Yuhuuu! Padar Island, here we go! For you who know Labuan Bajo, Padar Island is like a must visit place while you’re there. If a city has landmark, then Padar Island is the landmark of Labuan Bajo. I don’t know if I’m right, but I just think so. No offence.
Going to the island is not as easy as I thought. It’s like going to Bromo Crater (if you know). I mean, we had to wake up early and hike to get to the summit. We woke up around 4 am and got ready. Since the phinisi parked close to the island, we only needed to take a small boat to get to the dock at around 5.
It was still dark but there are already a lot of people around the dock. When my group was complete, we then started walking. We had to walk slowly as there were people in front of us who couldn’t walk fast. I think some of them were not used to hiking, so it took them awhile. But I admit, it’s quite a challenge to hike very early in the morning, even for someone who is used to hiking like me. Maybe because the body is not ready yet. Luckily, I did a warm up before that. So, my body kept up easily.
We climbed up the stairs for more than 30 minutes or nearly an hour – I forgot, sorry. But I reckon, it’d be way faster if I didn’t have to wait for other people in front of me. Well, I understand that they needed time to take a breath but they also had to consider the others who walked behind them. They could’ve moved aside so we could walk past them. Or maybe they couldn’t think straight because their brains were blocked by the lack of oxygen?
Anyway, we made it in time, right before sunrise. It was magnificent! I always loved sunset more than sunrise, but in that exact moment, sunrise was the winner! (I love sunset because I don’t have to make an effort waking up early to see it.)
Komodo Island
If I may say, the second day is the main day of Labuan Bajo trip. After Padar Island, we went to Komodo Island. This is the specialty of Labuan Bajo. Visitors can see komodo dragons up close. If you only want to see komodo, there’s a one day trip option. Yes, you can only see this animal on several Indonesian islands. So don’t miss out!
After Padar Island, we ate breakfast on the phinisi and went snorkeling for awhile. Then, we took a shower and went to Kampoeng Wisata Komodo. It’s an inhabited island where humans share space with komodo dragons.
I was surprised at how close they are! After the human settlement, we faced a hill that led us to komodo habitat. Not far after, we saw a big komodo chilling under a tree. The tour guide commanded us to take photos in turns. He told us to keep calm but he kept saying about how dangerous komodo can be if they feel disturbed. I don’t know if he tried to calm us down or scare the hell out of us.
Komodo is kind of cute! They’re like a calm gentleman who’s well behaved but ready to strike anytime. We walked along the trail and found several komodo on the way. It was in the middle of the day and all of them were chilling out. The guide told us that we’re lucky to be able to see them after their lunch time. They’re all full. If not, well, it’d be a different story. And another luck was that we could see many of komodo that day. Usually they won’t show faces to humans.
It was a good choice to come in September then. It’s the mating season for komodo. So all of them were around to find partners! Oh, I wondered why they’re so fat. Why did they eat usually? The unlucky lost goats?
Kalong Island
Next stop after Komodo Island was Kalong Island. Kalong is bat in English. We know from the name that the island is the home for bats – thousands of bats. So the captain parked the phinisi nearby for us to see the bats at sunset.
At first the guide said that the bats weren’t coming out for it was past sunset. We gave up the idea then. But when we didn’t think about it anymore, suddenly all the bats flew out of the island. It was a beautiful yet mystical view!
Kelor Island
The third day = the last day. Sadly true! Well, to be honest, I was already bored to be on the phinisi but I wasn’t ready to leave just yet! If only I had more time, I’d stay in Labuan Bajo and explore more! There was a couple on the same boat – both Indonesians – who’s going to go to Waerebo Village after sailling. They’re going to go there by motorcycle that’d take several days. I imagined it’d be an amazing road trip!
They tried to persuade me and Aldi – my hubby – to go. Well, we wanted to! No doubt! But unfortunately, we had to head back to Australia and our schedule was tight. Maybe someday! Indonesia is my home country anyway. Hopefully I’ll have the time and money to explore everything before I die. Amen!
So, on the third day, we went to Kelor Island. Another hike! It’s worse than the hike on Padar Island. At least we did it at dawn yesterday. But this time, we did it in the middle of the day when the sun was right on top of our heads! With wet hair, we stepped on a dusty trail. There are not many trees for us to hide. It was quite uncomfortable but I was satisfied with the view.
After hiking, we went down the hill to the beach area. There are a lot of local stalls that sell food, drinks, and accessories. The accessories are always my favorite! Especially if they’re handcrafted by the locals. It’s more meaningful and highly valued than the branded ones.
Usually, at places like this, the prices are higher than usual. Because it’s on an island and the people need more money for transporting their goods. But I found that the prices were the same with the ones I found in Labuan Bajo – the center of the city. You’ll get a better deal if you’re good at negotiating.
The problem is that, you have to carry enough cash to shop. Ever since I lived in Australia, I never carry cash anymore. Buying things here can be done by tapping debit cards / credit cards / apple pay. So, after grabbing the things I wanted to buy, I was confused of how to pay. My cash wasn’t enough! Luckily, the seller was kind enough to suggest us transfer the money to her bank account.
After shopping, I sat and chilled while drinking fresh coconut water with cigarette in my hand. And that’s the end of my Labuan Bajo trip!
Oh, did I mention pink beach? I think we went there on the second day for snorkeling. It’s a beautiful beach. But we didn’t spend a long time. The schedule was tight for the day. But I got to see a deer wandering along the beach. I didn’t know where he came from. But he looked thirsty and hungry. I wish I could feed him or at least give him water. But it’s illegal to do so to the wild animals, right? Well, actually, it’s not in Indonesia. In Australia, it is. I guess I just want to apply the good rule in my country. I’m sorry, Deer. I wish human didn’t take away your home so you wouldn’t feel that way. My heart aches as I’m writing this.
