Komodo Island has been a hot topic among travelers, both local and international. Apart from being the natural habitat of the ancient Komodo dragons, Komodo National Park is home to many stunning landscapes—rolling hills a breathtaking underwater world with coral reefs, and some of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Komodo that will leave you speechless. For anyone looking for an adventure, this is a hidden paradise full of amazing sights. No wonder a trip to Komodo National Park is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Even though Komodo Island is famous for its dragons, many people don’t know it also has many perfect viewpoints to watch the sunrise from dawn to dusk. You must have heard of the magical sunrise on Padar Island, or the dramatic sunset when hundreds of bats fly out on Kalong Island. If you’re curious about the details, get ready to be amazed by the otherworldly scenery in every corner of Komodo National Park.
Best Sunrise and Sunset Spots in Komodo
Komodo National Park consists of three main islands: Komodo Island, Rinca Island and Padar Island. But the park also has many smaller islands that are just as amazing. Each one has something unique—rolling hills, white or pink sand beaches, or snorkeling spots. That’s why this area is one of Indonesia’s top destinations. So let’s get started with 5 best sunrise and sunset spots in Komodo that you must visit.
1. Padar Island
Padar Island is the third largest island in Komodo National Park, after Komodo and Rinca. Its fame among travelers comes from the view at the top: you can see three bays, each with a different colored beach. One beach has white sand, one has black sand, and one has pinkish sand. The combination of these colors and the dry hills of East Nusa Tenggara is a scenery that really stands out. To get to the top of Padar Island, you’ll need to hike for about 40-45 minutes, depending on your physical condition and walking pace. Although the climb can be a bit challenging because of the hot sun or rocky terrain, all that effort will pay off when you reach the top. Up there you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of blue sea and rugged savannah hills as far as the eye can see. Sunrise on Padar Island is a special moment that people wait for. Once the sun is up you’ll realize how amazing it is to see nature’s artistry unfold before your eyes.
Padar Island isn’t only famous for sunrise, many visitors come here for a beautiful sunset. On the western side of the summit, you can watch the sun dip below the horizon and reflect golden hues on the nearby bays. If you’re lucky, the evening sky might shift into a beautiful palette—orange, pink, and even purple. Don’t forget to bring enough water and charge your camera because you won’t want to miss this view. For many travelers, Padar Island is the highlight of their Komodo National Park trip.
2. Kalong Island
Kalong Island (kalong means “bat” in Indonesian) lives up to its name. As dusk approaches you can see thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—of bats emerging from their roosts. They fly across the orange sky to nearby islands to feed. Seeing such a massive number of bats is exotic and rare, it’s a truly one of a kind natural phenomenon.
To get to Kalong Island you’ll usually hop on a boat as part of a sailing tour around Komodo National Park. During the day the island itself might look pretty ordinary—covered in dense mangrove forests—but in the late afternoon Kalong Island becomes a majestic stage for nature’s show. The bats start moving among the trees waiting for the right moment to take flight together.
The best time to visit Kalong Island is around sunset, roughly between 5:30-6 PM. As the evening glow lights up the sky, thousands of bats stream across the horizon in what looks like an endless formation. The soft sound of their wings flapping sets a dramatic tone in the quiet surroundings. Make sure your camera or phone is ready to capture this rare event—but keep a respectful distance so you don’t disturb their habitat. Many tourists watch this event from their boats. The boat usually anchors not too far from Kalong Island, so you can have a front-row seat to the “bat parade” above. The sunset’s golden rays and the bats’ dark silhouettes create a stunning contrast. For many visitors, this is one of the most memorable experiences in Komodo National Park and a unique view of Indonesia’s wildlife.
Read more: Why Is Komodo Island a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
3. Pink Beach
Who hasn’t heard of Pink Beach? This rosy shore isn’t just an Indonesian icon—it’s also a main attraction of Komodo National Park. The pink color comes from tiny fragments of red coral (foraminifera) mixed with the regular white sand. Most people visit Pink Beach in the daytime to snorkel, swim or simply lounge by the water.
But Pink Beach has plenty to offer in the afternoon too. You’ll notice a different atmosphere when the sun starts to set westward. As the evening approaches the pink sand looks even more vibrant because the soft sunlight bounces off the coral particles. Meanwhile, the sky turns into a canvas of golden-orange hues, adding another layer of drama to the scene. Although many tours arrive early and depart before dark, try to adjust your schedule so you can catch the sunset at this beach.
Conveniently Pink Beach is not too far from Padar Island. If you’re on a sailing tour that includes multiple stops you can enjoy a sunset at Pink Beach and then head to Padar Island—or vice versa—within the same trip.
4. Kanawa Island
Few people know about Kanawa Island until they do some research on Komodo National Park. In fact it’s a hidden gem with powdery white sand and crystal clear water. If you’re into snorkeling Kanawa Island is a little piece of heaven, with healthy coral reefs full of colorful fish swimming freely in the shallows.
The main attraction of Kanawa Island is its tranquility, since it’s not as crowded as Padar or Pink Beach. You can swim or simply lie down on the shore and enjoy the gentle sea breeze. As the sunset approaches Kanawa Island becomes a painting-like setting. The calm blue water slowly takes on a golden hue from the setting sun. The sound of the waves and the light sea breeze create a perfect relaxing atmosphere. You can walk along the wooden pier into the ocean to get a different angle. From there the sunset looks even more dramatic because the horizon of the ocean merges seamlessly with the vibrant sky.
That moment feels even more special since Kanawa Island is quiet in the evening. Imagine sitting by the beach waiting for the sun to disappear behind the horizon as the sound of the waves accompanies you. If you bring a camera, try to use long exposure setting to capture the sky from bright orange to deep purple. For beginners in photography, capturing sunset at Kanawa Island is a perfect “practice session” to immortalize nature’s beauty in one frame.
5. Watching Sunrise & Sunset from a Phinisi Boat
If you’re already familiar with Komodo Island you probably have heard about live-on-board trip or a boat tour around the islands. One of the most popular way to do this is by traveling on a phinisi boat—an Indonesian wooden vessel that’s been upgraded into a luxury cruise-style experience. A typical phinisi has cozy cabins, spacious open deck for lounging and full dining service.
What makes watching sunrise and sunset from a phinisi boat so special? For starters the gentle rocking of the waves in the open ocean as the sun slowly rises above the eastern horizon. With nothing to block your view of the sky you’ll see the full spectrum of morning colors—from midnight blue and purple to radiant orange. And the fresh sea air and peaceful ambiance give you a sense of calm that’s hard to find on land.In the afternoon you can enjoy the same spectacle.
The boat will often anchor at a good spot where you can see the sun dip behind the surrounding islands. In that magic moment it feels like the whole universe is celebrating the transition from day to night—the sky changes color slowly, the sparkle of the water fades and you get completely mesmerized by the ambiance of dusk. It’s like having your own private sunset show from the luxurious “balcony” of the boat. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, treat yourself to sunrise and sunset on a phinisi and it will be the highlight of your trip to Komodo National Park.
Read more: Komodo Tour: What to Expect on a Komodo Island Boat Tour
Tips for Watching Sunrise and Sunset in Komodo
Watching sunrise and sunset might sound easy but there are a few things to consider for the best experience:
- Check the Weather Forecast
Clear sky is key. While Komodo National Park is generally dry, the weather can still be unpredictable. Overcast or rainy conditions will obviously affect your ability to watch the sun rise or set. - Arrive Early
If you want to watch sunrise get up before dawn and be on site before the sun rises. Same for sunset—arrive an hour before and have enough time to find a good spot and set up your camera equipment. - Bring the Essentials
Besides fully charged camera, bring enough drinking water, hat, sunblock or light jacket. It can get pretty windy on the hills or on the boat so dress accordingly. - Prioritize Safety
Even if you’re excited always put safety first. On Padar Island the hiking trail is rocky and steep in some areas. Wear suitable shoes and watch your step. If you’re watching sunset on a boat mind your balance to avoid slipping. - Respect the Environment and Wildlife
Remember you’re in a conservation area. Keep your trash to yourself and don’t disturb the local animals, such as the bats on Kalong Island or the Komodo dragons on Komodo Island. Small steps like not littering and keeping a safe distance from wild creatures help preserve this beautiful destination.Follow these tips and you’ll increase your chances of witnessing these natural wonders. Remember sunrise and sunset times vary each day depending on the sun position, weather and air pollution. Always be prepared and be a responsible traveler.
Join Komodo Island Tour by Komodo Luxury!
Ready to cruise on a phinisi boat and visit the many islands of Komodo National Park? Sign up for one of the tour packages offered by Komodo Luxury. Their tour packages let you watch the sunrise and sunset from your boat while visiting the best islands.
It’s not just about watching the sunset at Padar Island, Pink Beach, Kanawa Island or Kalong Island—you also get to see Komodo dragons in their natural habitat on Komodo or Rinca Island. And phinisi boats from Komodo Luxury come with top amenities: air-conditioned cabins, spacious open deck for sightseeing, and delicious meals onboard. Some boats even have full snorkeling and diving gear so you can dive straight into the underwater world without any hassle.
So what are you waiting for? Book your Komodo Island tour with Komodo Luxury now!
