Adventurous Couples Will Love This Indonesian Island Destination
If you want a romantic yet dramatic Indonesian island to put on your couple's bucket list then look no further than Padar Island near Flores. The travel blog Gathering Dreams ranks Padar as number five in the "21 Most Romantic Places in the World." Indonesia is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia with an adventurous partner because it has beautiful yet undulating islands with peaks to climb and surrounding seas to swim in.
Thankfully Padar checks all of these boxes, but it is also in a prime location next to the UNESCO heritage-listed Komodo Island, where you can see real-life dragons. The more time you spend in this archipelago, the more beauty you can find as well as remote islands and bays where you can spend quality time together spotting rays and strolling on sand. One of Padar's main attractions is its spectacular pink beach, and what could be more romantic than that?
What to do on Padar Island
The only way to reach Padar is by boat, which is easy to do once you get to Labuan Bajo which is the fishing town where Komodo airport is located. As there are many boat trips available, it is important to think about what you would like to see while you're here. The majority of the boats go to Komodo and Padar as these are two of the most famous islands.
To get the ubiquitous view of Padar Island, hike the trail to Pulau Padar (Pulau means island) to get the perfect picture taken together. It only takes 30 minutes to get to the top and it's worth it to see this ethereal landscape in all its glory. The other jewel in Padar's crown is its pink beach which is conveniently located in a bay that is perfect for snorkeling. This hue is created by Foraminifera, a tiny animal which turns coral red and mixes with the white sand to create a pink color. It is also another wonderful spot for a couple's photoshoot. Combine this trip with a foray to Komodo Island to see the dragons or Manta Point to snorkel with the incredible rays. If you love the ocean, it is possible to hire a cabin or an entire boat for a special romantic occasion.
Where to stay near Padar Island
While you can't stay on Padar, one of the most romantic places to overnight is on one of the boats that tour the islands. You can choose how many days or nights you want to live aboard, the style of boat and whether you want one that is private or shared as there are many packages available. If you want to stay on a nearby island, Sebayur is a great option for couples as it hosts the 4-star Komodo Resort which has a 4.6 rating on its Google reviews. It is gloriously remote with snorkeling available just off the hotel beach as well as a nearby dive site.
The easiest option is to stay at Labuan Bajo on Flores and visit Padar Island as a day trip. Never fear though because this village has plenty of great options to stay in that will suit all different budgets. According to Tripadvisor reviews, the Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa is the top-rated resort in the area. It is located on Waecicu Beach close to Labuan Bajo but without the hustle and bustle for a more relaxed stay. Wherever you sleep, there is nothing more romantic than sitting on the beach watching the sun go down behind the incredible islands of Indonesia.