The clock had just struck 5:30 a.m. local time, as the moist sea breeze brushed the face of each passenger boarding a speedboat bound for one of NTT’s natural wonders, Padar Island.
The eastern sky gradually turned golden, painting streaks of orange across the hills. The port then came alive with activity—local and international tourists, tour guides heading to Padar Island, and local fishermen starting their day.
Mornings in Labuan Bajo, NTT, felt like stepping into a living canvas --- serene, beautiful, and full of new hope.
The port's transformation was striking. From 2017 to 2021, there was no proper waiting area, but now it is well-organized, featuring a clean and comfortable waiting lounge.
After a 30-minute wait, passengers were invited to board the speedboat once they had checked in.
Rahman, one of the tourists in the group, recalled how different the port looked in 2021. The government has since renovated the terminal to provide more comfort to passengers, responding to the growing number of visitors to the region.
The speedboat glided through calm waters. Passengers could sense the salty sea air and take in the scenery, as clusters of small islands appeared on the horizon.
Kelor Island, Rinca Island, and several unnamed islands served as "the opening act" before Padar Island revealed its grandeur.
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After around 45 minutes at sea, Padar Island's iconic peaks came into view. The island's unique topography—three crescent-shaped bays with white, black, and pink sands—is surrounded by dramatic hills.
From afar, Padar resembled a sleeping dragon facing the Flores Sea.
The boat docked at a wooden jetty set up for arriving tourists. Other speedboats, arriving moments later, could no longer moor and chose to drop passengers directly onto the soft sandy beach.
Before the ascend, groups of tourists were guided by tour leaders, who briefed them on the island’s hiking etiquette.
“Please help us keep the trail clean by not littering, do not toss cigarette butts, and do not push yourself too hard if you are unable to reach the summit,” Ilham, a guide at Padar Island’s post, stated.
To reach the summit, known as post five, hikers must climb about 800 steps. The initial ascent to the first checkpoint post features neatly arranged wooden steps, with an incline of around 190 degrees.
Beyond the first checkpoint, the trail becomes steeper, with rocky steps leading uphill.
Every step toward the top of Padar Island demands effort but brings a sense of spiritual calmness in return. On both sides, hikers can witness the turquoise sea merging with the dramatic curves of cliffs and bays.
Heavy breathing harmonized with the gentle breeze, slowing the passage of time. Visitors descending from the summit encouraged those still on their way up.
After about 30 minutes of hiking, the tour group reached Padar’s most famous spot—a legendary photo point often seen on social media. From here, the island’s three bays and dramatic form are on full display, creating a natural masterpiece.
Many tourists stood in awe, soaking in the magical moment in silence. Some chose to capture the scene with their cameras, while others were content having reached the third or fourth checkpoint post, as they were unable to push further.
Amelia, a tourist from the Netherlands, shared that this was her second visit to the island—first in 2019, and now in 2025 with her husband. She said it still felt as breathtaking as the first time she visited.
The gentle breeze and soft sunlight at 8 a.m. local time made visitors want to linger for a while at the summit, taking photos and relaxing.
After enjoying the view, the group descended to the beach, where local vendors selling souvenirs quickly approached.
Some tourists rested, sipping fresh coconut water sold by locals, as they waited for the next part of the journey.
Data from the island’s post showed an increase in visitors since April 2025. On weekdays, daily arrivals ranged between 500 and 600 tourists, while on weekends, the numbers could reach 1,500 per day.
Padar Island offers more than just natural scenery; it offers a journey that begins with enthusiasm, draws its visitors closer to the magnificence of nature, and ends with a fuller heart.
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Pink Beach
This unique beach gets its pink tint from a blend of white sand and red-colored fragments of marine microorganisms known as foraminifera.
The ambiance here was more relaxed. After hours of sweating under the sun, plunging into the crystal-clear water was a refreshing reward.
Tourists swam, snorkeled among vibrant coral reefs, or simply strolled along the photogenic shoreline.
Time seemed to slip away until the sun began to set behind the horizon. The setting sun served as a gentle reminder to rest after a day filled with natural splendor.
As the speedboat made its way back across the Flores Sea, now painted gold by the late afternoon sun, it marked the end of a soul-stirring journey in East Nusa Tenggara.
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Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
