike to the view point starts out with a lot of wooden stairs. Then it changes to wide stone steps, and finally more of a rocky dirt path near the top by the tree. Most of our group just hoofed it right on up, but the older of our group (me) took much longer to make the climb. Holy shit my legs! I won't lie. I almost turned back more than once. It was a long steep climb. A beautiful climb though. Every time I turned around to look at the view, it just kept getting better and better. I even saw a deer grazing in the grass.

My travel-mate stopped at the first platform since the stairs were just too much for her. I have to say that even though it is picturesque even from the lower sections, I am SO glad I made it to the main view point.It doesn't really matter what you wear as long as you're comfortable being hot and sweaty in it for the 45 minute or so hike up the hill. I wore rubber flip flops and our guide went in bare feet! There were times that I wish I had my rugged flip flops though. My shoes were too slippery with the sweat and steep rocks. I thought for sure I'd blow my flip flop out once I was on the dirt trail. It's hot hot hot. You will be dripping sweat.

The best views are near the tree. You can get a great shot if you stand on the rocks at the edge in front of the tree, but I think it's just a bit better just past there up to the right. You'll see a little offshoot path to climb up to the rocks. The beach is fair but we were taken elsewhere to swim. My friend who didn't make the climb, enjoyed walking along the beach and all the lizards in the rocks.

In recent years they have implemented a Rp 150,000 entry fee which helps maintain the stairs, dock, and toilets at the base of the pier. We were back on the boat by 8:30.

More Details About the Tour

Booking a Komodo National Park Tour - What You Need to Know
What to Bring on Your Komodo Nat'l Park Tour
Visiting Komodo Dragons in Indonesia
Pink Beach, and Pinker Beaches
Padar - THE Komodo View Point
Manta Rays - Majestic Giants in Komodo