Thalassa
Thalassa Phinisi
Komodo hiking cruise: three climbs and a swim between each
Updated 23 October 2026
A Komodo hiking cruise on Thalassa strings Kelor (15 to 30 minutes up), Padar (25 to 45) and a ranger-led Komodo walk (45 to 120) with snorkeling between. The 3D2N whole boat is IDR 50,500,000 (≈ USD 3,098) on Thalassa 1. KEXI's park package covers the government entrance ticket (IDR 250,000 per foreign visitor per day, PP 36/2024), the ranger and the local levies, and it comes on top of the boat price unless your written quote lists it as included.
The climbs, in minutes
Rangers are mandatory on Komodo, and that is the one rule on this page that does not bend. Everything else about the walks is pace and shoes.
Kelor is the warm-up: a small hilly islet about an hour by boat from Labuan Bajo, 15 to 30 minutes up a steep, dry path to a view of the bay. Padar is the signature climb, 25 to 45 minutes to the main viewpoint and longer to the upper ridge, with parts of the path loose and steep. Komodo is a ranger-led walk from the Loh Liang station on a short, medium or long trail, 45 to 120 minutes depending on the trail.
Pink Beach, Taka Makassar or Manta Point are the water stops between them. The table below lists each stop with its time.
- Padar Island sunrise hike from a private phinisi
- Pink Beach, Komodo: the midday swim from a private phinisi
- Komodo Island trek from a private phinisi: rangers, trails, dragons
- Manta Point snorkeling, Komodo: a guided drift for confident swimmers
- Taka Makassar sandbar: low-tide sand, shallow reef
- Kalong Island at dusk: flying foxes seen from the deck
- Kelor Island: a short climb and a first swim
- Kanawa Island: white sand and an easy first reef
A hiking 3D2N, climb by climb
Climb one, Kelor. Day 1, after lunch on board: 15 to 30 minutes up a short, steep path, then a swim at Manjarite, and Kalong at dusk to close the day.
Climb two, Padar. Day 2 starts in the dark, about 65 minutes before sunrise, so a head torch goes in the pocket. The ridge takes 25 to 45 minutes, and breakfast waits on board.
Walk three, Komodo. After breakfast comes a ranger-led trail of 45 to 120 minutes from Loh Liang, before the heat builds. The rest of day 2 is water: Pink Beach, the Taka Makassar sandbar or Manta Point. Nobody climbs at noon. Day 3 ends with a swim at Kanawa.
The stop list by day is on the 3 days, 2 nights page, and the Charter page lists the whole-boat rates. The captain sets the order by the weather.
Water between the hikes
The swim is part of the plan, not a reward at the end of it. Both boats carry a canoe and 2 SUP boards, free snorkeling gear and fun floats, and the tender runs guests to the reef edge. At Pink Beach the coral starts a few strokes from the sand. Taka Makassar's shallow ring around the sandbar is easy for most swimmers, with minimal shade, so hats and reef-safe sunscreen matter more than fins.
Manta Point is the exception. The current is strong, the stop is a drift rather than an anchored swim, and it is for confident swimmers with a life jacket close by. Sightings are never promised.
Fitness and shoes
You need no special fitness for Kelor or Komodo. Padar asks for steady legs. The start is early, the path is loose in places, and the descent is where ankles go. Closed shoes with grip are the one item to buy before you come; sandals are not an option. Add a head torch, a hat, water and a light layer for the ridge.
Carry the kit in a soft bag. The cabins are compact, and a hard suitcase does not fit the stowage. Personal medicines go in your day pack.
Hike or lie on deck
On a private charter the pace is yours. A party of two climbers and a sunbather can split at the landing: two up the ridge, one with breakfast on the sundeck. An open trip sets the pace by the group. The captain and the ranger have the final word on trail length and timing.
For the whole-boat price, Thalassa 1 costs IDR 50,500,000 (≈ USD 3,098) for 1 to 5 guests and IDR 65,500,000 (≈ USD 4,018) for 6 to 11, with fuel already included. Ranger and local levies belong to the same park package. Compare the boats before you choose a size.
FAQ
How hard is Padar?
Moderate. The climb to the main viewpoint takes 25 to 45 minutes, the path is loose and steep in places, and you leave the boat about 65 minutes before sunrise. It suits most people with steady legs and shoes with grip. The upper ridge takes longer.
Do I need a ranger on Komodo?
Yes. There is no walking on Komodo without a park ranger, and the ranger leads the trail from the Loh Liang station. Ranger and local levies belong to the same park package.
What shoes should I bring?
Closed shoes with grip. Padar's path is loose and steep, Kelor's is dry and steep, and Komodo's trails have little shade. Sandals are not enough. Pack them in a soft bag, with a hat, a head torch and reef-safe sunscreen.
Can children climb Padar?
Older children can. The climb is 25 to 45 minutes on a loose, steep path, and it starts before sunrise. Younger children do better with Kelor, which takes 15 to 30 minutes. Children under 3 are free when accompanied.
Check availability: Thalassa
Thalassa is published and booked by PT Komodo Explorer Indonesia, a booking partner for Thalassa 1 and Thalassa 2. The boats belong to their owner.