On the Malca Voyages 3D2N route, Padar Island is the first stop of Day 2: the trek and photo session start at 06:00, breakfast is served on board at 08:15, the boat reaches Pink Beach around 09:00, and the Komodo Island dragon trek follows at 11:30, according to Komodo Luxury’s published plan as of September 2026.
On Malca, Padar opens the longest day of the trip: five stops, two treks and a sunset between dawn and dinner. Here is how that morning works on this 30 m traditional phinisi, owned and operated by Komodo Luxury out of Labuan Bajo, and how to prepare for it.
All timings below come from Komodo Luxury’s official Malca page, read on 15 September 2026. Treat them as subject to change.
Where does Padar sit in the Malca 3D2N route?
- Day 1: pick-up in Labuan Bajo between 08:00 and 09:00, Kelor Island trek, lunch, snorkelling at Manjarite, sunset at Kalong Island with the bats, dinner.
- Day 2: Padar at 06:00, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Manta Point, Taka Makassar, sunset and dinner.
- Day 3: sunrise breakfast at 06:00, Sebayur snorkel at 08:00, lunch at 09:30 and the return to Labuan Bajo.
If you are still weighing cabins, the 3D2N Malca price and plan page sets out shared and private options. As of September 2026, Komodo Luxury lists shared 3D2N berths from USD 300 per person in the Triple Room up to USD 580 in the Master Ocean View cabin, with private whole-boat charters from USD 6,000 for 1 to 12 guests.
What does the Day 2 timeline look like?
This is the published sequence, with planning notes added so you know what to have ready at each point.
| Time | Stop | Activity | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | Padar Island | Trek and photo session | Sandals, hat, water and dry bag laid out the night before |
| 08:15 | On board Malca | Breakfast | Swap trek kit for swimwear |
| 09:00 | Pink Beach | Beach stop | Reapply sunblock |
| 11:30 | Komodo Island | Komodo dragon trek with guide | Sandals back on, water refilled |
| After the trek | On board | Lunch | Top up your phone from the power bank |
| 14:30 | Manta Point | Snorkelling | Snorkel gear and life vest supplied |
| 16:30 | Taka Makassar | Afternoon stop | Keep sunblock within reach |
| 17:30 | On board | Sunset | Sunroof or jacuzzi |
| 18:00 | On board | Dinner | Early night before the Day 3 sunrise breakfast |
Why does the Padar trek start at 06:00?
Komodo Luxury schedules Padar first thing, and the reason is practical. An early start puts the walk ahead of the strongest heat of the day, and it leaves room for the photo session without squeezing breakfast or the Pink Beach arrival.
It also protects the rest of the day. Komodo Island at 11:30 and Manta Point at 14:30 are fixed points in the plan. If Padar ran late, everything behind it would slide.
Be dressed and on deck before 06:00 so the group leaves together.
What should you wear and carry on Padar?
Komodo Luxury’s bring-list is short, and every item earns its place on Day 2.
| Item | Why it matters on this route |
|---|---|
| Hiking sandals | One pair covers the Padar trail, the Komodo Island trek and the beach stops |
| Hat | You are outdoors from 06:00 well into the afternoon |
| Sunblock | Needed again at Pink Beach, Manta Point and Taka Makassar |
| Water | Carry your own on the trek; refill on board at breakfast |
| Power bank | Phones work hard from the 06:00 photo session through to the 17:30 sunset |
| Dry bag | Keeps phone, power bank and sunblock dry between boat and shore |
Some things you do not need to pack. According to Komodo Luxury, the fare includes meals, mineral water, coffee and tea, a guide, snorkel gear and a life vest. The inclusions also list raw drone, GoPro and mirrorless footage from the trip.
Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and personal snacks are not included. If you like something small before a morning walk, buy it in Labuan Bajo before pick-up.
How does the Padar morning link to the dragon trek and Manta Point?
Think of Day 2 as three effort blocks.
- Padar (06:00): the first walk of the day, before breakfast. The 08:15 breakfast on board is the refuel.
- Pink Beach and Komodo Island (09:00 to lunch): a gentler beach stop, then the second walk at 11:30. On Komodo Island you walk with the guide and follow the guide’s instructions throughout.
- Manta Point and Taka Makassar (14:30 to 17:30): water time after lunch, then the sunset on board.
The boat itself is the recovery space between blocks. Malca carries a jacuzzi, a sunroof, a relax area and an indoor lounge with panoramic windows, and all seven cabins are air-conditioned with private bathrooms.
Can the Padar Island plan change on the day?
Yes. Komodo Luxury states that destinations may change because of weather, field conditions or force majeure, and that guests follow the guide.
In practice that can mean:
- Weather: sea state or rain may alter the order of stops or replace one.
- Field conditions: the situation at a site on the day may lead the guide to adjust timing.
- Guide instructions: on the trail and in the water, the guide’s call stands.
The booking terms add that force majeure may change or cancel trips without refund, so avoid a flight out of Labuan Bajo too close to the Day 3 return.
Can you fly your own drone over Padar?
Only with the right paperwork. Flying a drone inside Komodo National Park needs a park drone permit, which Komodo Luxury lists as optional and not included in the price. It must be requested 7 days before the trip.
Komodo National Park fees are also excluded, charged according to government regulation at the time of travel.
What should private charter groups plan for?
As of September 2026, a private 3D2N on Malca costs USD 6,000 for 1 to 12 guests or USD 6,700 for 13 to 18 guests, plus USD 300 for each guest above 18, up to the boat’s 21-guest capacity.
Komodo Luxury publishes a detailed day plan only for the 3D2N. The 2D1N and 4D3N routes are indicative and set with the reservations desk, so if Padar is essential for your group, say so when you send your date, charter type and guest count.
Direct flights reach Labuan Bajo (LBJ) from Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya. Arriving the day before keeps the 08:00 to 09:00 pick-up relaxed and the group rested for Padar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do you need to be for the Padar trek on Malca Voyages?
Komodo Luxury does not publish a trail length or difficulty grade for Padar; it simply lists a 06:00 trek and photo session. Walk at your own pace, wear hiking sandals, carry water and follow the guide. If anyone in your group has mobility concerns, mention it when booking so the reservations team can advise before departure.
Is Padar Island included on the Malca Voyages 2D1N trip?
It is not confirmed in advance. Komodo Luxury publishes a day-by-day plan only for the 3D2N route, where Padar opens Day 2 at 06:00. The 2D1N and 4D3N routes are indicative and agreed with the reservations desk. If Padar matters to you, raise it with your date and guest count, knowing weather can still change the route.
What happens to the Padar morning if the weather turns bad?
The guide decides. Komodo Luxury states that destinations may change for weather, field conditions or force majeure, and guests follow the guide’s instructions. The Padar stop could be shifted, shortened or swapped for another site. Under the booking terms, force majeure changes or cancellations are not refunded, so keep onward travel plans flexible.